Iran’s clandestine nuclear weapons program, masked under the façade of its civilian space program, has been exposed by intelligence gathered from sources within the Iranian regime. Evidence meticulously collected over several months points to the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), Iran’s primary nuclear development agency, operating out of two key space program sites: the Shahroud Space Center and the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan. This revelation raises serious concerns about Iran’s intentions and the potential dual-use nature of its space advancements.
The Shahroud Space Center, previously suspected of being involved in the development of intermediate-range ballistic missiles, is now confirmed to house a significant presence of SPND personnel. This site garnered international attention in 2022 with the announcement of the Ghaem-100 rocket, purportedly designed for launching low-orbit satellites but also capable of functioning as a ballistic missile with a range exceeding 1,400 miles. However, embedded sources reveal that SPND experts at Shahroud are working on a nuclear warhead for an enhanced Ghaem-100 missile with a projected range of over 1,800 miles and a mobile launch pad, significantly increasing its military utility and threat. The high security surrounding the site further reinforces suspicions of covert nuclear activities. The Ghaem-100, reportedly copied from North Korean designs, was conceived from its inception for nuclear payload delivery, a project personally overseen by the late Brigadier General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, the architect of the IRGC’s missile program.
The second site, the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan, Iran’s inaugural space launch facility, recently achieved a milestone by launching its heaviest rocket to date. While officially presented as a space program advancement, the development of liquid-fuel propellant technology, exemplified by the Simorgh rocket with a range surpassing 1,800 miles, raises significant concerns. Liquid fuel, while presenting greater technical challenges, offers enhanced thrust, power, and control for missiles, potentially enabling the delivery of heavier payloads, including nuclear warheads. This development, coupled with the establishment of the IRGC’s Space Command, allows Iran to camouflage its nuclear warhead development under the guise of satellite launches while also establishing independent communication systems crucial for guiding such warheads.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group based in Washington, D.C., and Paris, has been instrumental in bringing this information to light. The NCRI, which has a history of exposing Iran’s nuclear secrets, asserts that the SPND has intensified its efforts to construct nuclear warheads at both Shahroud and Semnan. The intelligence, meticulously gathered and validated from dozens of sources embedded within the regime, including individuals affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), paints a disturbing picture of Iran’s clandestine nuclear ambitions.
The international community’s focus has primarily been on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran possesses over 440 pounds of near-weapons-grade uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level alarmingly close to the 90% required for weapons production. With estimates suggesting that roughly 92 pounds of weapons-grade uranium are needed for a single nuclear bomb, Iran potentially possesses enough fissile material for multiple nuclear weapons.
However, the NCRI cautions against solely fixating on uranium enrichment. The development of delivery systems like the Ghaem-100 and advanced propellant technologies are equally critical components of a nuclear weapons program. Ignoring these developments would be a grave oversight, allowing Iran to make significant strides towards weaponization while remaining under the radar of international scrutiny. The international community must adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of Iran’s nuclear program, including the potential dual-use nature of its space program, to effectively counter the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran. The intelligence revealed by the NCRI highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance and a more robust international response to Iran’s clandestine nuclear activities.
