Former Mossad chief calls assassination of Iran's leader a strategic failure

Tamir Pardo, the former head of Mossad, has criticized the decision to assassinate Iran's leader during the initial stages of military operations, describing the act as a “huge mistake” and a “serious strategic failure” for Israel.

Speaking on the “All In” podcast, Pardo stated that while the primary objective of the operation was to overthrow the Iranian government, that goal was not achieved. He argued that targeting high-level leadership does not necessarily lead to the collapse of a country's government or its capabilities. Instead, he noted that the action has strengthened the position of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Pardo warned that the assassination has opened a “Pandora's box of revenge for future generations,” as adversaries may now view the assassination of senior Israeli officials as a legitimate response. He emphasized that the operation was a purely Israeli initiative rather than a joint effort with the United States and concluded that the move did not serve Israel's long-term national interests.