NYT reveals alleged Mossad recruitment of Ahmadinejad to topple Iranian regime

Washington - Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency allegedly recruited former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a secret plot to topple the Tehran government, according to a New York Times report citing US and Iranian sources. The report, published on Monday, stated that Ahmadinejad visited Hungary several times in 2024 and 2025 under the pretext of attending a climate conference at Ludovika University of Public Service. During these visits, Ahmadinejad allegedly held clandestine meetings with former Mossad chief David Barnea and other Israeli intelligence agents. US officials cited by The New York Times said Israel also secretly financed Ahmadinejad’s travel and accommodation for the meetings. The report claimed Ahmadinejad sought to rebrand himself to gain Western acceptance, swapping his signature jacket for a suit, tidying his beard, undergoing Botox treatments, and beginning to learn English. The operation reportedly culminated in late February 2026 when Israeli airstrikes hit Ahmadinejad’s residence in Tehran. Senior Iranian sources cited by the newspaper explained that Ahmadinejad is now under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They said Iranian intelligence uncovered the alleged links between Ahmadinejad and Israel after the February events, and the former president has since virtually disappeared from public view. Sources close to Ahmadinejad said he became disillusioned with the Iranian political system after being disqualified as a presidential candidate three times. The report also claimed he privately stated that if he returned to power, he would recognise Israel through the Abraham Accords. Ahmadinejad served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013. After his term ended, he repeatedly attempted to run again but was disqualified each time.