Why is the intensity of unrest in Hamedan higher than in other cities?
Habibollah Jaberi, Sedaye Sama correspondent, based in the region
🔻 Unlike border provinces such as Kurdistan and Kermanshah, which serve as the front line against cross‑border threats, Hamedan functions in Iran’s security doctrine as a “strategic depth” and a logistical support hub for the country’s western front.
🔻 If Kermanshah or Sanandaj were to experience severe unrest, their rear base—Hamedan—must remain secure to ensure the deployment of forces, equipment, and logistical support.
🔻 Unrest in Hamedan means breaching the second defensive barrier. If Hamedan becomes unstable, the connection between the center (Tehran) and the western front would be disrupted or severely weakened. This is precisely the gap terrorist groups need for ground advancement, especially since major communication and transit routes (including the Karbala Highway and key transit corridors) pass through this province.
🔻 Kurdish terrorist groups (such as PJAK and factions of Komala) are waiting for the weakening of the “rear support zone.” Instability in Hamedan diverts security focus from the borders to urban centers, creating opportunities for ground infiltration and the seizure of strategic routes (such as the Asadabad Pass).
🔻 With Hamedan destabilized, terrorist groups would shift from mountain‑based guerrilla warfare to urban and road warfare, aiming to establish a buffer zone.
🔻 In addition to Kurdish groups, Salafi extremist elements in Kermanshah may exploit unrest in Hamedan to carry out terrorist operations within the city, given its religious composition.
🔻 Insecurity in Hamedan would trigger a defensive domino collapse in western Iran, paving the way for armed separatism and attacks deep inside Iranian territory.
