Iran’s clandestine nuclear weapons program, shrouded in secrecy and disguised as a peaceful space initiative, has been exposed by newly obtained satellite imagery and chilling documents. Three sites, located in Shahrud, Semnan, and Sorkheh Hesar, have been identified as key locations in Iran’s pursuit of nuclear warheads capable of being mounted on long-range missiles. The regime, weakened by recent setbacks in the region and facing internal dissent, appears to be accelerating its nuclear ambitions, posing a significant threat to global security. The Shahrud and Semnan sites, initially presented as rocket or satellite launch facilities, are now revealed to be central to the development of nuclear-tipped missiles.
The Shahrud site is specifically focused on developing nuclear warheads for the Ghaem-100, a solid-fuel missile with a range exceeding 3,000 km. This missile, reportedly based on North Korean designs, represents a significant leap in Iran’s missile capabilities. The site operates under tight security, with strict controls on personnel access. Meanwhile, the Semnan site is dedicated to developing nuclear warheads for the Simorgh, a liquid-fuel missile. Iran has already conducted three successful Ghaem-100 missile launches in the past two years, disguised as satellite launches, further demonstrating the regime’s commitment to weaponizing its missile program.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group with a history of exposing Iran’s nuclear secrets, has released the incriminating documents and satellite imagery. The NCRI, which previously revealed the existence of clandestine nuclear sites in Natanz and Arak in 2002, now asserts that the regime is actively developing nuclear warheads for its missiles. Their sources within the regime claim that the Revolutionary Guards are preparing to test even more advanced Ghaem-105 missiles in the near future. The regime’s attempts to conceal its nuclear ambitions are evident in the misleading designation of these missile tests as satellite launches.
The Semnan site, deceptively labeled the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal, has undergone significant expansion in recent years, growing from two complexes in 2005 to eight currently. Satellite imagery reveals a timeline of construction, beginning in 2005, with excavation work commencing in 2009 and the site being completely covered with earth by 2012. This expansion, coupled with intensified activity in the surrounding desert areas for practical tests, suggests a concerted effort to advance the nuclear weapons program. The Sorkheh Hesar site is also implicated in the nuclear program, reportedly conducting research on nuclear power and underground explosions. This interconnected network of sites, overseen by the Organization for Advanced Defense Research (SPND), forms the backbone of Iran’s nuclear weaponization efforts.
The NCRI has accused the Iranian regime of systematically deceiving the international community about its nuclear ambitions, using negotiations and diplomatic overtures as a cover to advance its weapons program. They argue that the regime’s recent setbacks and internal vulnerabilities have fueled its determination to acquire nuclear weapons, posing a grave threat to global peace and stability. The NCRI advocates for a firm stance against the regime, demanding the shutdown of all nuclear-related sites and holding the regime accountable for its actions. They believe that diplomatic engagement without accountability has only emboldened the regime’s deceptive tactics.
The revelations come amidst increasing international concern over Iran’s nuclear program. Former US President Donald Trump, while advocating for enhanced missile defense systems, also hinted at the possibility of a new deal with Iran. However, the NCRI argues that the regime’s inherent nature precludes it from ever abandoning its nuclear ambitions, regardless of any tactical concessions it might make. They believe that the only way to eliminate the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is to end the clerical regime’s rule, through the efforts of the Iranian people and their organized resistance. They also highlight the regime’s use of terrorist proxies, such as Hezbollah, to destabilize the region and further its agenda. Recent warnings from Iranian officials against any attack on its nuclear facilities underscore the heightened tensions surrounding this issue.
