SAEDNEWS: Israel has turned smuggling networks into a strategic tool, using them to target Iran’s scientists, steal nuclear documents, and even influence military operations. Cutting off these networks is now crucial for Iran’s national security.
According to Saed News; Over the past decades, Israel has relied heavily on covert operations to undermine Iran’s national security and technological progress. Beyond conventional espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks, smuggling networks have become a key operational arm for the Mossad, facilitating the transfer of weapons, equipment, sensitive information, and even human agents.
One of the most notorious uses of these smuggling routes was during the targeted killings of Iranian nuclear scientists between 2010 and 2020. Figures like Masoud Ali-Mohammadi, Majid Shahriari, Dariush Rezaeinejad, Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, and Mohsen Fakhrizadeh were all victims of carefully planned Mossad operations. Investigations indicate that explosives and operational tools were largely smuggled into Iran, showing that smuggling was not merely a support mechanism but an essential component of the missions. Local traffickers also helped conceal agents and equipment, enabling the Mossad to approach targets undetected.
In 2018, Israel executed one of its largest intelligence coups by stealing tens of thousands of Iran’s nuclear documents. According to reports, the operation relied on local intermediaries and smuggling channels. Heavy document packages, disguised as commercial goods, were moved across borders and eventually ended up in Israeli hands. This case clearly demonstrates how smuggling networks are intertwined with strategic espionage.
The pattern continued during the 12-day war, where Israel smuggled specialized equipment into Iran prior to the conflict. Reports suggest that drone parts, surveillance tools, and monitoring devices were brought under the guise of illegal shipments, aiding early-stage attacks that temporarily disrupted Iran’s air defense. Traffickers also assisted Mossad operatives in gaining real-time intelligence on key infrastructure.
Smuggling networks also provide a recruitment avenue. Local traffickers, due to their border knowledge and financial needs, are vulnerable to Mossad inducements, including cash payments or promises of asylum. This highlights that smuggling is not just a physical route for objects but a social conduit for infiltrating Iran.
Historical and contemporary evidence confirms that smuggling has evolved from a criminal activity to a strategic tool in Israel’s covert campaigns against Iran. Strengthening border control, AI-based monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and social awareness are now essential components of Iran’s national security strategy. Cutting off these networks directly limits the operational reach of adversaries like Mossad.
