David Barnea is the former Director of the Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence service. Known for aggressive covert operations targeting Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. Recently, Barnea publicly called for Iranian regime change and stated Mossad conducted intelligence operations inside Tehran in support of Israeli military strikes. Last updated Jul 4th, 2026
A New York Times investigation reports Mossad Chief David Barnea personally met former Iranian President Ahmadinejad in Budapest in 2024 to recruit him as an intelligence asset, aiming to install him as Iran's leader after the regime's over...
A New York Times investigation reports Mossad Chief David Barnea personally met former Iranian President Ahmadinejad in Budapest in 2024 to recruit him as an intelligence asset, aiming to install him as Iran's leader after the regime's overthrow.
On February 28, an Israeli airstrike struck Ahmadinejad's compound, hitting his bodyguards' building and armored vehicle. A black Peugeot then arrived, picked him up and sped him from the chaotic scene.
American and Iranian officials familiar with the operation say Mossad operatives drove the car and moved him to a secret safe house in Iran. Ahmadinejad was reportedly upset by the rescue and disappointed with the Israeli plan to return him to power.
Mossad chief David Barnea:
“Our commitment will be fulfilled only once the extremist regime in Iran is replaced.”
He signals the campaign continues beyond the strikes:
“We did not think the mission would be completed immediately… we planned for it to continue even after the strikes in Tehran.”
Before the war, Mossad chief Barnea assessed that the Iranian regime could potentially be brought down. He said that once Israel achieves its military goals, the Mossad and the CIA would be positioned to handle what follows.
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