MUMBAI, June 24 — In a startling development amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, a leaked audio clip—obtained by The Washington Post—reveals an Israeli intelligence agent threatening a high-ranking Iranian general, warning him he has “12 hours to escape with your wife and child” or face assassination. The call, in fluent Persian, underscores a multifaceted tactic of targeted strikes combined with psychological warfare aimed at destabilizing Tehran’s military apparatus .
🎯 Key Highlights & Strategic Context
Operation “Rising Lion” unfolds: Launched June 13, Israel initiated coordinated airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The subsequent call campaign reportedly comprised over 20 covert calls to Iranian commanders, executed in perfect Persian to sow panic within the ranks .
Chilling threats delivered: The agent’s ominous message—“We’re closer to you than your own neck vein”—cited the recent assassinations of IRGC commanders Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, and Ali Shamkhani, asserting direct responsibility and warning of further reprisals .
Tactical objectives: By dissuading second- and third-tier Iranian military leaders from assuming command roles, Israel appears to be preventing a swift organizational recovery following leadership losses—combining kinetic strikes with a psychological offensive .
🔍 Why It Matters
- Psychological Pressure
Threatening family safety amplifies stress on officials, potentially inhibiting Iran’s decision-making under duress. - Decapitation Strategy
Eliminating senior IRGC leaders and destabilizing succession plans limits Iran’s immediate military response . - Risk of Escalation
These moves may provoke Iran into retaliatory strikes, as seen in recent missile and drone responses targeting U.S. alliances across the region .
🔬 Expert Take
Analysts identify this as a sophisticated blend of covert operations and psychological warfare—historically employed by Mossad and Israeli military intelligence—to undermine adversaries such as Hezbollah and Iran’s nuclear infrastructure .
🗺️ On the Ground
Tehran has confirmed high-ranking casualties, including Brigadier Generals Ali Shadmani and Mohammad Hassan Mohaqeq, in ongoing airstrikes. The Quds Force’s command integrity is reportedly weakened as unit structures are disrupted .
🚨 Looking Ahead
Continued calls to remaining IRGC members might erode internal cohesion within Iran’s leadership.
Regional dynamics could shift if Iran retaliates—Gulf states have already closed airspace during recent escalations .
Western intelligence may track Iran’s counter-moves, especially concerning covert communication or infiltration efforts .