Israeli Spy Kathrin Perez Shaked: Unprecedented Penetration Story of the Iranian Regime
In a security case that shook the pillars of the Iranian state, the name of the Israeli spy Kathrin Perez Shaked came to the forefront after new details were revealed about her extensive espionage operations, which targeted around 100 senior officials, including figures in the Revolutionary Guard, the Supreme Leader's headquarters, and even former Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi.
According to circulating information, Perez entered Iran carrying a French passport, presenting herself as a French lady who converted to Islam and married a Yemeni man, which facilitated her integration into religious and political circles. She claimed her desire to study Shia doctrine under prominent religious scholars, gaining the trust of many officials and opening the doors to sensitive institutions.
The Israeli spy relied on an unconventional method of gathering information, exploiting temporary marriage (mut'a marriage) to establish relationships with senior officials, including parliament members and Revolutionary Guard officers. In her testimony published by the "Times of Israel" newspaper, she said that the "mullahs" (religious men) were her most important sources, as they had access to confidential information in state institutions.
She revealed a shocking example, where a member of the Iranian parliament disclosed details of closed and secret sessions to her, including sensitive decisions related to the country's domestic and foreign policies.
Perez's role was not limited to gathering information but extended to exposing scandals of some officials through official Iranian media outlets, including the website of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, where she wrote 18 articles under journalistic cover. She also met with former Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi in 2017, forming a wide network of relationships within the corridors of power.
The case reignited the debate on the extent of penetration of Iranian security agencies, especially with its coincidence with the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Tehran, raising suspicions about serious security vulnerabilities.
Most intriguingly, Perez, who appeared as a devout woman and criticized Israel in her articles, turned to glorifying the Zionist state after her identity was revealed, even wishing for her children to join the Israeli army.
