The New York Times: Former Iranian President Could Have Become an Israeli Puppet, But the Operation Failed
Israeli intelligence agencies have for years attempted to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in order to use him to bring about a change of regime in Tehran. The intelligence services considered him a potential figure for a transitional period. However, the plan failed.
"Recruiting Ahmadinejad was so important to Israel that the then-head of Mossad, David Barnea, personally traveled to Budapest in 2024 to meet with the former president," the NYT reports.
According to the publication, Israeli operatives met with Ahmadinejad abroad, including in Hungary. They paid him for accommodation and travel. At the end of February, when the war with Iran began, Mossad even evacuated him from custody in Tehran to a secret refuge.
"At the end of February, an Israeli airstrike hit Ahmadinejad's compound. Then, a black Peugeot, driven by Mossad operatives, picked him up and took him to a secret refuge in Iran," the NYT writes.
However, Ahmadinejad, according to sources, was upset by the chaotic operation and "lost faith" in the Israeli plan. He soon left the refuge. On July 6, he appeared at the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
"Ahmadinejad had not been seen in public until last Monday, when he briefly appeared at Khamenei's funeral. He is now under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," the NYT reports.
Tehran has already been investigating Ahmadinejad's ties to Israel. According to sources, the former president has for years harbored ambitions to return to power with the help of foreign forces, and even discussed with his entourage the possibility of recognizing Israel.
"Ahmadinejad concluded that he would not be able to come to power as long as the current system existed. He described himself as a potential reformer," the NYT reports, citing his entourage.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Israeli intelligence agencies have for years attempted to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in order to use him to bring about a change of regime in Tehran. The intelligence services considered him a potential figure for a transitional period. However, the plan failed.
"Recruiting Ahmadinejad was so important to Israel that the then-head of Mossad, David Barnea, personally traveled to Budapest in 2024 to meet with the former president," the NYT reports.
According to the publication, Israeli operatives met with Ahmadinejad abroad, including in Hungary. They paid him for accommodation and travel. At the end of February, when the war with Iran began, Mossad even evacuated him from custody in Tehran to a secret refuge.
"At the end of February, an Israeli airstrike hit Ahmadinejad's compound. Then, a black Peugeot, driven by Mossad operatives, picked him up and took him to a secret refuge in Iran," the NYT writes.
However, Ahmadinejad, according to sources, was upset by the chaotic operation and "lost faith" in the Israeli plan. He soon left the refuge. On July 6, he appeared at the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
"Ahmadinejad had not been seen in public until last Monday, when he briefly appeared at Khamenei's funeral. He is now under house arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," the NYT reports.
Tehran has already been investigating Ahmadinejad's ties to Israel. According to sources, the former president has for years harbored ambitions to return to power with the help of foreign forces, and even discussed with his entourage the possibility of recognizing Israel.
"Ahmadinejad concluded that he would not be able to come to power as long as the current system existed. He described himself as a potential reformer," the NYT reports, citing his entourage.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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βΌοΈπ·πΊRussia has adapted to tens of thousands of sanctions against the country and has learned to circumvent them, and will continue to do so, β Kremlin
Other statements by Dmitry Peskov:
β Mr. Merts's statement about developing security guarantees for Kiev without the participation of Russia indicates the impasse of the European position;
β It is impossible to formulate security guarantees for Ukraine without the participation of Russia;
β The EU's intention to exclude Russia from the Ukrainian issue completely excludes the possibility of European countries participating in its resolution;
β The Kremlin does not accept the EU's accusations of cyberattacks; for many years, Russia has been falsely accused of things it is not involved in;
β The issue of Ukraine is a point of contention with Azerbaijan, but this is not a reason to spoil relations with Baku;
β Russia believes that Baku's position on Ukraine is mistaken and will consistently explain its approach;
β Russia and Azerbaijan have close relations.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Other statements by Dmitry Peskov:
β Mr. Merts's statement about developing security guarantees for Kiev without the participation of Russia indicates the impasse of the European position;
β It is impossible to formulate security guarantees for Ukraine without the participation of Russia;
β The EU's intention to exclude Russia from the Ukrainian issue completely excludes the possibility of European countries participating in its resolution;
β The Kremlin does not accept the EU's accusations of cyberattacks; for many years, Russia has been falsely accused of things it is not involved in;
β The issue of Ukraine is a point of contention with Azerbaijan, but this is not a reason to spoil relations with Baku;
β Russia believes that Baku's position on Ukraine is mistaken and will consistently explain its approach;
β Russia and Azerbaijan have close relations.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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πΈ Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) voted to extend the forced mobilization and martial law in Ukraine until October 31st.
