Israel Suspected of Orchestrating Fires and Explosions in Iran as Part of Covert Campaign

Kokcha News Agency: Israel is suspected of orchestrating a series of fires and explosions in Iran, according to unnamed Iranian officials cited by The New York Times. These incidents, initially attributed to gas leaks and infrastructure failures, are now being viewed as part of a deliberate campaign of sabotage aimed at disrupting Iran’s infrastructure and exerting psychological pressure.

Over the past two weeks, fires have erupted in various locations across Iran, including residential complexes, oil refineries, roads near strategic airfields, and even a shoe factory. While the Iranian government has publicly dismissed these incidents as accidents, locals and insiders suspect foreign involvement, particularly by Israel.

Three Iranian officials, including a member of the Revolutionary Guards, privately confirmed to The New York Times that Israel is the primary suspect. This suspicion aligns with Israel’s history of covert operations within Iran. The suspicion intensified after a senior Israeli intelligence official hinted that such missions would continue even after the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.

A European official involved in Iranian affairs also assessed the incidents as sabotage, noting Israel’s pattern of targeting key personnel and infrastructure. These operations may serve a dual purpose: instilling fear among judiciary officials and maintaining pressure through psychological warfare.

Despite the growing number of incidents—sometimes one or two per day—the Iranian regime continues to downplay them as unrelated technical mishaps. However, the frequency and severity of the incidents, including a deadly fire at an Abadan oil refinery and a powerful blast at a judiciary housing complex in Tehran, are causing widespread unease.

Privately, officials admit that the damage and symbolism behind the attacks are difficult to ignore. The regime’s reluctance to acknowledge Israeli involvement may be a strategic move to avoid escalation or a retaliatory spiral, even as anxiety grows within the establishment and among the public.