Israel takes out Iran's nuclear masterminds; who were Fereydoun Abbasi, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and 4 others

Time of India

a day ago

Amid Israel's targeted strikes on Iran's strategic nuclear facilities, including Natanz and other sensitive locations, six nuclear scientists were reportedly killed, marking a significant blow to Tehran's atomic infrastructure. Among the dead were high-profile figures such as
Fereydoun Abbasi
and
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi
, both considered central to Iran's nuclear development.
Alongside Abdolhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyed Amirhossein Feqhi, and Motlabizadeh, these scientists played pivotal roles in advancing Iran's nuclear research and enrichment capabilities. Their deaths are now seen as a strategic milestone for Israel amid rising regional tensions.
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Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure and personnel. According to Iranian state-affiliated sources, six nuclear scientists were confirmed dead. These individuals had varying degrees of influence and responsibility within Iran's nuclear program, from leadership roles to technical and research capacities.
Fereydoun Abbasi
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Abbasi was a former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and a key figure in Iran's nuclear development over two decades. He survived a 2010 assassination attempt and had long been sanctioned by the United Nations for alleged involvement in covert nuclear weapons research. Abbasi had defended Iran's nuclear efforts as peaceful and essential to national sovereignty.
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi
Tehranchi served as a physicist and president of Islamic Azad University. Known for his academic leadership, Tehranchi also contributed to nuclear research and oversaw scientific education initiatives that aligned with Iran's strategic technological goals. He held multiple roles in promoting Iran's scientific independence.
Abdolhamid Minouchehr
Iranian media identified Minouchehr as one of the six scientists killed in the strikes. While less internationally prominent, he was recognized within Iran's nuclear sector for his role in managing enrichment logistics and operational oversight at a key facility.
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Ahmadreza Zolfaghari
Zolfaghari was identified by Iranian sources as a nuclear physicist engaged in Iran's atomic energy efforts. His work is believed to have supported uranium processing operations. He was regarded as part of the technical tier essential to sustaining nuclear fuel enrichment.
Seyed Amirhossein Feqhi
Feqhi, also spelled Faqhi in some reports, was involved in advanced centrifuge calibration and testing. He worked under classified research directives and contributed to refining Iran's enrichment efficiency. Details about his specific institutional affiliations remain undisclosed.
Motlabizadeh
Only identified by surname, Motlabizadeh was a nuclear technician or research specialist. Iranian outlets listed him among the deceased, and analysts suggest he played a role in laboratory-based research or quality control within Iran's uranium enrichment chain.
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The loss of these six scientists poses potential short-term disruptions to Iran's nuclear research and development. However, Iran has historically rebuilt its programs and personnel following similar setbacks.
FAQs
1. Who were the six Iranian nuclear scientists killed in the June 13, 2025 Israeli strike?
The scientists identified by Iranian sources include Fereydoun Abbasi, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Abdolhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyed Amirhossein Feqhi, and Motlabizadeh. Each played a distinct role in Iran's nuclear development, from program oversight to enrichment research and technical operations.
2. Why was Fereydoun Abbasi a significant figure in Iran's nuclear program?
Fereydoun Abbasi was the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and was sanctioned by the UN for alleged links to nuclear weapons research. He survived a previous assassination attempt in 2010 and was a long-time architect of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
3. What was Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi's role in Iran's nuclear efforts?
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi was a physicist and president of Islamic Azad University. While better known for academic leadership, he also contributed to nuclear research initiatives and worked to align Iran's scientific education with national defense technologies.
4. How might the deaths of these six scientists affect Iran's nuclear program?
While the loss of six nuclear experts could cause short-term disruptions in Iran's enrichment and research efforts, analysts note that Iran has historically rebuilt its nuclear capabilities and workforce after similar targeted operations.