Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Classified
Episode 40: Iran vs Israel: Mossad Assassinates Iranian Mastermind (Ep 2)
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Hosted by David McCloskey and Gordon Carrera
Introduction
In Episode 40 of "The Rest Is Classified," hosts David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst turned spy novelist, and Gordon Carrera, a veteran security correspondent, delve into the high-stakes assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's foremost nuclear scientist. This episode meticulously unpacks the intricate web of espionage, intelligence operations, and the shadowy maneuvers between Israel and Iran that culminated in Fakhrizadeh's death.
Background on Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and Iran’s Nuclear Program
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was a pivotal figure in Iran's nuclear ambitions, holding dual roles as a senior member of the Revolutionary Guards and a respected university professor. His expertise was instrumental in advancing Iran's clandestine efforts to develop nuclear capabilities, making him a prime target for foreign intelligence agencies, particularly Israel's Mossad.
David McCloskey emphasizes Fakhrizadeh's significance:
"He is the man at the heart of Iran's nuclear program and played a key role in its clandestine efforts to smuggle parts for a bomb."
[02:28]
Israel’s Motivation and Mossad’s Strategy
Israel perceived Iran's nuclear advancements as an existential threat, prompting a long-term strategy to neutralize key figures within Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Fakhrizadeh became their top target amid a series of assassinations aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities.
David McCloskey discusses the continuity of Mossad's policy:
"We have a continuous policy of finding opportunities to go after some of these really senior Iranian scientists."
[03:23]
Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and President Trump's assassination of Qasem Soleimani in early 2020, Israel saw an opportune moment to escalate their covert operations against Iran's nuclear operatives.
Planning the Assassination Operation
The assassination of Fakhrizadeh was marked by meticulous planning and technological innovation. Mossad engineers devised a remote-controlled robotic gun capable of operating from a significant distance, minimizing the risk to their operatives and reducing the likelihood of detection.
Gordon Carrera outlines the technological ingenuity involved:
"They come up with an extraordinary idea which is a remote-controlled satellite linked gun, a robotic gun."
[14:28]
The operation required extensive legwork, including smuggling equipment into Iran, likely through existing smuggling networks, and assembling the robotic gun on-site. The robotic gun, based on the Sentinel 20 system by a Spanish arms manufacturer, was outfitted with cameras providing 360-degree surveillance, ensuring precise targeting while avoiding collateral damage.
David McCloskey explains the setup:
"It's rigged up with cameras everywhere, so you can see probably three hundred and sixty degrees around this thing."
[17:11]
Execution of the Assassination on November 27, 2020
The fateful morning of November 27, 2020, saw Fakhrizadeh departing his country house in Absard, a serene area outside Tehran known for its picturesque landscapes. Despite multiple security threats and warnings against traveling, Fakhrizadeh opted to drive himself, a decision that ultimately exposed him to Mossad's meticulously positioned robotic gun.
David McCloskey narrates the operation’s execution:
"Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is driving and his wife is in the passenger seat."
[28:06]
As Fakhrizadeh navigated Imam Khomeini Boulevard, his convoy slowed at a speed bump—intentionally chosen by Mossad to ensure optimal conditions for the assassination. A Zamyad pickup truck camouflaged with construction equipment revealed the robotic gun, which fired a precise volley of bullets, ultimately striking Fakhrizadeh and leading to his death without harming his wife.
Gordon Carrera observes the precision of the attack:
"What's remarkable is the ability to move that gun because he comes out of the car... and kill him and not hurt his wife."
[35:10]
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the assassination, Fakhrizadeh was honored with a state funeral, symbolizing his status as a martyr within Iran. Despite the security lapse, Iran vowed to pursue those responsible, intensifying the already strained relations between Iran and Israel.
David McCloskey reflects on the funeral:
"Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is buried and put to rest."
[35:44]
Ethical and Efficacy Discussions
The hosts engage in a profound discussion on the ethical ramifications and the actual effectiveness of targeted killings. They question whether eliminating key individuals like Fakhrizadeh genuinely hampers Iran's nuclear ambitions or merely delays them without offering a strategic solution.
David McCloskey muses on the efficacy:
"The Iranians at this point have never been closer to a breakout capability. It's possible that these killings have slowed the program, but they certainly have not stopped it."
[45:07]
Gordon Carrera adds:
"Is it right to target these scientists? Does it work?"
[44:06]
The conversation highlights the moral ambiguity of such operations and the complex calculations behind them, including the justification rooted in self-defense and preemptive measures against perceived threats.
Future Implications: The Rise of Remote and AI-Assisted Assassinations
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the technological advancements exemplified by the assassination of Fakhrizadeh. The use of a remote-controlled robotic gun signifies a precursor to more autonomous weapon systems, blending AI and robotics to carry out precise, covert operations.
Gordon Carrera envisions the future:
"You could see the technology to make a weapon system like that actually fully autonomous, just using facial recognition rather than having a human remotely authorize it and physically pull the trigger."
[39:03]
The hosts discuss the potential for such technologies to evolve into "killer robots," capable of identifying and eliminating targets with minimal human intervention. This raises ethical concerns about the dehumanization of lethal decision-making processes and the potential for misuse in both military and civilian contexts.
David McCloskey warns:
"If someone can launch a drone or have a killer robot hidden somewhere and just wait for someone to pass who a facial recognition Software says, yep, that's the target... launch the drone, drop the bomb, fire the machine gun. This is the future."
[40:48]
Conclusion
The assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh by Mossad marks a significant moment in modern espionage, showcasing the lengths to which intelligence agencies will go to neutralize perceived threats. While the operation demonstrated technological prowess and strategic finesse, it also opened a Pandora's box of ethical dilemmas and future warfare paradigms. The episode concludes with an open-ended reflection on the continuing shadow war between Israel and Iran, hinting at future developments and the evolving nature of covert operations.
Gordon Carrera closes the discussion:
"Maybe totally unresolved, let's end it and end our exploration into the life and times and death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and our journey into the shadow war between Israel and Iran."
[49:37]
Notable Quotes
-
David McCloskey:
"He is the man at the heart of Iran's nuclear program and played a key role in its clandestine efforts to smuggle parts for a bomb."
[02:28] -
Gordon Carrera:
"They come up with an extraordinary idea which is a remote-controlled satellite linked gun, a robotic gun."
[14:28] -
David McCloskey:
"The Iranians at this point have never been closer to a breakout capability. It's possible that these killings have slowed the program, but they certainly have not stopped it."
[45:07] -
Gordon Carrera:
"You could see the technology to make a weapon system like that actually fully autonomous, just using facial recognition rather than having a human remotely authorize it and physically pull the trigger."
[39:03] -
David McCloskey:
"If someone can launch a drone or have a killer robot hidden somewhere and just wait for someone to pass who a facial recognition Software says, yep, that's the target... launch the drone, drop the bomb, fire the machine gun. This is the future."
[40:48]
Final Thoughts
Episode 40 of "The Rest Is Classified" offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most audacious and technologically sophisticated assassinations in recent history. Through expert analysis and riveting storytelling, David McCloskey and Gordon Carrera shed light on the complex interplay of intelligence work, international politics, and emerging technologies that define the clandestine struggles shaping our global landscape.