Israel Threatened Iranian Officials by Phone, According to Washington Post

Israeli intelligence agencies reportedly conducted a campaign of intimidation against Iranian officials, according to a report by the Washington Post. The operation, codenamed "Rising Lion," aimed to destabilize the Iranian regime.

According to the report, agents speaking Farsi called more than 20 high-ranking Iranian officials, threatening them. A recorded phone call contained the warning to an Iranian general: "You have 12 hours to escape with your family. Otherwise, you are on our list."

Other officials received similar threats via phone calls, letters, or even through their spouses. The goal was to increase fear within the Iranian military elite and weaken Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's ability to replace personnel after Israeli attacks.

A Washington Post source stated that the campaign reminded Iranian officials of the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah of Hezbollah by Israel, with fear deterring potential successors. However, Western sources report that there is no evidence of mass defections.

Khamenei is called upon to appoint new officials, but many refuse the positions due to increased pressure.