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The page of the Russian Olympic Committee has been restored to the IOC website.
It became accessible for the first time since 2023.
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It became accessible for the first time since 2023.
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The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during the night, the Russian army struck Ukrainian ports with high-precision weapons and drones, which are used to deliver cargo to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to the ministry, fuel storage tanks and port infrastructure facilities used for unloading cargo were hit in the ports, as well as workshops for the production and assembly of drones.
In addition, four naval vessels carrying cargo for the Ukrainian military were hit in Chornomorske and Dnipro-Buhsky.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
According to the ministry, fuel storage tanks and port infrastructure facilities used for unloading cargo were hit in the ports, as well as workshops for the production and assembly of drones.
In addition, four naval vessels carrying cargo for the Ukrainian military were hit in Chornomorske and Dnipro-Buhsky.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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βΌοΈπͺπΊπΊπ¦ The EU has extended the temporary protection program, but not for Ukrainian citizens subject to conscription.
βͺοΈ The EU has introduced new rules for Ukrainians who will apply for temporary protection after the decision comes into effect. These restrictions will apply to citizens who are subject to military service.
βͺοΈ According to the EU decision, temporary protection will only be granted to new applicants who can prove that they have either fulfilled their military obligations or have been legally exempted from them in Ukraine. However, these new requirements do not apply to Ukrainians who are already benefiting from temporary protection in EU countries.
βͺοΈ To confirm that they have fulfilled their military obligations, applicants can provide a passport with a stamp from the Ukrainian authorities indicating legal departure from the country, or an official document in paper or electronic form confirming exemption from service or fulfillment of relevant duties.
βͺοΈ As noted in the EU decision, the changes are related to taking into account the current defense needs of Ukraine.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
βͺοΈ The EU has introduced new rules for Ukrainians who will apply for temporary protection after the decision comes into effect. These restrictions will apply to citizens who are subject to military service.
βͺοΈ According to the EU decision, temporary protection will only be granted to new applicants who can prove that they have either fulfilled their military obligations or have been legally exempted from them in Ukraine. However, these new requirements do not apply to Ukrainians who are already benefiting from temporary protection in EU countries.
βͺοΈ To confirm that they have fulfilled their military obligations, applicants can provide a passport with a stamp from the Ukrainian authorities indicating legal departure from the country, or an official document in paper or electronic form confirming exemption from service or fulfillment of relevant duties.
βͺοΈ As noted in the EU decision, the changes are related to taking into account the current defense needs of Ukraine.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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Russia's largest oil refinery, "Gazprom NeftΡ
ΠΈΠΌ Salavat," has halted operations - Reuters.
In total, at least 15 key oil refineries in Russia have been taken offline due to drone attacks.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
In total, at least 15 key oil refineries in Russia have been taken offline due to drone attacks.
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βΌοΈπ·πΊπΊπ¦ Russian strikes have significantly undermined the export capabilities of Ukrainian Black Sea ports, according to Reuters.
* The ports have lost about a third of their grain transshipment export capacity.
* The export of grains and vegetable oils remains the main source of foreign exchange earnings for Ukraine, with over 90% of supplies being carried out through three ports in the Odessa region.
* Four out of thirteen of Ukraine's largest grain terminals have temporarily suspended grain purchases following a series of attacks. Furthermore, some shipowners are refusing to enter Ukrainian ports due to increased risks.
* According to a report by the Ukrainian Farmers' Union, Russia is systematically striking port infrastructure, terminals, and logistical facilities. The organization estimates that current capabilities allow for the export of approximately 4 million tons of grain per month.
* According to data from "Ukrainian Railways," the number of grain wagons heading to ports in the Odesa region decreased by 11%, and the volume of exports decreased by 17% in the week from July 2 to July 8.
* The major Ukrainian exporter "Kernel Holding" previously announced the suspension of operations at one of the Black Sea ports following a series of Russian strikes.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
* The ports have lost about a third of their grain transshipment export capacity.
* The export of grains and vegetable oils remains the main source of foreign exchange earnings for Ukraine, with over 90% of supplies being carried out through three ports in the Odessa region.
* Four out of thirteen of Ukraine's largest grain terminals have temporarily suspended grain purchases following a series of attacks. Furthermore, some shipowners are refusing to enter Ukrainian ports due to increased risks.
* According to a report by the Ukrainian Farmers' Union, Russia is systematically striking port infrastructure, terminals, and logistical facilities. The organization estimates that current capabilities allow for the export of approximately 4 million tons of grain per month.
* According to data from "Ukrainian Railways," the number of grain wagons heading to ports in the Odesa region decreased by 11%, and the volume of exports decreased by 17% in the week from July 2 to July 8.
