"Influence Operation on the US": The Denial of the Dramatic Quote That Was Never Said – and the Echo from the Senate

ynet reveals that a statement attributed to Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi about Iran's intention to develop nuclear weapons was never made. The fabricated statement began on a Hindu nationalist account, moved to Channel 14 in English, and reached Netanyahu's speech at Mount Herzl and the US Senate. 'Tehran Times' denied it, and journalists wondered about the lack of a source. In Israel, it was seen as an illegal influence operation.

ynet exposes the journey of a dramatic statement attributed to Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi, according to which Iran intends to continue developing nuclear weapons. The statement, which was never actually made, began on a Hindu nationalist account, moved to Channel 14 in English, and reached the speech of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mount Herzl. Netanyahu quoted the words as if they were said, saying: 'We heard today the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Vahidi, explicitly declare Iran's intention to continue developing nuclear weapons.' The report also echoed in the US Senate, with Republican Senator Rick Scott citing it as fact. The Iranian newspaper 'Tehran Times' denied the words and described them as false, accusing 'the Israeli regime' of fabrications. Wall Street Journal reporter Laurence Norman wondered where else this was being reported. In Israel, the publication was seen as an illegal influence operation, reminiscent of previous cases of leaks and distortions. The Prime Minister's Office responded that Israel stands behind Netanyahu's statement.

"Influence Operation on the US": The Denial of the Dramatic Quote That Was Never Said – and the Echo from the Senate