Unveiling the Truth: How Al Mustafa University in Iran Functions as a Terrorism Front

On November 7, 2025, the Daily Mail reported a chilling plot involving the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aimed at the Israeli ambassador in Mexico. Two key figures, Hassan Izadi and Majid Dastjani Farahani, orchestrated the plan, with Farahani wanted by the FBI for recruiting operatives in the U.S. Both remain undercover, but they are linked to a network that includes Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Nejad, a representative of Al Mustafa International University in Venezuela.

Al Mustafa International University, an Iranian institution, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2020 and by Canada in 2022 for spreading propaganda and collaborating with the IRGC. Funded directly by Iran’s Supreme Leader, the university attracts thousands of students globally, including many from Latin America.

Photos from the Daily Mail suggest Nejad hosted a meeting where this assassination plot was discussed. Involvement in such gatherings could indicate his support for terrorism, a serious accusation. This isn’t the first time Al Mustafa has stumbled into controversy.

Here are some notable connections:

• Mohsen Rabbani, linked to a bombing in Argentina in 1994, heads the university’s department for Spanish and Portuguese speakers.
• In Iraq, an Al Mustafa branch has ties to Kataib Hezbollah, a militia recently sanctioned by the U.S.
• A Tajik graduate, implicated in plotting attacks in Central Asia against Israelis, demonstrates Al Mustafa’s impact in far-reaching terror networks.
• In Brazil, connections have emerged with individuals tied to Hezbollah, shedding light on the university’s role in regional conspiracies.

Despite sanctions, Al Mustafa University continues to operate in Venezuela, where it has maintained a presence since 2008. Nejad, an Iranian national settled in Venezuela, signed agreements with local institutions, indicating a deep-rooted integration.

Al Mustafa’s operations focus on proselytism and indoctrination, with plans to send local recruits to Iran for further training. This situation exposes a troubling layer of Iranian influence in Latin America, as Nejad’s involvement with IRGC members shows the university’s function as a supporter of terrorism in the region.

Jason Brodsky from United Against a Nuclear Iran notes Venezuela as a crucial base for Iranian activities in South America, serving as a launchpad for intelligence and terror operations.

Given his connections and the findings, Nejad may soon find himself under U.S. sanctions. With Al Mustafa’s reach extending into various countries—Europe, Africa, and beyond—its impact on global security is concerning. As graduates establish centers worldwide, these institutions often propagate Iranian regime ideologies, reinforcing a network of influence that spreads far beyond their home country.

Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, a senior fellow at the Center for Research on Terror Financing, emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding such entities. Understanding their operations can provide insight into the complexity of modern threats and the roles organizations play in shaping global terrorism.

For a deeper dive into Al Mustafa’s activities, check the detailed reports from sources like the Washington Institute and the Jamestown Foundation which outline the university’s extensive connections and the implications of their global reach.

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