In an explosive revelation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused Israel of attempting to assassinate him during a targeted airstrike on a high-level meeting. The bombshell allegations came to light during an exclusive interview with Tucker Carlson, which was subsequently released on social media, marking a significant escalation in the already fraught Middle Eastern tensions that have persisted since last month's 12-day conflict.
The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive as regional leaders continue to assess the impact of recent military engagements. Pezeshkian described the assassination attempt with remarkable specificity, noting that Israeli forces targeted the meeting he was attending. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, a fact the Iranian president ascribed to divine intervention, stating, "They tried to bombard the area where we were holding that meeting, but it is God who wills when a person dies."
The Iranian leader's account suggests that Israeli intelligence had precise information about the location and timing of the meeting, raising questions about the extent of their surveillance capabilities. Despite the gravity of the situation, Pezeshkian maintained a defiant tone, emphasizing his readiness to sacrifice himself for his nation's sovereignty. "I am not afraid of sacrificing myself for my country's sovereignty, freedom, and independence," he declared.
Pezeshkian's statements during the interview with Carlson painted a picture of a leader undeterred by external threats and committed to the defense of his country. The failed assassination attempt, he argued, had the opposite effect of what was intended, strengthening Iranian resolve rather than weakening it. This sentiment was echoed in his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accused of orchestrating a "devilish" campaign to incite broader conflict.
The Iranian president also issued a warning to American policymakers, urging them to avoid being deceived by Netanyahu's alleged manipulation tactics. He suggested that the United States should steer clear of what he termed "Netanyahu's war," framing America as a potential casualty of Israeli strategic deception.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Pezeshkian affirmed his openness to diplomatic engagement with the United States, based on principles of international law. He accused Netanyahu of sabotaging previous diplomatic efforts between Iran and America and called for dialogue to resolve differences between the nations, stressing the preference for diplomatic solutions over military ones.
Pezeshkian also expressed deep skepticism regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claiming that its reports had been used to justify Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. He firmly rejected accusations of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, citing religious prohibitions against such development.
The interview concluded with Pezeshkian reiterating his administration's commitment to peaceful solutions and national unity. He denied Iran's responsibility for initiating the current conflict and outlined his government's focus on ending hostilities and fostering regional tranquility.
