Iran says Israel used occult powers in war

TEHRAN – A senior Iranian official has made headlines by claiming that Israel used occult forces and jinn—supernatural beings from Islamic tradition—during the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel.

Abdollah Ganji, a former editor of Javan, a newspaper linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), posted the claims to his 150,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). The remarks have sparked both surprise and ridicule online.

"After the recent war, a few sheets of paper were found on the streets of Tehran containing talismans with Jewish symbols," Ganji wrote on X.
"A strange phenomenon took place during the war. In the past, even Netanyahu was linked with meetings involving occult specialists."

He also referenced earlier remarks by Iran’s Supreme Leader, who claimed that Western and Israeli intelligence agencies have previously used "occult sciences and jinn entities" for spying and influence.

Israel Responds with Sarcasm

Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, responded quickly to the claims with a sarcastic post in Farsi on its official X account:

"Using drugs and talking to the jinn are not desirable traits for someone leading a country."

The post drew widespread attention and laughter online. Waleed Gadban, Israel’s political advisor at the UN, reposted Mossad’s comment with the caption: "Jinn, jinn are everywhere," adding a ghost emoji.

Jinn in Islamic Culture

Jinn (also spelled djinn) are supernatural beings from Islamic and Middle Eastern folklore. In Islam, they are said to be invisible creatures made of smokeless fire, who, like humans, can choose between good and evil.

According to Britannica, jinn can change shape, travel fast, and even possess people. While some Muslims believe in their power, their role in war or politics is a rare topic in modern diplomacy.

A Blame or Belief?

Iranian state media did not officially back Ganji’s statement, but it comes at a time of tense relations and psychological warfare between Iran and Israel.

Some experts believe the claim may be an attempt to explain Iran’s military shortcomings or confusion during the 12-day war. Others say it may reflect deeper beliefs held by hardliners in the regime.

So far, no evidence has been presented to support Ganji’s claims.

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