In a move that underscores escalating tensions with Israel, Iran has begun construction of a ‘defensive tunnel’ in the heart of Tehran, the capital city. The tunnel, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, will connect a station on the Tehran metro directly to the Imam Khomeini Hospital.
This strategic project, described as a first of its kind in Iran, is being touted as a defensive measure. The head of transport for Tehran City Council, speaking to Tasnim, emphasized its unique purpose: “For the first time in the country, a tunnel with defensive applications is being built in Tehran.”
The construction of the tunnel comes on the heels of a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel. Last month, Israel carried out its first officially acknowledged airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in the country’s west. This was a response to Iran’s October 1st attack on Israeli territory.
While the exact nature of the tunnel’s ‘defensive applications’ remain unclear, the project’s timing and location, in the midst of escalating tensions with Israel, suggest a heightened focus on bolstering Tehran’s security infrastructure. The tunnel’s direct connection to a major hospital could potentially provide a secure evacuation route for patients or personnel in the event of an attack.
The development highlights the growing regional rivalry between Iran and Israel, with both nations engaging in a complex game of tit-for-tat actions. The construction of the tunnel serves as a tangible demonstration of Iran’s commitment to protecting its vital infrastructure and bolstering its defenses against potential threats.
