Convoy Explosion Draws Iran Inquiry

Jerusalem – The Iranian Revolutionary Guards are investigating the circumstances surrounding a mysterious explosion that occurred last week, amid a military convoy carrying weapons apparently meant for Hezbollah.

The powerful explosion happened in the suburb of Khavarshahar near Tehran, causing the deaths of 15 people and wounding many others. The London Daily Telegraph reported over the weekend that the explosion took place on July 19, as the convoy was leaving a Revolutionary Guard weapons depot. According to the reports, the convoy was about to transfer a shipment of military equipment to Hezbollah when the explosion took place.

Revolutionary Guard commanders banned reports of the incident, although the explosion was heard throughout Tehran. The Iranian media has yet to report details of the incident.

“It was a massive explosion that was heard all over Tehran,” a Western source told the British newspaper. “Even though many people were killed, Revolutionary Guards are trying to conceal what really happened.”

The Daily Telegraph also reports that Iran has increased its weapons shipments to Hezbollah in preparation for a future confrontation with the West because of its nuclear program. Iran continues refusing to comply with Western demands for an end to the program.

Another report indicates the Revolutionary Guards are examining the possibility of sabotage. Several unexplained explosions have recently occurred in Iran, including one this past April at a mosque in the city of Shiraz while a military exhibition was underway. Another occurred last Nov. at a missile base, killing several dozen Iranian technicians.

Various strange incidents connected with senior officials in Iranian nuclear industries have also been noted. Who is behind them remains to be seen.

In January 2007, a senior scientist connected to the Iranian nuclear program was assassinated, reportedly by the Mossad. In the following month, Gen. Ali-Reza Asgari, a senior Iranian defense-establishment figure disappeared, and the Israeli intelligence agency likewise was implicated.

During the Nov. 13 incident, a series of explosions rocked an Iranian missile manufacturing facility south of Tehran The precise number of victims remains unknown, but reports referred to 100 injured and dead.

A year later, in Feb. 2008, an explosion took place in Tabriz, located north of Tehran. The Iranian explanation mentioned a weapons explosion or an explosion for construction purposes.

This past April’s explosion rocked Shiraz’ Shuhada Mosque during a military weapons exhibition, killing 13 and injuring more than 190. The Iranians accused the U.S. and U.K. of causing the explosions and arrested six suspects, claiming they had connections with terrorists who had executed the attack.

Israeli intelligence sources said the Mossad would not “waste” its operational capabilities in Iran for a weapons shipment to Hezbollah unless it included the introduction of a new weapons system, such as anti-aircraft missiles, into the arena.

David Bedein can be reached at dbedein@israelbehindthenews.com. His Web site is www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com

©The Bulletin 2008