Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has alleged that Israel attempted to assassinate him during a major bombing campaign carried out by Israeli forces on June 13. The claim, made during a televised address, marks a dramatic escalation in already soaring tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
The airstrikes—described by Iranian officials as “unprecedented”—targeted multiple sites across Iran, including military and intelligence installations. While Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the strikes, the Iranian president framed the offensive as a “covert operation to eliminate leadership”, calling it a clear violation of international norms.
Raisi said, “This act of aggression was an attempt on my life and the stability of our country, not just an attack on our sovereignty.” Although no other information was made public, he said that Iranian intelligence had found proof connecting Israeli agents to the scheme.
Middle East academics and international watchers are concerned that the accusation could lead to reprisals and intensify the region’s strife. As diplomatic channels remain tense and regional actors choose sides, global powers have urged restraint to prevent further escalation.
