Plan to Increase Security Measures for the Parliament

The head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the legislative branch announced the preparation of a plan to "increase security measures" for this institution, stating that a "special place" will be allocated for public gatherings. Aladdin Boroujerdi said in an interview with ILNA news agency on Tuesday, July 2, that following the attack on June 7, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has drafted a plan to enhance the "protective measures" of the Parliament. The Parliament building and the tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini were targeted in attacks on June 7, for which the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility. In this attack, 17 people were killed and over 50 were injured. After these events, the commander of the Parliament's protection was changed, and criticisms were raised regarding the performance of the Parliament's security and protection forces. For instance, Massoud Pezeshkian, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, criticized the "shortcomings" of the Parliament's protection, stating, "It is unacceptable that three or even 30 people can easily enter this system; they should not have been able to bring weapons into the Parliament so easily, and we expected the system to stand against them." According to ILNA, the head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission stated that measures will be taken to prevent gatherings in front of the Parliament if this plan is implemented, saying, "Certainly, measures will be taken to have a special place for gatherings in front of the Parliament." Boroujerdi added, "We intend to manage the space in such a way that both the transfer and presentation of people's demands to the representatives is facilitated and that no potential security issues arise." A number of shareholders from the Caspian and Arman financial institutions, who intended to hold a protest gathering in front of the Parliament on Sunday, July 1, faced obstruction from law enforcement and security forces. Previously, Parliament representatives had reported several meetings between the IRGC's protection and the members of the board to prepare a plan aimed at better protecting the Parliament. Meanwhile, Valiollah Nanavakani, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated that this commission, in meetings with officials from the IRGC, law enforcement, and the Ministry of Intelligence, summarized their opinions on this matter and presented them to Ali Larijani, the Speaker of Parliament. According to Nanavakani, the Speaker of Parliament also communicated this report to "officials at various levels," and "it is expected that based on this report, security officials will present their plans to enhance the security of the Parliament so that necessary actions can be taken."