Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has alleged that Israel attempted to assassinate him during last month’s brief but intense conflict between both countries.
In an interview released Monday with U.S. broadcaster Tucker Carlson, Pezeshkian claimed, “They did try, yes. They acted accordingly, but they failed.” He emphasized that it was not the United States behind the attack, but Israel. “I was in a meeting… they tried to bombard the area in which we were holding that meeting,” he said, speaking through a Persian translator.
The comments appear to reference an alleged Israeli strike during the 12-day war that erupted in June.
On June 13, Israel reportedly carried out a series of targeted bombings inside Iran, which resulted in the deaths of senior military officers and nuclear experts. The attacks took place just days before scheduled nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, which resumed on April 12.
According to Iran’s judiciary, more than 900 people died during the conflict. In retaliation, Iran launched multiple drone and missile attacks that killed 28 people in Israel, officials confirmed.
The brief but deadly war also saw Israel and the U.S. reportedly striking Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Pezeshkian expressed Iran’s willingness return to negotiating table
Despite the conflict, Pezeshkian expressed Iran’s willingness to return to the negotiating table, though he stressed the need for assurances. “We see no problem in re-entering the negotiations,” he said. “But how can we trust the United States again? If we return to talks, how do we know the Israeli regime won’t be allowed to strike us again midway?”
The interview comes as Iran continues to seek support from allies, including members of the BRICS bloc, following global condemnation of the strikes.
