Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad denies Mossad recruitment report

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday dismissed a New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad intelligence agency had sought to recruit him, describing the claims as "completely false" and accusing the newspaper of attempting to fuel internal divisions. In a statement issued by his office, the former president categorically denied that he is under house arrest — a separate claim made by the newspaper — and characterized the allegations as fabricated narratives designed to mislead public opinion.

Details of NYT report

The New York Times reported Monday that Israeli intelligence had attempted in recent years to persuade Ahmadinejad to cooperate with Israel. The newspaper claimed Mossad viewed him as a potential candidate to lead the Islamic Republic, and further alleged that the former president is currently under house arrest.

Ahmadinejad's office vigorously contested these claims in its Tuesday statement. "We categorically reject all the completely false allegations promoted by The New York Times," the statement said, adding that such reporting serves only to sow discord within Iranian society and destabilize the region.