Israeli Security Officials Highlight Iranian Internal Divisions Amid Regional Tensions

A senior Israeli security official stated on Wednesday that Iranians are effectively 'doing the work' for Israel through their actions and attitudes in the Middle East, particularly regarding the United States. The official referenced unprecedented remarks last week by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, which revealed deep divisions within Iran's leadership. Araghchi expressed personal feelings following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, while Pezeshkian discussed the economic war against Iran and its destabilizing effects, suggesting it would have been better to avoid such conflict.

The official noted that if hostilities with Israel had ceased after 20 days, Ali Larijani, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, might have survived, and Iran's petrochemical and steel industries would not have suffered. The official also highlighted growing public discontent in Iran, including protests and genuine hostility at Khamenei's funeral, indicating a split among the Iranian elite.

Within Iran's leadership, there is currently no decisive figure to resolve disputes, with letters sent to Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains silent. Mojtaba is described as a hardliner opposing any negotiations with the U.S. Israeli security sources are divided on why Iran has refrained from missile attacks on Israel; some suggest Iran is deterred but is reserving such strikes as an escalation against the U.S. The official warned that Iran understands the severe Israeli response that would follow any attack on Israel's home front, including strikes on national infrastructure.