The prosecution of CIA officer Asif Rahman for allegedly leaking to Iran secret information about a possible retaliatory attack by Israel is yet another precedent in the long-running intelligence war between Iran and Israel. This incident not only embarrassed the US administration, but highlighted the nature of an endless shadow war across the region.
Information leaks and international crises
The information was leaked on an Iran-based Telegram channel, which it claims is not affiliated with the Iranian government. However, the matter has become a major challenge for the US administration. Because, before that, another officer, Jack Teixeira, was found guilty in the case of leaking Pentagon documents.
The leak provides a partial picture of the ongoing shadow war between Iran, Israel and US intelligence agencies. According to experts, this conflict has profound implications not only for military strategy, but also for controlling public opinion.
One side wins, the other side loses
In October, Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet reported that seven Israeli citizens had been detained on charges of spying for Iran. A day earlier, seven more people were arrested from Haifa on the same charges.
Israeli police claim that more spy cells linked to Iran are active in the country. Meanwhile, 73-year-old businessman Moti Maman was arrested in September on charges of working with Iranian intelligence. He was accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On the other hand, Iran has also detained several citizens accused of spying against Israel. In December, three men and one woman were hanged for working for the Mossad.
Importance of Human Spy
While digital surveillance and social media monitoring are highly effective, the importance of human spies is still immense. Sina Tusi, senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, said the role of human intelligence in the ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel is very important.
He also noted that Israel has deeply influenced Iran through high-profile assassinations and sabotage operations. On the other hand, Iran is also conducting its operations in Israel by building a human intelligence network.
Disruption of society and intelligence infiltration
Israel's internal divisions have allowed Iran to penetrate there. Analyst Hamza Attar said the fragmentation of Israeli society is facilitating Iran's intelligence operations.
Most of those detained in Haifa are immigrants from Azerbaijan or members of the Arab-Israeli community. Experts believe this could allow Iran to make further inroads in the future.
Israel's influence in Iran
Israel has been carrying out subversive activities inside Iran for a long time. Expert Aharon Bregman said that since the 1979 Iranian revolution, Israel's goal has been to overthrow the Iranian government.
Israeli intelligence successes include the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists, sabotage of key facilities, and raids deep into Iran.
Propaganda: A powerful tool
In order to control the whole situation, Iran is using the strategy of creating psychological pressure on the opponent by spreading false information. Century Foundation Fellow Veena Ali-Khan said Iran often challenges its adversary's credibility by spreading fake news.
Attempt to control the situation
The Shin Bet and the Israeli police regularly publicize their operations to create public awareness. But behind this propaganda campaign lies the failure of Israeli intelligence agencies, particularly the failure to prevent the October 7 attack.
Sina Tusi said that although Israel's intelligence capabilities are highly advanced, their current strategic situation is constantly being challenged.
According to Al Jazeera.
