Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Mossad's Controversial Plan to Spark Iranian Protests Revealed

3/25/2026

49 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mossad devised a plan to incite protests in Iran to push regime change, per the New York Times.
Mossad chief David Barnea presented the strategy to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States officials before actions.
The plan targeted Iranian leaders to spark a mass uprising.
United States senators later said regime change was not the goal of the operation.
Netanyahu expressed frustration over the lack of results.

History

Historical Context

In 1953, the CIA and British intelligence executed Operation Ajax, overthrowing Iran's Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh to restore the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. This intervention, driven by concerns over oil and communism, established decades of authoritarian rule. The repercussions of this coup continue to influence U.S.-Iran relations and regional dynamics, as seen in contemporary protests incited by foreign interests.

1 of 2

Story summary

Mossad devised a plan to incite protests in Iran to push regime change, per the New York Times.
Mossad chief David Barnea presented the strategy to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States officials before actions.
The plan targeted Iranian leaders to spark a mass uprising.
United States senators later said regime change was not the goal of the operation.
Netanyahu expressed frustration over the lack of results.

1 / 2