The Nuclear Protection Corps (Persian: 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.[1][2][3]
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.[4]
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.[4]
