Following repeated bombings of industrial and strategic centers in Tehran by Israeli and American fighter jets, Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, head of the Iqbal Think Tank, revealed potential Iranian retaliatory scenarios in an interview with prominent Pakistani host Mubasher Lucman. Baqeri warned that if Kharg Island is targeted, the option of occupying Bahrain and cutting off vital Gulf arteries could be placed on the agenda of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Summary of Baqeri’s statements
Reports of attacks on Tehran and industrial areas
Baqeri stated that the war has entered its eighteenth day and that the people of Tehran have gone through extremely difficult times. He said the Zionist army targeted various parts of Tehran more than 45 times from morning until after sunset. He specifically mentioned repeated bombings of the “Garmdareh” area, a hub for industrial complexes such as automobile and motorcycle factories, expressing surprise that already-damaged locations were being targeted again.
Death of Ali Larijani
The head of the Iqbal Think Tank, citing his sources, stated that unfortunately Ali Larijani and his son were killed in these attacks.
Intelligence and security infiltration
He spoke of extensive infiltration by Mossad agents into Iran’s security system. Baqeri noted that Israel had set a $10 million reward for information on Larijani, but emphasized that Larijani was not in hiding and held multiple daily meetings in various buildings across Tehran. He suggested that surveillance systems, cameras, and even urban infrastructure may have been hacked, making it easier for adversaries to track officials.
Resilience of Iran’s strategy
According to Baqeri, even the loss of top figures such as Larijani or Qalibaf would not disrupt Iran’s overall strategy. He stressed that Iran is standing against the “Greater Israel” project and considers this objective far more important than individual lives.
He also pointed to Iran’s shift in economic tactics, including using the yuan in oil trade with China to counter pressure from the dollar.
Counter-threats in the Persian Gulf
Baqeri warned that if pressure reaches its peak, Iran will use its available options. He referred to the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, which could severely disrupt the supply of essential goods in Gulf countries.
He also mentioned scenarios discussed within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, including the potential occupation of Bahrain if Kharg Island is attacked.
