Reuters Reports that the IRGC Has Banned the Use of Communication Devices

On Monday, October 2, Reuters reported, citing several senior security officials of the Islamic Republic, that following the explosion of thousands of pagers and radios belonging to members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has ordered all its members to cease the use of any communication devices. One security official stated that a widespread operation by the IRGC is underway to inspect all devices, not just communication equipment. He mentioned that 'most of these devices are either homemade or imported from China and Russia.' The Iranian government is concerned about the infiltration of Israeli agents, including Iranians employed by Israel, and extensive investigations have begun into the forces, especially mid-level and senior members of the IRGC. This official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, added that these investigations include examining bank accounts both domestically and abroad, as well as the travel history of these individuals and their families. The security official did not provide details on how the IRGC forces, which number 190,000, communicate. He said, 'We are currently using fully encrypted messaging systems.' According to this official, there is widespread concern among the Iranian leadership. IRGC officials are in contact with Hezbollah for technical assessments, and several samples of the exploded devices have been sent to Tehran for examination by Iranian experts. Another Iranian official stated that the main concern of the Islamic Republic is the protection of the country's nuclear and missile facilities, especially those that are underground. He noted, 'However, since last year, security measures at these sites have significantly increased.' This official referred to actions that were heightened following Israel's attempts to sabotage Iran's missile program in 2023. Israel has never commented on this. He added, 'There have never been such severe security measures as there are now,' indicating that security has significantly exceeded previous levels following the pager explosions in Lebanon. According to these sources, the military forces of the Islamic Republic use a range of encrypted communication devices, including radios, for secure communications. While specific models and brands may vary, Iran's military communication equipment is often produced domestically or sourced from a mix of domestic and foreign suppliers. He stated that the armed forces of Iran have not used pagers for over two decades. The Islamic Republic has developed its military radios through its defense industries to avoid reliance on foreign imports, especially due to Western sanctions imposed on Iran's nuclear program. However, in the past, the Islamic Republic has imported communication devices from countries such as China, Russia, and even Japan. The Islamic Republic and Israel have been engaged in a shadow war for decades, with mutual accusations of sabotage and assassination plots between the two countries. This conflict, including between Israel and the Islamic Republic's proxy forces in the region, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, has escalated in the past year, paralleling the Gaza war; a war that began after a terrorist attack by the Palestinian group Hamas, supported by the Islamic Republic, on southern Israeli settlements on October 7 of last year. The White House has warned of rising tensions in the Middle East; John Kirby called for a diplomatic solution. Biden stated that the U.S. will do 'everything it can' to prevent a large-scale war in the Middle East. The IRGC claims to have arrested 12 'collaborators' of Israel in Iran. Israeli media: Netanyahu is considering a plan to besiege Hamas in northern Gaza Strip.