Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed that Israel attempted to assassinate him during the recent conflict between the two countries, but insisted that the plot failed and expressed no fear of further attacks.
In an interview with U.S. podcaster Tucker Carlson, Pezeshkian said:
“They did try, yes … but they failed.”
“It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel … They tried to bombard the area in which we were holding that meeting.”
He added that despite the attempt, he has no fear, arguing that any assassination would only have escalated violence in the region.
Attack Context & Details
- The alleged assassination attempt occurred on 16 June 2025, during a meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council in Tehran.
- According to reports from the Iranian Fars news agency and U.S. intelligence sources, six missiles or bombs struck the building, targeting entry/exit points to block escape and disrupt airflow.
- President Pezeshkian is said to have sustained a minor leg injury while escaping through a pre-planned emergency hatch.
- Other senior officials reportedly present included the Parliament Speaker and the Judiciary Chief.
Reactions & Implications
- Israel has neither formally confirmed nor denied the allegation.
- The precision of the attack has raised questions in Iran about possible insider leaks or intelligence failures.
- Pezeshkian used the interview to also suggest that despite hostilities, Iran remains open to diplomatic engagement with the U.S. — though he warned trust must be rebuilt.
