Iran's president: US shared intelligence with Israel before attacks

The United States and several European countries provided Israel with intelligence on Iran before it carried out attacks on the Islamic Republic’s territory, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a cabinet meeting on June 15.

“Instead of preventing these brutal attacks, we see that the US and several European countries offer Israel political support, as well as assistance with weapons and intelligence," Pezeshkian said, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Iranian president’s press service.

"The same planes, missiles, and weapons that Israel currently has at its disposal and is using against us were provided by these countries, and the intelligence that Israel has was obtained thanks to the radars and military systems of the US and several European countries,” said Pezeshkian.

He also stated that “one of the American officials,” in a conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said that Israel “is incapable of any action without the permission of the US.” “This is exactly what we see today,” Pezeshkian added.

On June 13, a significant escalation occurred in the Middle East as Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, marking one of the most intense confrontations between the two nations in recent years.

Early on June 13, Israel initiated "Operation Rising Lion," a preemptive strike targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. The Israeli military deployed over 200 aircraft, hitting more than 100 sites across Iran, including the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities, as well as missile and military command centres. The operation resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists.

In addition to military sites, the strikes also impacted civilian areas in Tehran, causing significant damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Iranian state media reported at least 78 fatalities and over 320 injuries from the Israeli attacks.

In retaliation, Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Iranian military fired over 100 missiles, some of which breached Israel's air defence systems, causing explosions and triggering air raid sirens across the country.

The Iranian government condemned Israel's actions as an act of war and vowed severe retaliation. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that Israel would face a "bitter and painful" fate following the attacks.

By Khagan Isayev