A top aide in the Iranian presidency has confirmed that the Israeli occupation attempted to assassinate Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a high-level military meeting amid the recent Israeli war on Iran.
In an exclusive statement to Al Mayadeen on Thursday, presidential advisor Sayyed Mehdi Tabatabaei said the Israeli regime targeted a gathering of political and military leaders, including President Pezeshkian, in what he described as a large-scale explosion. The incident occurred during the most intense phase of the Israeli aggression in June.
Sayyed Tabatabaei also revealed that in the final days of the confrontation, regional countries conveyed messages from both the United States and the Israeli regime requesting a ceasefire.
Iran rejects deception diplomacy
On the diplomatic front, Sayyed Tabatabaei warned that Iran would not return to negotiations if the table is used again as a tool of deception. He made it clear that Tehran will not engage in talks over its missile capabilities or its nuclear enrichment program, which he described as “undeniable rights”.
Sayyed Tabatabaei also expressed deep mistrust toward the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi, accusing the agency of double standards in its treatment of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
“The same country that used a nuclear bomb on another nation is now trying to block peaceful nuclear development in others,” he said, referring to the United States. He added that Iran would demand compensation for the damage done to its peaceful nuclear facilities.
Enrichment is part of Iran’s national identity
Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told state television that uranium enrichment is “a part of Iran’s national culture” and cannot be dismantled by assassinations or military threats.
He also stressed that Iran’s missile capability is a non-negotiable red line, signaling unwavering resolve to preserve the country’s strategic deterrence.
Earlier this week, President Pezeshkian told American journalist Tucker Carlson that he was the target of an assassination attempt during the Israeli regime’s June attacks on Iranian territory.
Pezeshkian urges end to double standards
Pezeshkian stated that Tehran would continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) only if the organization addresses its perceived bias, while also asserting Iran’s preparedness to retaliate strongly against any potential aggression.
During a Wednesday evening phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa, President Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s history of principled collaboration with the IAEA while stressing that ongoing cooperation depends on eliminating discriminatory practices in handling Iran’s nuclear file. Pezeshkian warned that further hostile actions would trigger an even stronger retaliation from Iran.
Emphasizing Iran’s commitment to peace, regional stability, and diplomatic engagement during this new political phase, President Pezeshkian criticized the reckless Israeli behavior as a source of global insecurity, pointing out that Tehran had sought dialogue yet was met with hostility from “Israel” and the US.
Addressing Costa’s worries about Iran’s reduced IAEA cooperation, Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and international law, framing recent parliamentary measures as a response to the agency’s perceived bias and unprofessionalism.
AL MAYADENN
