Mossad Reveals Iran's Foiled Plot to Infiltrate Terror Cells Targeting Israeli Officials

Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, Israel's Prime Minister's Office issued an unusual statement on Thursday on behalf of Mossad, revealing that Iran attempted to infiltrate terror cells into Israel to assassinate senior Israeli figures. The thwarted operation involved a global terror network linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has been conducting a worldwide campaign targeting Israeli and Jewish individuals. The disruption of this network took about a year and was carried out in several phases, culminating in recent months, though some operatives remain active.

The statement detailed how Iranian intelligence officers recruited foreign proxies to carry out attacks inside Israel, using criminal proxy infrastructures to gather intelligence and execute attacks. Key figures included Tharoth Ozkor, known as "Philip," who lived in France and was responsible for recruiting an operational cell of foreign nationals for infiltration into Israel. Philip was connected to Iranian proxies Baba Mahu-Zadeh Haji Jafan and Mahmat Nadim Yait, who operate under the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence's protection and have ties to the drug lord Naji Sharifi Zindashti, known for facilitating terror activities.

International investigations uncovered the Iranian handlers behind the proxies, including Assadallah Behzad Okhsari and others, with Okhsari killed during the "Tiger Claw" operation. Philip was expelled from France due to his involvement. Despite setbacks, Iranian proxies continue efforts to activate terror cells from Iran. Mossad and Shin Bet emphasized their ongoing cooperation with global intelligence agencies to prevent terror and espionage against Israeli and Jewish interests.

This disclosure comes as US-Iran tensions soar, with the US conducting 12 consecutive nights of strikes in Iran and Iran responding with regional attacks and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East with advanced aircraft, electronic warfare planes, and naval assets, including two aircraft carriers. Israel is closely monitoring the situation amid concerns of potential escalation. Israeli officials reacted sharply to a Knesset member's public speculation about an imminent attack on Iran, dismissing it as unfounded.

The heightened conflict has also prompted European countries like the UK to evacuate non-essential diplomatic staff and civilians due to security concerns. The situation remains volatile with ongoing military, intelligence, and diplomatic developments in the region.