Former Mossad Head Declares Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Dismantled, Highlights Trump’s Role

Former Mossad Head Declares Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Dismantled, Highlights Trump’s Role

EXCLUSIVE: Yossi Cohen, the former chief of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, confirmed that a collaborative operation between the United States and Israel has effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities, claiming it has ‘obliterated’ the nation’s atomic facilities. This significant action, aimed at halting Iran’s uranium enrichment, serves as a stark warning that Israel stands ready to intervene again if Tehran resumes its nuclear ambitions.

During an engaging discussion at the Shurat HaDin conference held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, Cohen emphasized the operation’s importance for both Israel’s national security and the broader diplomatic landscape of the Middle East.

Iran’s Position Post-Operation

Cohen recalled the persistent threat Iran has posed over the years, stating, ‘For many years, everyone knew that Iran was our premier client — and my personal client.’ Reflecting on his years as a Mossad operative, he underscored that addressing Iran’s aggression had been a major focus for Israel.

He expressed optimism about the current status, noting, ‘Since June 2025, Iran has been positioned differently. I can wholeheartedly agree with the president’s claim that Iran’s nuclear facilities have been obliterated.’ Cohen went on to affirm that Iran is not engaged in uranium enrichment at this time, which he views as a significant achievement.

Collaboration with the Trump Administration

Cohen commended the Trump administration for its covert coordination with Israel, including the Mossad and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which facilitated the joint operation. ‘We destroyed their air-defense systems, their Revolutionary Guard sites, and we closely pursued their operatives within Tehran,’ he reported. ‘The destruction of nuclear facilities that were an existential threat to Israel was accomplished with meticulous success.’

In his newly published book, The Sword of Freedom, Cohen detailed his interactions with three U.S. presidents and highlighted a critical warning he provided to President Barack Obama in 2015 regarding the potential perils of the Iran nuclear deal. ‘I told him it was risky,’ Cohen recounted, ‘but he disagreed.’

When discussing his later conversations with Donald Trump, Cohen recalled, ‘When Trump took office, I reiterated that the deal was fundamentally flawed. He nodded, acknowledging it as the ‘worst deal ever.’

Operations That Changed the Game

A pivotal moment in the struggle against Iran, Cohen asserted, occurred in 2018 when Mossad agents executed a daring mission to seize Iran’s nuclear archive. This operation proved instrumental in influencing the U.S. decision to withdraw from the nuclear agreement.

On a chilly night, January 31, 2018, Cohen monitored a live feed of a 25-member Mossad team infiltrating Tehran. ‘In the Mossad, we thrive in extreme weather conditions. While others seek shelter, we make our moves,’ he shared with a smirk. That night, Mossad agents successfully extracted 55,000 pages of classified documents and 183 compact discs, materials that revealed Iran’s clandestine efforts to pursue nuclear weapons despite international negotiations.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

Cohen also addressed recent diplomatic developments regarding hostages, stating, ‘I cannot express enough gratitude towards our allies in the Middle East. All living hostages are free, and we await the return of the remaining bodies as promised by Hamas.’

Expressing hope for a new chapter in regional diplomacy, Cohen predicted, ‘Once the war in Gaza concludes, we could witness a revitalization of relationships in the Middle East.’ He spoke about the potential for renewed normalization efforts, extending beyond the Abraham Accords, a set of agreements he had a hand in establishing during his tenure.

‘Not only will Saudi Arabia engage, but there are also chances of Indonesia and other nations joining in peace treaties with Israel,’ Cohen stated confidently. He mentioned that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was expected to visit Washington soon, a move he deemed significant for broader regional stability.

Political Insights and Aspirations

Discussing his political future, Cohen clarified, ‘I am not venturing into politics at this moment. The current Israeli landscape feels stable, and I don’t foresee any immediate changes.’ However, he did leave the door open for future participation in Israel’s international relations, expressing a desire to support better agreements globally.

‘I would welcome any opportunity to enhance Israel’s international relationships,’ he said. ‘Our goal should be to forge sound agreements with as many countries as feasible.’

Warning Signals from Shurat HaDin

The event organizer, Shurat HaDin President Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, conveyed a sobering message regarding ongoing threats to Israel’s sovereignty. ‘The war is far from over,’ she asserted, emphasizing the risks posed by political movements favoring a Palestinian state alongside Israel and the rising anti-Israel sentiment globally.

‘It is essential that we unite to combat these challenges — on the battlefield, in courts, and within the court of global public opinion,’ she urged.

A Vision for Change

As geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, Cohen articulated his belief that the Iranian regime could eventually be overthrown, though he cautioned that this may take time. ‘The Iranian people endure tremendous suffering under a repressive regime,’ he noted. ‘Reform may be on the horizon if the world rallies behind their cause.’