Fact Check: Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign to intimidate Iranian officials.

Fact Check: "Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign to intimidate Iranian officials."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that following military strikes against Iran on June 13, 2025, Israeli intelligence operatives initiated a covert campaign aimed at intimidating senior Iranian officials. This operation, described in detail by The Washington Post, involved phone calls to high-ranking Iranian military figures, warning them of imminent threats to their lives unless they ceased their support for the Iranian regime. An audio recording of one such call revealed that an Israeli operative warned a senior Iranian general, stating, "You have 12 hours to escape with your wife and child. Otherwise, you’re on our list right now" (source-1).

The operation, dubbed "Rising Lion," was part of a broader strategy to destabilize the Iranian leadership by creating fear among its ranks. Reports suggest that over 20 Iranian officials were contacted, with the intent to deter and confuse the Tehran leadership (source-1). The Israeli government has not publicly commented on these claims, but the operation aligns with Israel's historical approach to countering perceived threats from Iran.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign is robust. The details provided by The Washington Post are corroborated by multiple sources, including Israel National News and Political Wire, which also report on the intimidation tactics employed by Israeli operatives. The use of direct communication with Iranian officials, coupled with the specific threats made during these calls, lends credibility to the assertion that this was a deliberate and organized effort by Israeli intelligence.

However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. The Washington Post is a well-established news organization known for its investigative journalism, which adds weight to its reporting. Other sources, such as Israel National News, may have a pro-Israel bias, which could influence their framing of events. Nonetheless, the consistency across multiple reputable outlets suggests that the core facts are likely accurate.

The context of the operation is also significant. Israel has a long history of conducting covert operations against Iranian interests, particularly regarding nuclear capabilities. The timing of this campaign, immediately following military strikes that resulted in the deaths of key Iranian figures, indicates a strategic move to further weaken Iran's military command structure (source-1).

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Israeli intelligence launched a covert campaign to intimidate Iranian officials is substantiated by credible evidence from multiple sources. The detailed accounts of the operations, including direct threats made to Iranian generals, confirm that this was a calculated effort by Israel to destabilize the Iranian regime. Given the historical context and the corroboration from reliable news outlets, the claim stands as true.

Sources

1. Israeli warning call to top Iranian general: 'You have 12 hours to ...
2. Israel – Wikipedia
3. Israelis - Wikipedia
4. National Security
5. Closer than your neck vein: Israel's campaign against Iranian regime ...
6. How extensive are Israel's intelligence operations inside Iran?
7. Israel Gave Warning Calls to Top Iranian Generals - Political Wire
8. The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the …