Israel Eliminates Additional Nuclear Weapons Facilities, Internal Security Forces in Iran

Latest Developments

• Nuclear-Related Facilities Destroyed: The IDF reported striking Iran’s SPND headquarters in Tehran for a second time this week in addition to sites related to Iran’s production of ballistic missiles and internal security. The SPND, established by the architect of Iran’s nuclear weapons program, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, in 2011, oversees Iran’s advanced weapons research and development, including work on nuclear weapons. For the second time in two days, the IDF also struck weaponization buildings at a site in Sanjarian. According to Iran’s own atomic weapons documentation seized by Israel in 2018, Iran worked on components for a multipoint initiation system, which triggers an atomic explosion at the site. According to reports, Iran has recently reactivated the site.
• Industrial Complex Struck: Earlier, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombed the area around the Sefid Roud Industrial Complex in Taleshan after issuing evacuation orders hours earlier. The complex contains the Navid Composite Material Company, which produces carbon fiber used in Iran’s ballistic missiles. Construction of the facility cost the regime approximately $500 million.
• Internal Security Targeted: Israeli fighter jets also bombed two sites belonging to Iran’s internal security forces, which work to suppress civil unrest on behalf of the regime. These strikes follow the bombing of the headquarters of the Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran (NAJA) on June 18. Iran was also struck by a 5.1-magnitude earthquake 23 miles southwest of the city of Semnan at a depth of 10 km. Four people were killed when an earthquake of similar magnitude struck the same area almost exactly one year ago.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel’s elimination of SPND and Sanjarian, among other Iranian nuclear weaponization-related facilities, equipment, documentation, and know-how, has dealt a devastating blow to the regime’s option to build nuclear weapons. Israel and the United States should eliminate the regime’s remaining stocks of enriched uranium and the Fordow plant that can turn them to weapons grade.” — Andrea Stricker, Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director and Research Fellow

“Data shows that over the past few days, Israel’s military campaign has increasingly focused on targeting the regime’s apparatus of repression, its infrastructure, and command-and-control. This shift could weaken the regime’s ability to maintain control, encourage defections among its officials, and leave it more vulnerable to a potential domestic uprising.” — Saeed Ghasseminejad, Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor