Top Nuclear Scientist Of Iran, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Assassinated ; Iran Accuses Israel of Killing Its ‘Father of Nuclear Programme’

by Shatakshi Gupta

Iran’s apex nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, famously known as the ‘father of the atomic bomb program’ of Iran, was assassinated in broad daylight in Tehran, the country’s capital on Friday. Israeli intelligence agency Mossad is being held responsible for this murder. The attackers fired on Mohsen’s car, killing him.  War clouds are looming in West Asia with the assassination of a top Iranian scientist.

 Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Iran has called a sharp attack on Israel, calling it a terrorist act.  Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Jawad Zarif said on Twitter, “The terrorists killed a famous Iranian scientist today. This dastardly act reflects the desperation of the conspirators, with serious indications of Israel’s role.” However, Israel refused to comment on the case amid Iranian allegations.

Also read: Historic Israel-UAE Diplomatic Relations Deal; Know What It Means In Geo-Politics?

Blood was strewn all over the scene. It is being told that the attackers forcibly stopped their car and after that they attacked the Iranian scientists on the spot after a rash attack.  According to Far News, 3 to 4 people have died in this attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.  The murder of the father of the Iranian nuclear weapons program is both practical and symbolic in terms of importance.

Who was Mohsen Fakhrizadeh? 

Fakhrizadeh was the head of the Research and Innovation Organisation of the Ministry of Defense. He was also the member of elite Revolutionary Guards of Iran. He was the focal point of Nuclear programme of Iran.

What does this assassination mean in geopolitics?

 Mohsin Fakhrizadeh has been the target of US and Israeli intelligence agencies since 1989.  Mohsin Fakhrizadeh’s nuclear bomb program ‘Amad’ was halted in the year 2003.  Since then, Mohsin Fakhrizadeh has been looking at several other nuclear programs aimed at using common citizens.  Meanwhile, the military advisor of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that we will avenge this assassination.  He said that Israel is engaged in provoking war with Iran in the last days of Trump.

On the other hand, US intelligence officials told the New York Times that Israel is behind the deadly attack on Iranian scientist. It is not clear yet how much the US knew about this attack. The New York Times reported that the assassination was carried out by the infamous Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.  Mossad has also previously killed four Iran nuclear scientists in the years 2010 and 2012.

 The assassination could lead to bittering relations further between Iran and US-Israel. In response to this attack Iran may retaliate by waging war with the help of non-state actors. Eventually, This situation could lead to more bloodshed. On the other hand this attack might affect the efforts of President-elect Joe Biden, who is trying to revive Nuclear Deal.