Iran’s New Secret Nuclear Program Exposed: The “Kavir Plan” for Nuclear Weapons Development

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) revealed on Tuesday new intelligence details indicating that Iran is continuing its nuclear weapons development program. According to information presented at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Iran is advancing its nuclear armament efforts under a secret program known as the “Kavir Plan” (Persian for “desert”), which was launched in 2009 by order of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of NCRI-US, stated that the information was gathered by the network of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) inside Iran. According to him, the “Kavir Plan” replaces the “Amad Plan,” which was dismantled in 2003, and is conducted under the cover of “desert security” in Semnan Province. The program promotes nuclear weapons development through the Iranian Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), using satellite launch missile programs as a front.

According to the report, since December 2024, four sites connected to the “Kavir Program” have been identified, including locations in Eyvanaki, Shahroud, and expanded facilities in Semnan. The NCRI provided detailed information on military zones, infrastructure, and counterintelligence operations in the area.

A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from May 2025 confirms that four sites currently under investigation are linked to Iran’s earlier “Amad Program,” reinforcing the continuity of nuclear weapons development efforts.

The intelligence indicates that the “Kavir Plan”, which began in 2009, has operated components such as warhead design, missile integration, and testing of high-powered explosives under SPND command. The program uses military infrastructure throughout Semnan Province, where missile and radar installations serve to conceal nuclear-related activities.

Reported technological advancements include work on both solid and liquid fuel launch systems, and on nuclear warheads with a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers. Counterintelligence operations involve drone surveillance, restricted airspace, and removal of roads from public maps to reduce exposure. The coordination between military, air, and intelligence entities suggests a well-organized, comprehensive governmental program aimed at rapid weaponization.

Soona Samsami, NCRI-US Director, emphasized that Tehran’s goal remains the development of a nuclear bomb, and she called for urgent international action. This includes activating the UN “snapback” mechanism, reimposing sanctions, halting uranium enrichment, shutting down all nuclear sites, dismantling the Revolutionary Guards’ missile program, and enabling IAEA surprise inspections without exemptions for military or civilian facilities.