 "Representational image. Pixabay")
The recent charging of CIA official Asif Rahman for allegedly leaking classified information about Israeli preparations for potential strikes on Iran has exposed the long-running espionage battles in the region.
The leak, reportedly to an Iran-based Telegram channel, has added to the challenges faced by the Biden administration, which is still dealing with the fallout from the earlier conviction of Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira for leaking Pentagon documents, Al Jazeera reported.
The leaked intelligence comes amid ongoing operations involving the intelligence networks of Iran, Israel, and the US, illustrating the covert strategies shaping the broader regional conflict.
Arrests in Israel
In late October, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency announced the arrest of seven Israeli citizens in East Jerusalem accused of espionage for Iran. Separately, another seven individuals in Haifa were detained on charges of aiding Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.
The suspects allegedly conducted hundreds of intelligence-gathering missions over two years, including reconnaissance that may have targeted senior officials, Al Jazeera reported.
Israeli authorities believe additional Iran-linked cells may still be operating in the country.
These arrests followed other high-profile cases, including the September accusation against Israeli businessman Moti Maman of collaborating with Iranian intelligence.
Iran has also detained its citizens for alleged connections to Mossad, with some cases resulting in executions.
Espionage tactics
Despite advances in technology, human intelligence remains a key tool in the intelligence strategies of both Iran and Israel.
Iran has focused on building networks within Israel, targeting groups seen as marginal within Israeli society, such as Arab Israelis or immigrants from Azerbaijan.
Impact Shorts
View AllAnalysts suggest these divisions in Israeli society may provide Iran with opportunities for recruitment.
Israel’s intelligence operations in Iran, meanwhile, have included assassinations, sabotage of nuclear facilities, and strikes deep inside Iranian territory.
The country’s intelligence agencies have worked for decades to establish networks inside Iran, capitalising on social and political unrest.
Information warfare
Iran has reportedly planted false stories in Western and Israeli media to discredit opposing intelligence agencies.
In one instance, Iranian state media disproved claims of the arrest or death of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, presenting the incident as evidence of unreliable reporting by foreign outlets.
Both Iran and Israel use public narratives strategically to bolster deterrence. Shin Bet has publicised recent arrests to warn potential operatives.
Critics argue that the publicity also masks failures, including Israel’s inability to anticipate the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
Israel’s intelligence successes are significant, but its security agencies face mounting challenges on multiple fronts, including domestic divisions and increasing Iranian activities.
Analysts caution that perceptions of invincibility in intelligence operations do not always align with reality.