Just hours before a US-brokered ceasefire between Iran nuclear scientist killed and Israel took effect on June 25, 2025, an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed senior Iranian nuclear scientist Mohammad Reza Seddiqi Saber along with eight others in Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh, Gilan province. Iranian state television confirmed the strike hit Saber’s family home, marking a deadly climax to 11 days of escalating violence between the two nations.
Scientist Targeted at Family Residence
Saber, aged 50, was said to be visiting his parents in Gilan after the reported death of his 17-year-old son in an earlier airstrike on their Tehran home. The Israeli military had earlier announced it had “eliminated an additional senior nuclear scientist” without naming him. Photos from the strike site showed destroyed residential buildings and widespread debris.
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Who Was Mohammad Reza Seddiqi Saber?
Saber was sanctioned by the US in May 2025 for his involvement with Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND). The US alleged he led explosives-related projects contributing to nuclear weapons development, a claim denied by Iran. His assassination marks at least the tenth killing of a top Iranian nuclear scientist since Israel’s air campaign began on June 13.
Rising Civilian Toll
The Iranian health ministry states that Israeli airstrikes have killed over 610 people, while independent sources suggest the death toll could be as high as 974. In the last 24 hours alone, Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarqandi confirmed 107 deaths and 1,300 injuries.
Gilan deputy governor Ali Bagheri called the attack on Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh a “terrorist strike.” Among the casualties were women and children. Social media footage shows large fires and residents sifting through rubble in search of survivors.
Ceasefire Announced by Trump
US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire effective at 05:00 GMT on Tuesday. He had earlier warned both Iran and Israel not to break the agreement. However, within hours, Israel reported intercepting Iranian missiles and threatened new strikes in response.
Critics in Iran voiced skepticism about the ceasefire. “This feels orchestrated,” one citizen told BBC Persian. “They exchanged fire, made statements, and it’s the people who paid the price.”
Evin Prison Bombing Sparks Outrage
In a controversial attack, Israel also struck Evin prison in Tehran, which houses journalists, activists, and political prisoners. Human rights groups condemned the strike, with the UN saying it was “a grave breach of international humanitarian law.” Iran’s judiciary confirmed civilian and staff casualties, though exact numbers remain unclear.
Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, previously imprisoned at Evin, said the infirmary was destroyed, leaving no facilities for the injured. Iran’s prison authority said transfers were underway “to safeguard prisoners.”
Israel Claims Strategic Success
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the air campaign had killed “hundreds” of Iranian regime and Basij force members. He added that Israel was acting to eliminate “existential threats” posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful and for civilian energy use only.
Global Reaction and the Path Ahead
International observers remain wary of the fragile ceasefire. The targeting of high-profile figures like Saber could provoke renewed hostilities. Analysts warn that unless diplomatic channels are strengthened, the region could descend again into open conflict.
BBC: Iran nuclear scientist killed in Israeli strike, state TV says
Reuters: Senior Iranian scientist killed in Israeli air strike
Conclusion
The killing of Mohammad Reza Seddiqi Saber just before a ceasefire highlights the volatility of Iran-Israel tensions and the continuing human cost of geopolitical power struggles. As calls grow for accountability and international mediation, the spotlight remains on how long the fragile truce will last—and whether peace is possible when targets extend beyond military boundaries.
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