Israel Confirms Mossad Teams Operating Inside Iran

Latest Developments

• Iran Leans on Citizens to Report “Suspicious” Activity: Iran’s Intelligence Ministry on June 14 reportedly urged citizens to report any vehicles that might be used “to transport mini-aircraft, equipment, people or suspicious items.” The advisory followed Israeli disclosures that Israel’s airstrikes against Iranian nuclear and missile assets on June 13 were accompanied by Mossad teams on the ground launching exploding drones and vehicle-mounted weapons against Iranian air defenses and ballistic missile launchers. 
• Mossad Operatives Key to Targeting: According to Israeli officials who briefed reporters, Mossad also helped locate and target key Iranian nuclear scientists and military personnel for Israel’s decapitation strikes. As of June 14, nine Iranian nuclear scientists and more than 20 high-level commanders have been eliminated. In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and staff “certainly sets them back… possibly for many years”.
• Iranian Intelligence Officer Killed, Indications of Leadership Fleeing: Among the senior Iranian officers killed was Gholamreza Mehrabi, deputy head of military intelligence. Social media footage showed some Iranians rejoicing at the destabilization of the Tehran regime. Netanyahu further stated  that Israel had received “indications” that Iran’s senior leadership were “packing their bags,” and ready to flee the country, remarking: “They sense what’s coming.” Flight tracking data showed several unscheduled Iranian flights departing from Tehran throughout the day.

FDD Expert Response

“The Israeli statements about Mossad’s exploits in Iran have credited ‘agents’ along with ‘officers’ — a rare acknowledgement of the key role of local recruits. It’s now an open secret: There’s no lack of Iranians happy to join the fight against this hated regime.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“The elimination of top commanders and scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear project is an impressive feat that could only have happened with years of intelligence gathering and precise targeting. This methodical approach has yielded success for Israel in the past, most notably, the recent systematic dismantling of Hezbollah’s leadership.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

FDD Background and Analysis

“Iran’s Lies About Its Nuclear Plans Finally at an End,” by Mark Montgomery and Ben Cohen

“Israel’s Strike Changes Everything in Iran,” by Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh

“Iran Launches Dozens of Ballistic Missiles at Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Before There Is Nothing Left’: Trump Warns of Devastation in Iran if Nuclear Deal Not Reached as World Leaders Caution Against Escalation,” FDD Flash Brief

“At Least 20 High-Level Commanders, Nuclear Scientists Killed in Israeli Strikes on Iran,” FDD Flash Brief