Classic.  IRGC speedboats order a South Korean tanker (MT Hankuk Chemi) out of the Strait of Hormuz and into Iranian waters to hold it hostage, as a SK diplomat was due to arrive in Iran to negotiate over billions of dollars in  assets frozen in Seoul.  “Iran starts 20% uranium enrichment, seizes tanker in strait,” Jon Gambrell and Isabel Debre, AP, January 4, 2021.

But remember, Iran must be bluffing, right?  20% enrichment is more than needed for electricity and cancer isotopes, and they’ve always said their program is peaceful and not aiming for nuclear weapons.  “Iran says it begins 20% uranium enrichment amid US tensions,” AP, Fox, January 4, 2021.

With thousands of Israel citizens pouring into UAE for tourism and business, UAE intel have arrested an Iranian squad preparing to kill some of them.  See “Iranian investigated in UAE for suspected terror plot against Israelis,” Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2021.

“Iran’s railway ambitions go beyond Afghanistan,” Maysam Bizaer, Atlantic Council, January 4, 2021.

“Lebanese Bristle Over Iran Commander’s Comments Regarding Hezbollah Missile Capabilities,” Dale Gavlak, VOA, January 4, 2021.

“S.Korea says reviewing planned diplomat visit to Tehran after Iran seizes tanker,” Sangmi Cha and Josh Smith, Reuters, January 4, 2021.

Drills can be pretenses for attacks on other countries, especially when 100s of drones are involved over a wide area.  “Iran Army Announces Large-Scale Drone Drill,” The Defense Post, January 4, 2021.

According to the Iran Foreign Ministry–only if SA changes, not IRI.  “Iran expresses readiness to restore ties with Saudi Arabia,” Tehran Times, January 4, 2021.