Tel Aviv, Israel – In a statement reflecting the escalating intelligence conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran, the Mossad, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and the Israeli police announced the successful dismantling of a sophisticated “covert network” belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The statement explained that this network was designed to target senior Israeli officials. Furthermore, its objectives included striking strategic facilities and infrastructure in several countries around the world.
International cooperation and dismantling of cross-border cells
This security achievement, according to the statement released today, is the result of “intensive, cross-border operational activities” led by Mossad in cooperation with international partners in security and law enforcement agencies.
The statement described the operation as culminating in “a wave of widespread arrests and meticulous interrogations” of members of cells linked to the Iranian regime. This led to the unraveling of a clandestine plot to strike strategic targets and high-ranking figures.
Strike in the Caucasus: Attack on a (BTC) pipeline thwarted
The statement revealed details of a significant operation conducted a few weeks ago in Azerbaijan, where a network affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was identified and dismantled. This network was planning a sabotage attack on a vital strategic target: the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline. This pipeline is a key energy artery connecting the Caspian Sea to global markets via Georgia and Turkey. Therefore, targeting it was intended to undermine regional and international energy security and send a strong political message.
Targeting Jewish and diplomatic institutions
In addition to targeting energy infrastructure, the investigation revealed that the Iranian network had compiled a list of “religious and diplomatic” targets in Azerbaijan. This list included the Israeli embassy, religious and community institutions of the Jewish community in Baku, and Jewish community leaders. The plans also included assassinations targeting influential local figures.
Implications of timing and escalation
This statement comes at a highly sensitive time, coinciding with the world’s anticipation of the outcome of the planned talks in Pakistan between Washington and Tehran. Consequently, it suggests that Israeli security agencies are seeking to convey the message that Tehran’s public displays of “diplomatic flexibility” do not preclude its continued covert “hostile” activities. The Israeli security agencies concluded their statement by affirming their commitment to acting decisively to thwart any Iranian attempts to harm the security of their citizens or their strategic interests. Furthermore, they emphasized that the “long arm of the Mossad” will reach anyone planning to target Israel, regardless of their location or the cover under which they operate.
