A covert Israeli operation has dealt a major blow to Iran's nuclear weapons program, eliminating nine of the Islamic Republic’s top ten nuclear scientists in a synchronized strike carried out while the targets slept. Dubbed Operation Narnia, the mission marks one of the most strategically complex and devastating intelligence operations in the region in recent years.
Details emerging from Israeli media, including Channel 12 and The Jerusalem Post, indicate the assassinations occurred simultaneously to prevent any warning from being shared between targets. A tenth scientist was reportedly killed shortly afterward. Though Israel has not disclosed the exact weapon used, officials confirmed that a “special weapon” enabled the operation’s precision and efficiency.
Historically, targeted killings of Iranian scientists have occurred in transit—typically during their commutes. Israeli intelligence sources suggest the shift to targeting individuals in their homes was intentional, taking advantage of a false sense of security among the regime’s top nuclear personnel.
شهروندان عزیز ایران,
ما وضعیت سخت شما را در سایه شرایط دشواری که رژیم برایتان ایجاد کرده، درک می‌کنیم. در روزهای اخیر پیام‌های زیادی از سوی عزیزانی دریافت میداریم که از آینده نامعلوم کنونی نگران اند. حتی کسانی که خود را از اعضای نهادهای امنیتی رژیم معرفی می‌کنند، احساس ترس،… pic.twitter.com/XQMitfk46v— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) June 18, 2025
According to reports, the Israeli government decided as early as November to eliminate a core group of Iranian scientists. The decision was based on assessments that the intellectual capital behind Iran's nuclear program—its scientific minds—was far more difficult to replace than military hardware or leadership.
The scientists were ranked on a four-tier scale based on their technical knowledge, military relevance, and replaceability. Those deemed most critical to Iran’s weapons development were prioritized at the top of the hit list.
In response to the operation, the Israel Defense Forces addressed the Iranian public directly via its official Farsi-language X account, acknowledging the difficult situation facing civilians and reporting that even members of Iran’s own security services had reached out in fear and frustration. The IDF also directed inquiries regarding defection or communication to the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency.
Adding to the psychological dimension of the operation, Mossad issued a statement in response to Iranian claims that it had bombed an Israeli facility: “Fortunately, no one was there… everyone is in Iran.”
While the Iranian regime has not officially acknowledged the losses, sources close to Western intelligence suggest the impact on Iran’s nuclear program is significant. By removing irreplaceable scientific knowledge in a single coordinated action, Israel has not only disrupted Tehran’s nuclear timetable but also sent a clear message about its operational reach and intelligence dominance.