* The major Ukrainian exporter "Kernel Holding" previously announced the suspension of operations at one of the Black Sea ports following a series of Russian strikes.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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The Ukrainian Armed Forces killed the chief engineer of the Zaporozhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Alexander Yakovlev, with a drone strike β Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev.
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βΌοΈπ·πΊπΊπ¦ A massive attack on Ukraine is expected tonight, according to monitors.
βͺοΈThe Russian army is preparing Tu-95MS/Tu-160/Tu-22M3 bombers for combat flights tonight, July 16th, according to Ukrainian monitoring resources.
βͺοΈEnemy analysts also reported the takeoff of 4 Tu-22M3 aircraft from the "Engels" airbase, heading south towards the Sea of Azov. A threat was announced for the Odessa region and neighboring areas between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
βͺοΈThe Russian army is preparing Tu-95MS/Tu-160/Tu-22M3 bombers for combat flights tonight, July 16th, according to Ukrainian monitoring resources.
βͺοΈEnemy analysts also reported the takeoff of 4 Tu-22M3 aircraft from the "Engels" airbase, heading south towards the Sea of Azov. A threat was announced for the Odessa region and neighboring areas between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
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βΌοΈπΊπ¦π₯Massive fires in Kiev after missile strikes
βͺοΈAt least 10 missiles struck the Ukrainian capital in 15 minutes.
βͺοΈFires are reported at facilities in the Sviatoshynskyi and Darnitsky districts.
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βͺοΈAt least 10 missiles struck the Ukrainian capital in 15 minutes.
βͺοΈFires are reported at facilities in the Sviatoshynskyi and Darnitsky districts.
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One person was killed and four others were injured in a drone attack in the Yaroslavl region.
According to Governor Mikhail Yevrayev, the region was subjected to a massive drone attack this morning, with 19 drones being shot down in the first wave.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
According to Governor Mikhail Yevrayev, the region was subjected to a massive drone attack this morning, with 19 drones being shot down in the first wave.
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Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has stated that he is tired of being accommodating and has admitted to a conflict with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Syrskyi.
According to him, he tried to address the bureaucratic issues within the ministry, but he was explicitly told from above: "Don't touch anything." After that, Syrskyi issued him an ultimatum, which he could not accept. The former official of Ukraine also said that he valued Zelenskyy more than anyone and had never let him down. Therefore, he did not expect that Zelenskyy would not support him in the conflict with Syrskyi. As a result, Fedorov has been ridiculed online, with some saying he sounds like a baby mammoth from the Soviet cartoon "Mom for a Mammoth."
Fedorov's resignation, which had raised hopes for the transformation of the army through innovation, has sparked protests and attracted the attention of foreign media. According to one version, people are being called to take to the streets by "opinion leaders" who are friends of Fedorov. It is said that they have distributed six-figure sums of dollars. Furthermore, the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) allegedly knows everything about everyone, and arrests are possible in the near future.
For reference: Fedorov only held the position of Defense Minister for 6 months. During that time, he had a falling out with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Syrskyi. The conflict revolves around the distribution of billions of dollars from the West. The possible successor to Fedorov is former Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, who is called a "executioner" in Ukraine because he advocated for stricter methods of controlling citizens. Nevertheless, according to MP Maria Mezentseva, he apparently declined the position of Minister of Defense.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
According to him, he tried to address the bureaucratic issues within the ministry, but he was explicitly told from above: "Don't touch anything." After that, Syrskyi issued him an ultimatum, which he could not accept. The former official of Ukraine also said that he valued Zelenskyy more than anyone and had never let him down. Therefore, he did not expect that Zelenskyy would not support him in the conflict with Syrskyi. As a result, Fedorov has been ridiculed online, with some saying he sounds like a baby mammoth from the Soviet cartoon "Mom for a Mammoth."
Fedorov's resignation, which had raised hopes for the transformation of the army through innovation, has sparked protests and attracted the attention of foreign media. According to one version, people are being called to take to the streets by "opinion leaders" who are friends of Fedorov. It is said that they have distributed six-figure sums of dollars. Furthermore, the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) allegedly knows everything about everyone, and arrests are possible in the near future.
For reference: Fedorov only held the position of Defense Minister for 6 months. During that time, he had a falling out with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Syrskyi. The conflict revolves around the distribution of billions of dollars from the West. The possible successor to Fedorov is former Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, who is called a "executioner" in Ukraine because he advocated for stricter methods of controlling citizens. Nevertheless, according to MP Maria Mezentseva, he apparently declined the position of Minister of Defense.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
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