Iran accuses US, Israel of sending ISIS militants to conduct attacks inside country
Iran's armed forces chief of staff has accused the United States and Israel of deploying ISIS members into Iran to carry out terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces, following what he called their failed "12-day war."
Iran's top military commander has leveled a serious accusation against the United States and Israel, alleging they have dispatched members of the Islamic State (ISIS) into Iranian territory to execute terrorist attacks. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi claimed this action comes after the failure of a recent "12-day war" waged against Iran by the two nations, according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Allegation of "Mercenary" Infiltration
Mousavi described the alleged infiltrators as "mercenaries" sent to carry out violent operations targeting both the Iranian public and security personnel. He asserted Iran's right to defend its sovereignty, stating, "Iran will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty or territorial integrity." He added that while security forces have shown restraint during recent protests, they would not permit "terrorist elements" to operate freely.
Accusations Amid Domestic Unrest
The allegations arise amid sustained anti-government protests in Iran, fueled by a severe economic crisis and a record devaluation of the national currency. Iranian officials have repeatedly claimed that foreign adversaries, primarily the U.S. and Israel, are backing what they term "armed rioters" to destabilize the country. Independent verification is difficult due to significant internet restrictions. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates at least 646 deaths and over 10,700 arrests linked to the unrest.
Geopolitical Tensions and Narrative Framing
The accusations represent an escalation in Iran's narrative framing of its domestic crisis as a foreign-backed hybrid war, linking internal dissent to external terrorism threats. By invoking ISIS—a common adversary for both Iran and the West—Tehran seeks to delegitimize protest movements and justify stringent security measures. Neither the U.S. nor Israel has issued an immediate response to the latest claims, which are likely to further inflame already heightened regional tensions.
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