Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rejected allegations that Israel’s Mossad sought to recruit him as an intelligence asset, dismissing a major New York Times investigation published July 13 as “Hollywood-style claims” unworthy of serious response.
According to the New York Times report, attributed to more than 30 political, diplomatic, and security sources, the Mossad maintained secret contacts with Ahmadinejad for several years beginning in 2022 after Israeli intelligence assessed his views and relationship with Iran’s ruling establishment were shifting. The alleged operation included financial and logistical support for overseas travel and secret meetings in Budapest, where Mossad Chief David Barnea reportedly met Ahmadinejad personally in 2024.
Ahmadinejad’s office, in a statement carried by Iran International, called the allegations “completely false” and accused the New York Times of publishing “fake news and fabricated lies.” The office also denied reports that the former president had been placed under house arrest, stating he remained active and continued his normal daily work.
The reported operation allegedly reached a critical juncture in February 2026 during the opening stages of the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. According to the New York Times account, an Israeli airstrike hit Ahmadinejad’s residential compound in Tehran, destroying facilities used by his security detail and damaging his armored vehicle. Mossad operatives then allegedly transported him to a safe house inside Iran, though the reports indicated Ahmadinejad later became distrustful and rejected the plan to return him to power.
Israeli intelligence had reportedly viewed Ahmadinejad as a possible figurehead for a post-regime political order despite his long history of virulent anti-Israel rhetoric, Holocaust denial, and support for Iran’s nuclear expansion. The Mossad notified the CIA that it had established a channel of communication with the former Iranian president, according to the Times account.
Former senior Mossad official Sagi Assulin criticized the publication of operational details on Israel’s Channel 14, warning that disclosing such information could jeopardize intelligence methods and assets. “If these reports are true, publishing details like these could actually harm intelligence assets, operational capabilities, and state security,” Assulin said. He also suggested attention should be focused on those inside Iran who might have an interest in harming Ahmadinejad.
Sources
- The New York Times — reported the Mossad’s multi-year recruitment effort targeting Ahmadinejad, including meetings with the spy chief in Budapest and the operation’s February 2026 decisive phase
- i24NEWS — documented Ahmadinejad’s office denial of the allegations as “Hollywood-style claims” and reported Sagi Assulin’s criticism of operational disclosure
- Iran International — carried Ahmadinejad’s office statement rejecting the report as fake news and denying house arrest claims
