The plan failed as Tehran continued to fight despite the death of many of its top officials and officials
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convinced US President Donald Trump to launch a joint attack on Iran by promising a quick coup in the country, the New York Times reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.
In the preparation phase for the conflict, Mossad chief David Barnia proposed that the Israeli spy agency could incite an uprising in Iran and topple its government within days of the start of the attack, the Times wrote. The top spy presented the plan to Netanyahu as well as senior US officials in January, the newspaper reported.
Despite skepticism about the feasibility of the plan among Washington and senior officials of Israel’s AMAN military intelligence agency, Trump and the Israeli Prime Minister reached an agreement. “Optimistic outlook,” It says its goal is to encourage regime change by killing Iran’s leadership.
The CIA assessed that the Iranian government had completely collapsed. “Relatively unlikely outcome,” And warned that in the most likely scenario, hardline officials would retain power in Tehran, the newspaper said, citing US officials briefed on the agency’s assessment.
The US president has repeatedly called on Iranians to overthrow their government since the attacks on Washington and West Jerusalem began in late February.
Despite the assassinations of several top-ranking Iranian officials and commanders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the government did not fall and Tehran has continued to systematically retaliate against US and Israeli assets in the Middle East.
According to the Times, Netanyahu personally “expressed disappointment” that the Mossad has failed to follow through on its regime change plans, and expressed concern that Trump might do so “End the war any day.”
Iran has long accused the Israeli foreign intelligence agency of interfering in its internal affairs.
According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Mossad operatives were involved in deadly riots in Iran in the winter of 2025, in which they opened fire on protesters, civilians, and security personnel. They escalated violent unrest to deliver Washington “An excuse” For military intervention, he said in January.
Russia has condemned the US and Israeli attacks on the Islamic republic and urged Washington to seek a diplomatic solution.
