Mossad Planned Ground Invasion of Iran, Stopped by US

In late February 2026, during the war between Israel and the United States against Iran, an ambitious plan was conceived for a ground invasion of Iran, not just aerial strikes on nuclear and missile facilities. The Mossad had prepared a plan to utilize Kurdish forces from Iran and Iraq as a ground force to invade from the northwest, open a new front, and ignite widespread popular protest. This plan, codenamed "Puss in Boots" in some sources, was developed over time and intended to fundamentally alter the region.

Israel reportedly armed these Kurdish militias with captured weapons from Hamas and Hezbollah, provided training, some of which took place in Israel, and guaranteed continuous air cover. The objective was to establish a no-fly zone and provide fire support to aid their advance against the Revolutionary Guards. The initial force was estimated at around 15,000 fighters, with hopes of thousands more joining from the local population and other minorities. The goal was to break the fear barrier, create chaos to force the regime to divert forces, and ultimately lead to its collapse or replacement.

The then-Mossad chief, David Barnea, was a strong proponent of the operation, having presented it to Israeli leadership and U.S. President Donald Trump before the war. Israel viewed it as a historic opportunity to exploit Iran's temporary weakness and create conditions for the Iranian people to act. However, the IDF and military intelligence expressed more skepticism, citing low chances of success, the Kurds' relative military weakness, and the risks of regional escalation.

Three days after the operation began, with forces ready and air strikes opening corridors, a directive arrived from Washington: "Do not proceed." Reports suggest that pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan played a significant role, as Ankara feared the strengthening of Kurdish forces in the region. A conversation with Trump was reportedly sufficient to halt the plan. Leaks to the media, internal doubts within the U.S. administration, and risk assessments also contributed to the decision.

The Iranian regime survived the war, though its military and nuclear capabilities were severely damaged. Within Israel's security establishment, disagreements arose, with the Mossad arguing that a historic opportunity was missed, while others emphasized the excessive danger and limited success prospects of such a ground operation during active warfare. Today, as Iran's economy struggles under sanctions and inflation, Trump maintains pressure, stating he is in no hurry to ease it.