Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi claimed Sunday that Israel had planned to carry out "many operations" seeking to undermine the Islamic republic's efforts to develop nuclear capabilities, saying these efforts have " all been prevented by Iranian security."
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
These efforts, he told the state-run ISNA news agency, included planned assassinations of officials in the nuclear program, which were to follow the November elimination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, believed to be head of the Iranian military nuclear program.
"After Fakhrizadeh was killed, the Zionists attempted to carry out additional acts of terrorism and evil in the country, including more assassinations. These attempts were recognized and foiled by Iranian intelligence," he said.
While the ayatollahs' regime has consistently blamed Israel for Fakhrizadeh's death, Alavi told ISNA on Sunday that the country's nuclear mastermind was not, in fact, killed by Israel rather "by a disgruntled co-worker."
"The man responsible for the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was fired from the intelligence service and left the country shortly before it [the hit] actually took place. He is now wanted by Iranian authorities," the minister said.
He did not elaborate as to whether Iranian authorities think the suspect was working with Israel.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
