Early war goal was to install hardline former president Ahmadinejad as Iran’s leader
The United States and Israel initially aimed to install former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a leader during the recent conflict. However, the plan faltered after Ahmadinejad was injured in an Israeli strike intended to liberate him from house arrest. His current status remains unknown, highlighting the complexities and risks involved in the regime change strategy.
- ▪The US and Israel had a plan to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader after the war began.
- ▪Ahmadinejad was injured on the first day of the conflict, leading to his disillusionment with the regime change plan.
- ▪The existence of this plan underscores the misjudgment of US and Israeli officials regarding the war's objectives.
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For subscribersEarly war goal was to install hardline former president Ahmadinejad as Iran’s leaderSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxDr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had accused senior Iranian officials of corruption and was known as a critic of the government in Tehran.PHOTO: REUTERSMark Mazzetti, Julian E. Barnes, Farnaz Fassihi and Ronen BergmanPublished May 20, 2026, 10:30 AMUpdated May 20, 2026, 10:30 AMWASHINGTON – Days after Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and other top officials in the opening salvos of the war, US President Donald Trump mused publicly that it would be best if “someone from within” Iran took over the country.It turns out that the United States and Israel went into the conflict with a particular and very surprising someone in mind: Dr…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.