Baghdad — Iran intentionally attacked empty U.S. bases and facilities on Wednesday morning and avoided “military personnel”, fearing an all-out war that could lead to the destruction of Iran and the regime’s downfall, an Iranian diplomat informed IranWire via public phone.
“From what I know some Revolutionary Guards and military commanders insisted that Iran’s revenge must be restrained and that any American casualty can lead to an all-out war that could lead to the destruction of many parts of Iran and possibly the downfall of the government”, the diplomat said upon the request of not to be named or have his location traced due to the fear of repercussions for discussing sensitive matters.
According to the diplomat, Iran’s decision to attack two American bases in Al Asad, northwest of Baghad, and Erbil in the Iraqi Independent Kurdistan region, came after days of deliberation in Tehran.
“I’m just worried about the possibility of a war and destruction and just wanted to talk to someone I could trust,” the diplomat informed during a short call .
Further he informed that there’s been more police presence, and external and internal security have been increased in all the Iranian missions around the world since Friday, when the U.S. forces killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq.
“There’s more police presence around the missions and the movements of the embassy staff are monitored more than before,” he said.
Further he expressed fear of being monitored. “Everything we do can be monitored. So I have to be cautious,” he said and insisted that he only had few minutes to speak and did not want to risk using an Iranian mission’s landline or his cell phone.
IranWire reported that the diplomat said, those who urged for restraint were led by Ali Shamkhani (the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran). Admiral Shamkhani is a former Revolutionary Guards’ commander and, like General Soleimani, is a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88).
“Mr Shamkhani knows what war is and doesn’t want to see a repeat of it,” he said.
However, those who insisted on taking deadly revenge were members of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s family and staff, the diplomat said.
“From what I know from very reliable sources, the people around Mr Khamenei thought revenge must be taken quickly, otherwise Mr Khamenei would look weak and vulnerable.” he added.
US forces have reported no casualties in the bases. Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guards have said that at least 80 “American terrorists” were killed in the attacks, referring to American soldiers.
The Guards have also threatened to attack 104 other American and Israeli targets in the region if the US retaliates.
In the meanwhile, American President Donald Trump said, “all is well”, and he is expected to issue a statement on Wednesday morning.
According to the diplomat, Iran’s dictator is simply trying to save his face among his fans and followers. “Mr. Khamenei is 80 years old and all he’s thinking about is his legacy. He doesn’t want to be remembered as a leader who surrendered to the Americans.”
“Please pray for Iran. May God save us”, he said and ended up the call.
