Iran Hides Scientists, Deepens Nuclear Ties With Russia

Following a deadly 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2024, Iran has sent its surviving nuclear scientists into hiding, restricting their activities and teaching roles amid fears of further Israeli assassinations, after at least 14 top experts were killed in Israeli strikes. Israel is reported to maintain a list of about 100 Iranian nuclear scientists as potential targets to impede Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. In response to heightened paranoia over foreign infiltration, Iran executed Roozbeh Vadi, a top nuclear scientist, for allegedly spying for Israel. Internal documents indicate that a secret Iranian delegation, including senior nuclear officials, visited Russian scientific and nuclear research facilities in August 2024, seeking dual-use materials and technologies with military applications—a visit reportedly approved by Russian authorities. This deepening Tehran-Moscow cooperation has alarmed proliferation experts. Human rights groups warn that Iran's broad arrests and executions may also serve to suppress internal dissent under the pretext of national security.