Iran Secretly Developing Nuclear Missiles Capable of Reaching Europe, The Telegraph Reports

Iran is reportedly expanding its missile development program at two sites allegedly linked to nuclear warhead production, according to The Telegraph, which cites information from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on February 3.

The sites, identified as Shahrud and Semnan, are allegedly operating under the cover of satellite launch facilities while being overseen by the Organization for Advanced Defense Research (SPND), a division associated with the country’s nuclear weapons research.

Located approximately 35 kilometers from the city of Shahrud, the first site is reportedly involved in the production of a nuclear warhead designed to be mounted on the Ghaem-100, a solid-fuel rocket with an estimated range of 3,000 kilometers.

According to NCRI sources, Iran has already conducted multiple test launches of the Ghaem-100, with further trials planned for the Ghaem-105, an upgraded version of the missile. The site features a reinforced launch platform and surrounding research facilities. Previous missile launches have been publicly presented as part of a satellite program, though analysts suggest this has served as a cover for weapons development.

A second site, located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Semnan, is reportedly focused on developing the Simorgh missile, which is based on North Korean designs. Similar in structure to the North Korean UNHA-1, the Simorgh has been described by Iran as a space launch vehicle. However, satellite imagery indicates significant underground construction, raising concerns about its potential military applications.

The site has been steadily expanded since 2005, with satellite images revealing the addition of new structures over the past decade. Some buildings were initially visible in earlier images but have since been covered with earth, further complicating efforts to monitor activities. The facility has also been linked to research on underground explosions, a process associated with nuclear warhead development.

Both sites are classified as military installations with restricted access. Personnel reportedly pass through multiple security checkpoints before reaching the core facilities, and transportation within the sites is controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Previous visits by journalists have been tightly monitored, with photographs and materials reviewed before release.

Earlier, South Korean intelligence revealed new details on North Korea’s expanding nuclear and missile programs, highlighting its ability to launch sudden strikes with miniaturized nuclear warheads.