Nuclear Protection and Security Corps
{{Short description|Nuclear facility protection unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Nuclear Protection Corps
| native_name = سپاه حفاظت و امنیت هستهای
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| caption = Seal of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
| start_date = {{start date and age|2022|03|16|df=y|p=y|br=y}}
| country = {{IRN}}
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| role = Protect Nuclear facilities in Iran
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| command_structure = Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
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| commander1 = Ahmad Haghtalab
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{{IRGC}}
The Nuclear Protection Corps ({{Langx|fa|سپاه حفاظت و امنیت هستهای}}) is a unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps tasked to protect the Iranian nuclear facilities. It was announced on March 16, 2022, after several acts of sabotage against these sites.{{Cite web |date=14 March 2022 |title=IRGC forms nuclear command center |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/84684334/IRGC-forms-nuclear-command-center |website=IRNA |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=تشکیل فرماندهی سپاه هستهای؛ اطلاعات سپاه یک سنگر دیگر را هم گرفت |url=https://www.radiofarda.com/a/formation-of-the-nuclear-corps-command-iran/31754295.html |newspaper=رادیو فردا |date=16 March 2022 |language=fa|last1=حقیقتنژاد |first1=رضا }}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-15 |title=سپاه حفاظت و امنیت هسته ای به ساختار سپاه اضافه شد |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1400122419348/سپاه-حفاظت-و-امنیت-هسته-ای-به-ساختار-سپاه-اضافه-شد |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=ISNA |language=fa}}
Background and formation
The creation of this corps followed a series of security breaches and sabotage incidents at Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow facility. These events highlighted vulnerabilities in the protection of critical infrastructure. In response, the IRGC assumed direct control over nuclear security, a role previously managed by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. This shift aimed to enhance secrecy and operational efficiency within the nuclear program.{{Cite web |last=Yaqubi |first=Cyrus |date=2022-03-24 |title=Nuclear Corps Command Is A Step Towards Further Secrecy In Iran Nuclear Program – OpEd |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/24032022-nuclear-corps-command-is-a-step-towards-further-secrecy-in-iran-nuclear-program-oped/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Eurasia Review |language=en-US}}
Structure and leadership
The corps operates under the broader command of the IRGC and is led by Brigadier General Ahmad Haghtalab. It collaborates closely with the IRGC’s Intelligence and Counterintelligence divisions to monitor, prevent, and respond to potential threats targeting Iran's nuclear assets.
See also
References
{{reflist}}
{{Islamic Republic of Iran Army}}
{{Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps}}
{{Iran Military}}
{{Iran-mil-stub}}
Category:Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Category:Military units and formations established in 2022
Category:2021 establishments in Iran