“The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the [Iran nuclear] deal, making it easier to pull out of it.”

Unnamed source

“These are extraordinary and appalling allegations but which also illustrate a high level of desperation by Trump and [the Israeli prime minister] Benjamin Netanyahu, not so much to discredit the deal but to undermine those around it.”

Jack Straw — Former UK foreign secretary

Last May, Trump aides made contact with a private Israeli intelligence firm to dig ‘dirt’ on former Obama administration officials and journalists who supported the nuclear deal with Iran. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today

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Ben Rhodes — former President Barack Obama’s deputy national security adviser — and Colin Kahl — a top aide to former Vice-President Joe Biden — were listed among the ‘targets’.

The Israeli firm was specifically asked to investigate their personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally and/or politically from the 2015 nuclear deal.

“It’s bloody outrageous to do this. The whole point of negotiations is to not play dirty tricks like this,” a former high-ranking British diplomat said.

Last Monday, Netanyahu, accused Iran of continuing to hide and expand its nuclear weapons know-how after the deal.

It was already quite obvious that the ‘show’ — delivered in English — had been coordinated with the White House. It is not clear if this specific task is part of a wider operation.

REFERENCES

Trump team hired spy firm for ‘dirty ops’ on Iran arms deal — Guardian

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Trump Aides Hired Israeli Spooks