Islamic State Threatens Iran in 'Persian-Language Video'

Reports indicate that the Islamic State group, ISIS, has threatened Iran in an unprecedented move by releasing a video in Persian on Monday, April 7. According to AFP, this 36-minute video titled 'Land of Persia; From Yesterday to Today' was published on the social media channels of the Islamic State group in Diyala province, Iraq. The report states that a masked man reads a message directed at Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This individual stated: 'O Khamenei, you cursed one who controls the so-called Islamic Republic, rest assured that we will soon destroy your house over your head.' AFP also mentions that several captives are shown in the video, one of whom has 'Ya Hussein' written on his clothing. Iran is one of the main supporters of the Iraqi government in the fight against the Islamic State, providing assistance to organize Iraqi Shiite militias in the war against ISIS. Iran has also been a key supporter of Bashar al-Assad's government in the Syrian civil war, sending forces to that country. According to AFP, in this video, the Islamic State accuses Iran of suppressing Sunnis in the country for centuries. One of the men present in the video stated: 'We will conquer Iran and return this country to the Sunnis as it once was.' The video also criticizes the Iranian government's tolerance towards Jews. The speaker in the video emphasized: 'Iran chants slogans against America and Israel, yet Jews in this country are safe and protected, and they have their synagogues and places of worship in Isfahan and Tehran.' Iranian domestic news agencies, including Fars, ILNA, Mehr, and Mizan, have reported on the release of this video by the Islamic State group. Major General Ahmadreza Pourdastan, commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces, stated last August that the Islamic State (ISIS) has recruited some of its forces from Qasr-e Shirin and Naft Shahr, both located in Kermanshah province near the Iraqi border. In this context, an indictment has been issued for 16 individuals in Iran on charges of membership in a 'Takfiri terrorist group.' Alavi: Eight non-Iranians who intended to carry out terrorist operations have been arrested. The deaths of four individuals 'affiliated with ISIS' occurred following clashes in Kermanshah.