The ad that raised the mullahs’ ire

An Israeli television ad has raised blood pressure in government halls in Tehran and in Samsung headquarters in South Korea. The ad portrays a Mossad agent in Iran whose tablet computer is the trigger for a nuclear explosion.

The ad, for the cable TV series “Asfur,” features four characters from the show talking to a Mossad agent with a nuclear plant in the background. While playing with an app on the agent’s tablet, one of them triggers an explosion visible on the horizon.

Last week CNN reported that Iran had threatened to boycott Samsung over the use of its tablet in the commercial. The technological giant released a statement dissociating itself from the commercial, saying, “This advertisement was produced by HOT cable network without Samsung’s knowledge or participation.”

Iran’s nuclear program is being carefully monitored by the international community, with the United States, European Union and others putting in place economic sanctions against Tehran.

Israel and Iran are both rumored to be considering military action. According to various reports, Iran is preparing to close the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel is planning an army strike against Iranian targets.