Israel Secretly Tried to Recruit Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad as Intelligence Asset

A detailed investigation by The New York Times reveals that Israel conducted a covert operation over several years to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset. The operation reportedly included plans to install him as Iran's leader following a regime change. The report is based on sources from the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and describes secret meetings, a dramatic extraction under fire, and Ahmadinejad's subsequent house arrest after his contacts with Israel were exposed.

A key turning point occurred in early 2024 in Budapest, where an academic climate change conference served as a cover for secret meetings between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence operatives. These meetings were facilitated by a senior Hungarian government official and the Ludovika University, whose rector admitted to enabling the clandestine encounters. Former U.S. officials say Mossad chief David Barnea personally met Ahmadinejad there, and the CIA was later informed of the contact. Over the years, Israel allegedly funded Ahmadinejad's housing and travel expenses while continuing to meet him outside Iran.

The investigation also outlines Ahmadinejad's transformation after leaving office, noting his softened rhetoric, adoption of Western appearance, and efforts to present himself as a moderate politician aiming to return to power. However, suspicions about him grew within Iranian security circles, especially the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence branch, due to his public letters to former U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The operation culminated on February 28, 2024, when an Israeli airstrike targeted Ahmadinejad's residence, aiming at his security detail and armored vehicle. Following the strike, a black Peugeot swiftly evacuated him to a secret safe house inside Iran, driven by Mossad agents. Sources say Ahmadinejad was distressed by the extraction and disappointed with the plan to reinstate him, eventually leaving the safe house under unclear circumstances.

Currently, Ahmadinejad is reportedly under house arrest by the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence after Iranian authorities uncovered much of his contact with Israel. Neither Mossad nor Ahmadinejad's spokesperson responded to requests for comment.