Valero refinery explosion: IRGC’s ‘strategic shift’ sparks debate in Port Arthur incident

Port Arthur Police Department Sergeant Zena Stephens said the explosion and fire were likely caused by an industrial heater. Still, there were rumors that the fires might be related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ recent strategic changes, but this is not the case.

Al Mayadeen, Lebanese television news channel claim The Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ strategy towards the United States and Israel has shifted from “defense” to “offensive”.

Although the sheriff suspects the fire was caused by a heater, there has been much speculation that the explosions and fires in Texas are related to a change in strategy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to reports, the accident is currently being investigated as an industrial accident.

For example, here’s a post claiming that an IRGC-affiliated account on social media labeled the explosion as “sabotage.”

“Pro-IRGC accounts on X are promoting rhetoric of destruction and revenge,” one wrote.

However, Monday’s bombing in Texas was not confirmed to be anything more than a bombing, despite claims on social media from Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated accounts.

Also read: Valero refinery explosion, fire, smoke as Texas plant explodes: What we know so far

Sheriff Zena Stephens told local media that no one was injured despite a shelter-in-place order issued after the explosion around 6:30 p.m. local time on Monday. She confirmed the fire was likely caused by a heater but further details will be released as the investigation proceeds.

Local outlet KDFM reported that Highways 87 and 82 entering Port Arthur from Pleasure Island and Sabine Pass respectively were closed as the fire response progressed.

Also read: Valero Refinery Explosion: What Caused the Port Arthur, Texas Explosion?

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also recently issued a counterattack warning to Trump, mimicking his signature “you’re fired” line.