In a significant escalation of covert operations between Israel and Iran, reports have emerged detailing Mossad’s deep penetration into Iranian territory, particularly in Isfahan, to disrupt Iran’s military capabilities. These operations highlight a sophisticated blend of espionage, sabotage, and hybrid warfare tactics.
Unveiling the Covert Drone Base in Isfahan
According to recent reports, Mossad established a clandestine drone base within Iran, marking a notable shift in Israeli intelligence operations. This base was reportedly activated during Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, enabling drone and precision-guided weapon strikes within Iranian territory. The operation involved smuggling drone parts and munitions into Iran using various methods, including suitcases, trucks, and shipping containers, ultimately assembling them on-site near key military installations .en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org
The strategic location of Isfahan, home to critical military infrastructure, made it a prime target for these operations. The city’s significance is underscored by its association with Iran’s missile and drone programs, including the assembly of the Shahab medium-range missile and the production of Shahed-136 drones .timesofisrael.com+1timesofisrael.com+1
Execution of Drone Strikes
The covert drone operations involved assembling explosive UAVs on-site, which were then used to disable missile launchers and air defenses. These preemptive sabotage campaigns were fundamental to Israel’s overall aerial operation, effectively blunting Iran’s ability to retaliate and reducing missile launches from an anticipated 1,000 to approximately 200 .en.wikipedia.org
The operations were synchronized with Israeli Air Force airstrikes, targeting surface-to-surface missile infrastructure and other military sites across Iran. The coordination between Mossad’s ground operations and the Israeli Air Force’s aerial strikes exemplifies a comprehensive approach to military strategy.en.wikipedia.org
Iranian Response and Attribution
Iran’s response to these operations has been multifaceted. In January 2023, Iran reported a drone attack on a defense factory in Isfahan, which caused minor damage. While Iran did not immediately attribute the attack, subsequent investigations and statements suggested Israeli involvement .en.mehrnews.com+10apnews.com+10en.wikipedia.org+10en.mehrnews.com+1apnews.com+1
In March 2024, Iran executed an individual it claimed was a Mossad agent responsible for a drone attack on a defense ministry site in Isfahan. The executed individual was reported to have planned to explode the workshop complex under the guidance of a Mossad intelligence officer .the-sun.com+8tehrantimes.com+8timesofindia.indiatimes.com+8jpost.com+5ndtv.com+5timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5
Iran’s judiciary has executed a “terrorist” over a drone attack that targeted a defense ministry site in central Iran last year, state media reported on Sunday. According to state TV, the person “planned to explode the workshop complex of the Ministry of Defence in Isfahan under guidance of the intelligence officer of Mossad,” Israel’s spy agency. The date of the execution and the identity of the accused person were not immediately clear. Iran has several known nuclear research sites in the Isfahan region, including a uranium conversion plant. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3ndtv.com+3timesofisrael.com+3
Strategic Implications
These operations signify a strategic shift in the Iran-Israel conflict, moving beyond traditional military engagements to encompass sophisticated covert actions within each other’s borders. Mossad’s ability to establish a drone base within Iran and execute precision strikes underscores the agency’s advanced capabilities and the evolving nature of modern warfare.en.wikipedia.org
The use of drones and precision-guided munitions reflects a broader trend in military strategy, emphasizing low-cost, high-effectiveness tactics that can achieve strategic objectives without large-scale conventional warfare.
The Iranian response, including executions and public attributions, indicates the high stakes involved and the intense pressure both nations face in this clandestine conflict. The operations have not only targeted military infrastructure but have also had broader geopolitical implications, influencing regional alliances and international diplomatic efforts.
Conclusion
Mossad’s covert drone operations in Isfahan represent a significant development in the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran. These actions highlight the increasing reliance on hybrid warfare strategies, blending espionage, sabotage, and advanced technology to achieve strategic objectives. As both nations continue to navigate this complex and high-stakes conflict, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential for broader regional instability.
