NYT: Mossad held secret talks with Ahmadinejad ahead of failed Iran plan

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency held secret contacts with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for years as part of a failed effort to recruit him and eventually install him as Iran's leader, The New York Times reported on July 13, citing former US officials.

According to the report, Mossad maintained covert communications with Ahmadinejad and allegedly provided financial support for travel and accommodation linked to confidential meetings held abroad, including in Budapest.

It said then-Mossad chief David Barnea met Ahmadinejad in the Hungarian capital in 2024 before informing the CIA that a communication channel had been established.

The newspaper said Israeli officials viewed Ahmadinejad as a potential figure in a post-Islamic Republic leadership despite his long record of anti-Israel rhetoric and his role in advancing Iran's nuclear programme during his presidency.

According to the report, the plan reached its final stage during the opening phase of the 2026 conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran.

Following an Israeli air strike near Ahmadinejad's residence, Mossad operatives allegedly moved him to a safe house inside Iran. However, the operation collapsed after Ahmadinejad reportedly became suspicious of the plan and refused to take part.