Current sectionMiddle East NewsIran NewsDuring his tenure as Iran's president, Ahmadinejad fiercely opposed talks with the United States and repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel. Israeli strikes intended to free Ahmadinejad reportedly wounded him, prompting him to abandon the planShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribe08:33 AM • May 20 2026 IDTAhead of its and the United States' joint attack on Iran, Israel developed a regime change plan that envisioned installing former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the country's leader, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials briefed on the plan.CommentsIn the NewsReport: Israel, U.S. Planned Reinstating Ahmadinejad as Iran's Leader During WarKnesset Set to Dissolve as Netanyahu's Coalition Bills Have Narrow Window LeftU.S. Senate Passes Symbolic War Powers Resolution as Trump Vows 'Very Quick' EndTrump's Board of Peace to UN: Promised Funding for Gaza Rebuild Not TransferredGOP Rebel Massie Loses Primary After Record-high Spending From pro-Israel FoesRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHundreds Protest at New York Times HQ Over Column Alleging Abuse by IsraelisICC Prosecutor Seeks Warrants for Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Other Israeli OfficialsEverybody Loses in the Cynical Israeli-Palestinian Sexual Violence CompetitionWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Settler Filmed Abusing Palestinian-owned Dog in West BankIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter Attacked