SAEDNEWS: Hossein Shariatmadari, editor‑in‑chief of Iran’s Kayhan newspaper, has warned that hostile groups may attempt to exploit the upcoming Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations to create unrest.
According to SAEDNEWS, Speaking on a televised political program, Shariatmadari claimed that adversaries of Iran could try to stage violent incidents during public gatherings associated with the traditional festival in order to provoke instability.
According to him, intelligence information suggests that hostile networks may attempt what he described as “manufacturing casualties” during crowded celebrations to trigger wider unrest and create opportunities to undermine the political system.
Shariatmadari also criticized recent statements by the U.S. president, arguing that they contained contradictions about the course of the conflict. He said American officials had underestimated Iran’s military capabilities, particularly the country’s missile capacity and its ability to sustain a prolonged confrontation.
He pointed to the reported repositioning of U.S. naval forces in the region as evidence that Washington’s earlier expectations about the conflict had been inaccurate.
During the interview, the Kayhan editor emphasized Iran’s strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a critical energy corridor. He said Iran has the ability to respond decisively if its vital infrastructure were attacked, warning that escalation could disrupt oil exports across the region.
Shariatmadari referenced international maritime conventions and argued that coastal states have authority to restrict passage if they believe their national security is threatened.
He also referred to reports—described as unconfirmed—about casualties among senior Israeli figures following Iranian missile strikes. According to Shariatmadari, some Western and Israeli media outlets were attempting to conceal the extent of the damage from those attacks.
Shariatmadari urged citizens to remain vigilant during the Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations, saying public awareness could prevent hostile actors from exploiting gatherings.
He called on people to ensure that traditional festivities do not become an opportunity for violence or unrest, and emphasized what he described as the importance of maintaining unity and stability during a period of heightened regional tension.
