Mossad director Barnea Warns Iran Will ‘Surge Forward’ to Nuclear Weapons if Given Opportunity

Mossad Director Dedi Barnea issued a blunt warning about Iran’s nuclear ambitions on Tuesday evening, saying Tehran would move rapidly toward nuclear weapons the moment it is able, during a ceremony honoring outstanding Mossad personnel.

“Iran will surge forward toward nuclear weapons the moment it is able,” Barnea said. “The idea of developing a nuclear bomb is still beating in their hearts.” Barnea’s remarks were delivered at an official state ceremony awarding certificates of excellence to 12 Mossad employees for exceptional operational contributions to Israel’s security, as the head of Israel’s foreign intelligence service including against Iran.

“Iran has not abandoned its aspiration to destroy the State of Israel,” Barnea said. He warned that Tehran believes it can “once again deceive the world and implement another bad nuclear agreement,” adding, “We did not allow, and will not allow, a bad agreement to be realized.”

Barnea said Iran’s nuclear activities leave little room for doubt about its intentions. “A state that has declared the destruction of Israel as its goal, deceived the world in developing nuclear weapons, and enriched uranium to levels with no explanation other than military nuclear ambition, is a state that will surge forward the moment it is able,” he said. “The idea of continuing to develop a nuclear bomb is still alive in their hearts.”

He added that Israel bears responsibility to ensure Iran’s nuclear program never resumes. “We have a responsibility to ensure that the nuclear project, which was severely damaged in close cooperation with the Americans, is never reactivated,” Barnea said.

Addressing global terror threats, Barnea linked Iran’s strategy to attacks targeting Jews worldwide, speaking in response to the deadly terror attack in Bondi, Australia. “The criminal idea of harming innocent civilians has been and remains at the core of the security strategy of the current Iranian regime,” he said, adding that “jihadist elements, ISIS and others, have also resolved to harm Jews everywhere in the world.”

“Our hearts are with the families of the Australian victims,” Barnea said. “The goal of these attacks is to break our spirit. Our spirit will not be broken.” He warned perpetrators and their sponsors: “We will find the attackers and those who sent them wherever they flee, and we will hold them to account. Justice will be seen and done.”

The ceremony honored Mossad personnel for exceptional operational achievements, including:

• A fighter inside an enemy state involved in high-risk missions that produced critical intelligence.

• An agent-handling officer who ran a source delivering “golden intelligence” from an enemy state’s inner core.

• Three female operations officers, including a native of Iran, a former Yamam operative, and a third-generation Mossad employee.

• A veteran intelligence officer involved for years in thwarting terror attacks against Israelis and Jews worldwide.

• A senior fighter and commander recognized for leadership in special operations and bravery during the October 7 battles.

• Cyber and technology personnel who drove innovation and strengthened Mossad’s operational superiority.
   

The roles were described in general terms, in line with longstanding intelligence practices aimed at safeguarding personnel, sources, and active operations. The event also marked the first meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog since the pardon request. Around the same time, Netanyahu released a video addressing rising antisemitism, calling on Western governments to act. “I demand that Western governments do what is required to fight antisemitism and provide the necessary security and protection for Jewish communities around the world,” he said. “I demand action — now.”