3 March 2026

Israel reportedly hacked Tehran traffic cameras for years to monitor Khamenei

In the days following the death of Ali Khamenei, new information has emerged about the intelligence operation that preceded it. According to the Financial Times, Israel gained access to almost all traffic cameras in Tehran through a hack, enabling prolonged surveillance of the Iranian leader and his inner circle.

Sources cited by the Financial Times say the Mossad exploited camera systems originally used by the Iranian regime to monitor its own population. The footage allowed Israeli intelligence to map daily routines, security patterns, and movement routes of Khamenei and his bodyguards in detail.

One camera angle in a central political district of Teheran, home to parliament buildings and the Ministry of Defence, proved especially valuable. The district also houses Khamenei’s office complex, making it possible to observe security arrivals, schedules, and coordination in real time.

The live footage was reportedly transmitted to Tel Aviv and to military bases in southern Israel. This enabled the creation of an extensive security profile, including addresses, duties, and operational routines of those responsible for the leader’s protection.

According to the report, the camera hack was part of a broader intelligence campaign combining cyber intrusions with AI-driven analysis of large data sets. The CIA is also said to have contributed critical information through a human source. Shortly before action was taken, several communication masts in the area were disabled, preventing security teams from receiving warnings.

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