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In a covert Israeli attack, Iranian nuclear scientist Sedighi Saber was killed along with 11 members of his family, including women, children, and elderly individuals, in a devastating strike in Iran’s northern city of Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh, near the Caspian Sea. The attack, reported by Al Jazeera, occurred on the night of June 22, 2025, just before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was set to take effect.
A published family photo revealed the tragic loss of Saber's entire household in the assault. Iran’s state-run Press TV condemned the killings as a “blatant act of state terrorism.” According to reports, Israel has allegedly targeted and killed at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists over the past 12 days, though it has not officially claimed responsibility. Internationally, these incidents are being viewed as “targeted killings” and “political assassinations.”
The attack has ignited widespread grief and anger across Iran, with political and religious leaders, alongside citizens, denouncing it as a direct violation of the country’s security and sovereignty. A senior Iranian parliamentarian stated, “Killing scientists is an attempt to destroy our nation’s future and self-reliance. This is not a military conflict; it is a heinous crime against our progress.”
Tehran has signaled its intent to pursue the matter in international courts, labeling the attack as state-sponsored terrorism. The incident has also raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire, with observers warning that if the attack is found to violate truce conditions, it could reignite tensions across the Middle East.
AI/MR
