Iran's intelligence minister on Thursday steered clear of any comment on a US-backed deal aimed at winding down the Gaza war but said Tehran had foiled Israeli designs for regime change.
Esmail Khatib said the surprise military campaign launched by Israel on Iran in June falsely assumed that its people would rise up and overthrow the Islamic Republic.
“The intended outcome was to witness regime overthrow and national disintegration in our country,” Khatib said Thursday in Hamedan, official media reported.
“The enemy’s entire design was based on the premise that the people are dissatisfied and opposed to the system and government, and that the arrival of the Zionist regime would spark chaos in the country.”
Khatib accused Israel and its Western allies of trying to fuel unrest through “financial inducements, incitement, creating dissatisfaction and distrust, sectoral gatherings and sporadic protests and hype in virtual spaces,” aiming to destabilize Iran internally.
“But they failed to achieve their sinister goals,” Khatib said.
'Missiles ensured victory'
Israel launched a surprise military campaign against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites as well as senior officials. The attacks assassinated nuclear scientists and killed hundreds of military officials and civilians.
Iran retaliated with ballistic missiles and drones which killed 31 Israeli civilians and an off-duty soldier.
The United States joined the conflict with air attacks on three key Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22 before brokering a ceasefire on June 24, ending what became the most direct confrontation between the two countries to date.
Khatib credited the leadership by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and military response for what he described as Tehran’s victory.
“Under the leadership of the Leader, our losses were quickly contained through prompt appointments and prudent measures, combined with the zeal, strength, and power of our armed forces. The missile superiority of our forces brought a great victory for our country,” he said.
Khatib also praised what he described as the public's solidarity during the conflict, saying citizens from all walks of life stood with the government.
“The people have fulfilled their duty to us. Despite different tastes, lifestyles, and views, they stood firm with the system and revolution, supporting the Leadership and proving themselves,” Khatib said.
