A sequence of mysterious explosions and fires has struck key military installations across Iran, including a major incident at the ammunition depot of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) ‘Imam Sajjad’ commando brigade. These events have intensified speculation of covert sabotage targeting Iran’s extensive terror-support infrastructure, as Tehran continues to back an array of regional proxy groups threatening Israeli and allied security.
The latest explosion occurred late into the night at a fortified military facility, reportedly located in the foothills where the IRGC is known to maintain underground arms depots. Satellite and independent open-source imagery revealed heavy devastation in the aftermath, including scorched earth and columns of smoke visible for kilometers. Local reports described shockwaves and secondary blasts consistent with large quantities of stored munitions detonating in succession.
Iranian media quickly attributed the fire to technical mishaps. In contrast, analysts and officials from regional and Western intelligence agencies noted the pattern of recent incidents and suggested the likelihood of deliberate sabotage, as part of ongoing clandestine operations to hinder Iran’s support for terrorist entities. This incident fits a now-familiar pattern: since 2020, Iran has experienced numerous “accidents” at military and research sites linked to its weapons and nuclear programs, ranging from fires at missile plants to explosions at nuclear enrichment facilities.
Underground Arsenals and IRGC Strategy
Much of Iran’s strategic arsenal is hidden in underground tunnels and bunkers, constructed deep beneath mountains to evade surveillance and attack. The affected IRGC site is believed to be one of these fortified depots. Defector testimony and leaked intelligence have confirmed the existence of vast stockpiles, advanced bunkering techniques, blast-resistant doors, and extensive anti-intrusion measures across such complexes. Despite these precautions, recent events demonstrate these sites remain vulnerable to precision attacks or internal sabotage.
Regional Security Implications
The IRGC’s logistical chain supplies weapons, rockets, and advanced munitions to Iranian-backed terrorist proxies such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and armed factions in Syria and Iraq. This network, described as the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ is responsible for a wide range of attacks targeting Israel and its allies, including the deadly October 7, 2023 massacre launched by Hamas, which remains the worst antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust. Iranian underground storage depots have played a crucial role in sustaining these organizations, facilitating rocket barrages, drone strikes, and cross-border raids that destabilize the Middle East.
Following the October 7 attacks, Israel launched the Iron Swords War, targeting terrorist infrastructure across Gaza and responding to increased threats from Lebanon and beyond. Western and Israeli intelligence agencies have identified direct links between Iranian weapons shipments and attacks on Israeli civilians, with arms delivered via convoys, concealed transport routes, and by sea. The damage to IRGC munitions stores has reportedly made it more difficult for the regime to supply its proxies in recent months, as evidenced by reported shortages and operational setbacks facing Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The Shadow War: Israeli Strategy
Israel, acting in self-defense against the Iranian-led offensive, has employed a range of covert tactics, including sabotage, cyber operations, and preemptive strikes, to disrupt the flow of weapons and degrade Iran’s network of underground depots. These operations, often carried out in coordination with Western allies and using a combination of human intelligence and cutting-edge surveillance, seek to neutralize threats before they can materialize into direct attacks. Israel’s government and security officials have reiterated their commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and maintaining a focus on military targets.
The Trump administration’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense has been a pillar of the U.S.-Israeli alliance, facilitating intelligence sharing and joint operations to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities. The broader campaign is seen as essential for preventing another mass casualty event and safeguarding both Israeli and regional civilian populations from indiscriminate terrorist violence supported by Tehran.
Domestic Iranian Impact and Geopolitical Ramifications
Inside Iran, an atmosphere of suspicion pervades the security establishment as repeated incidents expose critical vulnerabilities. Increased restrictions, tighter personnel vetting, and more secure transportation protocols have been implemented, yet the repeated breaches have eroded the perception of IRGC invulnerability. Each successful attack on an underground depot not only disrupts Tehran’s operational plans, but also heightens internal tensions and undermines the morale of both the IRGC and its proxies.
The campaign against Iranian arms depots has implications far beyond national borders. Regional actors, including the Gulf monarchies and Arab signatories to the Abraham Accords, view these developments as an indication that Iran’s ability to foment instability can be checked with determined action and international cooperation. The persistence of these attacks affirms Israel’s resolve and the practical limits of Iranian deterrence.
Looking Forward
As advanced surveillance and cyber capabilities continue to develop, intelligence and military officials on both sides expect that underground sites, once considered safe from external threats, are increasingly vulnerable. The shadow war inside Iran will remain a critical front in the broader conflict, shaping the fate of Israel, its Arab neighbors, and the wider region.
For civilians living in the shadow of Iran’s terror networks, each incident offers the hope that proactive measures will forestall even wider conflict and humanitarian suffering. With more details certain to emerge from the latest blaze at the IRGC depot, the struggle to contain Iranian aggression and uphold regional security is set to intensify in the months ahead.
