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Raphael Ofek

Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Raphael Ofek, a BESA Center Research Associate, is an expert in the field of nuclear physics and technology who served as a senior analyst in the Israeli intelligence community.

Uranium enrichment centrifuges at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Credit: Tehran Times.

Signs Iran’s nuclear weapons program never halted

Traces of radioactivity were found recently at two Iranian sites where Tehran has reported no nuclear activity.

Raphael Ofek

Feb. 21, 2021

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (left) and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi near the Bushehr nuclear plant, on Jan. 13, 2015. Credit: Hossein Heidarpour via Wikimedia Commons.

Whither the Iran nuclear deal?

In light of recent developments, it is difficult to see how U.S. President-elect Joe Biden can turn his intention to return to the JCPOA into a reality when he assumes office.

Raphael Ofek

Jan. 6, 2021

The site of top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's assassination, near Tehran, Nov. 27, 2020. Credit: Fars News Agency.

The fallout from Fakhrizadeh’s assassination

While the killing no doubt dealt a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear program, the political consequences will depend largely on the severity of Iran’s response and the conduct of the United States.

Raphael Ofek

Dec. 3, 2020

Members of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace team and foreign dignitaries from the United Arab Emirates gather at the White House on Aug. 13, 2020. Credit: White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino Jr./Twitter.

Iran’s nuclear program as a catalyst for the Israel-UAE accord

Many factors contributed to the agreement, but the primary one seems to have been Israel’s steadfast stand against the Islamic Republic.

Raphael Ofek

Aug. 20, 2020

An explosion at the Parchin complex near Tehran on June 26, 2020. Credit: Tasnim News Agency.

Was the blast at Iran’s Natanz enrichment plant sabotage?

According to the international media, the fingerprints of Israel and America are all over the recent series of explosions at strategic targets throughout Iran.

Raphael Ofek

July 26, 2020

The Iran nuclear program’s Arak heavy water reactor. Credit: Nanking 2012 via Wikimedia Commons.

The mysterious explosions at Iran’s nuclear facilities

Three incidents, including two explosions at nuclear facilities, have shaken Iran in recent days. Were they connected?

Raphael Ofek

July 6, 2020

The Arak nuclear plant, an Iranian 40-megawatt (thermal) heavy-water reactor. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Iran is approaching nuclear breakout

Given Iran’s current uranium holdings and enrichment capabilities, it can theoretically develop its first nuclear bomb within four months.

Raphael Ofek

June 25, 2020

A Simorgh rocket is launched during the inauguration of Imam Khomeini National Space Base in northern Iran, July 27, 2017. Credit: Tasnim news agency via Wikimedia Commons.

Iran’s nuclear efforts in the shadow of coronavirus

Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis and a deteriorating economy, Iran is pushing ahead with its uranium enrichment and missile and space programs, as well as its activities in Syria.

Raphael Ofek

May 17, 2020

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (left) and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi, Oct. 15, 2015. Credit: Hamed Malekpour via Wikimedia Commons.

Tehran may be preparing to withdraw from 2015 nuclear agreement

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s announcement of the renewal of uranium enrichment at Fordow, as well as high-level Iranian gloating, may indicate that Tehran intends to effect a breakout towards nuclear weapons’ production in 2020.

Raphael Ofek

Dec. 4, 2019