A leading figure in world Jewry has labelled the Egyptian opposition leader Mohammed ElBaradei “a stooge” of the Iranian regime.

Malcolm Honlein, the executive vice-president of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, accused Mr ElBaradei of fronting for Iran and “distorting reports” during his 12 years as director of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mr ElBaradei, who is considered a key candidate to replace President Hosni Mubarak if the anti-government demonstrations in Egypt trigger a leadership change, remained in charge of the UN nuclear watchdog until 2009.

During his tenure he repeatedly suggested that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were limited, and argued against a military option.

Mr Honlein said: "He is a stooge of Iran, and I don't use the term lightly."