Iran's Military Commander: Infiltrators Want to Open the Door for America in the Country

Continuing the warnings from various political and military figures in Iran regarding a 'network of infiltration', a senior military official stated that the armed forces will confront those who are 'trying to beautify America's image'. According to ISNA, Gholamali Rashid, the deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, stated on Thursday, November 21: 'Some think our defense policies and foreign approaches will change after the nuclear agreement. They are either naive or infiltrators of the enemy.' He added, 'Naive individuals believe that Iran's problems can be solved by connecting with America, and this idea exists among some officials as well. However, in addition to them, there are mercenaries and enemy infiltrators who are trying to open the door for America in the country, and we must stand against both groups.' The political scene in Iran has recently been influenced by the speeches and warnings of military commanders regarding Tehran's relationship with the United States. This new wave of stances began after remarks by Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, who stated that America is seeking to infiltrate Iran through nuclear negotiations. This wave has led to the arrest of several media figures in Iran over the past ten days, including Ehsan Mazandarani and Eisa Saharkhiz, who conservative media close to the IRGC have labeled as members of the 'American infiltration network'. Now, the deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces reiterates these stances, stating that 'America is thinking of infiltration and creating discord in the country after the JCPOA.' Gholamali Rashid also stated, 'The nuclear agreement does not mean a change in Iran's foreign policy; it only means creating and utilizing a new opportunity. We will continue to support the oppressed and the condemned of the world, and no one inside should think that after the JCPOA, the pressures of the enemy will be lifted.' Zakani: The JCPOA is a Paved Highway for Infiltration Similar remarks were made by Alireza Zakani, a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, on the evening of Wednesday, November 20. According to Fars News Agency, Mr. Zakani stated that America wants to 'contain the Islamic Revolution from within through the nuclear agreement and aims to undermine the lofty thought of the revolution culturally and alter the political foundations of the country, targeting the independence and non-submission of the Iranian nation, ultimately leading to a structural change in the regime.' He noted, 'Beautifying America, discouraging people from ideals, creating division in society, making people dissatisfied, and putting dissatisfied people against the regime and the revolution are among the enemy's infiltration goals.' He ultimately warned that 'all enemy investment is focused on the issue of infiltration, and the enemy's infiltration project is not possible without the existence of a fifth column.' Alireza Zakani has been a critic of negotiations and the nuclear agreement and now states that if Ayatollah Khamenei's conditions regarding the nuclear agreement are not considered, this agreement 'will be like a paved highway for enemy infiltration.' In this context, Rouhani: Relations could normalize if Washington apologizes. The senior commander of the IRGC threatened those who 'question the issue of infiltration.' Khamenei: The mistake of Mossadegh was trusting America. Hassan Rouhani: Some should not play with the word 'infiltration' in the country. Khamenei: Those who cover up America's enmity with beautification are traitors.