WHILE there are a number of ethnic rebel movements of varying intensity active inside Iran, large-scale violence and terrorist attacks within the Islamic Republic are rare. However, as chaos envelopes many of its neighbours and regional states, it seems militant groups are now training their guns on Iran. On Saturday, insurgents attacked a military parade in the city of Ahvaz, killing at least 25 people. While women and children were among the victims, the primary target appeared to be troops of the Pasdaran, the elite, ideological military unit dedicated to protecting the Islamic system in the country. This is the second major attack in Iran where state symbols have been targeted; last year, in a deadly attack claimed by the militant Islamic State group, insurgents stormed the Iranian parliament, as well as the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran. IS has claimed the Ahvaz attack, while an ethnic Arab rebel movement has also made a claim of responsibility. The Iranian authorities, that have blamed the US, Israel and their Gulf allies for the atrocity, claimed to have arrested a “large network” involved in the attack on Monday, while the US and the Gulf states have denied involvement. However, in a tweet after the event an official believed to be close to a Gulf Arab government appeared to defend the militant strike. The Iranians have promised a “harsh” response to the atrocity; indeed, those involved must be brought to justice.

However, Iran, as well as its regional foes, must navigate carefully so that incidents such as these do not spark greater confrontation. President Rouhani is currently in the US to attend the UN General Assembly, while President Trump is also due to speak at the world body. Instead of crossing swords, perhaps both sides can use the opportunity to reopen dialogue channels, remote as it may appear at this point. As for Iran’s Arab foes, they must realise that terrorism is a common enemy and that gloating over a rival’s misery is highly insensitive.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2018