Iran Sends Top Nuclear Scientists Into Hiding As Israel Compiles List Of Future Targets

Last Updated:August 11, 2025, 16:12 IST

Iran has hidden its nuclear scientists after a conflict with Israel killed 14 top experts. Israel targeted individuals involved in uranium enrichment.

The move comes in response to Israeli airstrikes that targeted individuals allegedly involved in Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts.

Iran has moved its remaining nuclear scientists into hiding following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June that reportedly claimed lives of at least 14 of Tehran’s top atomic experts, according to a report in The Telegraph.

More than 15 senior scientists have been relocated from their homes and universities to secure locations in Tehran or along the northern coast, a senior Iranian official told the UK outlet.

The move comes in response to Israeli airstrikes that targeted individuals allegedly involved in Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, which Israel claims are part of a nuclear weapons program.

Among those killed were prominent figures like Fereidoun Abbasi, former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, head of Islamic Azad University. Universities linked to the scientists were also reportedly struck during the conflict.

Israeli intelligence experts have warned that surviving scientists remain in danger.

According to the report, Israel has compiled a list of around 100 Iranian scientists considered potential future targets.

In response, Iran has replaced academic staff linked to its nuclear program with individuals who have no known ties to it. The crackdown extends beyond academia. Tehran recently executed nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi on charges of spying for Israel’s Mossad spy agency and aiding the attacks.

According to Iranian state media, Rouzbeh Vadi was executed for allegedly passing sensitive information about Iran’s nuclear program to Israel. News agency Reuters cited judiciary’s news outlet Mizan as saying that Vadi was on Wednesday convicted of espionage after providing Mossad with intelligence on key nuclear sites and individuals, including a nuclear scientist who was killed in Israeli airstrikes in June.

The deadly conflict majorly targeted Iran’s senior military leaders, nuclear experts, and critical nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to respond strongly with missile and drone attacks on Israel.

The regime has since launched a crackdown on spies, arresting hundreds and expelling over a million Afghan refugees suspected of being Israeli informants. Iran has executed at least eight individuals this year for allegedly spying for Israel.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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Location :

Tehran, Iran

First Published:

August 11, 2025, 16:12 IST

News world Iran Sends Top Nuclear Scientists Into Hiding As Israel Compiles List Of Future Targets

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