Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Aerospace Division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claims that Israel conveyed messages through Turkey, asking Iran to keep its attack on April 13 “lite.”
"The Americans wrote a letter, and the Zionist regime relayed a message through Turkey, urging us to keep the retaliatory strike restrained. They pleaded for a measured response," stated the IRGC commander on Thursday.
He also asserted that foreign ministers from "France and several European nations" contacted Iran's foreign ministry, initially expressing concerns but ultimately accepting the operation's legitimacy.
“Their [the Europeans] primary contention afterward was that 'the operation was meant to be punitive; if this is mild, what would a full-scale military operation entail?'" he said.
In addition to diplomatic exchanges with Western nations, Hajizadeh claimed that neighboring Arab countries intervened through their foreign ministers to propose a ceasefire in Gaza to dissuade the Islamic Republic from attacking Israel.
Described as "Operation True Promise" by Tehran, the April 13 massive air strike employing over 350 drones and missiles marked Iran's first direct assault on Israeli territory. According to the Israeli military, 99% of the projectiles were intercepted with the assistance of a coalition led by the US.
The attack was a response to what Iran claimed was an Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the death of seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including a senior commander.
This is not the first time the IRGC commander has made such claims, but it is the first time he has mentioned Turkey as an intermediary.
"Following the Supreme Leader's address, the Zionists recognized Iran's resolute stance. Consequently, they appealed through neighboring countries, urging us to respond with restraint," he stated last week.
Last month, Hajizadeh asserted that the aerial assault on Israel employed limited military capabilities, explaining, “We had to use a great number of missiles and drones to get through Israel's Iron Dome; we used 20% of our military capability in the operation.'"
Hajizadeh also alleged that Israel offered concessions in Gaza to preempt Iranian retaliation despite its ongoing offensive against the Gaza Strip.
"Israel conveyed messages through Egypt's foreign minister, indicating readiness to negotiate in the Gaza conflict to avoid Iranian reprisal," claimed Amirali Hajizadeh.
However, these claims, reported by Iran's state media, appear dubious as Israel has continued to escalate operations in Rafah, Hamas's southern stronghold, despite warnings from a host of countries, including the US and European nations. Israel's primary objectives remain the elimination of Hamas and the release of the remaining 120 hostages held in Gaza.