The U.S. and Israel reportedly considered reinstating former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran’s leader following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The plan, revealed on May 20, 2026, highlights the complex geopolitical strategies employed in the Middle East. Ahmadinejad, known for his hardline stance against Israel, was seen as a potentially more controllable figure despite his controversial history. The operation involved attempts to free him from house arrest, including an Israeli airstrike on his apartment. However, the plan ultimately failed, raising questions about the motivations behind the strategy. La Presse+2
The plan to install Ahmadinejad reflects the contentious and often paradoxical nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Both the U.S. and Israel viewed Ahmadinejad, a former president with a history of anti-Israel rhetoric, as a more manageable leader compared to other potential successors. This strategy underscores the lengths to which both nations were willing to go to reshape Iran’s leadership. Russian Gazette+1
Israeli forces reportedly struck Ahmadinejad’s apartment to facilitate his escape from house arrest. The operation was part of a broader attempt to change Iran’s government following the assassination of Khamenei. Despite these efforts, Ahmadinejad was injured in the strike, and the plan failed to achieve its objectives. The involvement of Mossad in these operations highlights the covert nature of the strategy. The Independent+1
The motivations behind the focus on Ahmadinejad remain unclear. While he was known for his anti-Israel stance during his presidency, Ahmadinejad had also criticized Iran’s regime later in his career. This duality raises questions about why Netanyahu and Trump considered him a viable candidate for leadership. The failed operation has sparked debates about the feasibility and ethics of such geopolitical maneuvers. The Guardian+1