Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has denied a report by The New York Times alleging that he maintained secret ties with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, calling the claims "nonsense" and completely baseless.
In a statement, Ahmadinejad's office also rejected reports that he had been placed under house arrest. It said the allegations published by The New York Times were "completely false" and had been fabricated to support the report's claims.
According to the report, which cited former U.S. officials, Mossad conducted a years-long, highly classified operation to recruit Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset. It claimed the operation was part of a plan to overthrow Iran's ruling establishment and install the former president as the country's new leader.
The report further alleged that Mossad maintained secret ties with Ahmadinejad for several years, provided financial support for his foreign travel and accommodation, and held multiple covert meetings with him in Budapest.
It said that in early 2024, a Hungarian government official asked Professor Gergely Deli, rector of Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, to organise a climate change conference and invite Ahmadinejad. According to the report, the conference served as a cover for secret talks between Ahmadinejad and Israeli intelligence officials.
The report also claimed that then Mossad chief David Barnea travelled to Budapest to meet Ahmadinejad and that, following the meeting, Mossad informed the CIA that it had established a communication channel with the former Iranian president.
Responding to the allegations, Ahmadinejad said the report was intended to mislead the public and create internal divisions within Iran.
Ahmadinejad served as Iran's president from 2005 to 2013 and was known for his hardline stance against Israel during his tenure. He had recently attended the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike.