TEHRAN – The deputy defense minister of Iran, General Seyed Mehdi Farahi, met on Tuesday with members of the family of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, saying the perpetrators of the assassination of the nuclear scientist will pay the price.

Speaking to the Fakhrizadeh family, General Farahi said a number of “mercenaries” involved in the high-profile assassination has been arrested and are in prison and will be punished. 

“But the main plotters of this incident of which the usurper Zionist regime is only one of the main puppeteers will receive a response to their actions,” he said. 

Fakhrizadeh was assassinated two years ago outside Tehran. Iran blamed the assassination on Israel. 

The Iranian Ministry of Defense has issued a statement on the second anniversary of the martyrdom of Fakhrizadeh. “With the passing of two years since the martyrdom of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, this fact has become more obvious than ever that the criminal action of the perpetrators of his martyrdom had no other interpretation than the desperation of the Zionist enemy.”

Tehran's chief prosecutor announced in late September that indictments have been issued against 14 persons involved in the assassination of prominent scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Ali Salehi said the 14 people have been charged with “corruption on the earth,” “involvement in intelligence and espionage cooperation with the Zionist regime,” “collusion with the purpose of undermining the security of the country,” and “action against national security”.

Mohammad Eslami, the chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), visited the family of martyr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in February during which he said the Iranian nation will soon feel the benefits of nuclear industry in their life.

“Our high-ranking martyrs, including martyr Fakhrizadeh, were taking steps to establish the honor and authority of Islamic Iran, an authority in the light of which dignity, comfort and security were established for Iranians, and now our compatriots are moving steadfast in advancing the lofty goals of the country and the Revolution, without being influenced by the power of foreigners,” Eslami stated.

The nuclear chief added that he went to pay tribute to the Fakhrizadeh family in a sign of respect to martyrs. 

“I ask God Almighty to keep us steadfast in this path. I hope that the prayers of the families of the martyrs and the people will accompany us on the path of the Islamic Revolution and the lofty goals of the country,” the nuclear chief wished.