A dramatic leaked phone call published by The Washington Post has unveiled a chilling warning delivered by an alleged Israeli intelligence operative to an Iranian general: “You have 12 hours to escape with your wife and child, or you’re on our list right now.”
The audio, reportedly part of a broader Israeli psychological warfare campaign, was recorded on June 13, at the start of Israel’s recent military assault on Iran’s nuclear sites and senior military leadership.
“We’re Closer Than Your Neck Vein,” Agent Warns in Persian
Speaking in Persian, the altered voice of the Israeli operative warns the unnamed Iranian general that he and his family must flee immediately or face targeted assassination. The general’s identity and voice were masked by the Post, and he is believed to be alive.
“We sent Salami, Bagheri and Shamkhani to hell,” the agent says early in the call, referencing three high-profile Iranian leaders assassinated by Israel at the start of the operation:
- Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s military chief
- Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
The agent concludes with a chilling line:
“We’re closer to you than your own neck vein. Put this in your head. May God protect you.”
Targeted Psychological Warfare: Israel’s Broader Strategy Revealed
According to The Washington Post, the leaked call was one of several made to mid- and high-ranking Iranian military officers, aiming to destabilize the Iranian regime and undermine its chain of command by threatening second- and third-tier officials.
This effort reportedly accompanied Israel’s precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and the assassination of several top nuclear scientists. The operation appears to have involved deep infiltration, with agents and weaponry already in place inside Iran.
On Monday, Iranian state-affiliated media reported the execution of a citizen arrested in 2023 for allegedly cooperating with Israel’s Mossad — highlighting the regime’s intensifying crackdowns on perceived internal threats.
“Denounce the Regime,” Operative Urges General
The Israeli agent also instructed the general to record and send a video message denouncing Iran’s leadership:
“Say we have walked away from this government, and we are unwilling to sacrifice our lives for people who destroyed our country for 46 years.”
He was asked to send the video via the encrypted messaging app Telegram, though it remains unclear whether the general complied.
Israeli Government Remains Silent
When reached for comment, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office declined to confirm or deny involvement, stating only that it had “no comment on the Washington Post report.”
This silence aligns with Israel’s long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity, especially regarding covert operations and targeted killings abroad.
Conclusion: Intelligence, Fear, and Escalation in the Shadows
The leaked call adds a dramatic new layer to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, exposing the depth of Israel’s psychological and intelligence warfare capabilities. Beyond physical strikes, the use of direct threats and destabilization tactics reveals a strategy aimed at breaking Iran’s internal structure from within.
As tensions remain high following the ceasefire and U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, this audio leak is likely to fuel distrust and paranoia within Iran’s military ranks. It also signals to the world that modern warfare extends far beyond the battlefield — into phones, minds, and hearts.