Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has implemented an immediate ban on the use of all communication devices by its members following a series of deadly explosions that destroyed thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah in Lebanon. This directive comes in response to coordinated attacks that resulted in 39 deaths and over 3,000 injuries among Hezbollah members, according to reports from two Iranian security officials.
The IRGC has initiated a comprehensive inspection of communication equipment across its ranks, amid concerns of possible infiltration by foreign agents, particularly from Israel. The security officials indicated that a variety of communication devices used by Hezbollah were either manufactured domestically or sourced from countries such as China and Russia. Given the severity of the recent incidents, Iranian authorities are taking extra precautions by reviewing the financial and travel records of IRGC personnel, especially those in mid- to high-ranking positions, along with their families.
To mitigate any further risk of infiltration, IRGC members have stopped using conventional communication tools and have shifted to using end-to-end encrypted messaging systems for internal communication.
An additional priority for Iran’s security apparatus is the protection of the country’s critical infrastructure, particularly its nuclear and missile facilities. Iranian officials have emphasized that safeguarding these assets has become even more crucial in light of the attacks on Hezbollah. Although these sites already operate under tight security, Iranian authorities have intensified their measures to prevent any potential sabotage or espionage attempts.
Iran’s nuclear and missile programs have long been targets of external threats, with Israeli intelligence being implicated in previous incidents of sabotage. While Israel has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for these attacks, the recent assault on Hezbollah’s communication devices has led to increased fears that Iran’s strategic facilities could be at greater risk.
The attack on Hezbollah’s communication network is the latest episode in the long-standing conflict between Iran and Israel. For years, both countries have engaged in covert actions, ranging from cyberattacks to targeted assassinations, to undermine each other’s influence and capabilities. Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran in the region, has often found itself at the center of this conflict due to its role as a proxy force against Israel.
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