An Israeli military strike was designed to free former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from house arrest in Tehran, according to U.S. officials familiar with the operation.

The strike was reportedly part of a broader effort aimed at bringing about regime change in Iran and installing Ahmadinejad back into power, the officials said.

Ahmadinejad served as Iran's president from 2005 to 2013 and was known for his hardline positions and controversial statements during his tenure. His current status regarding house arrest could not be independently verified.

The timing and scope of the alleged Israeli operation remain unclear. Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the reported strike or its objectives.

The claims highlight ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, which have engaged in a shadow war involving cyberattacks, assassinations, and military strikes across the region in recent years.