Mossad-linked account accuses Iran’s Supreme Leader of poor leadership and drug use

July-27-2025, 21:40 ET

A Farsi-language social media account claiming ties to Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has drawn international attention after accusing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of being unfit to lead. The controversial posts allege that Khamenei spends his days sleeping and using drugs, while much of Iran suffers from critical shortages of water, electricity, and basic services.

Although the authenticity of the account remains unverified, its provocative messages have reignited discussions about the state of governance in Iran, as well as the broader regional tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

Social media account alleges drug use and poor governance

The allegations surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) from an account that claims to represent Mossad in the Farsi language. The account, which was created in June 2025 and has a premium subscription, has posted several messages criticizing Iran’s leadership, particularly targeting Ayatollah Khamenei.

In one of its most widely shared posts, the account wrote:

“How can a leader lead when they sleep half the day and spend the other half high on substances? Water, electricity, life!”

Another post on July 9 read:

“Consuming drugs and conversing with spirits are not desirable traits for someone leading a country.”

The comments appear intended to highlight widespread dissatisfaction within Iran over essential services and economic instability, using satire and sharp language to call out leadership failures.

Account’s credibility under scrutiny but signals Mossad fingerprint

While Israeli intelligence has not officially confirmed the account’s affiliation with Mossad, experts say some of the content suggests access to sensitive information.

Beny Sabti, a specialist on Iran at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies and a former IDF Persian-language officer, told Israeli outlet JFeed:

“Some of the information it has shared could only have come from Mossad.”

Another intelligence source told the publication the account’s tone is highly unusual for Mossad, which typically avoids public commentary. However, it may represent a new form of psychological operations or digital influence targeting Iranian audiences.

Satirical contests and encrypted warnings to Iranian users

In addition to its accusations against Khamenei, the account has run satirical “contests,” such as a recent post about the unnamed commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters—the central command of Iran’s armed forces.

After Iran’s state-linked Tasnim News Agency reported that the commander’s identity would remain undisclosed for his protection, the Mossad-linked account posted that it already knew the name and invited Iranians to guess it. One user correctly named Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, prompting the account to respond:

“Contact us privately to receive your prize.”

The account’s bio also contains a warning to users inside Iran, urging them to use secure methods of communication:

“To everyone contacting us through private messages, for your own security, please ensure you are using a VPN.”

Historical context: Past claims about Khamenei’s health and habits

Allegations about Ayatollah Khamenei’s health and rumored drug use have circulated for years, though no claims have been verified by independent sources.

In 2022, Nour Mohamed Omara, an academic affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, made similar allegations during a broadcast on a Turkey-based network.

“Many viewers do not know this, but Khamenei himself uses drugs,” Omara claimed.
“He has a special village in Balochistan, where the drugs used by the leader are produced. This village is run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and no one is allowed in.”

These claims were aired on a station known for anti-Iranian government rhetoric and have not been substantiated.

Notably, after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei publicly labeled drug use as “un-Islamic.” Iran continues to impose some of the harshest drug laws in the world, including the death penalty for certain offenses.

Tensions rising between Israel and Iran in the digital sphere

The emergence of this Mossad-linked account coincides with broader digital confrontations between Iran and Israel, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and online surveillance.

Iran has long accused Israel of conducting covert operations inside its territory, including targeted assassinations and infrastructure sabotage. While Israel typically maintains strategic ambiguity around such operations, the tone of this X account may represent a bolder, more public-facing strategy aimed at undermining Iran’s internal legitimacy.

Digital influence campaigns have become an increasingly common tool in modern statecraft, especially between long-standing regional adversaries. Analysts say platforms like X allow intelligence-linked groups to bypass traditional media and speak directly to foreign populations.

No official comment from Iran or Israel

Neither Iran’s government nor the Mossad has publicly commented on the allegations made by the account. Iranian state media has so far refrained from acknowledging the posts, and Israeli officials have declined to verify the account’s authenticity.

As of this writing, the account remains active and continues posting content critical of Iran’s government. The viral nature of the posts suggests they are gaining traction among Iranian users, particularly younger audiences active on encrypted and international platforms.

Conclusion: Digital disruption amid deep distrust

While the credibility of the Mossad-linked account remains under review, its impact is already being felt in Iran’s digital ecosystem. By using provocative language and leveraging known grievances—such as water and electricity shortages—the posts appear designed to stir public sentiment and possibly erode trust in the ruling establishment.

Whether these claims will lead to broader unrest or international consequences is unclear. However, the episode underscores the growing use of social media as a battleground for intelligence and influence in the Middle East.

As with all politically charged reports, especially those involving unverified claims, careful scrutiny and responsible sourcing remain essential.