Mastermind of Iran’s nuclear programme ‘assassinated’ in deadly attack

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Iranian official described as the “father” of Iran’s nuclear programmes was assassinated in a mountain resort area on the outskirts of Tehran, the capital, Iran’s defence ministry has said in a statement. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been described as a scientist who worked on the most sensitive dimensions of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Mr Fitzpatrick said he doubted the killing would set back Iran’s nuclear programme. “The killing of Fakhrizadeh will be couched as an effort to impede any Iranian effort to ramp up the nuclear programme,” he said.