Israel's renowned intelligence agency, Mossad, has disclosed its successful operation in Iran, where it apprehended the suspected leader of a hit squad planning attacks against Israelis in Cyprus.

In an unusual move, Mossad spoke openly about the operation, stating that the captured individual provided a detailed confession about his orders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Israeli agency promptly informed authorities in Cyprus, leading to the dismantling of the cell.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran, two long-time adversaries. The disclosure by Israeli intelligence follows recent reports of the United States engaging in indirect talks with Iran to contain its nuclear program. Experts speculate that Israel's decision to publicize the operation aims to highlight Iran's broader threat beyond nuclear ambitions.

Yaakov Katz, journalist and author of "Israel Vs Iran: The Shadow War," comments, "Israel's interest here in publicizing this is to show the world that you might be making a deal with Iran on its nuclear program, but Iran is a far greater challenge." Katz emphasizes that Iran's activities extend beyond uranium enrichment, citing its involvement in assassinations targeting individuals globally, including businessmen in Europe.

However, Israel's claims about the Cyprus plot have yet to be independently verified, and there have been no immediate responses from Tehran or Nicosia. The Mossad statement describes the operation as a "unique daring mission within Iranian territory" and conveys a firm message: "We will get to every official who advances terror against Jews and Israelis anywhere in the world, including within Iranian territory."

A video released by Israeli authorities features a man identified as Yousef Shahabazi Abbasalilu, the main suspect in the case, speaking in Persian to a Mossad agent outside Iran. Abbasalilu admits to entering Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus illegally with the intention of killing an unnamed Israeli businessman. He claims to have received the target's photograph and address from his handler in the IRGC. The suspect fled from Cyprus back to Iran upon learning that the police were searching for him.

The authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the suspect's statement remain unclear. Mossad has not provided specific details regarding the capture, including the time and location, nor has it revealed when the planned attack in Cyprus was scheduled to take place.

Israel has long regarded Iran as its greatest adversary, citing calls for its destruction by the Iranian government and Tehran's support for militant groups targeting Israel. Alongside the United States and Europe, Israel suspects Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. In recent years, Israel has reportedly conducted numerous attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and has been accused of assassinating several Iranian nuclear scientists.

This disclosure follows previous instances where Israel's intelligence activities against Iran have been publicized, underscoring the broader threat posed by Iran. The revelation serves to remind Israel's international allies of the ongoing challenges and potential risks associated with the Iranian regime. Moreover, it demonstrates the capabilities and effectiveness of the Israeli intelligence agency, which has managed to infiltrate and gather intelligence from within Iran's security establishment.