A secret Israeli operation to develop former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset reached a critical point in the early days of the war, according to newly revealed details.
The yearslong effort aimed to cultivate Ahmadinejad and eventually transport him to an Israeli safe house. However, the plan ultimately fell apart before it could be executed.
This initiative represented one of the most ambitious intelligence operations ever attempted against Iran’s leadership. Israeli operatives had spent considerable time building a relationship with the former president.
The operation’s collapse marks a significant setback for Israeli intelligence. Officials had hoped that gaining access to Ahmadinejad would provide valuable insight into Iran’s political and nuclear ambitions.
Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, has remained a controversial figure in Tehran’s political landscape. His tenure was marked by inflammatory rhetoric toward Israel and the West.
The failed operation underscores the high-risk nature of intelligence work in the Middle East. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, which have only escalated in recent years.
No further details about the operation’s failure or the current status of the individuals involved have been released. The full scope of the plan remains classified by Israeli intelligence agencies.
