Iran moves top N-scientists to safe houses after targeted killings by Israel

India Today

3 hours ago

In the wake of Israel's targeted killings of several Iranian nuclear researchers during the recent 12-day conflict, Iran has reportedly moved its remaining nuclear scientists into hiding, according to a report by the UK's The Telegraph.A senior Iranian official revealed that most of these scientists have been moved out of their regular residences and university positions and relocated to secure locations in Tehran and northern coastal cities, where they live with their families under heightened security, The Telegraph reported.advertisementAccording to the British daily, over 15 surviving researchers – part of a group of 100 individuals reportedly targeted by Israel – have been moved out due to concerns over potential future Israeli attacks.
"Most of them are no longer living in their houses – they are either moved to safe houses in Tehran or to the north," the Iranian official was quoted as saying by the newspaper."Those who were teaching at universities are replaced with people who have no connection with the nuclear programme," he added.ISRAEL FEARS IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME MAY GET REVIVED, SAY SOURCESIsraeli experts have said a new generation of Iranian nuclear scientists now stand poised to take over the work of those killed and have described them as "dead men walking", despite the increased security that includes "safe houses and round-the-clock protection," The Telegraph reported.Israeli sources are concerned that several surviving Iranian scientists may have stepped into roles left vacant by their slain colleagues within Iran's nuclear weaponisation programme – the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), according to the report.These individuals reportedly possess expertise in key areas such as explosives, neutron physics, and warhead design.Israeli intelligence and defence analyst, Ronen Solomon, told The Telegraph, "The figures who remain have worked on adapting Shahab-3 missiles for nuclear warheads, and are critical to Iran's ability to deploy nuclear weapons. While the eliminated scientists focussed more on warhead design, the expertise in delivery systems makes those who remain equally strategic targets for Israel, as Israel's June 2025 strikes also targeted ballistic missile infrastructure," the defence analyst was quoted as saying in the British daily.According to Israeli intelligence, Iran's nuclear expertise is deeply rooted within its universities and academic institutions. This connection prompted last month's strikes on Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University and Imam Hossein University, both linked to the country's military and nuclear activities, The Telegraph reported.Israel and Iran had fought a 12-day war which came to a halt after US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire on June 23.According to reports, Iran incurred heavy losses across all measures, including civilian and military casualties, as well as the quantity and severity of missile and bomb strikes.advertisementIn Iran, more than 620 people, including 12 scientists and 20 senior commanders, were killed while more than 4,870 people suffered injuries.In Israel, 28 civilians were killed and 3,200 were injured. No Israeli soldier was killed.- EndsMust Watch