The U.S. and Israel wanted to use Ahmadinejad to bring about a change of government in Iran — NYT
At the start of the war against Iran, the U.S. and Israel reportedly viewed the country’s former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as a potential leader for regime change from within.
The New York Times reports this, citing sources.
According to the publication, the plan involved using Ahmadinejad to form a new political leadership in Iran. Israel is said to have initiated this idea, and consultations were reportedly held with the former president himself. However, details of his potential cooperation have not been disclosed.
According to the NYT, the Israeli airstrike on Ahmadinejad’s home in Tehran was intended to free him from house arrest by eliminating his guards. However, the former Iranian president himself was also injured in the attack.
After that, according to sources, Ahmadinejad allegedly refused to support the plan for a change of power in the country. It is currently unknown what condition he is in or exactly where he is being held.
One of the politician’s associates told reporters that the U.S. saw Ahmadinejad as a man capable of leading Iran and controlling the “political, social, and military situation” in the country.
The article also notes that Washington allegedly compared the former Iranian president to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who, according to NYT sources, agreed to cooperate with the U.S. after the removal of Nicolás Maduro.
At the same time, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is known for his harsh anti-American and anti-Israeli statements during his presidency. In particular, he called for “wiping Israel off the map” and actively supported Iran’s nuclear program.
In recent years, Ahmadinejad has clashed with Iran’s current leadership, accusing the government of corruption. Following this, he was barred from participating in elections and placed under house arrest, confined to his home in Tehran.
Upon his return from China, U.S. President Donald Trump faced a critical decision regarding Iran. His team has already prepared scenarios for resuming military operations in the event that diplomatic negotiations fail.
Iranian authorities have begun granting permission to select Chinese vessels to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz has once again come to a near standstill
Additionally, the U.S. military struck the vessel Touska, which was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under the Iranian flag despite the blockade.
Recall that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not consider the war with Iran to be over.
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
Iran rejected Trump’s claims regarding the transfer of uranium to the U.S. and accused him of manipulation.
