An Iranian state-affiliated outlet says Dr. Ali Ahsanian, an artificial intelligence researcher with past cooperation with Iran’s Defense Ministry, died under suspicious circumstances in Nice, France, in what it described as an Israeli Mossad assassination. The report, aired by PRESSTV, offered no evidence for the claim, and French authorities have not publicly confirmed any cause of death.
According to the outlet, Ahsanian died in late March and his body was returned to Iran and buried in his hometown of Jahrom, in Fars province. PRESSTV said French officials are still investigating the incident, but have not announced a murder probe, named any suspects, or revealed any findings.
The report said Ahsanian held a doctorate in electrical engineering from Sorbonne University and worked in fields including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced communications networks, areas with both civilian and military applications. It argued that his background and expertise may have made him a target for foreign intelligence services, as part of what it called a pattern of attacks on Iranian scientists with dual-use expertise.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqai also commented on the case, saying the Iranian embassy is following developments with French authorities and working to protect the rights of Iranian citizens.
