Israel mounted a sweeping, years-long intelligence operation inside Tehran’s digital infrastructure that ultimately paved the way for a precision strike targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and senior military officials.
According to Iran International, Israeli intelligence hacked Tehran’s traffic cameras and penetrated mobile phone networks over several years to closely monitor the movements of Khamenei and his security detail ahead of the assassination attempt.
The outlet cited multiple current and former Israeli intelligence officials, as well as others familiar with the operation.
The Financial Times reported that nearly all traffic cameras across the Iranian capital had been compromised, with encrypted footage transmitted to servers in Tel Aviv and southern Israel.
The surveillance provided a real-time view of key locations, particularly around the compound near Pasteur Street, and allowed analysts to study the routines of Khamenei’s bodyguards.
One specific camera angle, the report said, helped determine where security personnel parked their private cars and offered insight into daily movements within the heavily guarded area.
Israeli intelligence also used complex algorithms to compile detailed dossiers on members of Khamenei’s protection unit, mapping their home addresses, work schedules, commuting routes and assigned officials, building what officers described as a “pattern of life.”
In addition, Israel reportedly disrupted components of around a dozen mobile phone towers near Pasteur Street, causing phones to appear busy and potentially preventing security staff from receiving warnings.
A current Israeli intelligence official told the Financial Times that long before the strike, “we knew Tehran like we know Jerusalem,” describing an expansive intelligence effort involving Unit 8200’s signals intelligence, Mossad human sources and military intelligence analysis.
The hacked camera feeds formed part of an AI-powered “target production machine” that integrated visual intelligence, intercepted communications, satellite imagery and human reporting. The system generated precise 14-digit grid coordinates used in operational planning.
According to CNN, US and Israeli officials coordinated closely as nuclear negotiations with Tehran faltered, culminating in the authorisation of the strike.
On Friday at 3:38 p.m. Eastern Time, President Donald Trump sent a message approving the operation.
“Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck,” Trump wrote, according to Gen. Dan Caine.