Media: Israeli intelligence lured Iranian commanders into fatal trap

Israel reportedly employed a sophisticated intelligence operation to lure top commanders of Iran’s air force into a meeting, paving the way for a highly effective preemptive strike, a senior Israeli security official said.

The official revealed that Israeli forces undertook “specific activities” to gather detailed intelligence on the commanders, subsequently using that information to manipulate their movements, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“We knew this would lead them to meet — but more importantly, we knew how to keep them there,” the source explained.

The resulting strikes surpassed expectations, successfully neutralizing critical targets, including air defence systems and ballistic missiles that were reportedly poised for use against Israel. This preemptive operation has dealt a significant blow to Iran’s military capabilities, reflecting Israel’s strategic emphasis on thwarting imminent threats before they can materialize.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a large-scale military operation codenamed Rising Lion on June 13, during which the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted multiple waves of precision airstrikes across Iranian territory. The operation focused on military installations and components of Iran’s nuclear program.

According to initial reports, targets included key strategic sites in Tehran, where several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed.

The attacks also resulted in the deaths of key Iranian military and scientific leaders. Among the casualties was Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was also killed, a loss that the IRGC officially confirmed.

Additionally, Ali Shamkhani, Iran’s former national security chief, was reported dead, along with several other high-ranking military officers and scientists.

By Vafa Guliyeva