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| Ahmadinejad |
A seismic allegation has rocked Tehran: former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stands accused of collaboration with Israel's Mossad. The unverified claim has ignited widespread panic, fuelled intense social media debates, and dominated local news cycles. Key questions remain unanswered: What specific evidence underpins this explosive charge? How are Iranian officials and the public responding? And crucially—is this a genuine intelligence leak, a calculated disinformation campaign, or a strategic move in internal political warfare, particularly given the region's already volatile climate?
The report, published by The New York Times, has sent shockwaves through Iran's political establishment, with implications that extend far beyond the former president himself.
What The New York Times Report Claims
According to the investigation, Israeli intelligence allegedly maintained secret contacts with Ahmadinejad for several years as part of an ultimately unsuccessful effort to prepare for the possible overthrow of Iran's government . The relationship reportedly began developing in 2022 after Israeli intelligence concluded that Ahmadinejad's views and relationship with Iran's ruling establishment were changing.
The allegations include a series of remarkable claims :
Ahmadinejad allegedly received financial and logistical support for overseas travel and accommodation
Secret meetings took place outside Iran, including in Budapest
Then-Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly met Ahmadinejad personally in the Hungarian capital in 2024
Israeli intelligence later informed the CIA that it had established a channel of communication with the former Iranian president.
According to the investigation, Israeli intelligence allegedly maintained secret contacts with Ahmadinejad for several years as part of an ultimately unsuccessful effort to prepare for the possible overthrow of Iran's government . The relationship reportedly began developing in 2022 after Israeli intelligence concluded that Ahmadinejad's views and relationship with Iran's ruling establishment were changing.
The allegations include a series of remarkable claims :
Ahmadinejad allegedly received financial and logistical support for overseas travel and accommodation
Secret meetings took place outside Iran, including in Budapest
Then-Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly met Ahmadinejad personally in the Hungarian capital in 2024
Israeli intelligence later informed the CIA that it had established a channel of communication with the former Iranian president.
The Budapest Connection
Perhaps the most extraordinary element of the report involves a Hungarian university. In early 2024, Gergely Deli, rector of Budapest's Ludovika University of Public Service, was reportedly approached by a senior Hungarian government official and asked to invite Ahmadinejad to a conference on climate change .
Deli said he was told that the conference would in fact serve as cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials. Despite concerns about potential damage to his own reputation, he agreed because he believed that if "you have two enemies, and if these enemies want to talk with each other, then it's best to do what you can to make them talk" .
Perhaps the most extraordinary element of the report involves a Hungarian university. In early 2024, Gergely Deli, rector of Budapest's Ludovika University of Public Service, was reportedly approached by a senior Hungarian government official and asked to invite Ahmadinejad to a conference on climate change .
Deli said he was told that the conference would in fact serve as cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials. Despite concerns about potential damage to his own reputation, he agreed because he believed that if "you have two enemies, and if these enemies want to talk with each other, then it's best to do what you can to make them talk" .
The Failed Extraction Operation
The alleged operation reportedly entered a decisive phase in February 2026, during the opening stages of the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States .
According to the report, an Israeli airstrike hit Ahmadinejad's residential compound in Tehran, destroying facilities used by his security detail and damaging his armoured vehicle. Mossad operatives then allegedly transported him to a safe house inside Iran. However, the reports said Ahmadinejad later became distrustful of the operation and rejected the plan to return him to power . He was later reportedly taken into custody by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' intelligence wing and placed under house arrest.
The alleged operation reportedly entered a decisive phase in February 2026, during the opening stages of the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States .
According to the report, an Israeli airstrike hit Ahmadinejad's residential compound in Tehran, destroying facilities used by his security detail and damaging his armoured vehicle. Mossad operatives then allegedly transported him to a safe house inside Iran. However, the reports said Ahmadinejad later became distrustful of the operation and rejected the plan to return him to power . He was later reportedly taken into custody by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' intelligence wing and placed under house arrest.
Ahmadinejad's Response: "Hollywood-Style Claims"
The former Iranian president has mounted a forceful defence against the allegations. His office issued a statement on July 13, 2026, rejecting the reports as "completely false" .
Ahmadinejad's office accused The New York Times of publishing fabricated reports to mislead public opinion and fuel internal divisions in Iran . The office dismissed the allegations as "Hollywood-style claims" that were "not worthy of denial" .
The former Iranian president has mounted a forceful defence against the allegations. His office issued a statement on July 13, 2026, rejecting the reports as "completely false" .
Ahmadinejad's office accused The New York Times of publishing fabricated reports to mislead public opinion and fuel internal divisions in Iran . The office dismissed the allegations as "Hollywood-style claims" that were "not worthy of denial" .
Key Points from Ahmadinejad's Denial
The statement from Ahmadinejad's office made several clear points :
Categorical Rejection: "We categorically reject all the completely false allegations promoted by The New York Times."
No House Arrest: The office denied that Ahmadinejad is under house arrest, calling the claim fabricated to support what it described as the newspaper's "absurd" allegations.
Accusations of Payment: The office alleged that The New York Times is "known for publishing fake news and fabricated lies" and is willing to publish "fabricated articles and reports in exchange for payment" .
Psychological Warfare: Ahmadinejad suggested the newspaper was attempting to exploit political sensitivities and engage in "psychological warfare against Iran" .
