Former Mossad Chief Warns Iran Is Rebuilding Nuclear Program, Calls for Hormuz Blockade

Former Mossad chief David "Dadi" Barnea warned Wednesday that Iran has begun rebuilding its nuclear program and will continue pursuing nuclear weapons as long as the current regime remains in power, regardless of any agreement it signs. Speaking at the Israel Hayom conference in New York, Barnea argued that Tehran views nuclear capabilities as its only guarantee of survival amid the regime's growing instability.

Barnea called for a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the continuation of economic sanctions against Iran. "This regime will struggle to survive with its collapsing economy and without revenues from oil exports," he said. While acknowledging that military conflict could accelerate the regime's collapse, he cautioned that another war could also destabilize global energy markets and the broader world economy.

Barnea Warns Against New Nuclear Agreement With Iran

Addressing the possibility of a new nuclear agreement, Barnea warned that reaching a deal with Tehran would effectively reward its conduct. "An agreement with Iran would be considered a reward for its strategy, a strategy of destruction and terrorism," he declared.

He also questioned whether Iran would honor any commitment to eliminate its nuclear capabilities entirely. Barnea praised US President Donald Trump for prioritizing long-term global interests over immediate public approval, saying, "He is demonstrating leadership that will ultimately lead us to the fall of the regime." He added that he believes the Iranian people are waiting for an opportunity to demand their freedom.

Pager Operation and Nasrallah Assassination

Barnea also discussed Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah, describing the operation involving explosive pagers as a precision strike that incapacitated thousands of Hezbollah operatives and severely damaged the morale of the organization's commanders. According to Barnea, dozens of checks were conducted to minimize harm to civilians and other uninvolved individuals, even when those precautions reduced the operation's effectiveness.

He described the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as "a historic moment of pure justice," revealing that the Mossad and Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate provided precise intelligence directly to the cockpits of Israeli fighter jets during the strike in Lebanon.

Reflecting on the broader regional situation, Barnea said that Hamas and Hezbollah have been significantly weakened, peace with Lebanon has become a possibility, and Iran is struggling for its survival. He concluded that Israel is now stronger than it was in the past and must decide how to proceed, with all options remaining on the table.