Iran Moves Surviving Nuclear Scientists into Hiding After Israeli Strikes

Iran has relocated its remaining nuclear scientists to secure, undisclosed locations following the killing of more than 30 researchers in Israeli attacks, senior Iranian officials told The Telegraph. Many no longer live in their homes or work at universities, instead residing with their families in guarded villas in Tehran or northern coastal cities.

A confidential list seen by The Telegraph names over 15 surviving scientists—part of a broader group of around 100 identified by Israel. They now face a stark choice: continue their work and risk assassination or abandon the nuclear programme altogether. University lecturers tied to the programme have been replaced by staff with no nuclear links.

The heightened security comes amid fears of further assassinations and the recent execution of Iranian scientist Roozbeh Vadi, accused of aiding Israel during the June war. Israeli analysts say the survivors, including experts in explosives, neutron physics, and warhead design, are “dead men walking,” despite round-the-clock protection. They note that Iran’s nuclear programme is structured with deputies and small research teams to ensure continuity after any loss.

Some scientists are believed to have stepped into roles at the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), which Israel claims works on nuclear weaponisation. Israeli intelligence has also targeted universities in Tehran linked to military and nuclear research, such as Shahid Beheshti University and Imam Hossein University.

Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, but the June conflict—with U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities and Iranian missile attacks on Israel—has intensified calls within Iran to rethink its stance. At funerals for victims, relatives urged withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and acceleration toward building a bomb.

The June strikes also killed leading scientists in nuclear physics and radiopharmaceuticals, including Amir Hossein Faghi, known for advancing cancer treatment technologies. Observers say these losses have severely damaged Iran’s scientific capacity, while those who remain know they will likely stay in Israel’s crosshairs.