A sophisticated and covert operation by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has come to light, revealing how armed drones and advanced weaponry were smuggled into Iran months before an aerial assault involving Israeli F-35 fighter jets targeted Tehran. According to a detailed report by the Wall Street Journal, Israel carried out an extensive clandestine campaign on Iranian soil using Mossad agents and a vast logistical network to prepare for its latest military strike.
The operation involved the surreptitious import of hundreds of armed quadcopter drone components and weapon systems, which were brought into Iran disguised in suitcases, commercial trucks, and shipping containers. These items were funneled through legitimate commercial routes, and many business partners involved in transportation remained unaware of the ultimate purpose behind the deliveries.
Once inside Iran, the weapons were handed over to specialized Mossad teams already embedded in the country. The leaders of these teams had previously undergone rigorous training in third countries before returning to train their local units. These agents were then strategically positioned around Iran’s air defense systems and missile launch locations. When the Israeli aerial assault commenced, these teams simultaneously activated, launching attacks on key defense installations and missile launchers. Notably, the agents targeted missile platforms that had just emerged from their shelters, taking them out before they could be launched.
Sources quoted by the American publication suggest that Mossad’s planning for these operations began years in advance. The intelligence agency had closely studied Iran’s missile logistics, understanding precisely where missiles were stored and how they were transported. A critical vulnerability identified was Iran’s limited fleet of missile transport trucks. Mossad exploited this weakness by launching targeted strikes on these vehicles, reportedly destroying dozens of them in the process. These operations continued actively inside Iran until Friday following the aerial bombardment.
Beyond military infrastructure, the Mossad operation reportedly also involved attempts to target high-ranking Iranian officials in Tehran. The objective, as described by a former Mossad Iran desk chief, was not solely physical destruction but also psychological warfare. By exposing the extent of its intelligence reach and operational capability, Mossad aimed to instill fear and uncertainty within Iran’s leadership. The former official emphasized that this campaign was designed to ensure that no member of Iran’s leadership feels beyond the reach of Israeli intelligence. The uncertainty about who might be targeted and when was, according to him, as strategically significant as the actual damage inflicted.
