What’s happening?

The Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran, has suggested ISIS’s recent claim of responsibility for a deadly attack in Kerman, Iran, is under “Zionist guidance.”

Why it matters

This accusation, implicating Israel in orchestrating the statement from ISIS regarding the attack that killed over 80 individuals, reflects the deep-seated tensions and ongoing propaganda battles between Iran and Israel. If the Iranian public or international community perceived the incident as influenced by Israel, it could potentially escalate the already volatile relationship between the two nations.

The Allegations

Tasnim News Agency claimed that the Israeli regime ordered ISIS to accept responsibility after the attack was carried out. This theory was supported by what Tasnim described as inconsistencies in political language compared to the typical rhetoric found in genuine ISIS statements.

Analysis of the Statement

The article draws attention to the unusual use of terminology and phrasing in the ISIS statement, asserting that these anomalies indicate the statement was authored by someone other than ISIS, implying potential Israeli intelligence involvement.

US Position

US officials have commented on the attack, highlighting that the methods used align with ISIS’s known tactics and have not suggested any direct link to Israel.

IRGC’s Influence

The Tasnim News Agency is controlled by the IRGC and is a key channel for disseminating the Corps’ viewpoint, blending news coverage with ideological promotion.

Background

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a dominant military and political force in Iran, has been involved in a long-standing conflict with Israel, encompassing military, political, and intelligence fronts. This development adds another layer to the multi-faceted geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

This story was first published on jpost.com.