Iranian Foreign Minister Admits Israel Had Intelligence on Secret Security Meetings During Conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed in a rare interview on Sunday that Israel possessed prior intelligence about sensitive security meetings held by Iran's top leadership during the recent conflict. Speaking to the Iranian news agency Mehr as part of the "War Story" program, Araghchi acknowledged a security breach within Iran's regime that allowed Israel to access information about these meetings, which included key figures such as Ali Shamkhani, Ali Hajazi, and Ali Shirazi. He warned that this security gap may still exist and continues to affect Iran's decision-making processes.

Araghchi described how on the day Israel attacked the compound housing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, multiple high-level security meetings were taking place simultaneously. He personally met with Hajazi that morning to discuss the escalating situation and the possibility of a full-scale war with Israel, during which the attack occurred. While such meetings were routine, Israel's prior knowledge indicated a significant intelligence failure within Iran.

Regarding the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Araghchi stated that Iran's Supreme National Security Council had decided to accept an unconditional ceasefire if Israel requested it. However, Iran never formally accepted the ceasefire but indicated it would stop firing if Israel ceased attacks. He attributed continued Iranian fire for several hours after the ceasefire announcement to a misunderstanding between the Foreign Ministry and the armed forces about the ceasefire's start time.

Araghchi also revealed that after Israel accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and threatened renewed strikes, he warned U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that Iran would respond with greater force if attacks resumed. He claimed that shortly afterward, then-President Donald Trump ordered Israel to halt a planned strike, suggesting close coordination between Washington and Jerusalem, though no evidence was provided and the claim was not confirmed by either country.

Defending Iran's diplomatic efforts, Araghchi said the decision to negotiate with the U.S. was made by Iran's highest authorities, not just the Foreign Ministry. He argued that Iran demonstrated to the international community its desire to avoid war, noting over 120 countries condemned the attack on Iran. Despite a low estimated chance of preventing war through diplomacy, Iran pursued talks to exhaust all options.

Araghchi further disclosed that Iran prepared for war for months, especially after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the "Promised Truth 2" operation, the fall of Assad's regime, and Trump's re-election. He conducted 17 visits to regional countries warning that a conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate across the Middle East and that Iran would target U.S. bases in those countries if America joined the fighting. He also claimed attempts were made on his life during the war, including a bomb planted near his home and drones shadowing him during travel.