Mossad Chief Accuses Iran of Plotting Attacks

Israel's Mossad Director David Barnea speaks on the backdrop of a video claiming to show Iranian intelligence operatives, during the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) World Summit in the central coastal city of Herzliya on September 10, 2023. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)
Israel's Mossad Director David Barnea speaks on the backdrop of a video claiming to show Iranian intelligence operatives, during the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) World Summit in the central coastal city of Herzliya on September 10, 2023. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)
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Mossad Chief Accuses Iran of Plotting Attacks

Israel's Mossad Director David Barnea speaks on the backdrop of a video claiming to show Iranian intelligence operatives, during the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) World Summit in the central coastal city of Herzliya on September 10, 2023. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)
Israel's Mossad Director David Barnea speaks on the backdrop of a video claiming to show Iranian intelligence operatives, during the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) World Summit in the central coastal city of Herzliya on September 10, 2023. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)

The head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency on Sunday said that Israel is prepared to strike “in the heart of Tehran” to track down the perpetrators of what he said were over two dozen Iranian attempts to hit Israeli and Jewish targets around the world.

Speaking at a security conference, David Barnea said that Israel and its allies had foiled 27 attacks over the past year in Europe, Africa, southeast Asia and South America.

“The plots being pursued by these teams were orchestrated, masterminded and directed by Iran,” Barnea told the conference at Reichman University. He added that “as we speak” Iran is trying to carry out additional attacks.

“Our message is loud and clear and determined,” he said. “Make no mistake, those of you who decided to dispatch the teams. Be assured that we will get to you, and justice will be done for all to see. This has been proven in the past, and in the future, we will ramp it up to the next level.”

Barnea said Israel would go after the agents involved in the plots as well as the commanders who sent them. “These prices will be exacted deep inside Iran, in the heart of Tehran,” he said.

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest enemy, citing Iran’s calls for Israel’s destruction and its support for hostile militant groups on Israel’s borders. Israel also accuses Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapon — a charge Iran denies.



Cyprus Receives Requests to Help Evacuate Portugal, Slovakia Citizens from Middle East

Aircraft belonging to Israel's state carrier El Al and Israir among other airlines, are parked at Larnaca International Airport, in Larnaca, Cyprus June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
Aircraft belonging to Israel's state carrier El Al and Israir among other airlines, are parked at Larnaca International Airport, in Larnaca, Cyprus June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
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Cyprus Receives Requests to Help Evacuate Portugal, Slovakia Citizens from Middle East

Aircraft belonging to Israel's state carrier El Al and Israir among other airlines, are parked at Larnaca International Airport, in Larnaca, Cyprus June 16, 2025. (Reuters)
Aircraft belonging to Israel's state carrier El Al and Israir among other airlines, are parked at Larnaca International Airport, in Larnaca, Cyprus June 16, 2025. (Reuters)

Cyprus has received requests to assist in the evacuation of citizens of Portugal and Slovakia from the Middle East, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Monday.

“There are two active requests,” Kombos told reporters. “Obviously this very much depends on the access of their civilians to neighboring countries by road.”

Last week, Cyprus activated a mechanism to assist in the evacuation of third-country nationals from the Middle East region if required.

Its airports operator Hermes has said that dozens of flights from the Middle East had been diverted to airports in Larnaca and Paphos after most airlines halted flights to and from Israel following the start of its conflict with Iran.

With Iranian missiles hitting residential areas in Israeli cities, many foreigners are seeking ways out of the country. Croatia's ambassador in Israel on Monday said 28 of its citizens expressed a wish to be evacuated.