In the wake of deadly explosions that ripped through Hezbollah’s communication networks in Lebanon, Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has taken drastic measures to bolster security. Thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, a close Iranian ally, were detonated in coordinated attacks last week, killing 39 people and injuring over 3,000. Blaming Israel for these attacks, Lebanon and Hezbollah have demanded accountability. While Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, the IRGC is convinced of Israeli culpability and is taking no chances.
To counter potential threats, the IRGC has issued a strict order prohibiting all members from using any type of communication device. This sweeping directive has triggered a massive operation to inspect all devices, not just those used for communication. The focus is on rooting out any possible infiltration by Israeli agents, including individuals suspected of being on Israel’s payroll.
The IRGC’s investigation extends beyond the equipment itself, encompassing a thorough scrutiny of its personnel. Mid- and high-ranking members are facing intense scrutiny, including examination of their bank accounts both within Iran and abroad, along with their travel history and that of their families. The IRGC is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to identify potential threats and safeguard its operations.
The recent events have ignited a wave of concern among Iran’s ruling establishment, with the IRGC reaching out to Hezbollah for technical assessments and sending exploded devices to Tehran for analysis by Iranian experts.
At the heart of these concerns is the protection of Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, particularly those located underground. Following an alleged Israeli attempt to sabotage Iran’s missile program in 2023, security measures at these sites have been significantly heightened. However, the recent explosions in Lebanon have prompted an even more aggressive security posture, with the IRGC implementing extreme measures to protect Iran’s vital assets.
The IRGC is a formidable force in Iran, wielding considerable political, military, and economic power. Its influence extends far beyond Iran’s borders, reaching into the Middle East through its overseas operations arm, the Al Quds Force. This force provides financial, military, technological, and training support to allied groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Yemen’s Houthis, and militias in Iraq.
The IRGC’s reliance on secure communication is paramount, and it utilizes a range of encrypted devices, including walkie-talkies. While the specific models and brands may vary, Iranian military communication equipment is often domestically developed or sourced from a combination of local and foreign suppliers.
Iran’s armed forces have long abandoned the use of pagers, opting for more secure technologies. The country has invested heavily in developing its own military-grade radio transmissions through its defense industry to avoid dependence on foreign imports, particularly in light of Western sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program.
Despite this, Iran has historically imported communication devices from countries like China, Russia, and even Japan.
The conflict between Iran and Israel is deeply rooted and has escalated in recent years, fueled by mutual accusations of sabotage and assassination plots. The Gaza war, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israeli communities in October 2023, has further intensified the conflict, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah.
Iran and Hezbollah have accused Israel of assassinating Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s most senior military commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut. While Israel has confirmed the death of Shukr, it has not commented on Haniyeh’s assassination.
The relationship between Iran and Israel is marked by profound animosity. Iran does not recognize Israel’s right to exist and views it as a threat to its security. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly condemned Israel, referring to it as a “cancerous tumor” that must be “uprooted and destroyed.” Israel, in turn, perceives Iran as an existential threat and accuses it of pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons program, a claim Iran denies.
The recent events in Lebanon have underscored the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the IRGC’s heightened security measures serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the potential for further violence in the region.
