Former Mossad Chief Calls for Escalation Against Iranian Regime Until Its Fall

Former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea spoke at a Jerusalem City Council meeting on August 27, 2026, emphasizing the need to intensify actions against the Iranian regime until its collapse. Barnea praised the severe sanctions imposed by the United States under President Trump, calling them a positive step but stressed that these measures are only an initial phase. He asserted that escalating economic, political, and operational efforts against Iran is unavoidable and predicted the regime's eventual downfall.

Barnea highlighted the yearning of Iranian citizens for regime change and noted the shared interest of the Western world, led by the US and Israel, in seeing this outcome. He remarked that until recently, Iran was seen primarily as an Israeli problem, but now the global community recognizes the Iranian threat as universal, citing ballistic missiles, terrorism, and nuclear weapons development as dangers to all.

Addressing Israel's strategic situation, Barnea stated that despite recent severe challenges, Israel's position has significantly improved since the October 7 massacre, crediting changes in the strategic equation. He underscored the importance of national unity and societal cohesion, calling for tolerance and respect within Israeli society as essential to military and intelligence success.

In his retirement ceremony two months prior, Barnea had already called the campaign against Iran a historic struggle and urged persistent efforts to achieve regime change in Tehran, describing it as a feasible and necessary mission for future generations. His comments come amid the Trump administration's declaration of economic warfare and sanctions against Iran.