EXCLUSIVE: Yossi Cohen, the former director of Mossad, affirmed that the joint operation carried out by the United States and Israel “obliterated” Iran’s efforts, thereby halting its uranium enrichment, and cautioned that Israel “can return” if Tehran restarts its nuclear program.
Speaking this week at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City during the Shurat HaDin conference, Cohen, who served as head of Israel’s intelligence agency until 2021, characterized the operation as a pivotal moment for Israel’s security and the diplomatic prospects of the region.
“For an extended period, it was widely known that was our foremost client — and my personal client,” he mentioned, reflecting on his years as a Mossad operative. “That was the nation and the station central to our operations due to the threat Iran posed to Israel.”
“Since June 2025, Iran has found itself in a different predicament,” he stated. “I can fully endorse the president’s assertion that Iran’s nuclear facilities were obliterated. I am certain that Iran is not enriching uranium these days, which constitutes a significant achievement. Furthermore, Iran is aware of two crucial facts: first, that we possess the capability, and we acted upon it — with the U.S., through excellent cooperation and coordination. And second, and even more vital — we are able to strike again.”
Cohen commended the Trump administration for its discreet collaboration with Israel, the Mossad, and the IDF, which facilitated the joint strike.
“We neutralized their air-defense systems, their Revolutionary Guard sites; we pursued their vile terrorists into their very homes and beds within Tehran and other cities,” he declared. “We eliminated the that were posing an existential threat to the State of Israel — and they recognize that we performed an exemplary job there.”
In his recently published book, *The Sword of Freedom*, Cohen — who engaged directly with three U.S. presidents — recounts cautioning President Barack Obama in 2015 that the Iran nuclear deal was perilous.
“I informed him it was fraught with risk,” Cohen writes. “He responded, ‘Yossi, you are quite mistaken.’”
That discussion, he noted, was a scenario later repeated with President . “When Trump assumed office in 2016, I conveyed to him that the agreement was fundamentally flawed in principle and practice. He countered, ‘You are entirely correct. It’s the most unsatisfactory deal ever.’”
A crucial turning point, Cohen stated, was the 2018 Mossad operation to seize Iran’s nuclear archive — a mission that ultimately influenced the U.S. decision to withdraw from the accord.
On January 31, 2018, Cohen observed a live video transmission depicting a 25-person Mossad team infiltrating Tehran on a frigid, snow-covered evening. “Within Mossad, we appreciate severe weather conditions — times when others remain inside,” he remarked with a grin.
That night, operatives purloined 55,000 pages of confidential documents and 183 compact discs, which they covertly transported back to Israel — “not via conventional delivery,” Cohen quipped. The materials demonstrated that Iran was clandestinely persisting with its efforts even while engaging in negotiations with the U.S. and global powers.
Cohen further discussed the recent hostage agreement facilitated by the Trump administration.
“My gratitude to them, alongside our Middle Eastern allies, is immeasurable,” he expressed. “All surviving hostages have been liberated, and I anticipate receiving the remaining remains soon, as pledged by Hamas.”
He conveyed a hopeful outlook that the conclusion of the conflict in Gaza might signal the dawn of a fresh diplomatic period.
“Moving forward, we envision an improved Middle East once this war is effectively concluded,” he stated. “Perhaps the rebuilding of our regional relationships will begin again.”
Cohen foresaw that reinvigorated normalization initiatives would encompass more than just , which he assisted in bringing about during his leadership of Mossad.
“The Saudis will not be the sole participants,” he commented. “I am aware of speculations concerning Indonesia, which I certainly value, and I anticipate additional nations will come forward to formalize peace agreements with the State of Israel.”
He pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is slated for an upcoming visit to Washington, characterizing it as “a significant visit, not just for him, but for us regionally.”
“Inspired by the current American president and his commendable team — Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, and others,” he further added, “I foresee more peace accords in the days ahead.”
During the Shurat HaDin conference, Cohen additionally expressed his conviction that the Iranian regime could be toppled, albeit possibly over an extended period.
“The Iranian populace endures hardship under a ruthless regime; anyone who ventures to protest faces execution or gunfire,” he stated. “However, I believe the opportune moment has arrived, and with global backing, it will transpire.”
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, President of Shurat HaDin and host of the gathering, cautioned about the persistent political and legal perils confronting Israel.
“The conflict remains unfinished,” she declared. “Political maneuvers to create a Palestinian state adjacent to Israel, coupled with the belligerence of , are fueling an unparalleled surge in anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism. It is imperative that we consolidate all efforts addressing this matter to retaliate — militarily, legally, and within the sphere of international public discourse.”
During the Digital interview, Cohen also addressed conjectures regarding his political aspirations, prompted by Prime Minister’s 2018 suggestion that he might one day succeed him.
“I am not entering politics at this moment,” he affirmed. “A considerable period remains before I consider a political career. I believe Israel’s current situation is comparatively stable, and no significant changes are imminent. We are certainly scheduled for elections next year, and I do not intend to participate.”
Nevertheless, he did not dismiss the possibility of future engagement in Israel’s international relations.
“I am eager to do all within my power to bolster Israel’s global relationships,” he stated. “We require improved, beneficial agreements with as many nations as possible.”