Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s explosive revelations about the infiltration of Israel’s Mossad into the upper echelons of Iran’s intelligence apparatus have sent shockwaves through political and intelligence circles. In a candid interview with CNN Turk, Ahmadinejad disclosed that by 2021, the individual leading a covert unit tasked with countering Israeli espionage was, in fact, a Mossad agent, deeply embedded within Iran’s intelligence infrastructure. This development, according to Ahmadinejad, highlights the vulnerability and depth of Israel's penetration into Iran’s most sensitive security operations.
Ahmadinejad’s claims suggest that Israel’s intelligence agency not only had access to Iran’s inner workings but also managed to place double agents in positions of authority responsible for monitoring Israeli operations. He revealed that around 20 more Iranian intelligence agents assigned to thwart Israeli intelligence activities were secretly working for Mossad. These operatives allegedly played a crucial role in passing highly classified information to Israel, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program, one of the most guarded elements of the country’s defense strategy.
The former president connected these infiltrations to a series of high-profile incidents that significantly embarrassed Iran on the international stage. Among them was the infamous 2018 Mossad operation in which Israeli operatives successfully stole a trove of Iranian nuclear documents from a secure warehouse in Tehran. Ahmadinejad also linked the infiltration to the assassination of several prominent Iranian nuclear scientists over the years, widely believed to have been orchestrated by Mossad. These scientists were crucial to Iran’s efforts to develop its nuclear capabilities, and their deaths severely set back Iran’s progress, raising alarm across the nation.
Ahmadinejad’s assertions about Israeli infiltration within Iran’s intelligence services echo earlier warnings from prominent Iranian officials. In 2021, former intelligence minister Ali Younesi had sounded the alarm about the extent to which Israeli spies had permeated key Iranian institutions, including government departments. Younesi had ominously declared that Mossad’s influence had grown so pervasive that top officials in Iran should fear for their safety, as the intelligence agency had established a network capable of compromising some of the country’s most secure institutions. Ahmadinejad’s remarks now appear to confirm those earlier warnings, deepening the crisis of confidence within Iran’s intelligence community.
The timing of Ahmadinejad’s revelations could not be more significant, as they come against the backdrop of escalating military conflict in the region. On Tuesday, Israel launched a "limited and targeted" ground offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, a group closely aligned with Iran. The ground operation follows weeks of intense Israeli airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah positions, part of a broader effort to counter the group's influence in Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the strikes have resulted in over 960 deaths and more than 2,770 injuries, heightening tensions between Israel and Iran, which supports Hezbollah both militarily and financially.
Ahmadinejad’s comments also stirred speculation regarding Israeli involvement in the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Iranian intelligence might have tipped off Mossad about Nasrallah's location prior to an airstrike that targeted Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut, further complicating the already volatile situation. While these claims remain unverified, they add fuel to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, both of which have a long history of clandestine operations against each other.
Ahmadinejad, known for his controversial and outspoken views, has increasingly positioned himself as a critic of the current Iranian regime. His allegations are likely to create further friction within Iran's political establishment, as they cast doubt on the effectiveness and loyalty of its intelligence services. These claims also pose a significant embarrassment for the Iranian government, as they reveal the extent of Israel's infiltration and raise questions about Iran’s ability to safeguard its nuclear secrets and prevent further espionage.
This latest scandal has profound implications for Iran’s security posture. Suppose Israel has indeed managed to compromise Iran’s counter-intelligence operations so extensively. In that case, it may force Tehran to rethink its strategies, not only in terms of internal security but also in its broader geopolitical confrontations with Israel. Ahmadinejad’s claims also add another layer to the complex and multifaceted rivalry between the two nations, where intelligence and military operations have long been tools of conflict.
As the region braces for further escalation, Ahmadinejad’s bombshell revelations will undoubtedly fuel the fire, amplifying tensions between Israel and Iran. These developments may prompt Tehran to conduct a sweeping overhaul of its intelligence services in an attempt to root out any remaining Mossad agents, while also deepening its resolve to confront Israeli influence in the Middle East. In the broader context of the Iranian-Israeli shadow war, this moment marks a critical juncture, potentially reshaping the intelligence and security landscape in the region for years to come.
