The Rest Is Classified 68. Israel Attacks Iran: The Origins of the Iranian Nuclear Programme (Ep 1)
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Jul 27, 2025 Discover the fascinating origins of Iran's nuclear program and Israel's early attempts to thwart it. Explore the significant role of cyber warfare, including the Stuxnet attack, in escalating tensions. Unravel the intricate relationship between Pakistan and Iran in nuclear technology transfers. Gain insights into Iran's cautious nuclear strategy and the international complexities surrounding it. Delve into covert operations like 'Operation Olympic Games' as the U.S. grapples with the threat of regional nuclear proliferation.
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Natanz Facility's First Reveal
- The first public discovery of Iran's secret nuclear facility Natanz happened in 2002 through an opposition group in Washington, D.C.
- The Iranian program was disguised as an agricultural research center, but inspectors found significant nuclear activities underway.
Iran's Nuclear Roots and War Impact
- Iran's nuclear ambitions began before the 1979 revolution under the Shah, aiming for nuclear power and possibly a bomb.
- The brutal Iran-Iraq war shifted Iran's stance, making nuclear weapons a strategic insurance against regional threats.
A.Q. Khan's Nuclear Network Role
- Pakistan's A.Q. Khan played a key role in proliferating nuclear centrifuge designs to Iran and others.
- Iran received second-hand components and designs through Khan's nuclear sales network, enabling their program development.
