Israel has confirmed the targeted killing of at least 14 scientists involved in Iran's nuclear program. This represents an extraordinary blow to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, which experts believe may significantly delay, but not entirely eliminate, its progress.
According to Joshua Zarka, the Israeli Ambassador to France, these deaths make it "almost impossible" for Iran to continue developing nuclear weapons. This assessment follows nearly two weeks of intensive Israeli airstrikes and the deployment of U.S. bunker-busting bombs.
However, many nuclear experts caution that while the strikes are a setback, Iran's scientific infrastructure remains robust. Western governments emphasize that military action alone cannot dismantle the comprehensive nuclear knowledge Iran has already acquired over time.
Zarka detailed that the strikes eliminated 14 senior scientists, including physicists, chemists, and engineers directly involved in weapon design and production. Nine of these scientists, possessing "decades of accumulated experience," were reportedly killed during the initial wave of airstrikes on June 13.
Iranian state television later confirmed the death of Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, another key figure. He was tragically killed in a second Israeli strike, having survived a previous attack that claimed the life of his 17-year-old son.
These targeted killings appear designed to not only halt current nuclear work but also to act as a powerful deterrent, discouraging others from participating in future Iranian nuclear development efforts.
Source: https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/6/israel-kills-at-least-14-iranian-nuclear-scientists-in-unprecedented-targeted-strikes-2.html