Israel says Iran’s nuclear sites are now more vulnerable than ever

Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national with ties to Iran, was instructed by an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) official to carry out a mass shooting in the touristy area of Arugam Bay, a popular destination for Israeli travelers, according to the US indictment.

The attacks were to be carried out in October 2024 and included the supply of AK-47 rifles and other weapons.

“Sri Lankan authorities reported having arrested three individuals in connection with the threat. One of the individuals arrested was identified as CC-2,” the indictment read.

CC- 2 was allegedly told to monitor Arugam Bay and worked with Iranian intelligence officials to gather information and carry out the attack, Shakeri told the FBI according to the unsealed document.

Shakeri advised US federal agents that he and CC- 2 had served time together in prison. Shakeri, identified by US authorities as residing in Tehran, immigrated to America as a child and was deported around 2008 after serving 14 years in prison for a robbery conviction. He developed a network of criminal associates during his prison sentence.

The indictment also states that as part of the plot, he planned to assassinate two American Jews described as "supporters of Israel." Shakeri was instructed to locate the victims in New York and said he was promised $500,000 to kill each of them.

An Iran International exclusive report revealed that an assassination plot targeting Israelis in Sri Lanka had been foiled last month according to police sources in Colombo familiar with the matter. The plot was linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

A police source in Sri Lanka told Iran International that 577 Israelis were under "maximum security" in an operation which spanned the police and military.

The Justice Department also charged two others allegedly recruited to kill Alinejad, an outspoken critic of Iran. The other individuals were identified as Carlisle Rivera, also known as "Pop", 49, from Brooklyn, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, from Staten Island. The unsealed indictment alleges that Shakeri instructed them to kill the journalist.

The US government said Shakeri has not been arrested and is believed to be in Iran. The Islamic Republic said claims about Iran's involvement in the alleged plots are baseless. It is unclear why Shakeri was not arrested despite being questioned by the FBI.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, made the remarks in his address to the joint meeting of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Monday according to the official Saudi news agency (SPA).

Bin Salman also condemned the Israeli army’s recent attacks in northern Gaza “in the strongest terms” and accused Tel Aviv of “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians in his speech.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been invited by the Saudi King to participate in the summit, called Bin Salman Sunday evening to apologize for not attending the summit due to his “heavy executive duties.” He also informed Bin Salman that First Vice-President Mohammad-Reza Aref was already on his way to Riyadh as his representative.

Iran's state media have also reported that Bin Salman hailed “the historical turning point” in Tehran-Riyadh relations and expressed hope that bilateral ties are promoted to the highest levels in all areas.

Rapid advancements in Saudi Arabia's rapprochement with Iran’s Shia-led government come as observers anticipate President-elect Donald Trump will renew efforts to facilitate open relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

According to Iran's state media, Bin Salman invited Pezeshkian to visit Riyadh at a later point and welcomed a similar invitation from the Iranian President.

The report of the phone call by the Saudi official news agency (SPA) did not include a reference to the invitations or the phrase "historical turning point".

Earlier on Sunday, the Saudi Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Fayyad al-Ruwaili, paid a rare visit to Tehran for talks with his Iranian counterpart Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

According to Iranian media, Bagheri has invited the Saudi navy to join Iranian naval exercises as participants or observers next year.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Aref was received by Bin Salman in Riyadh Monday evening and reported in an Instagram post he had emphasized in the meeting that “good bilateral relations" between the two countries was "irreversible”.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not favor war in the region and has never initiated a war but will always defend Iran's territorial integrity. The two countries of Iran and Saudi Arabia can play an important role in peace and stability in the region,” he wrote.

The recent warming up in Tehran-Riyadh relations is a big achievement for Pezeshkian’s government, Istanbul-based Iran analyst Mehrdad Farahmand told Iran International TV on Monday. Iran's regional position has become precarious given the weakening of its proxy forces, Hamas and Hezbollah, US sanctions and Israel's military advantage in confronting Tehran.

