Israeli Sources Say Site Hit in Tehran Was Developing Nuclear Trigger Component

Senior Israeli officials say Iran worked covertly after attacks on its nuclear sites during the Twelve Day War, to accelerate its ‘Weapon Group’ project.

A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on Feb. 28, 2026. ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images

Israel has said that after the destruction of three Iranian nuclear sites by the United States and Israel during the Twelve Day War last June, Iran continued clandestine efforts to restore its nuclear weapons program.

On March 3, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it “struck and destroyed the secret nuclear headquarters in Minzadehei, located partly underground in the city of Tehran. A team of nuclear scientists was operating covertly at this headquarters.”