Israel’s Mossad disclosed Sunday that three of Iran’s most senior officials — including newly appointed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour — have been quietly monitoring the spy agency’s Persian-language X account.
In a Farsi-language post aimed at Iranians inside the Islamic Republic, the Israeli intelligence service wrote that “the respected gentlemen Pakpour, Mousavi and Araghchi are among our most loyal viewers,” adding that the trio log on using “second phones,” with two of them hiding behind private internet connections.
As “a gesture of appreciation,” the Mossad said it had decided to follow the officials back.
The message then cautioned ordinary Iranians: “You may keep watching our content, but for your own safety, please avoid following the page or reacting to our posts.” The agency promised to “continue providing important information” to its growing Persian-speaking audience.
Who are the unnamed followers?
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour – Promoted to IRGC commander-in-chief on June 13 after his predecessor, Hossein Salami, was killed in an Israeli strike.
Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi – Appointed chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces the same day, filling another vacancy created by Israel’s June offensive.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi – The veteran nuclear negotiator who took over Iran’s Foreign Ministry in August 2024 and has since led Tehran’s diplomacy during the Israel–Iran war.
All three men have publicly vowed revenge for Israel’s June strikes, yet the Mossad’s disclosure suggests they also track Israeli messaging online, a point the agency used to embarrass Tehran’s leadership.
The post is the latest salvo in the Mossad’s month-old digital outreach to Iranians. Earlier messages from the same account have offered VPN tips, telemedicine links, and even direct contact channels for whistleblowers, underscoring Israel’s strategy of separating the Iranian public from its rulers.
Israeli officials say engagement from inside Iran has surged since the June 24 cease-fire ended 12 days of open warfare. Millions of views have been recorded across Hebrew- and Farsi-language platforms, as Israel pushes the narrative that its fight is “with the regime, not the people.”
Iranian state media and the three officials named by Mossad had not responded publicly. In recent days, however, authorities have intensified online surveillance and arrested users accused of sharing “pro-Israel” content, highlighting the risks ordinary Iranians face when interacting with foreign accounts.