Israeli intelligence may have recruited former Iranian President…
Israeli intelligence may have recruited former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, according to journalists citing sources in The New York Times.
Consensus
- Israeli intelligence attempted to recruit Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for a potential leadership role after the overthrow of Iran's current regime.
- Ahmadinejad had secret meetings with Israeli intelligence representatives abroad, including in Guatemala and Budapest.
- Israel financed Ahmadinejad’s travel and accommodation during these contacts.
- A military strike occurred on February 28, 2026, targeting Ahmadinejad’s residence.
- Following the attack, Ahmadinejad was taken to a secret safe house by an agent of Mossad driving a black Peugeot.
- Ahmadinejad left the safe house under unclear circumstances and later appeared at the funeral procession for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 6, 2025.
- Iranian authorities claim Ahmadinejad is currently under house arrest controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Points of divergence
- The operation reached its climax on February 28, 2026, in the first days of war against Iran. — novaya_eu
- Ahmadinejad was reportedly disillusioned with the U.S. and Israeli efforts to change power in Iran. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- NYT: Israel attempted to recruit former Iranian president and bring him to power after the fall of the Ayatollahs' regime. Currently, the IRGC is holding him under house arrest — Новая газета Европа
- Journalists claim Israel may have recruited former Iranian President Ahmadinejad — Вести