Israel Ran Secret Multi-Year Operation to Cultivate Ahmadinejad as Intelligence Asset
The New York Times revealed that Israel conducted a covert operation over several years to develop former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset and potential leader after a regime change in Iran. In 2024, former Mossad chief David Barnea personally traveled to Budapest to meet with Ahmadinejad. According to American sources, Israel secretly funded Ahmadinejad's living expenses and travel, with Mossad operatives meeting him multiple times outside Iran. After his presidency, Ahmadinejad reportedly softened his stance, reduced anti-Israel rhetoric, criticized corruption within Iran, and began learning English. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently arrested him and placed him under house arrest.
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