Ali-Reza Asgari, the once distinguished Iranian Major General in the regime’s powerful paramilitary force, has been found living in the United States under a new identity, according to exclusive findings by Iran International.

Since 2006, the former deputy defense minister’s disappearance has been the subject of extensive speculation – shrouded in much mystery.

Iran International's months-long investigation now sheds an unprecedented and comprehensive light on the life and defection of the Iranian General, unveiling exclusive details about the critical intelligence he provided to the Americans and the instrumental role he played in preventing Washington from launching a war against Tehran over its nuclear weapons program in 2007.

Speaking to Iran International under the condition of anonymity, the report draws on interviews with three US intelligence officials, a senior European diplomatic source, a former IRGC commander, a relative of Asgari’s wife, and three individuals who were once Asgari's acquaintances and colleagues.

Iran International can reveal:

●     Ali-Reza Asgari currently resides in the US under a different identity, within the protocols of the CIA’s witness protection program.

●     Thailand was the likely location where US intelligence recruited Asgari in 2005.

●     Asgari’s intelligence was the key factor in steering the US away from plans to attack Iran over its nuclear program in 2007.

●     Asgari identified Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh to the US as the key figure leading the regime's military and nuclear program, at a time when he was not yet publicly recognized as the chief of Iran's nuclear efforts.

●     Asgari's close relationship with Lebanese militant leader Imad Mughniyeh played a pivotal role in disbanding Islamic Jihad in 1992 and led to the restructuring of Hezbollah into a political party.