Supreme Leader’s Aide Under Fire After Daughter’s Hijab-Free Wedding Video Goes Viral
The Scandal Unfolds: The Wedding of Admiral Shamkhani’s Daughter
The Viral Video and Its Content
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing the wedding of Setayesh Shamkhani, the daughter of Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, a senior security official and confidant of Ayatollah Khamenei. The footage, reportedly taken last April, depicts the bride in a strapless, revealing dress, walking down the aisle accompanied by her father, who is dressed casually and not wearing hijab.
Other women in the video are seen without hijab, wearing Western-style evening gowns, exposing bare backs and shoulders. The scene diverges sharply from Iran’s strict dress codes, especially in formal and religious settings.
Public and Political Reactions
The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage among conservatives, reformists, and the general public. Many viewed it as a symbol of the hypocrisy pervasive among Iran’s ruling elites—officials who enforce Islamic law publicly while flouting those same rules privately.
- Conservative Critics: Accused Shamkhani and other officials of moral corruption, emphasizing that such displays undermine the regime’s legitimacy and insult ordinary Iranians struggling under sanctions and economic hardship.
- Reformist Voices: Framed the incident as evidence of the deep disconnect between Iran’s political class and its societal realities, highlighting the need for genuine reform and accountability.
- Public Outcry: Social media was flooded with condemnations, with some users calling for Shamkhani’s resignation and others criticizing the ruling establishment for double standards.
The Regime’s Response
Official statements from pro-government media and figures sought to downplay the scandal, framing it as a private event and accusing opponents of maliciously politicizing it. However, the damage was already done, and the incident became a focal point for broader debates about morality, authority, and authenticity.
October 21, 2025 | 10:33 am