Farahmand noted that the warming of relations between the two regional rivals, after years of open hostility, began under Ebrahim Raisi’s government with Chinese mediation. However, the process has accelerated since Pezeshkian took office and is now “beginning to bear fruit.”

Farahmand observed that this shift in Tehran-Riyadh relations has surprised Arab media, who view recent developments as a diplomatic win for Saudi Arabia. They interpret it as Riyadh successfully demonstrating to Iran that it needs Saudi support to address its conflict with Israel, while also elevating Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Arab world.

Farahmand added that, given its economic importance to President-elect Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to mediate between Iran and the United States under Trump’s leadership.

Iranian news outlets covered the news extensively, focusing on Israel's coordination with the US and potential Russian involvement to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament via Syria.

Hezbollah confirmed that it has not received any formal truce proposal. "So far, according to my information, nothing official has reached Lebanon or us in this regard," the head of Hezbollah's media office, Mohammad Afif, said in news conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday.

Iranian sources such as Rouydad24, Aftabnews, and Mehr News Agency expressed growing optimism around the potential for a ceasefire in the conflict which has seen hundreds of thousands of Lebanese displaced and tens of thousands more on the Israeli side.

On Monday, Israel's new Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, highlighted the importance of securing Israel's northern border by ensuring Hezbollah’s forces remain north of the Litani River—a critical demarcation roughly 30 kilometers from Israel.

The lines were drawn by UN Resolution 1701 in 2006, designed to create a buffer zone between Israel and south Lebanon, but they have not been adhered to in spite of the presence of UN peacekeepers.

The Resolution stipulated that all armed militias leave the designated area and disarm. Neither of which has happened in the nearly two decades since.

Saar said Israel is working with the US and is determined to return the 63,000 displaced residents home. "We can be there [the north] when we all know first of all that Hezbollah is not on our border, that it is north of the Litani River, and that Hezbollah will not be able to re-arm itself with new weapon systems through Syria."

He said that enforcing the conditions would be Israel’s primary challenge, adding: “Lebanon belongs to the citizens of Lebanon, not to Iran ... I am sure that most Lebanese citizens do not want to be an Iranian extension.”

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday. According to Mehr News Agency, Ghalibaf stressed Iran’s readiness to aid peace efforts in both Lebanon and Gaza.

As the fallout from Israel's war of attrition with Iran's biggest militia has led to massive destruction and displacement across Lebanon, Ghalibaf added that Iran’s support for Lebanon comes from the highest levels, including the Supreme Leader, the government, and the parliament. He said: “Iran is prepared to extend both political and humanitarian assistance as needed.”

Lebanon's Health Ministry says over 3,000 Lebanese citizens have been killed since the group deemed terrorists by nations including the US, launched attacks on Israel. The numbers do not differentiate between militants and civilians.

In Israel, which is protected by sophisticated air defense systems, there have been 74 civilian deaths, including 31 soldiers.

The ceasefire discussions have also included active US mediation, with Israeli and Lebanese representatives reportedly exchanging draft agreements via US envoy Amos Hochstein.

The proposed terms would see Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River while the Israeli military's repositioning along the international border, as reported by Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammad Afif said that in spite of the involvement of "Washington, Moscow, Tehran, and other capitals", there is still no timeline or concrete plan.

“I believe that we are still in the phase of testing the waters and presenting initial ideas and proactive discussions, but so far there is nothing actual yet but so far there is nothing actual yet," he said.

As of 3pm local time, the Israeli military reported 75 projectiles crossing into Israeli territory on Monday while operations in Lebanon continued at full pace.

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said that, while these destabilizing efforts have so far been thwarted by Iranian security forces, there is a continued need for strengthened vigilance and heightened security efforts across the country.

"Today, the enemy is working harder than ever to disrupt internal security and create instability in the country through acts like terrorism,” Ejei said, adding that psychological security has also come under threat.

