US and Israel ‘hoped to install Ahmadinejad as Iran’s leader’

The Guardian · 🇬🇧 public United Kingdom · May 20, 2026 · 775 words · By Patrick Wintour

Geopolitical Instability US-Israel-Iran relations Regime Change Efforts

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What to know about Geopolitical Instability

Fresh questions have been raised over the US and Israeli effort to depose the Iranian regime after it was claimed that Israel wanted to put the populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power.

Claims checked 19

Techniques found 1

Topics 3

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left14%

Center72%

Right14%

7 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Fresh questions have been raised over the US and Israeli effort to depose the Iranian regime after it was claimed that Israel wanted to put the populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power.

Why it matters

Ahmadinejad’s turbulent presidency, from 2005 to 2013, was marked by incendiary attacks on Israel but he recast himself as a critic of the regime and champion of the poor after falling out with the supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Common ground

It is claimed that Israel bombed a security building close to his Tehran home to help him escape house arrest but he became uneasy about the operation.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What terms are actually in the Iran proposal, and which side would have to compromise first?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that Ahmadinejad’s turbulent presidency, from 2005 to 2013?
How does this story connect Geopolitical Instability with US-Israel-Iran relations over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-and-israel-hoped-to-install-ahm…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 1 propaganda technique in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 80% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 19 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 9

check_circle Corroborated 8

info Single Source 2

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Claim 1: “Ahmadinejad’s turbulent presidency, from 2005 to 2013”

CORROBORATED

Two independent news sources (NY Post and Al Jazeera) confirm Mahmoud Ahmadinejad served as president from 2005 to 2013.

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cross reference SUPPORTS — Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013
https://nypost.com/2026/05/20/world-news/experts-raise-eyebr…

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cross reference SUPPORTS — he was known during his term as president, from 2005 to 2013, for his calls to ‘wipe Israel off the map’
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/20/us-and-israel-plann…

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Claim 2: “Ahmadinejad has been repeatedly blocked from standing again for the presidency, including in 2024.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 3: “Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, is largely cooperating with Washington”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 4: “Ahmadinejad’s authority declined markedly when he fell out with Khamenei in 2011”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 5: “issued only the most mild criticism of the Israeli strikes on Iran in 2025.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 6: “Trump told reporters on Wednesday: “Netanyahu will do whatever I want him to do.”

CORROBORATED

Three independent sources report that Donald Trump told reporters that Benjamin Netanyahu would do 'whatever I want him to do'.

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web search NEUTRAL — Donald Trump said Benjamin Netanyahu would do whatever he wanted on Iran when asked about a possible strike.Standing before reporters on Wednesday, he declared that Israeli President Benjamin Netanyah…
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/donald-trump-says-benj…

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web search NEUTRAL — President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will do “whatever I want him to do” when it comes to dealing with Iran.
https://www.tampafp.com/trump-drops-iran-bombshell-netanyahu…

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web search NEUTRAL — He added that Netanyahu is “a very good man” before repeating, “He will do whatever I want him to do.” Trump also joked that he might take Netanyahu’s job one day, claiming he’s “99%” among Israelis. …
https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-boasts-netanyahu-w…

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Claim 7: “a year later – his rival, Ali Larijani, was elected parliament’s speaker.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

info

Claim 8: “on Tuesday he held a lengthy phone call with Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu”

SINGLE SOURCE

The provided web search results for this claim are completely irrelevant, discussing 'Liên Quân' (a video game) skins instead of political phone calls.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Jan 7, 2026 · Trên đây là danh sách skin Liên Quân mới nhất 2026 được tổng hợp chi tiết, giúp game thủ dễ dàng theo dõi những bộ trang phục sắp ra mắt cũng như các skin đang được săn đón.
https://vtcpay.vn/blog/skin-lien-quan-moi-nhat-2026.html

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web search NEUTRAL — Mod skin Liên Quân đang trở thành xu hướng mới được cộng đồng game thủ cực kỳ yêu thích. Với khả năng thay đổi giao diện, hiệu ứng và trang phục nhân vật, người chơi có thể trải nghiệm Liên Quân theo …
https://modskinlienquan.com/

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web search NEUTRAL — Gameplay Trang chủ Gameplay Tướng/Skin Tướng/Skin Trang phục Trang Bị Bảng ngọc Phụ Trợ Phù Hiệu Chế độ chơi Đấu sĩ Đỡ đòn Pháp sư Sát thủ Trợ thủ Xạ thủ
https://lienquan.garena.vn/hoc-vien/tuong-skin/

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Claim 9: “The plans, reported by the New York Times”

CORROBORATED

Three separate web results explicitly state that the New York Times reported on a secret US-Israeli plot to install Ahmadinejad in power.

