The New York Times has reported that Israel considered former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a possible figure in a post-Khamenei leadership scenario during discussions surrounding a multi-stage plan aimed at destabilizing the Islamic Republic.
According to the report, the scenario was discussed as part of broader planning related to the possible removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.
The newspaper said it remains unclear how Ahmadinejad became linked to the proposal or whether he had any knowledge of the discussions.
Several advisers to former US President Donald Trump reportedly described the idea as unrealistic, while some American officials questioned whether Ahmadinejad had enough political support to return to power in Iran.
The report also stated that some Iranian officials killed during attacks targeting the leadership compound were viewed by parts of the White House as figures more open to discussing political change inside Iran.
During the same period, Iranian media outlets initially circulated reports claiming Ahmadinejad had been killed in an airstrike targeting his residence. Later reports stated that he survived.
Satellite images published afterward appeared to show that Ahmadinejad’s home had not suffered major structural damage, although a nearby security checkpoint at the entrance to the alley was reportedly destroyed.
The New York Times report comes as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States remain high, fueling speculation over possible future power scenarios inside Iran.
No official authorities in Iran, Israel, or the United States have publicly commented on the report so far.
