Israel has been revealed to have supplied Iran with centrifuge platforms containing explosives for its nuclear enrichment program, as confirmed by a top Iranian official. Mohammad Javad Zarif, a former foreign minister currently serving as vice president for strategic affairs, made this acknowledgment publicly for the first time. The disclosure highlights the sophistication of sabotage efforts aimed at Iran’s nuclear activities. Zarif’s comments seem intended to address the challenges faced by Iran’s government due to severe Western sanctions on its nuclear program and to provide insight into Israel’s reported attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility in 2021.
In an interview with a program affiliated with a publicly funded organization in Iran, Zarif discussed how Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, infiltrated Iran’s nuclear program. He mentioned a sabotage attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon carried out by Mossad, which resulted in casualties and set the stage for further hostilities. Zarif emphasized the impact of sanctions on Iran’s procurement process, highlighting the risks of dealing with multiple suppliers instead of directly purchasing from manufacturers, which could make Iran vulnerable to infiltration by foreign actors like Israel.
The acknowledgment by Zarif marks the first clear admission of Mossad’s involvement in undermining Iran’s nuclear program. Previous incidents, such as explosions at Natanz’s centrifuge assembly in 2020 and an underground enrichment facility in 2021, had been attributed to Israeli actions. Israel’s Mossad chief at the time, Yossi Cohen, hinted at his agency’s role in these attacks during a televised interview. These events occurred under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been involved in conflicts in the Middle East region, including with Hamas in Gaza.
As tensions persist in the region and efforts towards a ceasefire are underway, concerns remain about Iran’s nuclear activities and the potential threats posed by external actors like Israel.
The Trump administration’s decision to unilaterally withdraw the United States from an international accord in 2018 that had placed significant restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program has had far-reaching consequences. In the absence of the agreement, Tehran has made alarming advancements in its nuclear activities, surpassing the agreed-upon limits and moving closer to producing weapons-grade uranium.
Iran’s enrichment of uranium has reached unprecedented levels, leading to a substantial increase in its stockpile of enriched uranium. The country’s officials have not shied away from threats of pursuing nuclear weapons, further intensifying concerns within the international community.
In a recent U.S. broadcast interview, Iran’s President Pezeshkian reiterated the country’s stance that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations with Western nations. However, he emphasized that any dialogue must be accompanied by concrete commitments from all parties involved.
Pezeshkian pointed out that Iran has consistently honored its commitments under the previous agreement, while accusing the other party – presumably referring to the U.S. – of failing to uphold its promises and obligations. This lack of trust between the parties has complicated efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the escalating tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The international response to Iran’s nuclear activities has been resolute, with key players such as Israel, President Joe Biden, and former President Trump declaring their firm stance against allowing Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. The threat of a preemptive strike by Israel targeting Iranian nuclear facilities looms large, drawing parallels to previous military actions taken by Israel in Iraq and Syria.
When asked about the possibility of a military strike, Pezeshkian remained steadfast, stating that while Iran does not fear war, it is not actively seeking conflict. The delicate balance of power in the region hinges on the decisions made by all parties involved, with the specter of a potential military confrontation casting a shadow over diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation.
The situation in Iran continues to evolve rapidly, with the actions and responses of various stakeholders shaping the trajectory of future developments. The statements made by Iranian officials, coupled with the unequivocal stance of international actors, underscore the high stakes involved in addressing Iran’s nuclear program and the pressing need for constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, providing valuable insights into the ongoing developments in the region.
