TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States (US) and Israel reportedly planned to install former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran’s new leader during the recent conflict with Tehran, according to a report by The New York Times.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the plan was allegedly discussed after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in replacing Iran’s leadership from within following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The report cited US officials familiar with the operation, describing the strategy as an attempt to replicate Washington’s approach in Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. According to the report, US officials believed Ahmadinejad could become a transitional figure capable of managing Iran’s political and military situation.
Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, was widely known for his anti-Israel rhetoric, support for Iran’s nuclear program, and harsh crackdown on domestic dissent during his presidency. However, in recent years, he reportedly became increasingly critical of Iran’s ruling establishment after falling out with Khamenei and several senior regime figures.
The New York Times report stated that Ahmadinejad was injured during an Israeli air strike targeting a security compound near his home in Tehran on the first day of the war. US officials allegedly described the attack as an effort to free him from house arrest and pave the way for regime change.
The report claimed Ahmadinejad survived the strike but later withdrew from the plan after becoming uneasy about the operation. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Guardian noted that reports regarding the alleged operation have been met with skepticism inside Iran, where local media questioned whether Ahmadinejad had actually been under house arrest at the time.
Iranian outlets previously reported that Ahmadinejad had been killed during Israeli strikes on Tehran in February, although later reports suggested that only a security outpost near his residence in the Narmak district had been hit. Satellite imagery reportedly confirmed damage to the area.
The Guardian also reported that Ahmadinejad’s relationship with Iran’s ruling establishment had deteriorated significantly after 2011 following disputes with Khamenei over ministerial appointments, economic policies, and Ahmadinejad’s nationalist political agenda.
Although Ahmadinejad repeatedly attempted political comebacks after leaving office, Iranian authorities barred him from running in several presidential elections, including the 2024 race.
The report further stated that Ahmadinejad’s recent political positions had shifted considerably compared to his earlier presidency. He reportedly visited Hungary in 2025 for a public lecture and previously praised Trump during a 2019 interview, calling him “a man of action.”
Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high following recent military escalations. Trump has reportedly delayed additional air strikes after pressure from Gulf leaders but continues to consider further military action if Iran refuses US demands regarding its nuclear program.
Iran has also threatened to widen the conflict beyond the Middle East if attacks resume, while negotiations over sanctions relief and the future of Tehran’s uranium enrichment program remain stalled.
Read: US Seeks to Reset Ties with Iran, But Remains 'Locked and Loaded'
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