Following Israel’s June 13th airstrikes on Iran, Israeli intelligence allegedly launched a psychological operation targeting Iran’s ruling elite. Operatives fluent in Persian called Iranian officials directly on their personal phones with threats and warnings, urging them to abandon the regime.
“We’re closer to you than your own neck vein,” an Israeli intelligence agent told a senior Iranian general, according to an audio recording obtained by The Washington Post. “Put this in your head. May God protect you.”
The call, which took place the same day as the bombardment, warned the general that he had 12 hours to escape with his family or face death.
“I can advise you now, you have 12 hours to escape with your wife and child. Otherwise, you’re on our list right now,” the operative said. The agent then demanded that the general film a video denouncing the Iranian regime. Whether such a video was ever made remains unclear. One source confirmed the general is still believed to be alive and in Iran.
Following the recent ceasefire deal brokered by Washington halted military operations by both sides, but it seems lasting effects from the 12 days of war will remain on both sides.
