A detailed overview traces Iran's nuclear development from its 1960s origins through the June 2025 Israeli strikes on Natanz and Isfahan, highlighting the regime's dual-track approach of denial and advancement.
This backgrounder, published by The Zioneer, synthesizes the known history of Iran's nuclear program, from its inception under the Shah with Western assistance, through the post-1979 revolution suspension and covert resumption, the exposure of secret facilities at Natanz and Arak in 2002, the IAEA findings and the JCPOA, to the U.S. withdrawal under President Trump and the recent Israeli and American strikes on nuclear sites in June 2025. The piece also notes the internal debate within Iran, including IRGC pressure on Supreme Leader Khamenei to reverse the religious fatwa against nuclear weapons, and public statements by senior officials warning that an attack would leave Iran no choice but to pursue a bomb. The Zioneer has previously reported on related developments, including the June 2025 'Operation Rising Lion' strikes and subsequent diplomatic maneuvers.
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Source and signal
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