The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persistent Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons
The Islamic Republic of Iran is reportedly intensifying its quest for nuclear weapons, with claims of accumulating enriched uranium nearing weapons-grade levels. This acceleration coincides with covert strategies aimed at enhancing its weaponization capabilities. Insider information provided to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group based in Washington, D.C., and Paris, indicates that Iran is renewing efforts to advance its nuclear detonator program.
The Role of METFAZ
A central figure in Iran’s nuclear weaponization program is METFAZ, an acronym for the Center for Research and Expansion of Technologies on Explosions and Impact. Recently, this organization has activated a formerly dormant facility located at Sanjarian, which has come under heightened scrutiny from international observers and intelligence agencies.
“Our intelligence reveals METFAZ has intensified its activities, focusing primarily on the detonation of a nuclear bomb,” stated Alireza Jafarzadeh, the deputy director of the NCRI in the U.S., during a recent interview with Fox News Digital. He elaborated, “While acquiring fissile material is crucial, the ability to trigger a nuclear explosion is a highly complex and equally important component. Monitoring METFAZ’s actions offer critical insights into Iran’s overall nuclear weapons program.”
Sanjarian: A Key Site in Iran’s Nuclear Arsenal
Iran is said to operate at least a dozen facilities engaged in nuclear advancements, research, and heavy water production. However, confidential information relayed to Fox News Digital highlights increased covert activity at two significant sites, Sanjarian being one of them. Situated approximately 25 miles east of Tehran, Sanjarian had remained largely inactive from 2009 to late 2020 due to international pressure against Iran’s nuclear advancements.
Following a renewal of operations in October 2020, Iran purportedly claimed that a film production team was conducting activities at Sanjarian—a cover story that aligned with satellite imagery showing vehicles near the site. Efforts to mask the facility’s activities continued into later years, including the strategic planting of trees in 2022 to obstruct satellite views and the installation of a security gate in May 2023.
Recent Developments and Key Figures
Recent reports indicate a surge in activity at Sanjarian, with top Iranian nuclear experts regularly visiting the site. These experts allegedly operate under a front company named Arvin Kimia Abzaar, which claims ties to the oil and gas sector—a sector often used to disguise covert nuclear operations.
Among the prominent figures linked to these activities is Saeed Borji, a long-standing member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a leading figure at METFAZ. Analysts recognize METFAZ as a critical unit within Iran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, tasked with advancing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Reports suggest that Sanjarian serves as a research base for exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators, essential components for nuclear weapons.
Understanding EBW Technology
EBW detonator technology, developed initially in the 1940s for atomic warheads, has applications in various civilian industries as well, though it remains closely associated with nuclear detonators. A 2015 report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) characterized Iran’s work on EBW detonators as “an integral part” of its strategy to develop an implosion-type nuclear bomb. Notably, the report also concluded that Iran attempted to represent its detonator research as being related to non-military sectors, such as oil and aerospace industries.
Deceptive Practices and International Accountability
According to Jafarzadeh, deception and delay tactics are central to Iran’s strategy, allowing the regime to evade scrutiny even as it advances towards the creation of nuclear weapons. “The regime uses lies, delays, and obfuscation to progress its program while undermining international oversight,” he remarked.
The NCRI has also released additional findings regarding METFAZ’s operations at the Parchin military complex, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Tehran. Parchin houses various defense industry facilities, including the Plan 6 complex, where METFAZ allegedly conducts explosive tests and produces materials. This site notably experienced Israeli airstrikes in October 2024, resulting in considerable damage, including the destruction of multiple buildings and a significant testing chamber known as Taleghan 2.
Challenges for International Oversight
Iran regularly masks its nuclear activities with layers of ambiguity and employs a network of private companies and false fronts, making it exceptionally difficult for international organizations like the IAEA to verify its operations. Despite ongoing scrutiny, neither Sanjarian nor the facilities at Parchin’s Plan 6 have been inspected by the IAEA.
“The regime consistently blocks any verification mechanisms, leaving critical questions from the IAEA unanswered,” Jafarzadeh concluded. “Our latest revelations demonstrate Iran’s lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program and its accelerated pace towards constructing an atomic bomb.”
Conclusion: The Global Implications of Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
Iran’s combination of deceptive practices allied with its increasing nuclear ambitions suggests a growing risk that warrants significant global attention. While uranium enrichment has long overshadowed concerns around weaponization, experts now argue that the latter is equally, if not more, critical for ensuring international security. The global community must act to address the challenges posed by Iran’s ongoing nuclear aspirations, as its strategies continue to elude sufficient international oversight and accountability.
