Israel carried out a covert airstrike targeting the Parchin military complex in Iran, setting back Tehran’s nuclear ambitions during his late October strike, Axios reported on Friday.
The strike specifically hit the Taleghan 2 facility, a site previously known for its clandestine operations.
According to Israeli officials cited by Axios, the attack has made it significantly harder for Iran to develop a nuclear explosive device.
Impact of the Strike
The operation destroyed critical equipment used for designing and testing plastic explosives needed to detonate a nuclear device.
This equipment, dating back to Iran's pre-2003 military nuclear program, is essential for producing high-explosive components to surround enriched uranium.
Israeli officials cited by Axios emphasized that replacing this specialized machinery would be difficult for Iran. “This equipment is a bottleneck. Without it, the Iranians are stuck,” one official explained.
The belief among Israeli intelligence is that any attempt by Iran to procure new equipment will be detectable, giving Israel the upper hand in monitoring Tehran’s nuclear activities.
A Covert Facility Exposed
The strike came amid increased concern in Washington and Tel Aviv about Iran’s renewed focus on sensitive nuclear research.
Although Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, US and Israeli officials have observed activities that could lay the groundwork for a nuclear weapon.
“They conducted scientific activity that could support nuclear weapon development, known only to a few within the Iranian government,” a US official told Axios.
Strategic Calculations Behind the Attack
The decision to target Taleghan 2 was not made lightly. The strike was part of Israel’s response to the Iranian missile attack on October 1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the operation despite US President Joe Biden’s request to avoid escalating the conflict.
The facility, which was not declared as part of Iran’s nuclear program, allowed Israel to send a message without triggering direct accusations from Tehran.
The strike has left Iran in a difficult position. Without the destroyed equipment, any progress toward developing a nuclear bomb will be delayed. Tehran has remained silent on the incident, likely to avoid acknowledging the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, Israel and the US remain vigilant, watching for any signs that Iran might attempt to rebuild its capabilities.
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