NYT Report Claims Israel Considered Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Alleged Iran Regime Change Plan
A report by The New York Times has claimed that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was secretly considered by Israel as a possible figure in a post-Islamic Republic government as part of an alleged long-term regime change strategy. The report, citing US and Israeli officials, says Israeli intelligence maintained covert contacts with Ahmadinejad over several years despite his long history of anti-Israel rhetoric. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to the report, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, allegedly began exploring contacts with Ahmadinejad after he increasingly distanced himself from Iran’s ruling establishment following the end of his presidency. The report claims Mossad officials viewed his growing political isolation and criticism of Iran’s leadership as a potential opportunity should the current government collapse.
The report further alleges that Mossad Director David Barnea held secret meetings with Ahmadinejad in Budapest as part of the effort. However, the alleged plan ultimately failed, and Ahmadinejad is now reportedly under the control of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the report. These claims have not been independently verified.
Ahmadinejad has strongly denied the allegations. According to reports citing his response, the former president rejected claims that he cooperated with Israeli intelligence or participated in any foreign-backed regime change plan.
Neither the Israeli government nor the US administration has publicly confirmed the reported operation. Iran has also not officially commented on the specific allegations contained in the report.
The claims are particularly striking because Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, was widely known for his hardline positions and repeated confrontations with Israel during his time in office. The reported contacts, if accurate, would represent a dramatic shift in the geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran’s internal politics.
