Podcast Title: The Rest Is Classified
Episode: 68. Israel Attacks Iran: The Origins of the Iranian Nuclear Program (Ep 1)
Release Date: July 27, 2025
Hosts: David McCloskey and Gordon Corera

Introduction to the Episode

In episode 68 of The Rest Is Classified, hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera delve into the intricate history of Iran's nuclear program, exploring the origins, key players, and the covert operations that have shaped one of the most contentious geopolitical issues of the past two decades. The episode sets the stage by referencing recent military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, positioning the discussion within the broader narrative of espionage and intelligence operations.

The Genesis of Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

Timestamp: [02:21]
David McCloskey opens the episode by highlighting President Donald Trump's announcement on June 21st regarding the successful strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in Forau, Natanz, and Isfahan. This recent development serves as a springboard for a deeper exploration into the origins of Iran's nuclear program.

Key Points:

• The episode emphasizes that the conflict over Iran's nuclear capabilities has been simmering for over 20 years.
• The hosts aim to trace back to the initial attempts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, particularly focusing on the landmark cyber attack known as Stuxnet.

Stuxnet: A Pivotal Moment in Cyber Warfare

Timestamp: [04:50]
Gordon Corera introduces Stuxnet, describing it as "one of the most important moments in intelligence history, and particularly in cyber history of the last few decades." This sophisticated cyber weapon targeted Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities, marking a new era in covert operations.

Notable Quote:

"Stuxnet is one of the pivotal moments in the conflict over Iran's nuclear program."
— Gordon Corera [04:50]

Discussion Highlights:

• Michael Hayden's (former NSA and then CIA Director) commentary likening Stuxnet's impact to that of the Hiroshima bombing in modern times.
• The ambiguity surrounding the perpetrators of Stuxnet, with neither the Israelis nor the Americans officially claiming responsibility.
• The strategic importance of Stuxnet in delaying and destabilizing Iran's nuclear enrichment efforts without resorting to overt military action.

The Rise of Natanz: Iran's Nuclear Heartbeat

Timestamp: [07:23]
David McCloskey shifts the focus to Natanz, a central facility in Iran's nuclear program. He narrates the sequence of events leading up to the establishment and expansion of this critical site.

Key Points:

• In February 2003, as global attention was fixed on the impending invasion of Iraq, Iranian inspectors led by Ollie Heinonen visited Natanz under the guise of an agricultural research facility.
• The inspectors were met with sophisticated defenses and misleading presentations designed to mask the true purpose of the site.
• Initial analyses revealed that the centrifuges at Natanz were exact replicas of Pakistan's P1 centrifuges, themselves based on designs stolen from the European company Yorenko.

Notable Quote:

"It's time for the nuclear lesson."
— Gordon Corera [33:08]

Understanding Uranium Enrichment: A Technical Overview

Timestamp: [33:07]
To provide listeners with a foundational understanding, the hosts introduce a "nuclear lesson" explaining the intricacies of uranium enrichment.

Key Points:

• Raw Uranium vs. Enriched Uranium: Raw uranium consists predominantly of Uranium-238 (U238), with only about 0.7% being the fissile Uranium-235 (U235), essential for both nuclear power and weapons.
• The Enrichment Process: Utilizing centrifuges, Iran increases the concentration of U235 from its natural 0.7% to levels suitable for nuclear reactors (3-5%) and potentially up to 90% for nuclear weapons.
• Cascade of Centrifuges: Multiple centrifuges operate in series to progressively enrich uranium, making the process both resource-intensive and technically challenging.

Discussion Highlights:

• The dual-use nature of uranium enrichment technology, which poses significant proliferation risks.
• The strategic advantage of accumulating enriched uranium to reduce Iran's breakout time—the period needed to develop a nuclear weapon once the decision is made.

A.Q. Khan and the Proliferation Network

Timestamp: [21:14]
The narrative shifts to Abdul Qadeer Khan, the "father of the Pakistani bomb," whose operations significantly impacted Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Key Points:

• Background: A.Q. Khan, a Pakistani scientist, defected to Europe, gaining access to advanced centrifuge technologies and materials.
• Proliferation Activities: Khan established a clandestine network, selling nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea, among others.
• Impact on Natanz: Through his dealings, Iran obtained crucial designs and components for their centrifuges, facilitating the rapid development of their enrichment capabilities.

Notable Quote:

"He's a nuclear salesman, which makes him a very interesting, rather dangerous man."
— Donald Trump [25:17]

Discussion Highlights:

• The challenges in discerning between state-sanctioned and rogue activities within proliferation networks.
• The technological bottlenecks Iran faced, relying on secondhand and often suboptimal components supplied by Khan.

Israel's Persistent Threat Perception and Strategic Response

Timestamp: [41:08]
The hosts examine Israel's longstanding concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and the strategic calculations driving their covert operations.

Key Points:

• Existential Threat: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views Iran's potential nuclear capabilities as an existential threat, pushing for decisive action.
• Operation Olympic Games: A code-named covert operation aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear infrastructure through cyber and military means.
• Collaboration with the U.S.: Despite geopolitical tensions, Israel seeks cooperation from the United States to execute strikes that remain "short of war."

Notable Quote:

"I want to attack it with a military strike, but I want you to be in with me because I need your American help to finish the job and to be able to do it."
— Gordon Corera [41:43]

Discussion Highlights:

• The delicate balance between overt military action and covert operations to prevent escalation into broader conflicts.
• The role of intelligence agencies like Mossad in shaping and executing Israel's strategies against Iran.

Strategic Dilemmas in U.S. Foreign Policy

Timestamp: [44:03]
The episode delves into the complexities faced by U.S. policymakers, particularly during the George W. Bush administration, in addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions amidst ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Key Points:

• Axis of Evil: Iran was identified alongside Iraq and North Korea as part of the "Axis of Evil," justifying aggressive policies.
• Widening Proliferation: Concerns that Iran's success in developing nuclear weapons could trigger a regional arms race in the Middle East.
• Seeking Alternatives: The Bush administration’s hesitance to engage in another military conflict, leading to the exploration of covert solutions like cyber attacks.

Discussion Highlights:

• The strategic imperative to prevent nuclear proliferation from destabilizing an already volatile region.
• The pursuit of innovative, deniable operations to address threats without triggering large-scale wars.

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease future discussions on Operation Olympic Games and its ramifications. They invite listeners to join the "Declassified Club" for early access to exclusive content, ensuring ongoing engagement with the series.

Final Thoughts

Episode 68 of The Rest Is Classified offers a comprehensive examination of the origins and evolution of Iran's nuclear program, intertwining technical explanations with geopolitical analysis. Through expert insights and compelling narratives, David McCloskey and Gordon Corera illuminate the shadowy corridors of espionage that have shaped one of the most critical security issues of our time.

Notable Quotes Recap:

1. "Stuxnet is one of the pivotal moments in the conflict over Iran's nuclear program."
   — Gordon Corera [04:50]

2. "It's time for the nuclear lesson."
   — Gordon Corera [33:08]

3. "He's a nuclear salesman, which makes him a very interesting, rather dangerous man."
   — Donald Trump [25:17]

4. "I want to attack it with a military strike, but I want you to be in with me because I need your American help to finish the job and to be able to do it."
   — Gordon Corera [41:43]

Disclaimer:
All quotes and timestamps are based on the provided transcript. The speaker "Donald Trump" in the transcript appears to be a fictional representation for podcast purposes.