Explosions in Lebanon put Iran on alert: Strict measures for Revolutionary Guards

Following the explosions involving mobile pagers and handheld radios used by Hezbollah in Lebanon last week, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people, it has been claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has banned all its members from using any type of communication device.

Speaking to the Reuters news agency, one of two senior Iranian security officials said that the Revolutionary Guards have launched a large-scale operation following the explosions, and that not only communication tools but all devices are being examined. The official stated that these devices were either 'homemade' or imported from China or Russia.

Hezbollah and Lebanon have held Israel responsible for the simultaneous explosions that occurred last Tuesday and Wednesday, while Tel Aviv has not issued a statement directly claiming responsibility for the blasts. On Friday, Israel also conducted an airstrike on the capital, Beirut, killing 45 people, including senior Hezbollah commanders, women, and children.

BANK ACCOUNTS ARE ALSO BEING EXAMINED

As tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalate with Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon today, Iran is also concerned about the 'infiltration' of Israeli agents. The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters that the IRGC has launched a comprehensive investigation into its personnel, which includes mid- and high-ranking officials of the military. Regarding the matter, the security official said, "This includes their bank accounts in Iran and abroad, as well as their and their families' travel histories."

The security official refused to provide details on how the 190,000-strong IRGC communicates, stating, "For now, we are using end-to-end encryption in messaging systems." According to the same official, there is also widespread concern within Iran's ruling circles.

'THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN SUCH EXTREME SECURITY MEASURES'

Another Iranian official explained that Iran's primary concern is the protection of the country's nuclear and missile facilities, especially those located underground. The official pointed to the measures increased after Israel's attempt to sabotage the missile program in 2023, saying, "But since last year, security measures in these areas have been significantly increased." Israel has not commented on the matter so far. 

Referring to the recent period, the official continued: "There have never been security measures as strict and extreme as those currently in place until now."

News Source: 12punto