On a significant Saturday, Israel launched robust air strikes on Iran, targeting multiple military facilities with missiles and drones. Israel claims it’s a battle for survival, as Iran pursues nuclear weapons. Israel provides evidence from seven years ago, captured through secret operations inside Iran. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this mission and Mossad's execution.
As reported by Israel’s Ynet News, in January 2018, under the cover of darkness, Mossad agents infiltrated a clandestine warehouse outside Tehran. All activities were under the watchful eyes of their commanders who supervised from afar. Agents faced unexpected challenges during this mission.
Iran's nuclear secrets locked within 32 safes
In a vast room stood 32 massive Iranian safes, each towering at 2.7 meters. These safes were housed on machinery resembling heavy containers on wheels, capable of supporting immense weight. These fortified safes held the nuclear data, protected by two-layer thick iron doors, complemented with alarm systems and cameras.
Mossad's vigilant surveillance over the years
This site was a repository for one of the Islamic Republic's greatest secrets, guarded fiercely by Iran's defense ministry. Few knew these nuclear documents resided in a tranquil suburb. Yet, Mossad, active for years in Iran, meticulously mapped every detail.
Disabling alarms was a skilled task for Mossad agents
Mossad agents, well-versed over years of operation, could deactivate the alarms and breach iron gates. However, time constraints meant breaking into only 10 of the 32 safes, while focusing on three vital folder types.
The crucial three folders
These folders held critical intel on Iran's nuclear ventures. One folder chronicled Iran’s correspondence with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Another detailed nuclear site developments and procurement of nuclear gear. The third, focusing on nuclear warhead designs and production, was of utmost significance.
Mossad scooped all CDs and records
Within the vault-filled chambers, besides the critical folders, there lay heaps of CDs. Numerous DVDs and computer disks, many unmarked, were discovered. A directive from command urged the agents to seize everything, including the CDs.
Agents absconded with 55,000 pages of documents
At precisely 5:01 AM, agents vacated the warehouse. Despite the unexpected CD bounty, all materials were safely extracted from Iran without detection. Mossad successfully secured 114 folders, amassing over 55,000 pages, including 8,500 handwritten notes penned by senior officials and nuclear staff, some of whom were later targeted by Mossad operations.
Extensive translation revealed nuclear secrets
Weeks after the material reached Israel, a dedicated team of translators, specialists, and Unit 8200 analysts diligently examined the haul with Persian lingual support. The risk taken to confiscate the CDs proved crucial.
Iran aimed to build five nuclear bombs
For two decades, Iran denied any military nuclear programs; however, the vault contents narrated a different tale—an ongoing concealed nuclear initiative aiming to develop five 10-kiloton nuclear bombs, marking just the initial phase.
Iran became aware of the breach, deploying 12,000 Iranian security personnel to trace the culprits of the nuclear document theft. It was mere speculation until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's revelation in a press conference on April 30.
