TEHRAN (Agencies): Iran has exposed an alleged Mossad plot to sabotage its defense sector involving the insertion of faulty foreign-sourced connector components with explosives into domestic defense hardware. Iranian authorities detected this plot years ago and managed to identify and neutralize the flawed connectors before they could be integrated into military production.
The thwarted sabotage operation, characterized as “one of the biggest attempts at sabotage,” would have cost Iran’s defense sector up to $19 million. Iranian strategic missiles, crucial for deterrence, have been a primary target for industrial espionage and sabotage.
A civilian businessperson involved in procuring components abroad played a key role in uncovering the plot by noting unusual foreign supplier interest in Iran’s domestic market. This information helped identify the entire network involved.
Israel has not commented on these allegations. This revelation highlights the ongoing covert conflict between Iran and Israel, marked by sabotage, espionage, and assassinations, dating back decades. Iran’s response has been to strengthen its domestic defense industry, which now reportedly satisfies approximately 90 percent of its defense requirements. Iran has also intensified the localization of its defense production, including rigorous testing of foreign-made components.