Israel was left “desperate” under Iranian missile fire during the 12-day conflict earlier this summer, Tehran’s security chief Ali Larijani said in a state television interview after returning from visits to Iraq and Lebanon.
The program—titled Tehran–Tel Aviv—marked Larijani’s reemergence as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s representative to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
“The enemy thought they had the most defensive capability, but Iran’s rain of missiles completely left them helpless,” he said.
Larijani quoted “a regional official” as saying that Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told him Iran was “finished” a day into the war, but by the fourth or fifth day admitted Israel had “big problems.”
Still, Larijani cautioned against triumphalism.
“We must not become arrogant, because the enemy studies these things and finds new methods. We are doing the same and must not act with only one military method.”
Official data published this week suggests both Iran and Israel suffered economically during the 12-day war in June.
Yet military leaders on both sides have continued the war of words, with Israel’s army chief vowing readiness for further strikes and Iran’s General Staff warning of “a far stronger response” to any future attacks by Israel or the United States.
'Infiltration is serious'
Larijani also said the June clash was distinct because of Washington’s direct involvement. “It was face to face,” he told the broadcaster.
“The Americans, who always hid behind regional issues, came onto the scene themselves. Their defense secretary explicitly ordered the bombings.”
Sidelined from power in recent years, Larijani now appears tasked with restoring cohesion in the Islamic Republic’s fractured defense posture.
The broadcast sought to cement his role as both strategist and spokesman for Iran’s postwar stance—portraying the conflict as proof of Iran’s reach and resilience while acknowledging deep vulnerabilities.
“The strategy and manner of Iran’s military moves against Israel were an achievement. Of course we had weaknesses too,” Larijani said.
“The issue of the enemy’s infiltration inside Iran is serious. We had weaknesses that are painful.”
