Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s office, of the former president of the Islamic Republic, on Tuesday, the 22nd of Tir, denied reports by The New York Times about a U.S. and Israeli plan to bring him to power after the fall of the Islamic Republic, through a statement.

This is the first response from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s office to The New York Times reports about efforts to bring him to power and his alleged connection to the Mossad.

In the statement, Ahmadinejad’s office said: “On the 30th of Ordibehesht of last year, The New York Times, with a completely false report against Dr. Ahmadinejad, tried to cast confusion among public opinion by exploiting political sensitivities arising from military threats, and, given his widespread popular support, to wage psychological warfare against the entirety of the noble Iranian people.

The discredit of the aforementioned newspaper and the ridiculousness of the proposed scenario prevented it from being given attention. This newspaper, which is known for publishing fake news and fabrications, now, after 55 days, has again tried, by putting elaborate embellishments on the wicked tree of lies, to stir up unrest, in an attempt to make up for its failure.”

After a long absence, Ahmadinejad attended last week’s funeral procession ceremony for Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic, in Tehran.