Mon Sep 23 20:59:32 UTC 2024: ## Iran’s IRGC Orders Communication Blackout After Hezbollah Explosions

**Tehran, Iran** – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has ordered all its members to cease using any communication devices, following a deadly explosion of pagers and radios used by the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization in Lebanon.

The order, issued days after the incident that killed 39 and injured over 3,000, stems from concerns over security breaches. Two senior Iranian security officials revealed to Reuters that the IRGC is conducting a thorough inspection of all electronics belonging to its operatives.

The IRGC, which relies heavily on equipment sourced from China and Russia, suspects compromised supply lines could be the culprit behind the Hezbollah explosions. Adding to the worries, Iranian authorities believe “infiltration by Israeli agents” may have played a role. A comprehensive investigation targeting middle and high-ranking IRGC officers is underway, including scrutinizing their financial transactions and travel history.

While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the incident, it is widely suspected of being behind the weaponized pagers and radios. Iranian officials are particularly concerned about Israel’s alleged capabilities in weaponizing personal electronics, potentially threatening Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

The IRGC is currently assessing the debris from the exploded devices and seeking technical expertise from Hezbollah. The Iranian military stopped using pagers decades ago, and details about their current communication methods remain undisclosed. However, sources mention the use of “end-to-end encrypted messaging systems” while offering no details about the secure devices used.

Meanwhile, prominent Iranian figures like former nuclear negotiator Mohammad Marandi have warned against purchasing electronics from Western and Asian manufacturers, specifically mentioning Taiwan and Japan, due to concerns about possible weaponization. The companies involved have denied any connection to the devices, attributing them to outdated models and counterfeit products.

The nature of the attack remains unclear, with investigations focusing on whether the devices were weaponized during manufacturing or tampered with later in the supply chain.

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