Tehran (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) 31 January
2026 – The Iranian regime denied reports that its army chief was targeted in an
explosion. Iranian state media confirmed blasts occurred but stated the senior
officer remained unharmed. The denial follows US President Donald Trump's
recent threats against the regime.
State television broadcast footage of the army chief
inspecting troops hours after the reported incident. Officials attributed the
explosion to a gas leak at a military facility near Tehran. No casualties among
high-ranking personnel were announced by the defence ministry.
Details of the Explosion Incident
The explosion occurred at 6:45 AM local time at a barracks
on the outskirts of Tehran. Iranian Fars News Agency reported flames and smoke
visible from kilometres away. Firefighters contained the blaze within two
hours, preventing spread to adjacent structures.
Initial reports suggested a munitions depot detonation
caused by technical malfunction. Rescue teams found no bodies of senior
officers at the site. Local residents described hearing a loud bang followed by
secondary blasts.
Military spokespersons held a press conference at 10:00 AM,
displaying undamaged command vehicles. They released photographs of routine
operations continuing uninterrupted. The army chief appeared in a video message
praising firefighters' response.
Official Denial from Iranian Authorities
Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani addressed the claims directly. He stated,
"Our army chief was not present at the site and continues his duties."
Ashtiani dismissed foreign media reports as
"fabricated propaganda aimed at sowing discord."
IRGC media outlets published timelines showing the officer
attended meetings in central Tehran during the explosion. Satellite imagery
aired on state TV depicted minimal damage to perimeter walls. Authorities
classified the incident as an internal accident.
President Ebrahim Raisi echoed the denial during a cabinet
session. He accused
"enemies of the revolution"
of spreading disinformation. Iran's UN ambassador prepared a
formal complaint to New York headquarters.
Context of Trump’s Recent Statements
US President Donald Trump issued warnings against Iran on 30
January. Speaking from the White House, Trump stated the US would respond
forcefully to threats from Tehran. His comments referenced Iran's nuclear
programme and regional proxies.
Trump said, "Iran knows what's coming if they don't
change course immediately." The remarks followed reports of Iranian
missile tests in the Persian Gulf. Pentagon officials confirmed US naval assets
positioned in the region.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani
responded overnight. Kanaani called Trump's words "empty threats from a
failing administration." He reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defence under
international law.
Reported Location and Damage Assessment
The blast centred on a storage facility 20 kilometres
southwest of Tehran. State media specified 15 low-ranking personnel suffered
minor injuries from flying debris. Ambulances transported them to military
hospitals for observation.
Structural assessments showed collapsed roof sections but
intact main buildings. Power supplies to the base restored within hours.
Neighbouring civilian areas reported broken windows but no structural failures.
Forensic teams from the intelligence ministry arrived by
midday. Preliminary findings pointed to overheated wiring igniting stored fuel.
Full reports promised within 48 hours pending laboratory analysis.
Army Chief’s Public Appearances Post-Incident
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi chaired a briefing at 11:30 AM. He reviewed border security maps with divisional commanders. Press pool photographs captured him signing orders without visible injury.
Mousavi inspected western province garrisons by helicopter
that afternoon. State TV aired live feeds from the tour. He awarded medals to
personnel involved in recent drills.
The general's schedule listed inspections through Sunday.
His office released a statement confirming full operational readiness. Family
members appeared on television denying any harm to their relative.
Regional Media Coverage Variations
Al Jazeera reported initial unconfirmed claims of a senior
officer casualty. The network later updated with Iran's denial, citing official
sources. Saudi Asharq Al-Awsat suggested sabotage but lacked attribution.
BBC Persian service broadcast eyewitness accounts from
nearby villages. They noted heavy security presence post-explosion. Voice of
America amplified Trump's prior warnings alongside the incident timeline.
Israeli Kan 11 cited intelligence sources alleging targeted
assassination attempt. Tehran dismissed these as "Zionist lies."
Russian RT highlighted the regime's swift rebuttal and stability claims.
