“Israel/IL hacked Tehran traffic cameras for years to spy on Khamenei”
A few days after the death of Ali Khamenei, more details are emerging about the covert operation that led to the death of the Iranian leader. The British newspaper Financial Times reveals that Israel’s Mossad has been monitoring all traffic cameras in Tehran for years. This has allowed the intelligence agency to monitor the ayatollah and his inner circle in detail.
Iranians on the streets of Tehran, even before the war with the US and Israel. Photo source: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images
This article was written by Coen Rowlants. Published on March 3, 2026,
According to sources in the British newspaper, Israel has gained access to almost all the cameras in the Iranian capital through a hack. These cameras are used by the regime itself to spy on its opponents and its own people.
The Mossad reportedly used these cameras to map the daily routines of Khamenei and his bodyguards: routes, working hours, regular meetings and even where the security guards parked their personal cars. Everything was closely monitored.
A crucial camera angle
According to the Financial Times, a particular camera angle in the political district of Tehran, where the parliament and the defense ministry are located, was extremely valuable. Khamenei’s office complex, the Supreme Leader’s House, is also located in this area. Through this footage, Israeli intelligence agents could see when and how the bodyguards arrived and who was accompanying them.
The ruined residence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Photo source: Reuters
The camera footage was reportedly transmitted live to Tel Aviv and bases in southern Israel. This allowed the Mossad to build a detailed profile of Khamenei’s security, including addresses, schedules and responsibilities.
“We knew Tehran as well as Jerusalem,” the Financial Times quoted an Israeli intelligence officer as saying. “And when you know a place as well as the street you grew up on, you can tell when every detail is wrong.”
A combination of hacking, artificial intelligence and a CIA source
The hacking operation was part of a multi-year intelligence campaign. In addition to camera footage, the sources said, Israel used artificial intelligence and algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data on Iran’s leadership. The CIA also reportedly obtained important information from a human source.
When Israel and the United States learned of Khamenei’s whereabouts, the decision was made to intervene. The newspaper said Israeli forces had previously disabled about a dozen mobile phone masts around the neighborhood. As a result, the phones appeared busy, preventing security alerts from being received.