Iranian officials suspect sabotage in wave of fires and explosions

For over two weeks, Iran has faced near-daily explosions and fires at sites ranging from oil refineries to apartment complexes, fueling suspicions of sabotage. Iranian officials publicly attribute these incidents to gas leaks or aging infrastructure, but privately, three officials, including one from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, suspect Israeli involvement, citing Israel’s history of covert operations like assassinations and drone strikes. A European official also believes these acts are sabotage, likely by Israel, aimed at psychological warfare and targeting key infrastructure.

Significant incidents include a deadly fire at Abadan’s oil refinery and an explosion in a Tehran judicial housing complex, which officials suggest was meant to intimidate. “The Iranian government’s long record of cover-ups and lack of transparency… have only deepened public fear and suspicion,” said Omid Memarian of DAWN.

Iran avoids publicly accusing Israel to prevent escalation, as its military remains weakened from June’s conflict. Residents, like a Kashan café owner, express growing paranoia, fearing renewed war. Social media reflects unease, with some Iranians sharing memes of Israel’s Prime Minister as a gas technician.