Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Iran has warned of what it described as a possible Israeli plan to stage an attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem in order to blame Tehran and allied resistance movements, according to statements attributed to an official from Iran’s intelligence establishment.
The warning, reported by the Iranian news agency Tasnim News Agency, cited an informed source within Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence who claimed that Israel could carry out a so-called “false flag” operation targeting the mosque complex using drones or missile strikes.
According to the official, the alleged plan could be timed ahead of Quds Day, the annual event observed across parts of the Muslim world in support of the Palestinian cause. The source said such an attack could be designed to inflame Arab and Muslim public opinion against Iran and the groups aligned with what Tehran describes as the “axis of resistance.”
The Iranian official argued that the scenario should be viewed within the broader context of the ongoing confrontation between Iran and the United States and Israel. He claimed that Israel is seeking to weaken Tehran’s influence across the Islamic world during a period of heightened regional conflict.
As part of the alleged preparations, the source pointed to what he described as a gradual evacuation of Israeli settlers from areas surrounding the Al-Aqsa compound beginning on Thursday, suggesting the move could be linked to security measures connected to the purported plan.
Calls for international vigilance
The Iranian official urged Muslim countries and the wider international community to remain vigilant and to warn Israel and its Western allies against any action that could threaten the holy site.
He warned that any attack targeting the mosque compound would constitute a serious crime with potentially far-reaching consequences across the region.
Meanwhile, the Al-Quds Governorate said Israeli authorities were planning to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to worshippers on Friday, preventing the holding of weekly Friday prayers at the site.
The compound, located within the Old City of Jerusalem, is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam and has frequently been at the center of political and religious tensions in the region.
According to Palestinian officials, Israeli forces have already tightened restrictions on access to the mosque since the beginning of the latest escalation involving Iran. Worshippers have reportedly been forced to leave the area and prevented from performing evening and Taraweeh prayers at the compound in recent days.
Israeli authorities have not publicly responded to the Iranian claims. Analysts note that accusations of potential false flag operations are common during periods of heightened conflict, and such warnings often reflect the deep mistrust between the rival sides amid the ongoing regional crisis.
