David Barnea, the recently retired head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, asserted that Iran’s regime will collapse through a combination of economic pressure, covert operations, and internal protests. Barnea made these remarks during a speech at Jerusalem Municipality on August 27, marking his first public address since stepping down from his position on June 1.
Barnea endorsed recent economic sanctions imposed on Iran, characterizing the Trump administration’s decision to impose stringent measures as both justified and necessary. He stressed, however, that sanctions alone would not bring about regime change. According to Barnea, a comprehensive strategy involving intensified economic actions alongside covert operations or possible military force would be required to topple Tehran’s leadership. He did not specify whether this would entail additional airstrikes or rely solely on sabotage campaigns.
“The decision to place the most severe sanctions on Iran was a correct and praiseworthy decision. But the sanctions are just another stage,” Barnea said. “There will be no choice, in my view, other than to escalate the economic actions, the policies, and the operations against the regime until it falls, and it will fall.”
Barnea highlighted a shift in global perception regarding Iran’s threat, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump and international actors now grasp the multifaceted risks posed by Tehran, including nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile programs, and support for proxy militant groups. He referenced “Operation Roaring Lion” as a turning point after which Iran was no longer viewed as an Israeli-exclusive concern.
Turning to Israel’s main hostile groups, Barnea remarked that Hezbollah and Hamas have been significantly weakened since the October 7, 2023, attacks. He suggested that Mossad’s undercover activities have inflicted psychological damage on Hezbollah and credited the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the two military incursions into Lebanon since 2024 that further degraded Hezbollah’s capabilities.
Regarding Hamas, Barnea noted that the organization no longer resembles the quasi-military force it was in 2023, when it maintained 24 highly coordinated battalions. The former Mossad chief did not comment on Israel’s current diplomatic standing or political criticisms directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In addition to his strategic observations, Barnea called on Israeli society to foster greater tolerance and patience in engaging with diverse perspectives internally.
Earlier this month, Barnea was appointed global president and chairman of Ondas, a U.S.-based defense technology company specializing in autonomous systems and next-generation security solutions. In this capacity, he will oversee global expansion and support the integration of advanced technologies with government and defense sectors.