Military Facility Background Information
The affected base houses logistics units supporting ground
forces. Established in 1985, it supplies ammunition to western commands. Recent
upgrades included new storage bunkers completed in December 2025.
Annual safety drills occurred last month at the site.
Previous incidents included a 2018 fire injuring three technicians. Ministry
records show compliance with fire regulations.
Personnel strength numbers approximately 2,000 across the
complex. Families reside in adjacent compounds unaffected by the blast. Base
commander held a staff meeting post-clearance.
Government Security Measures Implemented
Authorities increased patrols around all military
installations nationwide. Airspace restrictions applied over Tehran province
until evening. Checkpoints appeared on approach roads to sensitive sites.
Interior ministry raised alert levels in border regions.
Cyber defence units monitored communications for threats. Schools near bases
dismissed early as precaution.
National police reported no related arrests. Intelligence
agencies traced rumour origins to overseas servers. Media guidelines urged
reliance on official channels.
International Reactions to the Reports
United Nations spokesperson expressed concern over
escalation risks. Spokesperson called for verified information before
statements. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged restraint from
capitals.
Moscow offered technical assistance for investigation.
Kremlin spokesperson noted strong Iran defence ties. Beijing state media
reported facts without commentary.
Gulf Cooperation Council monitored Gulf shipping lanes.
Saudi foreign ministry withheld comment pending details. Turkish officials
tracked refugee movements near borders.
Economic and Market Responses
Tehran Stock Exchange opened lower with defence stocks down
1.2 per cent. Currency markets showed rial stable against dollar. Oil futures
edged up 0.8 per cent in early Asian trading.
Iranian banks reported normal operations. Petrol stations
near the site experienced brief queues. International energy firms maintained
Persian Gulf shipments.
Historical Precedents of Similar Incidents
Iran experienced multiple depot blasts since 2011. A 2011
Tehran explosion killed 17 IRGC members. 2020 incidents near missile sites
prompted sabotage inquiries.
Regime consistently denied high-level casualties in past
events. State media followed patterns of rapid rebuttals with visual proof.
International observers noted verification challenges.
Statements from Military Families
Wives of base personnel spoke to Press TV. They confirmed
husbands reported safe mid-morning. Children attended regular classes without
disruption.
Local shopkeepers described routine traffic post-incident.
Religious leaders led prayers for the injured. Community centres distributed
water to responders.
Medical Treatment and Recovery Updates
Hospitals treated lacerations and smoke inhalation cases.
Burns unit admitted two soldiers with minor wounds. Blood donations called at
provincial centres.
Health ministry projected full recovery within days. No
organ damage reported among casualties. Families received visitor access by
afternoon.
Transportation and Access Disruptions
Highway access to base perimeter closed temporarily. Public
buses rerouted around security zones. Airport operations proceeded normally.
Rail services to western stations unaffected. Delivery
trucks halted at outer checkpoints. Local markets operated with standard hours.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Clear skies prevailed with temperatures at 8 degrees
Celsius. No adverse conditions contributed to incident per meteorology reports.
Winds dispersed smoke away from populated areas.
Environmental teams monitored air quality. Groundwater tests
scheduled around perimeter. Fire runoff contained by response crews.
Diplomatic Communications Following Incident
Foreign ministry summoned EU delegation for briefing.
Ambassadorial calls fielded from regional capitals. UN mission received full
site access assurances.
Washington received standard notification channels.
Bilateral hotlines remained active through day. Geneva arms control office
updated on status.
Media Access and Verification Protocols
State television provided
exclusive footage from site. Independent journalists barred pending clearance.
Pool reporting system distributed official images.
Satellite firms shared pre-explosion imagery. Open source
analysts reviewed commercial passes. Verification agencies cross-checked
timestamps.
Operational Continuity Across Forces
Navy conducted exercises in Caspian Sea undeterred. Air
force flew routine patrols over eastern borders. Ground units maintained
scheduled rotations.
Procurement offices processed supply orders. Training academies held graduation ceremonies. Logistics convoys departed for forward positions.