Iran's ruling establishment frequently emphasizes threats from foreign enemies, typically pointing to Israel and the United States. At times, government shortcomings and public discontent over restrictions or economic hardship are attributed to foreign propaganda.

He warned that external forces are attempting to distract citizens with trivial matters, diverting attention from significant national issues.

"To counter this plot, we need the vigilance of all officials and the general public. Some individuals, out of carelessness, play into the enemy’s hands and, even with good intentions, inadvertently contribute to undermining the psychological security of the people."

Supreme Leader appoints the head of the Judiciary, who controls both prosecutors, courts and judges. There is no independent judiciary in Iran.

Ejei said that those contributing to societal insecurity, whether through careless actions or intentional misconduct, will face decisive legal action if necessary.

“Some, either out of carelessness or due to misidentifying the issues, take actions that disrupt the psychological security of society. These individuals should first be warned, and if necessary, swift legal measures will be taken.”

His remarks come as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier commented on national security, advising decision-makers to pay closer attention to online content.

“Not everything should be shared in cyberspace, and the public should not be made to feel fear and anxiety,” Khamenei said.

As part of this focus, Iran’s Criminal Content Determination Task Force recently deemed support for or legitimization of Israel in cyberspace a criminal act. The regulation also criminalizes providing services to Israeli platforms and facilitating Iranian citizens’ travel to Israel through online means.

Ejei’s comments reflect the growing role of social media and the internet in Iran. Over the past decade, platforms have played a central role in organizing and amplifying grassroots protests, most notably during the December 2017 protests, the November 2019 demonstrations, and the 2022 Mahsa movement. Despite government efforts to control the flow of information, social media remains an influential tool for citizens to share information globally.

In authoritarian systems, governments may use online platforms to identify and repress protesters, a risk that has been recognized in recent reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran.

In an interview with UN Web TV, the rapporteur highlighted ongoing restrictions on freedoms, reporting that human rights defenders and journalists in Iran are being threatened, and in some cases, detained.

The judiciary’s approach, as indicated by Ejei, appears focused on cracking down on internal dissent, while Iranians rely on social media platforms more than ever.

"The most important issue for the future of this region and the security of the State of Israel is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” he said on Monday.

As news of the incoming Donald Trump administration was still fresh, he told reporters: “I am sure that we can work together with the US to stabilize the region and to secure its future. Nuclear weapons in the hands of Iran will pose a danger not only to Israel but also to other countries in the region.”

Sa’ar took over the role after the previous minister, Israel Katz, was named Defense Minister after the dramatic government reshuffle following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firing of Yoav Gallant.

He was brought back to government at the end of September so Netanyahu could bolster the right-wing coalition and reduce his dependence on the religious members, many of whom have threatened to quit multiple times since the government was formed almost two years ago.

"This [nuclear] is the most important issue from the point of view of the State of Israel consistent with all administrations in the United States: that Iran will not be able to obtain nuclear weapons.”

Iran has reached 60% uranium enrichment which is one step short of fissile material needed for nuclear weapons, though the authorities say the program is for peaceful means.

The UN’s nuclear chief, Raphael Grossi, is visiting Iran on Wednesday as one third of the UN’s inspectors remain barred from Iran and monitoring of nuclear activities severely restricted.

Sa’ar, the leader of the New Hope party, used the press conference in the midst of the Gaza war and conflict in Lebanon as the chance to address Iran and its militias around Israel’s borders.

Since the Iran-backed Hamas invasion of October 7, which sparked the longest Gaza war, attacks have come from Iran's militias in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. Two direct attacks have also come from Iran.

“Iran is also directly related to, finances, guides and is responsible for terrorist organizations, some of which have become terrorist states in the region.

“That is why nuclear weapons in the hands of this regime are extremely dangerous for the peace of the world and the peace of the region,” he said.

On Monday, the Yemeni Houthis announced they had fired a ballistic missile 'successfully' at an Israeli military base. However, the Israeli military said a "projectile" from Yemen had been intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, without confirming if it was a ballistic.