From the heart of Tehran; from the casualty figures to the “No to Ceasefire” strategy
In the aftermath of recent large-scale attacks by the United States and Israel on Tehran and other Iranian cities, Mohammad Hossein Baqer, head of the Eghbal Think Tank and Tehran-based analyst, outlined new dimensions of the situation in an interview...
In the aftermath of recent large-scale attacks by the United States and Israel on Tehran and other Iranian cities, Mohammad Hossein Baqer, head of the Eghbal Think Tank and Tehran-based analyst, outlined new dimensions of the situation in an interview with Pakistan’s ARY News Network.
Casualties and scale of attacks
Indiscriminate bombing: So far, Iranian territory has been targeted more than 3,000 times. Contrary to the enemy’s claims of precision strikes, Baqer emphasized that they are using 2,000-pound “free-fall bombs” to maximize destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Death toll: The official death toll nationwide is around 2,000, including 500 in Tehran; however, field estimates suggest the real number may be higher.
Internal situation and public morale
Enghelab Square; center of resistance: While warplanes were bombing areas such as the University of Imam Hossein, crowds moved along the route from Enghelab Square to Azadi Square for the funeral processions of the martyrs.
Failure of pressure strategy: Baqer believes Israel and the United States have made a major “miscalculation.” They assumed that repeated strikes would immediately force Iran into negotiations and a ceasefire, but now the firm decision of the state and people is to “punish the aggressor” before any talks.
Confirmation regarding the Leader’s son
Mohammad Hossein Baqer confirmed in this interview that in the initial attacks (28 February), during which members of Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei’s family were martyred, he himself was injured in the leg and hospitalized.
Current status: His general condition is reported to be stable, and he is currently directly involved in managing affairs and controlling the situation.
Brief analysis
Ayatollah Khamenei had previously issued a fatwa prohibiting nuclear weapons, but it is possible that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, with the aim of decisive deterrence against a nuclear-armed enemy, may authorize the development of nuclear weapons for deterrence purposes.
