Israeli Media's Account of Mossad's Role in Uncovering Iran's 'Assassination' Plot in Denmark

While the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic emphasized that the 'terrorist attempt' attributed to Iran in Denmark is the work of Mossad, Israeli media extensively reported that Mossad 'informed' Denmark about this 'Iranian conspiracy,' and subsequent information from Mossad led to the arrest of an Iranian connected to this 'assassination.' Denmark announced this week that it had identified an Iranian man with Norwegian citizenship on charges of 'terrorist attempt' against the life of an Iranian political activist residing in Denmark, and arrested him with the help of Sweden on its territory. The name of the arrested Iranian has not been disclosed, but reports from Iranian opposition media indicate that this man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to assassinate Habib Jabr, an activist of the 'Ahvaz Movement' who is a resident and citizen of Denmark. The police chief, foreign minister, and prime minister of Denmark expressed their anger at a separate press conference on Tuesday, November 8, condemning Iran as the mastermind behind this plot. The Israeli website Ynet reported on Wednesday, November 9, that 'Israel confirms' that its foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, was 'behind the information provided to Denmark and Sweden.' According to Ynet, Israel has increased its activities to prevent harm to Jewish and Israeli institutions and has also obtained information that was not related to Israeli and Jewish targets. In response to the assassination attempt in Denmark, Zarif stated, 'Mossad's conspiracy strengthens our resolve.' The Israeli public broadcaster reported on Wednesday that Mossad informed Denmark about this 'terrorist attempt.' In a report by Gili Cohen, a political reporter for the Israeli public broadcaster, it was stated that Israeli officials, by confirming Mossad's involvement in alerting Europe to 'Iran's conspiracies,' demonstrate Israel's role in European security. The 'Jerusalem Post' also reported based on this Israeli network that Mossad informed Denmark about the 'plot' and provided information that led to the arrest of the Norwegian-Iranian. This is the second time in recent months that Israeli media reported that Mossad has alerted European countries about 'Iranian terrorist plots' on the continent. The Israeli Prime Minister hinted in July that his country played a role in thwarting a security plot in Europe. Benjamin Netanyahu then added that European countries help Iran in saving the JCPOA and host the Iranian President while the Tehran regime is plotting terrorist activities on European soil. Shortly thereafter, Israeli media reported that Mossad had informed European countries about a 'bombing plot' at a conference of a group opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran in France, leading to the arrest of several Iranians connected to this 'plot.' The discovery of this new 'terrorist conspiracy' attributed to the Islamic Republic coincides with one of the most important issues concerning Iran. This incident, occurring on the eve of the return of U.S. oil sanctions against Tehran, has endangered Iran's relations with Europe, while European support for maintaining the JCPOA seems to be of utmost importance. The 'Jerusalem Post' reported on Thursday, November 10, referring to the EU's previous plan to establish a mechanism to facilitate payment channels to Iran after the implementation of new U.S. sanctions, that the Denmark incident has the potential to create divisions within the EU regarding Iran, although it is unlikely that sufficient support will be garnered in this union to take action against Iran in the remaining days until November 14, the deadline for the return of sanctions. More details about the 'assassination plot' in Denmark were released by the Danish Security Agency on Wednesday, which indicated that the Iranian citizen of Norwegian nationality arrested in Gothenburg, southern Sweden, was suspected of taking photos of Habib Jabr's residence in the outskirts of Copenhagen. A local Norwegian radio also claimed that the arrested individual had recently returned from a trip to Iran before his arrest. Following the armed attack on September 22 in Ahvaz during the anniversary parade of the Iran-Iraq war, which killed 25 and injured dozens, Iran accused Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK of sheltering members of 'terrorist groups responsible for the Ahvaz crime.' In this context, five Scandinavian countries expressed serious concern over the 'assassination' plot by Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. The Prime Minister of Denmark called for a 'unified response' from the European Union to Iran. Zarif's reaction to the assassination attempt in Denmark stated, 'Mossad's conspiracy strengthens our resolve.' Denmark summoned its ambassador and Rouhani ordered an investigation into the allegations of a plot to assassinate in Copenhagen. Iran was accused of preparing an attack; Denmark recalled its ambassador from Tehran. The severe government crackdown and the risk of 'underground' protests are also highlighted.