Ex-CIA boss hints at involvement of Israeli intel in Iran protests

Former US Secretary of State and CIA boss Mike Pompeo has voiced support for ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, while suggesting that intelligence operatives from Tehran’s archrival, Israel, are involved in the unrest.

The protests, described as the worst in recent years, erupted last weekend amid hyperinflation and a prolonged economic crisis in the sanctioned Islamic Republic. The unrest quickly spread to multiple cities, reportedly leading to deadly clashes with the authorities.

Pompeo – a staunch supporter of Israel who served in President Donald Trump’s first administration and spearheaded a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran – shared a post on X on Saturday hinting at broader US involvement in the protests as well.

“The Iranian regime is in trouble… Riots in dozens of cities and the Basij under siege – Mashed, Tehran, Zahedan. Next stop: Baluchistan. 47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence?” he wrote. “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”

The remarks came days after a Farsi-language X account associated with Israel’s Mossad spy agency openly cheered on the protesters and urged Iranians to join, while claiming its agents were embedded in the crowds.

Iran’s authorities have also alleged that Israel is involved, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf accusing foreign agents of attempting to turn legitimate demonstrations into violent urban confrontations.

The days of unrest drew increasingly confrontational remarks from US President Donald Trump, who earlier this week threatened military intervention “if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters.” Consequently, Tehran appealed to the United Nations in a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accusing Trump of “incitement to violence, unrest, and terrorist acts.” It urged the body to condemn Trump’s statements and demanded that Washington halt “all threats or uses of force.” While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that violence and foreign interference would not be tolerated.

The US carried out direct military action against Iran during a 12-day war last year, joining Israel in targeting nuclear facilities with airstrikes that Washington said were meant to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons – an intention that Iran has repeatedly denied. Israel’s Channel 13 later reported that Mossad had deployed around 100 foreign agents inside Iran prior to the operation in order to sabotage missile launchers and air-defense systems.