In a high-stakes interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a stunning allegation: that Israel, aided by U.S. intelligence, attempted to assassinate him during a strategic gathering of Iranian officials. The claim marks a new flashpoint in the already volatile relationship between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Pezeshkian: “They tried and failed”

Speaking through an interpreter, Pezeshkian confirmed that “yes, they did try and acted accordingly but they failed,” alleging a bombing attempt on a meeting he attended. While the Iranian president declined to reveal the timing or exact location, he credited Iranian intelligence with thwarting the plot. He framed his survival in spiritual terms, stating: “It is in the hands of God almighty when a person will die or not die.”

The claim follows reports that Israel killed several high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists during a recent 12-day war, which also saw the U.S. strike multiple Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. According to Pezeshkian, these Israeli attacks began on June 13 and targeted him personally, a claim not independently verified.

Iran Responds to U.S. Strikes

The U.S. airstrikes, Pezeshkian said, “severely damaged” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran launched missiles at a Qatari airbase used by U.S. forces, but intentionally forewarned the U.S. and Qatar to prevent casualties. The calculated response reflects Tehran’s desire to signal its resolve while avoiding full-blown escalation.

While Pezeshkian reiterated his government’s willingness to resume nuclear negotiations, he cast doubt on Washington’s credibility: “We enter the negotiations, then how can we know for sure that in the middle of the talks, the Israeli regime won’t be given permission to attack us again?”

He added that the sixth round of talks, mediated by Oman, had been derailed by Israel’s preemptive strikes. Still, Iran remains open to diplomacy: “We could very much, easily resolve the differences and conflicts with the United States through dialog and talks.”

Nuclear Oversight Suspended

In a further sign of escalating tensions, Tehran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last week, accusing the watchdog of biased reporting that allegedly facilitated Israeli justification for strikes. Pezeshkian said Iran is open to reengaging with the IAEA once damage assessments are completed.

Carlson’s Platform and Context

Tucker Carlson, a polarizing figure in American media known for challenging U.S. foreign policy orthodoxy, defended airing the interview, saying: “American citizens have the right to all the information they can gather about matters that affect them.”

The interview was conducted shortly after the U.S. and Iran narrowly avoided direct confrontation, further heightening its significance in a region already teetering on the edge.