Full Breakdown
Israeli Intelligence Uncovers Iranian “Proxy-by-Proxy” Terror Network
7/24/2026, 8:09:32 PM
New Tactic Exposed
Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet announced on Thursday that they have dismantled a global Iranian terror network that relies on a “proxy-by-proxy” recruitment method. Rather than recruiting operatives directly, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry allegedly uses an intermediate layer of middlemen, who in turn enlist additional recruits. The disclosed chain began with Iranian officials who recruited two criminal operatives in Iran—Baba Mahu-Zadeh Haji Jafan (known as “Babak”) and Ahmat Nadim Yigit (known as “Nadim”). Those handlers then recruited a French-resident criminal, Tarout Ozokor, who used the alias “Philip” to assemble a cell of foreign nationals intended to infiltrate Israel.
Background and Context
The proxy-by-proxy approach is presented as a way for Tehran to obscure its involvement and avoid direct retaliation. Historically, Iranian terror planners have sought to recruit foreigners directly for attacks on Israeli or Jewish targets worldwide. The shift to layered recruitment was highlighted as a response to increased Israeli and allied counter-terror efforts. Since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran on February 28 (as reported by *Times of Israel*), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has intensified attempts to establish terror cells abroad.
Key Figures and Operatives
- Adala Bahazada Uhsari – Iranian Intelligence Ministry official; reportedly assassinated by Israel in the early 2026 war.
- Vahid Matzoumi – Iranian Intelligence official involved in middle-man recruitment.
- Hamid Qasemi – Iranian operative linked to the proxy network.
- Baba Mahu-Zadeh Haji Jafan (“Babak”) – Criminal recruited by Iranian handlers, remains in Iran.
- Ahmat Nadim Yigit (“Nadim”) – Criminal recruited alongside Babak, also remains in Iran.
- Tarout Ozokor (“Philip”) – French-resident recruited to lead a cell; expelled from France after exposure.
Scope and Impact
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced in April that Iranian-backed terrorists have targeted over 30 Israeli embassies since October 7 2023. The Jerusalem Post later reported that the number of planned attacks worldwide had more than doubled compared with the prior year, exceeding 50 attempted attacks by September 2024. In early March, Azerbaijan reported thwarting Iranian plots against its Israeli embassy, a synagogue, and local Jewish leaders. The Mossad and Shin Bet emphasized that the exposure of the proxy network coincided with Israeli airstrikes that eliminated senior IRGC intelligence figures during the ongoing conflict.
Official Statements & Responses
The Mossad statement described the proxy method as “careless” and said it repeatedly exposed Iranian handlers despite attempts to conceal their fingerprints. Israeli officials framed the disclosure as evidence of Tehran’s expanding terror ambitions and a justification for continued pressure on Iran. The agencies credited cooperation with foreign intelligence services for the successful dismantling of the network.
