Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has denied allegations that he was recruited by Israeli intelligence as part of a regime-change plot, rejecting claims published by The New York Times as “fabricated” and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his office, Ahmadinejad dismissed reports that Israel’s Mossad cultivated him over several years and positioned him as a potential successor in the event of regime collapse in Tehran. The claims were described as “Hollywood-style” fabrications intended to mislead public opinion and deepen internal divisions within Iran.
His representatives also denied assertions that he had been placed under house arrest, stating that he continues to move freely and engage in public life. As evidence, they pointed to recent footage of Ahmadinejad appearing in public, including attendance at a state funeral in Tehran and meetings with officials.
Allegations outline covert contacts
The New York Times investigation alleged that Mossad operatives initiated contact with Ahmadinejad during overseas trips, including meetings in Budapest under the cover of academic events. The report claimed that Israeli intelligence sought to leverage his political repositioning following his fallout with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
According to the report, the plan evolved into a broader regime-change strategy during escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States in early 2026. Ahmadinejad was reportedly seen as a potential transitional figure who could appeal to segments of Iran’s working class while presenting a more pragmatic face to the West.
The investigation further alleged that during the early stages of conflict, Israeli forces targeted Ahmadinejad’s Tehran residence to extract him from surveillance by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), relocating him to a secure location. However, the report claims he ultimately distanced himself from the plan, contributing to its collapse.
Background: “Operation Puss in Boots”
The allegations build on earlier reporting about a joint U.S.-Israeli effort—codenamed “Operation Puss in Boots”—first revealed in May 2026. That reporting described a multi-phase strategy aimed at exploiting internal fractures within Iran’s political system.
According to those accounts, the operation included:
- Long-term cultivation of Ahmadinejad following his political break with Iran’s leadership.
- Coordination with regional actors, including potential militia activity along Iran’s western borders.
- Contingency planning to install an alternative leadership figure in the event of regime destabilization.
Western intelligence agencies were said to view Ahmadinejad as uniquely positioned for such a role due to his enduring support among lower-income Iranians and his increasingly critical stance toward the country’s ruling elite.
Competing narratives, limited verification
The conflicting accounts highlight the difficulty of verifying intelligence-related claims, particularly those involving covert operations and geopolitical rivalries. While the New York Times report cites intelligence sources and investigative findings, Ahmadinejad’s denial underscores the absence of independently verifiable evidence in the public domain.
The episode adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile regional landscape, where information warfare and competing narratives often accompany military and political confrontation.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities beyond Ahmadinejad’s own statements, nor direct response from Israeli officials regarding the specific allegations.
