Iranian General Ali-Reza Asgari Defected to US in 2007, Provided Intel on Iran's Nuclear Program

Major General Ali-Reza Asgari, a former Iranian deputy defense minister and senior figure in the Revolutionary Guard Corps, reportedly defected to the United States in 2007 and has been living under the CIA's witness protection program since then, according to an investigation by Iran International. Asgari, who helped build up Hezbollah's power in Lebanon in the 1990s, provided critical intelligence to the U.S. on Iran's nuclear program after his defection.

U.S. intelligence officials described Asgari's information as a "treasure trove" that had long-term consequences for U.S. foreign policy. His intelligence was instrumental in steering the U.S. away from plans to attack Iran over its nuclear program in 2007. Asgari identified Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh as the key figure leading the regime's military and nuclear efforts. "Asgari's information changed the U.S. assessment of Iran's nuclear program," a U.S. intelligence official told Iran International.

Asgari also provided information about Syria's nuclear project in Deir ez-Zor, which was later destroyed by Israel in an airstrike. Additionally, he may have revealed the hiding place of Hezbollah's military commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a 2008 attack attributed to Israel. Asgari's close relationship with Mughniyeh played a crucial role in disbanding Islamic Jihad in 1992 and restructuring Hezbollah into a political party.

Why this matters: Asgari's defection and the intelligence he provided to the U.S. had significant implications for the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. His information altered the course of U.S. policy towards Iran and its nuclear program, potentially averting a military conflict.

Despite the Iranian regime's strong inclination for retribution against defectors, Asgari has successfully avoided any threats and vulnerability from his familial ties in Iran. He has changed his state of residence several times while living in the U.S. under a new identity. Asgari was last seen in Istanbul on February 7, 2007, before his disappearance, which had been a mystery until the recent revelations about his defection and cooperation with U.S. intelligence agencies.

Key Takeaways

• Former Iranian general Asgari defected to the US in 2007, living under CIA protection.
• Asgari provided critical intel on Iran's nuclear program, altering US policy and averting conflict.
• Asgari identified key Iranian nuclear scientist Fakhrizadeh leading the regime's nuclear efforts.
• Asgari also provided intel on Syria's nuclear project, later destroyed by Israel in an airstrike.
• Asgari has successfully evaded threats from Iran, changing residences and living under a new identity.