Expert and analyst from the Kafkassam, Cagatay Balcı commented for Eurasia Diary on simultaneous terror attacks happened on 7th of June, in Iran. Balcı explained that Iran entered a new period and those who do not support the government's security policy will now support this direction.
Eurasia Diary: As we know, ISIS issued a swift claim of responsibility, but what was the reason of this attack? What are the hiddden motives ?
Cagatay Balcı: The targets for the attack were chosen very strategically - Parliament and Khomeini's mausoleum. These are the political spots that directly represent the spiritual identity of the Islamic regime and the capital. Hence, I think, this action is a message to the Iranian regime rather than the aim to frighten Iranian people.
Eurasia Diary: Obviously, many people will first think about recent political crisis in Qatar. Qatar is accused of supporting Iran and terrorist organizations. Is there any relation between the recent political crisis in Qatar and terrorist attacks in Iran?
Cagatay Balcı: Of course, it is one of the versions. However, the most interesting point is how the terrorist acts were carried out in the capital of Iran, Tehran, where intelligence is very strong. Even though there were terrorist groups supported by the outside, Iranian intelligence was extremely adept to identify these groups.
Eurasia Diary: You told that it is possible to associate these terror attacks with the current case in Qatar. So, should we expect the attacks to be continued in Iran? Besides, how will the policy of the government be shaped and developed after these incidents?
Cagatay Balcı: I do not presume that these acts will be continued. Because, probably, Iran will declare a “state of emergency” and will build a very strict security mechanism. In particular, until these attacks people who voted for Rouhani opposed the regime's security policy. However, starting from now, they will also support the regime’s security policy. Thus, the policy of the regime will be strengthened and the influence of Rouhani will be limited. In summary, after this incident, Iran seems to be entering a "security period". For example, the reformist policies that Rouhani wants to implement, precisely, policies targeted to integrate with the world in economic and political terms, will be lifted out.
Interviewed by Mirali Mirhasimli