Active and Engaged: The statement insisted Ahmadinejad remained politically active and was continuing his normal daily work.
The statement from Ahmadinejad's office made several clear points :
Categorical Rejection: "We categorically reject all the completely false allegations promoted by The New York Times."
No House Arrest: The office denied that Ahmadinejad is under house arrest, calling the claim fabricated to support what it described as the newspaper's "absurd" allegations.
Accusations of Payment: The office alleged that The New York Times is "known for publishing fake news and fabricated lies" and is willing to publish "fabricated articles and reports in exchange for payment" .
Psychological Warfare: Ahmadinejad suggested the newspaper was attempting to exploit political sensitivities and engage in "psychological warfare against Iran" .
Active and Engaged: The statement insisted Ahmadinejad remained politically active and was continuing his normal daily work.
The Broader Context: Ahmadinejad's Political Journey
To understand the significance of these allegations, one must consider Ahmadinejad's remarkable political trajectory.
From Hard-Liner to Critic
Ahmadinejad served as Iran's president from 2005 to 2013 and was known for his hard-line rhetoric against Israel and the West . During his time in office, Iran accelerated its uranium enrichment programme, triggering international sanctions.
After leaving power, his image shifted dramatically. He softened his rhetoric, criticised corruption inside Iran's ruling establishment, and positioned himself as an outsider challenging the political elite . His appearance also changed—his unkempt beard was neatly trimmed, and he began wearing suits instead of his signature khaki windbreakers .
Ahmadinejad served as Iran's president from 2005 to 2013 and was known for his hard-line rhetoric against Israel and the West . During his time in office, Iran accelerated its uranium enrichment programme, triggering international sanctions.
After leaving power, his image shifted dramatically. He softened his rhetoric, criticised corruption inside Iran's ruling establishment, and positioned himself as an outsider challenging the political elite . His appearance also changed—his unkempt beard was neatly trimmed, and he began wearing suits instead of his signature khaki windbreakers .
The Fallout with the Supreme Leader
Ahmadinejad's relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei deteriorated during his second term, particularly over ministerial appointments and the influence of his close ally . His attempts to return to elected office were blocked by the Guardian Council in 2017, 2021, and 2024, deepening his estrangement from the clerical leadership that had supported his rise .
According to sources cited by The New York Times, Ahmadinejad privately told close associates that he hoped to return to power and believed he could lead Iran through a political transition if the current system collapsed . One associate said he envisioned normalising relations with Israel as part of a deal linked to the Abraham Accords .
Ahmadinejad's relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei deteriorated during his second term, particularly over ministerial appointments and the influence of his close ally . His attempts to return to elected office were blocked by the Guardian Council in 2017, 2021, and 2024, deepening his estrangement from the clerical leadership that had supported his rise .
According to sources cited by The New York Times, Ahmadinejad privately told close associates that he hoped to return to power and believed he could lead Iran through a political transition if the current system collapsed . One associate said he envisioned normalising relations with Israel as part of a deal linked to the Abraham Accords .
The Late Supreme Leader's Funeral
Ahmadinejad appeared in public last week for the first time since the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, attending the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . His appearance was notably subdued—head bowed, wearing a surgical mask, surrounded by what appeared to be monitors .
Independent Reactions: Analyst Perspectives
The reaction to the allegations has been mixed, with some analysts suggesting there may be substance to the claims while others remain sceptical.
Plausibility and Doubt
Historian and author Arash Azizi, who remained in contact with Ahmadinejad for years after he left office, told Iran International: "He certainly was very ambitious and wanted power. And it was clear that there was no way he could get to power so long as Khamenei and the regime were in charge" .
However, Azizi expressed doubt about the timing of the revelations: "If Ahmadinejad was their person indeed... you burn this stuff 20 years later. What's the insistence on doing it right now?" .
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, acknowledged that it was "plausible" Ahmadinejad attracted the attention of Mossad after distancing himself from the Islamic regime. However, he argued that Ahmadinejad lacked support inside Iran's security establishment capable of triggering defections .I
Historian and author Arash Azizi, who remained in contact with Ahmadinejad for years after he left office, told Iran International: "He certainly was very ambitious and wanted power. And it was clear that there was no way he could get to power so long as Khamenei and the regime were in charge" .
However, Azizi expressed doubt about the timing of the revelations: "If Ahmadinejad was their person indeed... you burn this stuff 20 years later. What's the insistence on doing it right now?" .
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, acknowledged that it was "plausible" Ahmadinejad attracted the attention of Mossad after distancing himself from the Islamic regime. However, he argued that Ahmadinejad lacked support inside Iran's security establishment capable of triggering defections .I
Israeli Intelligence Concerns
Speaking to Israel's Channel 14, former senior Mossad official and intelligence commentator Sagi Assulin criticised the publication of the reported operation, arguing that disclosing alleged operational details could jeopardise intelligence methods and sources .
"If these reports are true, publishing details like these could actually harm intelligence assets, operational capabilities, and state security," Assulin said .
Speaking to Israel's Channel 14, former senior Mossad official and intelligence commentator Sagi Assulin criticised the publication of the reported operation, arguing that disclosing alleged operational details could jeopardise intelligence methods and sources .
"If these reports are true, publishing details like these could actually harm intelligence assets, operational capabilities, and state security," Assulin said .
The Core Question: Truth or Disinformation?
As the dust settles on this extraordinary story, four key questions remain unanswered:
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