Iran Claims It Accessed Top-Secret Israeli Nuclear Files In Shadowy Covert Op: Report
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Iran claims to have secured a large cache of sensitive Israeli intelligence, including files on nuclear facilities and defence plans.
Iran on Saturday claimed that it has secured a large cache of 'strategic and sensitive" Israeli intelligence, including files on Israel's nuclear facilities and defence plans, news agency AFP said, citing state-controlled news television.
The state-run broadcaster said: 'Iran's intelligence apparatus has obtained a vast quantity of strategic and sensitive information and documents belonging to the Zionist regime."
The AFP report pointed out that the broadcaster did not disclose how the material was obtained or further details about the documents.
The haul reportedly includes 'thousands of documents related to that regime's nuclear plans and facilities".
Tehran claims the data was collected during a covert operation and consisted of a large volume of documents, images and videos. After secure transfer to Iran, the materials were thoroughly examined by authorities.
Iran and Israel have long been engaged in a shadow war marked by covert operations and open conflict, including cyberattacks, targeted killings, drone strikes and sabotage efforts. Tehran accuses Israel of assassinating several of its nuclear scientists. Israel blames Iran for backing militant groups and attacking Israeli interests abroad.
Western powers, led by the United States and Israel, which is widely regarded as the Middle East's only nuclear-armed state, accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran denies this but insists on its right to civilian nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, of which it is a signatory.
The report comes amid rising tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, which Israeli leaders consider an existential threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently backed military strikes against Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Last year saw unprecedented tension between the two countries as they exchanged fire during Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.
Since Iran's 1979 revolution, it has made support for the Palestinian cause central to its foreign policy and does not recognise Israel's legitimacy.
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