July 13, 2025
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was slightly injured during an Israeli airstrike on June 15 that targeted a high-level government meeting in Tehran, Al Jazeera English reported, quoting a senior Iranian official.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strike aimed to assassinate the heads of Iran’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches during a session of the Supreme National Security Council. The attack was described as an effort to destabilize or overthrow the Iranian government.
According to Iranian media, six missiles struck the entrances and exits of the government facility in western Tehran, cutting power and blocking escape routes. Despite the damage, President Pezeshkian and other top officials reportedly escaped through an emergency hatch. The president is said to have suffered minor leg injuries during the evacuation.
The semi-official Fars news agency reported that the attack took place amid Israel’s 12-day war with Iran. Authorities have launched an investigation into the possible presence of Israeli intelligence operatives, citing the precision of the strike.
In an interview with U.S. media figure Tucker Carlson, President Pezeshkian confirmed the attempt on his life, saying: “They did try, yes … but they failed.” He clarified that it was Israel, not the United States, behind the assassination attempt.
The Israeli military campaign, which began on June 13, killed several high-ranking Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. It also disrupted planned nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, over 1,060 people were killed during the conflict.
Iran retaliated by targeting Israeli military and intelligence sites with missiles and drones, resulting in 28 Israeli deaths. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire eventually brought the fighting to a halt.
“This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,” the Iranian official told Al Jazeera English. (ST)
