Fact Check: "Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign to destabilize Tehran's regime."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that following a military operation on June 13, 2025, Israeli intelligence initiated a covert campaign aimed at destabilizing the Iranian regime. This operation involved direct intimidation of senior Iranian officials, with operatives warning them of imminent threats to their lives unless they ceased support for the Iranian government led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to sources familiar with the operation, over 20 high-ranking Iranian officials received such warnings, including a senior general from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who was told he had 12 hours to escape with his family or face assassination (Washington Post, Israel National News). This campaign was part of a broader operation dubbed "Rising Lion," which included military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites and the assassination of key military and scientific figures (Washington Post, AP News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign to destabilize Tehran's regime is robust. The details of the operation, including the direct threats made to Iranian officials, were corroborated by multiple sources, including audio recordings and transcripts obtained by the Washington Post. The operation's intent to create fear and confusion within the Iranian leadership is evident, as it aimed to disrupt the succession plans for key positions vacated by assassinated officials (Washington Post).
Moreover, the historical context of Israel's targeting of Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders adds credibility to the claim. Targeting scientists has been a longstanding strategy for Israel as part of its counterproliferation efforts, and the recent operations fit within this established pattern (Georgia Tech). The Israeli government has openly stated its objectives to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which further supports the notion that such covert operations are part of a larger strategic framework (AP News).
While the sources reporting on these events, particularly the Washington Post and AP News, are reputable, it is important to note that they rely on anonymous sources within the intelligence community. This anonymity can sometimes raise questions about the veracity of the claims. However, the consistency across multiple reports and the corroboration of specific details lend significant weight to the overall narrative.
Conclusion
The claim that Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign to destabilize Tehran's regime is True. The evidence presented, including direct threats to Iranian officials and the broader context of military operations aimed at undermining Iran's nuclear capabilities, supports this assertion. The operation reflects a calculated strategy by Israel to exert pressure on the Iranian leadership and disrupt its military and scientific infrastructure.
Sources
- Israeli warning call to top Iranian general: 'You have 12 hours to escape'
- Nuclear Scientists Have Long Been Targets in Covert Ops
- How Israel pulled off its surprise attack on Iran
- Live updates: Trump says Iran and Israel have agreed to ...
- 'Closer than your neck vein': Israel's campaign against Iranian regime