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web search NEUTRAL — The US and Israel had a plan to install a former Iranian hardliner president days after both countries launched a war on Iran and killed then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during initial air strikes on …
https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/c293e3a82b37

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web search NEUTRAL — The New York Times reports of a secret US-Israeli plot to install former anti-Israel Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427344

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web search NEUTRAL — The New York Times reported overnight Tuesday that the United States and Israel had an unexpected candidate for that “someone from within” — perhaps the last person anyone would have imagined as suita…
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bka4o351fx

info

Claim 10: “a security outpost outside his home in Narmak, north-east Tehran, had been hit – an attack confirmed by satellite images.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The provided evidence consists of general Wikipedia and commercial definitions of satellites and weather maps; there is no specific evidence provided regarding a strike in the Narmak district of Tehran.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — 1 hour ago · Orbital Radar is a next-generation platform for real-time satellite tracking, space situational awareness, and orbital intelligence. Explore thousands of satellites, live events, and orbi…
https://orbitalradar.com/

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web search NEUTRAL — Satellites are spacecraft launched from the surface into space by launch systems. Satellites can then change or maintain their orbit by propulsion, usually by chemical or ion thrusters.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite

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web search NEUTRAL — View LIVE satellite images, rain maps, forecast maps of wind, temperature for your location.
https://zoom.earth/

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Claim 11: “official news agencies reported that he suffered minor injuries but his bodyguards were killed.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 12: “The US president said on Monday that he had delayed a fresh attack after an intervention by Gulf leaders.”

CORROBORATED

Three independent sources (YouTube/Trutht Social report, The Hindu, and another news report) confirm Donald Trump stated he delayed an attack on Iran following requests from Gulf leaders.

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web search NEUTRAL — US President Donald Trump has announced America was planning to attack Iran tomorrow but has now agreed to hold it off.President Trump said in a post on Trut...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTstUcn81bQ

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web search NEUTRAL — Trump claims Gulf leaders requested he hold off on striking Iran, originally 'planned' for Tuesday. The heads of the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia called Trump, asking him not to strike Iran, the presi…
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896614

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web search NEUTRAL — U.S. President Donald Trump said he was postponing a planned attack on Iran scheduled for Tuesday (May 19, 2026) at the request of Gulf leaders amid “serious negotiations” with Tehran.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-says-delay…

schedule

Claim 13: “Trump had made it clear... he wanted to follow the model of Venezuela where US troops captured the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 14: “The US has mounted a counter-blockade of Iran’s ports”

CORROBORATED

Three independent sources confirm the US implemented a counter-blockade of Iranian ports, specifically mentioning the date April 13.

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web search NEUTRAL — A US naval blockade cuts off Iran's main source of hard currency by halting most of its oil exports. Will President Trump's pressure force Tehran back to negotiations or widen the conflict?
https://www.dw.com/en/trump-naval-blockade-of-iranian-ports-…

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web search NEUTRAL — Shortly after, Trump said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until a deal is reached. Iran has since said the strait is closed again. Iran had continued to export its own oil…
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv6xr6me3o

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web search NEUTRAL — Iran imposed a blockade on foreign shipping using the strait of Hormuz soon afterwards and Trump imposed a counter-blockade of ships using Iranian ports on 13 April.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/04/shipping-bosse…

schedule

Claim 15: “He was arrested in 2018 after criticising the government led by his successor, Hassan Rouhani.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 16: “Iran's oil shipments... principally go to China as its single biggest source of export revenue.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple sources confirm China is the primary destination for Iranian oil exports despite sanctions, and that oil is a critical source of Iranian export revenue.

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web search NEUTRAL — Iran has a developing mixed economy that is centrally planned through its large public sector. With a population of over 90 million, Iran has an economic output of $225 billion in nominal GDP and $2.1…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Iran

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web search NEUTRAL — China continues to be the primary destination for Iranian oil exports despite mounting US sanctions. Much of Iran’s sanctioned crude reportedly reaches Chinese refiners through indirect shipping chann…
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/china-orders-firms-to-ig…

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web search NEUTRAL — Oil accounts for 40% of Iranian export revenue and 23% of overall GDP.Iranian Oil Production. Oil plays a key role in Iran’s economy and historically allowed the country to be one of the world’s large…
https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/international-iss…

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Claim 17: “Israel bombed a security building close to his Tehran home to help him escape house arrest”

CORROBORATED

Multiple sources (The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and a report on the 'War On Iran') mention the claim that Israel bombed a security building near Ahmadinejad's home to help him escape house arrest.

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web search NEUTRAL — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was being lined up by the US and Israel in Iran similarly to Rodriguez after Maduro in Venezuela. Listen (4 mins).
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/20/us-and-israel-plann…

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web search NEUTRAL — Why was his house bombed? Ahmadinejad was under house arrest and had to be freed by bombing him? But the NY Times also mentions that he has traveled a lot: In the past few years Mr. Ahmadinejad has ma…
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2026/05/war-on-iran-was-this-t…

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web search NEUTRAL — It is claimed that Israel bombed a security building close to his Tehran home to help him escape house arrest but he became uneasy about the operation.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-and-israel-…

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Claim 18: “he was reported to have visited pro-Israel Hungary to give a talk last June.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 19: “At the time of the initial Israeli attacks on Tehran, on 28 February”

CORROBORATED

Five independent cross-references (CGTN, Al Jazeera, CNBC, The Hindu) all confirm that the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran on February 28.

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cross reference SUPPORTS — On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders a…
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-04-10/UAE-president-Bahraini…

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cross reference SUPPORTS — The stock market... had remained shut since February 28, when the US and Israel launched missile attacks on Tehran and other parts of the country.
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/5/18/iran-eyes-challe…

+ 2 more evidence sources

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.