Former Mossad chief Dadi Barnea called Thursday for intensified economic, diplomatic and operational pressure against the Iranian regime, declaring that the campaign should continue until the regime falls.

Speaking at a ceremony held by the Jerusalem Municipality in his honor, Barnea welcomed the severe sanctions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump against Iran but said sanctions alone would not be sufficient.

“In my assessment, there will be no choice but to intensify the economic, diplomatic and operational actions against this regime until it falls — and it will fall,” Barnea said.

Barnea argued that the Iranian issue extends far beyond Israel, warning that an unresolved threat from Tehran could ultimately affect countries around the world through ballistic missiles, terrorism and the development of nuclear weapons.

He also claimed that many Iranians themselves want to see the current regime brought down and said Western countries, led by the United States and Israel, are increasingly determined to confront Tehran.

The remarks continue a position Barnea expressed toward the end of his tenure as Mossad director. At his farewell ceremony in June, he said bringing down the Iranian regime was a “possible and achievable goal” and argued that pursuing such a change should remain a priority.

Barnea completed his approximately five-year tenure as head of the Mossad in June and was succeeded by Roman Gofman.

His latest remarks come amid renewed pressure on Tehran and signal that, in Barnea’s view, economic sanctions should be accompanied by escalating diplomatic and operational measures rather than treated as an end in themselves.