Leaked Phone Call Exposes Iranian Commander's Plea to Mossad Agent
A senior Iranian police commander recently made a desperate plea to an agent of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, begging for help to overthrow the Islamic Republic in Iran, according to the contents of a leaked phone call. The call, reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, March 18, was one of several placed by Israeli intelligence threatening Iranian security officials and their families by name if they did not stand aside during a potential popular uprising against the mullahs.
Threats and Desperate Responses in Farsi Dialogue
In the call, the Mossad agent warned the police commander in Farsi, stating, "We know everything about you. You are on our blacklist, and we have all the information about you." The agent continued, "I called to warn you in advance that you should stand with your people's side. And if you will not do that, your destiny will be as your leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Do you hear me?"
The commander responded with a heartfelt appeal, saying, "Brother, I swear on the Koran, I'm not your enemy. I'm a dead man already. Just please come help us." This exchange highlights the intense pressure and fear within Iran's security apparatus amid ongoing external and internal threats.
Background of US and Israeli Operations Against Iran
Since February 28, the United States and Israel have actively worked to create conditions for the Iranian people to dismantle the theocratic regime. The US has systematically targeted Iran's military infrastructure, while Israel has focused on assassinating top political leaders. According to the Journal, Israel claims to have dropped 10,000 munitions on various targets, including over 2,200 related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Basij paramilitary, and other internal security forces.
Thousands of Iranians are believed to have been killed or wounded in these attacks, though precise casualty figures remain unavailable. The US has largely concentrated on Iran's military and industrial base, whereas Israel has targeted regime personnel, from Khamenei himself down to local police officials.
Impact on Iranian Security Forces and Shifting Strategies
By the end of the war's first week on March 6, Israeli strikes had killed hundreds of Iranian military and security service members who had gathered at sports complexes intended as fallback facilities if their main headquarters were destroyed. The scope of these attacks has forced some security forces to sleep in their cars or inside mosques to avoid being targeted.
In recent days, Israel has adjusted its aerial strategy to conduct pinpoint drone attacks targeting Basij roadblocks and other positions in Tehran and other Iranian cities, guided by tips from civilians. On May 13, the Mossad's Farsi-language X account tweeted a stark message to Iranians: "Avoid Basij gatherings. All of them, whether in the streets or in their homes, are potential targets." Three days later, the account added, "Your final battle will begin soon. We are with you in the sky on earth and in our hearts."
Analysis of Internal Security Fractures
This leaked call underscores significant fractures within Iran's security forces, as commanders face threats from both external enemies and internal dissent. The commander's plea for help suggests a loss of morale and potential collaboration with foreign intelligence, which could destabilize the regime further. The ongoing strikes and psychological warfare by Israel and the US are exacerbating these tensions, making it increasingly difficult for the Islamic Republic to maintain control.
As the conflict escalates, the international community watches closely, with implications for regional stability and global security. The leaked call serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in this geopolitical struggle.
