Ex-Mossad chief reveals agents visited Iran’s Fordow nuclear site

Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen has disclosed that agents from the Israeli intelligence agency visited Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility multiple times in the past, with the intent of gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the site's operations. Cohen, who held the position of Mossad director from 2015 to 2021, disclosed this information during a recent conference on local authorities.

He stated, "We visited the Fordow nuclear facility many times to understand the nature of the place." Cohen did not provide specific details regarding the dates of these visits or the individuals involved. Israeli media quoted Cohen as expressing his satisfaction with the U.S.-led airstrike on Fordow, stating, "The Americans’ bombing of the facility was the fulfillment of all my dreams."

This statement comes in the wake of Israel's military operation against Iran in June 2024, which aimed to weaken the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, according to Tel Aviv – a threat considered "existential" by the Israeli government. The United States participated in the 12-day conflict, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Iran's nuclear program has been a persistent point of contention between Tehran and the West, including during ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the current war launched by Israel and the US against Iran in February. Tehran maintains its stance that the program is not intended for the development of a nuclear weapon. Cohen, a longtime ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has also been implicated in the 2020 assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, although Israel has not commented on this allegation.