A former senior Mossad officer has lifted the veil on Israel’s clandestine operations deep inside Iran, shedding light on how one of the world’s most feared intelligence agencies has recruited and protected spies in enemy territory for decades.
In a rare and candid interview with German outlet Bild, Oded Ailam, who served 24 years with Israel’s intelligence service, explained how Mossad built a robust espionage network in Iran, despite the regime’s notorious crackdowns and tight internal controls. Ailam’s revelations come at a time of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as Tehran’s ties with Hezbollah, Hamas, and other regional militias deepen.
Ethnic Divisions: A Strategic Weakness
Ailam attributes Mossad’s success to its ability to exploit the internal fractures of Iranian society. “Only 40% of Iran’s population is Persian,” he noted, referring to the country’s ethnic diversity that includes Kurds, Azeris, Baluchis, and Turkmen. These groups, often marginalized by Tehran, present unique recruitment opportunities for Israeli intelligence.
“The Iranian regime can’t fully control its population,” Ailam said. Unlike the highly centralized East German Stasi, Iran’s intelligence apparatus has “enormous gaps,” creating vulnerabilities that Mossad has learned to exploit.
Motivation: Not Pro-Israel, Just Anti-Regime
Mossad does not rely on ideological loyalty to Israel when recruiting inside Iran. Instead, discontent with the ruling regime and economic desperation often drive individuals to cooperate.
“There are many dissatisfied people in Iran,” Ailam explained. “They see billions spent on terror groups like Hezbollah while their society remains impoverished.” This resentment, he said, makes them receptive to Mossad’s offers of financial support, security, and in some cases, a chance to undermine the system they oppose.
Recruitment and Protection: A Calculated Process
The recruitment process is meticulous. “We take a lot of time to make sure the person is the right fit,” Ailam emphasized. Mossad relies on multiple sources to verify intelligence, minimizing the risk of misinformation and operational failure.
Importantly, Mossad doesn’t just protect its agents—it protects their families. “When someone works for us, we take care not only of them but also of their family,” Ailam said, noting that extraction and relocation are always on the table if an agent’s safety is compromised.
Smuggling and Sabotage: Iran’s Porous Borders
Despite Iran’s security apparatus, its vast geography and porous borders make it difficult for the regime to maintain airtight control. “Anything can be smuggled into Iran,” Ailam claimed, from encrypted communication tools to sabotage equipment.
This capability has enabled Mossad to carry out cyberattacks, assassinations, and sabotage missions, including high-profile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and weapons convoys in recent years, though Israel rarely acknowledges direct involvement.
Strategic Significance: Espionage as National Defense
As Iran deepens its influence across the Middle East and accelerates its nuclear ambitions, Mossad’s ability to operate inside the country remains vital to Israel’s national security. The intelligence gathered not only helps preempt threats but also supports cyberwarfare and counterterrorism strategies.
Ailam’s interview, while carefully worded, offers an unusual glimpse into the methods and mindset of one of the world’s most elite intelligence services. As tensions rise and regional dynamics shift, Mossad’s covert war in Iran is likely to remain one of the most consequential—yet largely hidden—battles shaping the future of the Middle East.
