Mossad's Alleged Plan to Use Ahmadinejad for Regime Change in Iran
In early 2024, Professor Gergely Deli, rector of Ludovika University in Budapest, received a confidential request from a senior Hungarian official to organize a climate change conference featuring Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former president of Iran. This invitation was reportedly a facade to facilitate secret meetings between Ahmadinejad and agents from Israel's intelligence services, as the two nations are adversaries. Deli recognized the potential risks to his reputation but believed that facilitating dialogue could ultimately save lives.
Ahmadinejad's visits to Hungary in 2024 and 2025 were part of a broader operation by Israeli intelligence aimed at turning him into a Mossad asset and potentially installing him as a leader in a post-regime Iran. The New York Times reported that this plan was corroborated by American and Iranian officials. The urgency of recruiting Ahmadinejad was underscored by the involvement of then-Mossad chief David Barnea, who personally traveled to Budapest to meet him.
Historically, Ahmadinejad was known for his hardline stance during his presidency from 2005 to 2013, during which he accelerated Iran's nuclear program and made inflammatory statements against Israel. However, in recent years, he had shifted towards a more moderate public persona, engaging with the public and criticizing the Iranian elite. Reports indicated that Israel had covertly funded his travel and accommodation, while Mossad operatives maintained regular contact with him.
The operation reached a critical point in February 2026, coinciding with escalating military tensions between the US and Israel and Iran. An Israeli airstrike targeted Ahmadinejad's residence, aiming to extract him amid plans for an uprising to overthrow the Iranian regime. Following the strike, Ahmadinejad was reportedly picked up by a vehicle driven by Mossad agents and taken to a safe house. However, he became alarmed by the operation and eventually left the safe house, leading to his disappearance until he reappeared at the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Currently, Ahmadinejad is believed to be under house arrest by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, who have uncovered the extent of his dealings with Israel. The regime change plan also involved arming Kurdish opposition fighters in northern Iraq, although this aspect of the operation did not materialize.
Ahmadinejad's political aspirations have evolved, as he expressed a desire to return to power and even suggested that Iran could normalize relations with Israel. His previous hardline image contrasts sharply with his recent attempts to present a more moderate stance, which included public engagements and a change in appearance.
Iranian authorities have been suspicious of Ahmadinejad since 2017, particularly after he began reaching out to international figures like Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His initial contacts with Israeli intelligence reportedly began during a visit to Guatemala in 2023, leading to increased scrutiny from Iranian security forces.
Ahmadinejad's return to Budapest in June 2025 coincided with significant geopolitical developments, and during this visit, he managed to evade his security detail on multiple occasions. His speech at the conference marked a departure from his usual rhetoric, focusing on themes of common humanity and a new world order.
At Khamenei's funeral, Ahmadinejad appeared frail and was the only former president allowed to attend, suggesting a precarious position as he faces the consequences of his alleged collaboration with Israeli intelligence.
