Iran Threatens Israel With 'Dirty Bomb' And Chemical Weapons

Hajza Rahim Safavi, a political analyst and professor at Tehran University and the son of former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Yahya Rahim Safavi, has threatened Israel with unconventional weapons, including a "dirty bomb" and chemical weapons. Speaking on Iranian state television, Safavi stated that Iran possesses the capability to render Israel uninhabitable using both conventional and unconventional means. He also claimed that Iran's enriched uranium reserves exceed the publicly known figure of approximately 400 kg.

This is not the first time Safavi has made such threats. In August, he alluded to the potential use of "dirty bombs" if the Islamic Republic's existence was endangered, also questioning the stated uranium reserves at that time. A "dirty bomb" differs from a nuclear bomb, as it disperses radioactive material using conventional explosives rather than causing a nuclear detonation.

Iran is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force for the country on December 3, 1997, prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. However, international verification of Iran's nuclear materials remains limited. A joint statement from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand at a September 9, 2026, IAEA Board of Governors meeting highlighted that a lack of access prevents the agency from determining uranium stockpile volumes and verifying the suspension of enrichment activities. These issues raise concerns about oversight but do not confirm Safavi's claims about additional reserves or weapon readiness.