Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has acknowledged its cooperation with the CIA during recent attacks on Iranian targets, days after a US-negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Iran was implemented.
Mossad Director David Barnea issued a public statement on Wednesday, thanking the CIA and its leadership for their partnership and support during what he described as “joint operations.” According to AFP, Barnea said the collaboration contributed to “successful missions,” and praised the CIA director for backing Mossad’s decision-making throughout the offensive.
Israeli intelligence services reportedly infiltrated Iranian territory with weaponized drones that were later used to eliminate key figures in Iran’s military and nuclear programs. The covert campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, began on June 13 and was accompanied by large-scale airstrikes aimed at halting Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the attacks by claiming they were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The United States joined the offensive on June 22, targeting several nuclear-related sites, including the heavily fortified Fordow uranium enrichment facility.
Barnea claimed that the Israeli operations had “substantially weakened” what he described as a long-standing threat posed by Iran. “We will continue to monitor every known Iranian program—we know them inside and out—and remain ready to act again, just as we have done so far,” he warned.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe issued his own statement on Wednesday, stating that the American-led strikes had “seriously impaired” Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. However, reports from the Pentagon’s intelligence unit suggest the damage may be temporary, estimating that Iran’s program has been delayed only by several months.
Tehran has consistently denied having a military nuclear agenda and has labeled the Israeli and US strikes as unjustified acts of aggression. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israeli targets and carried out an assault on a US military installation in Qatar. Iranian authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing uranium enrichment activities.
The truce, which came into force on Tuesday following mediation by Washington, has so far held. Still, with both sides exchanging threats and accusations, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain.
