Israel’s military says it has struck a “covert” underground compound that it claims was being used by Iranian scientists to develop capabilities linked to nuclear weapons.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the scientists began operating from a site it called the “Minzadehei” compound in north-eastern Tehran after Israel damaged key Iranian nuclear facilities during what it described as Operation Rising Lion in June.

“IDF intelligence continued to follow the scientists’ activities and located their new location at this site in a manner that enabled a precise strike on the covert underground compound,” the military said.

The IDF added that the strike removed a key element of Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons — a claim that cannot be independently verified.