An Iranian official described as the “father” of Iran’s nuclear programmes was today reportedly assassinated in a mountain resort area on the outskirts of Tehran, the capital, Iranian media reported. 

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been described as a scientist who worked on the most sensitive dimensions  of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. International investigators inspecting the country’s atomic technology programme have unsuccessfully sought for years to interview him about his work.  

He was reportedly killed in the town of Absard, about 50 miles east of central Tehran, after what witnesses described as a gunfight. He was 59 years old.

More follows