In an unusual joint announcement on Monday, the Mossad, the Shin Bet, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) exposed a global Iranian terror network. This network was specifically designed to target Israeli assets and officials across the world.
Decimating the Command Structure
The operation revealed that top leaders of the network, operating out of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) intelligence Unit 4000, were killed during the recent Israeli-US war against Iran.
Rahman Moghadam, the chief of Special Operations Division 4000, managed the network and was eliminated at the start of the war. He served under senior IRGC official Majid Khademi, who was also killed by Israel.
Another key figure, Mohsen Suri, who traveled globally to coordinate with terror cells, was killed alongside other intelligence officials at an IRGC safehouse uncovered by the Mossad.
Operations in Azerbaijan and Beyond
In early March, Azerbaijan disclosed that it had foiled Iranian plots against local Jewish leaders, a synagogue, and the Israeli embassy in Baku. The joint Israeli statement, published six weeks later, noted that plotters had smuggled explosive drones into the country.
The network also operated in Turkey and Cyprus. Mahdi Yekeh-Dehghan, known as “the Doctor,” was exposed in January following Turkish arrests of individuals on espionage charges.
Yekeh-Dehghan’s cell smuggled explosive drones and gathered intelligence on American military units located at the Incirlik base.
Global Escalation and Diplomatic Stakes
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reported that over 30 Israeli embassies have been targeted by Iranian-backed terrorists since October 7, 2023. He specifically highlighted recent attempts to use explosive drones against Israeli officials in the United Arab Emirates.
The scale of these threats has grown rapidly. In September 2023, Mossad director David Barnea noted 27 thwarted incidents; by September 2024, reports indicated that the number of prevented attacks had more than doubled, exceeding 50 worldwide.
With US-Iran negotiations remaining open, this disclosure may serve as a strategic reminder to international negotiators that Iran’s sponsorship of global terror must be addressed during talks.
Potential Future Developments
Following US-Israeli attacks in June 2025, the IRGC may continue to invest in building fresh terror cells to carry out overseas operations.
The Israeli defense establishment could use these unique achievements as a “victory lap” if the war against the Islamic Republic is considered over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Iranian unit was responsible for the global terror network?
The network was managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) intelligence Unit 4000, specifically Special Operations Division 4000.
Who were the primary targets of the network’s intelligence collection?
The network targeted Israeli political, diplomatic, and defense officials, as well as Western military installations, ports, and Israeli ships globally.
What specific tactics did the Iranian plotters use in Azerbaijan?
According to the joint statement, the plotters smuggled explosive drones into Azerbaijan and collected intelligence on potential targets.
How might the revelation of these foiled plots influence ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran?
