Iran: Islamic State calls for attacks in Iran during Ramadan

Event

An audio message purportedly released by the Islamic State (IS) on Monday, June 12, calls on members to carry out attacks on a specific group of countries during the remainder of the holy month of Ramadan, which ends on June 25. In the message - which has yet to be independently authenticated - a man whose voice reportedly matches that of IS spokesman Abi al-Hassan al-Muhajer instructs members to carry out attacks in Iraq, Syria, Iran, the United States, Russia, Australia, the Philippines, and Europe.

Anticipate heightened security measures and remain vigilant.

Context

In recent years, IS, as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, which the group has called a "holy month of jihad." So far during Ramadan in 2017, major attacks have been carried out in London, Baghdad, and Tehran, killing dozens.

There is a persistent threat of terrorism in Iran, especially due to the involvement of Iranian forces and militias fighting IS within the context of the Syrian conflict. IS claimed responsibility for two coordinated attacks in Tehran on June 7 that left at least 17 dead. On March 27, IS issued a video directly threatening Iran and Ali Khamenei, the county's supreme leader. In the 36-minute video published on social media, IS militants directly addressed threats to the supreme leader and showed the execution of prisoners believed to be Shi'as. In the last few months, the Iranian government has reported a number of security incidents involving suspected IS members in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities, particularly when in crowded places. Be prepared for heightened security measures: cooperate with authorities, always carry appropriate identification, and anticipate possible travel delays.