Israeli Envoy Claims Targeted Killing of 14 Iranian Scientists to Cripple Nuclear Ambitions

Israel has claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of at least 14 Iranian scientists, including chemists, physicists, and nuclear engineers, in its recent strikes on Iran. The disclosure came from Israel’s Ambassador to France, Yossi Zarka, during a conversation with international media about the country’s ongoing operations against Iran’s nuclear program.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Ambassador Zarka stated, “Among the scientists killed were physicists, chemists, and nuclear engineers.” He further revealed that Israel did not notify France in advance about the strikes, citing the changing nature of bilateral relations: “France is no longer one of our close allies.”

Zarka insisted that even if certain Iranian nuclear infrastructures or materials survived the American and Israeli airstrikes, the elimination of this core scientific team has rendered the reconstruction of Iran’s nuclear program “nearly impossible.” He added, “With this entire team wiped out, Iran’s nuclear project has effectively been set back not by a few years, but many years.”

Just a day after Zarka’s comments, Iranian state television reported that another nuclear scientist, Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, succumbed to injuries sustained in an Israeli strike. He had been wounded in the June 13 attack, which also claimed the life of his 17-year-old son.

Despite Israel’s claims, several analysts have expressed skepticism about the long-term impact. Experts suggest that Iran still possesses enough qualified scientists to fill the void, arguing that while the killings may cause a temporary setback, they are unlikely to bring a complete halt to the nuclear program.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the French government has reportedly begun preparations to evacuate its approximately 250,000 citizens residing in Israel, signaling heightened concerns over escalating military tensions and the potential for broader conflict.