Iran’s Nuclear Scientists: Forced into Hiding for Safety

Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti University, known for being one of the institutions involved in Iran’s nuclear research, has withdrawn its remaining nuclear experts from public view as a safety measure. Given more than 30 researchers’ demise due to suspected Israeli attacks, these scientists have abandoned their usual residences and academic posts. A high-ranking official from Iran revealed that these individuals have been transported to undisclosed locations within Tehran or the northern shoreline cities. Here, they have been sequestered in secure estate houses alongside their immediate relatives.

An unrevealed list bearing the names of about 15 surviving scientists was viewed, out of a document, allegedly possessed by Israel, with an approximate total of 100. In the wake of these circumstances, these specialists grapple with a hard choice: to continue their contributions to the nuclear programs and possibly become targets of additional attacks, or to divert their professional paths to ones that could ensure safety.

The premeditated hide-away was orchestrated against the backdrop of the anticipated increase in assassination attempts and the recent execution of an Iranian nuclear scientist. Roozbeh Vadi, who had offered his expertise to one of Iran’s crucial and highly delicate nuclear facilities, was accused of assisting in the assassination of his fellow professionals during the 12-day clash with Israel back in June, leading to his downfall.

Meanwhile, the next tier of Iranian nuclear experts waits in the wings, ready to take on the mantle left by their fallen predecessors. The nuclear research program of Iran was methodically planned in a manner that ensured the presence of at least one understudy for every key member. Adopting a two or three-person pod-like system guaranteed a safety net in the event of sudden assault.

Following the tragic ordeal, a number of surviving professionals have stepped up to fill in their late colleagues’ roles at the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research – the center for Iran’s nuclear weaponisation program. These individuals are reportedly experts in the fields of explosives, neutron physics, and warhead designing.

On the basis of intelligence reports, the expertise that fuels Iran’s nuclear program is deeply ingrained within the nation’s university and academic structures. This resulted in the recent attacks on Shahid Beheshti University, and Imam Hossein University, both of which are located in Tehran and are known for their affiliation with Iran’s military and nuclear initiatives.

However, Iran has consistently dismissed the allegations of conducting a nuclear weapons program, claiming that its nuclear proficiency and expertise are exclusively oriented towards non-military uses. A former high-ranking Israeli military official, who oversaw the Iranian strategic desk, reiterated that the remaining Iranian specialists are left with a grim decision.

Efforts have been ramped up in order to provide better security to the scientists, which comprised of safe houses and constant surveillance. The Iranian administration was quick to overhaul security measures dedicated to their scientists post the June Israel conflict. While previously a sole Revolutionary Guard unit was in charge of scientist safety, the responsibility now lies with several agencies, a change prompted by trust issues, according to an Iranian source.

The events of June brought forth a nationwide clamor among Iranians for amplified protection of the remaining scientists and their families. There were also propositions to upturn the official stance and embark on developing a nuclear bomb. The brother of one of the fallen Iranian scientists pleaded for a revision in the country’s nuclear policy to enhance the survival chances of its scientists.

Seyed Alireza Sadighi Saber, while addressing the mourners at a funeral for casualties of the June attacks, proposed that Iran should pull out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and reconsider its taboo against nuclear weaponry. Numerous eminent scholars and research professionals, many of whom specialized in nuclear physics and radiopharmaceuticals, also met their premature end during the strikes launched by Israel on June 13.

One standout figure among Iran’s preeminent radiopharmaceutical experts is Amir Hossein Faghi. Faghi was instrumental in leading research into therapeutic uses of nuclear energy, later appearing on national television to discuss radiopharmaceutical applications in cancer treatment.

His peers equate his contributions to those of the slain nuclear scientist Majid Shahriari. The June strikes not only targeted individual lives but also aimed to destabilize Iran’s academic and scientific backbone, potentially leading to the degradation of the expertise built over decades in the fields of nuclear physics, radiopharmaceuticals, and associated areas.