Former top Iranian politician warns of infiltration, assassinations

Former three-term parliament speaker Ali Larijani says that infiltration in Iran has become a serious concern, as recent months have seen Israel assassinate top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah and severely degrade their military capabilities.

"The issue of infiltration in Iran has become serious in recent years. In my opinion, there has been some neglect over the years. Although the country’s security sectors have dealt blows to these activities, they haven’t been able to prevent all of them. In any case, it’s an important matter that they are currently pursuing with various precautionary measures,” Larijani said in a lengthy interview with Khabar Online website in Tehran.

He cited the assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran over the past fourteen years as potential examples of Israeli infiltration, along with the targeted killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.

Larijani and his two brothers were influential figures within Iran’s ruling establishment until 2020, when Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sidelined them from key political positions. His media appearance at a juncture when confrontation with Israel is intense, could signal his desire to become more visible on the political arena.

Larijani also blamed the United States for the October 26 Israeli air strikes on Iran, which reportedly crippled its air defense capabilities. This now allows Israel to conduct additional strikes, if necessary, with reduced risk to its air assets. Facing a difficult situation, Iran is now threatening retaliation.

"In the situation we find ourselves in, we must first acknowledge that this confrontation was initiated by the Americans and Israelis. The Americans are the active players, while the Israelis act as their tools. In this recent aggression against Iran, it has become evident that the Americans provided both the intelligence and the equipment to the Israelis," the former parliament speaker said. Other Iranian officials have also blamed the since the October 26 air strike.

Larijani also defended Iran’s policy of having proxy forces beyond its borders, saying it is justified on the grounds of defending national interests, an argument often voiced by Iranian officials. "Defending your national security beyond your own borders is not a weakness; it’s a strength. Of course, it comes with consequences. You must accept the costs involved, but you also reap the benefits in return."

In fact, the supposed benefits of proxy wars are increasingly coming into question, as Israel weakens Hamas and Hezbollah, forcing the Islamic Republic into a defensive stance within its own borders.

Asked about the impact of targeted killings by Israel that has eliminated dozens of top and middle ranking Hezbollah, Hamas and IRGC officers and operatives, Larijani conceded that it is a serious issue.

"It certainly has an impact, but a distinction must be made between two levels. In the short term, it’s a loss—no doubt about it. In the case of certain individuals, it’s also a long-term loss." Larijani spoke about Qasem Soleimani’s targeted killing by the US in January 2020, characterizing it as a major loss.

"Like Haj Qasem, like Mr. Nasrallah himself. The martyrdom of these individuals is a long-term loss, meaning they cannot be easily replaced. However, what’s important is recognizing the difference between short-term and long-term losses,” he said. The loss of younger cadres in Gaza or Lebanon is also damaging, but Israel and the West do not realize that these are just young fighters who will be replaced, Larijani argued.