Iranian president injured in reported Israeli airstrike

Iranian media reports President Pezeshkian was injured in an airstrike targeting a high-level meeting in Tehran last month.

Far News, an Iranian news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that an airstrike targeted western Tehran on 16/6. President Masoud Pezeshkian was meeting with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and other senior officials.

Six bombs or missiles struck the building's entrances and exits, seemingly to trap those inside. The attack cut off power, but Iranian officials escaped through emergency exits. President Pezeshkian and others were injured during the evacuation.

Israeli officials have not commented on the report.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at his office in Tehran in August 2024. Photo: AP

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at his office in Tehran in August 2024. Photo: AP

Last week, President Pezeshkian accused Israel of attempting to assassinate him, stating he was in a meeting when "Israel bombarded the area based on information from their spies".

Iranian authorities are investigating how Israel obtained accurate information about the meeting's location, which has not been disclosed. Iran International reported on 16/6 that the strike hit near Shahrak-e Gharb, west of Tehran.

On 13/6, Israel launched Operation Roaring Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, critical infrastructure, military bases, officials, and nuclear experts. Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise 3, launching drones and missiles at Israel.

On 22/6, the US deployed B-2 bombers and warships to strike Iran's Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites. Iran responded by firing missiles at a US base in Qatar, destroying a radar dome. Two days later, the conflict ended with a US-brokered ceasefire.

The 12 days of fighting resulted in over 900 deaths and more than 4,700 injuries in Iran, and 28 deaths and over 2,500 injuries in Israel.