David "Dadi" Barnea, the former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, has confirmed that Israeli operatives continue to function within Iran, a revelation made during his address at the Priority Summit conference. Barnea highlighted that nearly all of these agents have remained undetected, underscoring the effectiveness of their covert operations.

During his speech, Barnea discussed Operation Rising Lion, a significant Israeli initiative launched in 2025 aimed at targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. He recounted how Mossad strategically released a video showcasing its activities within Iran, a tactic designed to mislead Iranian security forces and complicate their efforts to identify genuine Israeli agents.

Barnea took personal responsibility for approving each agent assigned to this mission, ensuring their capability to maintain confidentiality. He stated, "You have to sign off that this secret won’t leak," indicating the high stakes involved in their operations.

The former chief disclosed that dozens of operatives had been positioned in Iran weeks prior to the operation, operating without the knowledge of Israeli pilots who were later called to carry out airstrikes. This level of secrecy is indicative of Mossad's meticulous planning and execution.

Furthermore, Barnea claimed that many individuals arrested or executed in Iran on espionage charges were not affiliated with Mossad, suggesting that the Iranian regime may have misidentified or falsely accused these individuals. He expressed confidence that some agents involved in the mission continue to live in Tehran, stating, "They’re there in Tehran, still living their good lives, knowing in their hearts that they served a noble purpose."

Barnea also touched upon a previous operation from September 2024, which successfully targeted Hezbollah by simultaneously detonating thousands of pagers used by its members. This operation exemplifies the ongoing tactical maneuvers by Israeli intelligence to disrupt adversarial networks in the region.

The implications of Barnea's statements are significant, as they reveal the persistent presence of Israeli intelligence within Iran, a country often viewed as a primary adversary. The continued operations underscore the complexities of regional security dynamics and the lengths to which nations will go to protect their interests.