A controversial Iranian short film portraying the abduction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resurfaced across Iranian networks, coinciding notably with the renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Although the film, titled Unofficial Guest, was originally released over five months ago, its sudden resurgence is drawing widespread attention.
The movie opens with breaking news of a mysterious incident involving Netanyahu's disappearance, with authorities uncertain of his whereabouts. In Tehran, a Hebrew-language interpreter named Haidar is summoned to interrogate an unidentified detainee — who turns out to be Netanyahu himself..
The film was produced by Ghodra Studios, which, according to opposition outlet Radio Farda, operates as a front company for the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, allegedly spreading regime propaganda. Morteza Esfahani, also known as Morteza Ghoobbe, is listed as the studio’s CEO and has reportedly held official roles within the Ministry of Intelligence.
Unofficial Guest is available for viewing on Ammar Yar, a platform managed by the Cultural Front of the Islamic Revolution — an official body established through a decree from Supreme Leader Khamenei over a decade ago. This organization is responsible for distributing media that aligns with the values and policies of the Islamic Republic, further underlining the film’s state affiliation.
Historical Context of Threats Against Netanyahu
The depiction of Netanyahu’s abduction in Unofficial Guest is not an isolated case. In November 2022, Bahar News, an outlet controlled by the Iranian regime, reported comments from IRGC Commander Mojtaba Fada, who openly called for Netanyahu’s kidnapping, envisioning him paraded into Iran "wearing a leash and a slave collar."
Similarly, in September 2024, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency arrested an Israeli citizen accused of collaborating with Iranian intelligence in a plot to assassinate Netanyahu or other Israeli officials, reportedly including being smuggled into Iran as part of the operation.
When approached by The Jerusalem Post for comment, sources within the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declined to respond.
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