Iran Denies Ground Attack and Larijani Warns Separatist Groups
In a notable escalation amid reports of armed movements in the northwest of the country, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani emphasized that Tehran "will not tolerate any separatist group," asserting that the armed forces have complete control over the situation.
* "Do not think that things are out of control"
Larijani clarified that separatist groups "should not think that things have gotten out of control," warning against any attempt to exploit what he described as exceptional circumstances to carry out operations inside the country.
He stressed that the response would be firm, and that military and security agencies are fully in charge.
* Official Denial: No Ground Operation... and Security Prevails
Larijani's statements came after Western and Israeli reports spoke of a ground attack carried out by Iranian Kurdish groups from the northwest of the country.
However, an Iranian security source categorically denied these reports, considering them part of a "psychological war" led by the United States and Israel following what he said was a failure to achieve field objectives.
According to what was reported by the "Tasnim" agency, the source confirmed that security is stable along the border with Iraq, especially in Ilam province, reassuring residents that military and security forces are strongly defending Iran's territories and borders, and there is no need to worry about "psychological operations."
He also urged Iranians to obtain information from reliable media sources.
* American and Israeli Narrative: Attack Has Indeed Begun
In contrast, Axios reported from a senior American official that Iranian Kurdish groups have indeed begun a ground attack inside Iran, indicating that Kurdish militants have entered the area and started field operations.
Fox News also reported, citing American officials, that thousands of Kurdish militants are participating in the operation.
From the Israeli side, Israel Hayom reported that the operation is "real and of great significance," noting that the security cabinet (Cabinet) held a meeting to discuss developments regarding the attack.
* Who is Behind the Attack?
Israeli media reports indicated that the Kurdish group based in Iraq, linked to the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), is leading the attack.
It was mentioned that thousands of fighters began taking combat positions inside Iranian territory since the beginning of the week.
It was also noted that ground movements began after midnight on March 2, and that the armed forces evacuated the border city of Mirwan on the third of the same month, establishing defensive positions in and around it, before the military force moved to the southern mountains of the city.
* Between Denial and Confirmation... The Scene Remains Open
Amid Tehran's categorical denial and American and Israeli confirmations of the start of a wide ground operation, the scene in northwest Iran remains surrounded by ambiguity, as the media war escalates and conflicting narratives about the reality of what is happening on the ground.
