Planners Considered Ahmadinejad After Khamenei Strike
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Washington: This week news reports said US and Israeli planners considered reinstalling former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader after Israeli strikes killed the supreme leader in the opening salvos of the war. The New York Times account, echoed on May 20, states planners and Mossad consulted Ahmadinejad and targeted his house to free him from house arrest.
The reported Israeli strike on the first day injured Ahmadinejad, who survived but then became disillusioned and withdrew from the plan; his whereabouts remain unknown. In the immediate term US and Israeli planners lost the purported internal alternative, officials briefed on the operation provided details to journalists this week, and regional uncertainty increased as authorities assess next steps.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2005–2013: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad serves as Iran's hard-line president.
- 2. Years after 2013: Ahmadinejad clashes with Iran's theocratic establishment and is reportedly placed under house arrest.
- 3. Opening salvos of the war: Israeli strikes kill Iran's supreme leader and other top officials.
- 4. First day of the war: Israeli strike targets Ahmadinejad's residence and injures him; operation reportedly intended to free him.
- 5. Days later (reported May 20): US officials and media report that a Mossad-developed plan had aimed to reinstall Ahmadinejad, who then withdrew support and disappeared from public view.
Why it matters
This situation could affect global stability. Iran's leadership change might impact US-Iran relations, which can influence oil prices and international security. Keep an eye on news about Iran's next steps.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
