IRGC Commander: It is Unlikely ISIS Can Carry Out a Large-Scale Operation in Iran

Mohammad Ali Jafari, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated on Sunday, December 1, that "given the security conditions of our country, I doubt ISIS can carry out a large-scale operation in Iran. However, they may carry out a small act, but they cannot create insecurity in Iran like they do in other countries." According to ISNA news agency, Jafari, speaking on the sidelines of a conference, added that "ISIS has long sought to create insecurity in Iran, but due to the intelligence oversight of the security apparatus and the cooperation of the people, their efforts have been thwarted so far." He continued, "ISIS has support networks that provide assistance, and these networks have various layers. One of these networks was identified in Kermanshah, and its members were arrested. The other networks are also under intelligence oversight, and if necessary, action will be taken against them." A day earlier, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Iran's Minister of Interior, stated on a television program, "Today we discovered a significant amount of explosive bombs along with detonators in cities across the country." According to the IRIB news agency, he also referred to what he called "enemies," adding that "during Ashura, a number of individuals intended to enter the country, but all were arrested." The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence also reported on Saturday the "destruction of two terrorist teams" in the provinces of West Azerbaijan and Sistan and Baluchestan, announcing that a "terrorist team" active in Sistan and Baluchestan "which was operating in line with the goals of global arrogance and regional extremists, intended to create insecurity on border routes in public areas of Rask - Iranshahr by detonating over 150 kilograms of explosives in the form of 10 bombs." In recent months, Iranian security officials have repeatedly reported the arrest of groups that they claim intended "terrorist actions" and "placing explosives" in eastern provinces of Iran. Following the Paris attacks for which ISIS claimed responsibility, Mahmoud Alavi, Iran's Minister of Intelligence, stated on Sunday, November 24, that the recent attacks in Paris and the explosions in Beirut are a "serious warning" for Iran that should be "seriously considered by experts." A day after him, Ahmadreza Pourdastan, Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces, also referred to recent ISIS threats following the Paris explosions, stating, "ISIS has threatened that options after France include Russia and Iran, and in this regard, the Iraqi Foreign Minister also issued necessary warnings, but the Islamic Republic of Iran's army declares that it is not afraid of these threats." Regarding the security of Iranian pilgrims in Iraq, Mohammad Ali Jafari, the IRGC Commander, on Sunday continued his remarks about measures taken to ensure the safety of Iranian pilgrims during the Arbaeen ceremonies in Iraq, stating, "In cooperation with the Iraqi government, the issue of pilgrim security has been entrusted to the Iraqi government. However, they requested assistance from Iran for complete security." He concluded, "We will provide any assistance we can, but based on the forecasts made, it seems that enemies will not be able to take action against the pilgrims." On Sunday, a report was also published regarding the presence of Iranian forces in part of Iraq's air defense, and Farzad Ismaili, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base, provided explanations about this. According to IRNA news agency, he stated on the sidelines of a morning ceremony that "the integrated network of the air defense base will provide complete air defense coverage during the Arbaeen ceremonies for pilgrims on their way to and from, just like in previous years."