In a covert operation in late October, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted a secret Iranian nuclear research facility at the Taleghan 2 site in the Parchin military complex, southeast of Tehran. According to reports citing Israeli and U.S. officials, the strike caused significant damage to Iran’s efforts to revive nuclear weapons research under the guise of civilian purposes.
The facility, previously inactive, was allegedly used for testing explosives critical to nuclear weapon development. High-resolution satellite imagery revealed that the Taleghan 2 building was completely destroyed, along with sophisticated equipment essential for designing nuclear components.
Officials have characterized the activity at Taleghan 2 as highly classified, with only a small faction within the Iranian government aware of its existence. Intelligence detected earlier this year indicated research in metallurgy, explosives, and computer modeling related to nuclear weapons. Despite warnings from the U.S. earlier this year, Iran reportedly continued these activities.
The strike follows heightened tensions after Iran’s missile attacks in early October and signals Israel’s resolve in countering Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. While Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, the operation has drawn attention to the secretive aspects of its nuclear program.
The move is likely to escalate regional tensions, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expected to address Iran’s lack of cooperation at an upcoming board meeting. Meanwhile, Iran has warned it may further limit cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, raising concerns of a broader confrontation over its nuclear activities.
