Tehran: Israel sent threatening messages to several Iranian political, military, and security officials on the first day of its attack on Iran, a top advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Sunday. Ali Larijani made the announcement during an appearance on state television.

According to Anadolu Agency, Larijani noted that Israel's goal was not solely to target political and military structures but also to directly threaten Iran's leadership to swiftly dismantle the state structure. He explained that 'the enemy calculated that it could quickly dismantle the state structure by targeting senior Iranian officials during a leadership meeting. The next step was to threaten the leader of the Islamic revolution directly.'

Larijani stated that Israel and the US realized their assumption that the Iranian people would abandon their government in the midst of conflict was incorrect. He added that 'the strong unity and resistance of the people forced Israel to reconsider its goals.'

He further mentioned that when it became clear on June 21 that Israel would not be able to achieve its goals, third-party mediators intervened. Besides the threatening messages sent to top officials, Larijani revealed he received a message warning him to leave Tehran within 12 hours.

Larijani emphasized that the most important factors that changed the course of the war were Iran's advanced missile capabilities and the unwavering support of the people. 'Netanyahu's entire effort was focused on forcing the Iranian people to surrender. However, the clarification of Iran's missile power was decisive in the course of the war,' he said.

Regarding the attack by Iran on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Larijani contradicted US officials' statements, asserting that six missiles, each carrying a 400-kilogram warhead, had hit the base. He remarked, 'We know what happened, but let (US President Donald) Trump be happy with his fantasies.'