What Israeli authorities denied for years is now on the desks of Iranian analysts: top-secret data on Tel Aviv’s nuclear program, obtained through a brilliant intelligence operation.

This is not just a leak - it’s a total collapse of Israel’s security apparatus, which failed to protect even its most guarded state secrets. According to sources close to Iranian intelligence, the operation was one of the largest in the history of the two nations’ confrontation. The archives now in Tehran’s possession contain thousands of documents, including details on Israel’s nuclear infrastructure and strategic plans. 

“This is a disaster for Israeli intelligence,” said an anonymous source familiar with the operation. “They didn’t just miscalculate - they didn’t even realize they’d been robbed until it was too late.” Interestingly, news of the breach only surfaced weeks after Shin Bet proudly arrested two suspects accused of spying for Iran. But the arrests appear to be a belated attempt to cover up an already accomplished fact: the classified materials had long since left Israel.

A Systemic Collapse

This failure is no accident - it was inevitable. As far back as March 2025, Israel unexpectedly disbanded its “Iran Command,” a special unit created to counter Tehran. Officially, the move was framed as an “optimization” to improve efficiency. However, experts see it as an admission of Israel’s strategic failure, especially in light of Iran’s recent successes, including military operations and breaches of Israeli defense systems.

The unit’s dissolution highlights deep flaws in Israel’s security apparatus. According to a 2024 Shin Bet report, cases of espionage for Iran surged by 400%. Notable incidents include:

– Arrests of military personnel leaking classified data, including Iron Dome specifications.

– Exposure of 13 spy networks linked to Iranian intelligence.

– Establishment of a special prison for 26 convicts caught spying for Iran.

But as it turns out, Tehran’s biggest victories remained hidden - until now. The decision to dismantle the “Strategy and Third Circle Directorate”- the body responsible for countering Iranian influence - was made within hours of the appointment of the new IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

Created in 2020 under former Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi’s “Momentum” doctrine, the unit was meant to coordinate intelligence, cyber, and military operations against Iran - Israel’s primary adversary beyond its immediate borders. Its structure included:

– A strategic department for operational planning.

– An international cooperation division, liaising with foreign militaries.

– A dedicated Iran task force.

Despite its ambitious goals, the unit failed to curb Tehran’s influence. Its downfall culminated in October 2024, when the IRGC launched “True Promise-2” - a massive missile strike in which Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles (with a 90% success rate) bypassed Israeli air defenses and hit military and intelligence targets.

Cyberattacks remain another weak spot: while Israel claims to have thwarted 700 attacks in 2024, sources say thousands more damaged power grids, hospitals, and military systems. “Iranian hackers have turned our infrastructure into a testing ground,” admits an Israeli cybersecurity expert. The decision to disband the unit is symbolic - Tel Aviv seems to realize its Iran strategy needs a complete overhaul.

How the West and U.S. Are Reacting to Mossad’s Failure

The Trump administration has avoided strong statements, but The Washington Post reports tension in the White House and Pentagon. U.S. officials fear Iran could use the stolen data to accelerate its nuclear program or share it with hostile states like Russia or North Korea. The State Department has held emergency talks with Israeli counterparts, while U.S. intelligence assesses potential damage to American interests. Some Republican lawmakers are pushing for tougher Iran sanctions and a re-evaluation of intelligence cooperation with Israel.

European leaders - particularly from Germany and France - have expressed concern but avoid sharp criticism. The EU worries that exposing Israel’s nuclear secrets could destabilize the region and complicate talks on reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

The Fallout: What Comes Next for the Region and the World?

What does this leak mean for global security? How will the regional balance of power shift? And how might Israel and its allies respond? Western analysts believe the biggest risk is Iran using the intel to fast-track its nuclear program. If Tehran gained access to technology, methods, or agent lists, it could:

– Shorten its path to a nuclear bomb by filling technical gaps and speeding up uranium enrichment.

– Improve sabotage defenses, making future covert operations harder.

– Hide prohibited activities from IAEA inspectors by understanding which aspects are monitored.

Israel views Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Post-leak, possible scenarios include:

– Preemptive strikes on nuclear facilities if diplomacy and covert ops are deemed ineffective.

– Escalation of covert ops (e.g., assassinating scientists), though Iran is now better prepared.

– Increased cyber warfare, with both sides targeting critical infrastructure.

The U.S. and Europe will likely tighten sanctions but avoid direct confrontation. Meanwhile, Russia and China may exploit the situation to deepen ties with Iran, offering diplomatic cover and military-tech cooperation. Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, UAE) could accelerate their own nuclear programs in response. The region may face:

– An arms race (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt pursuing nukes).

– Proxy war escalation (Syria, Yemen, Lebanon).

– Heightened risk of all-out war (any provocation could trigger Israel-Iran conflict, involving Hezbollah).

Mossad’s failure and the nuclear data leak aren’t just an intelligence blunder - they’re a game-changer for the Middle East. If Tehran capitalizes on this information, the world could face a new nuclear crisis, escalating conflicts, and rising global tension.

Viktor Mikhin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAEN), Middle East expert. Courtesy

https://journal-neo.su/2025/06/13/mossad-in-crisis-israels-nuclear-secrets-now-in-irans-hands/