At least four attacks since Pres. Biden’s two. “Iran-backed militias continue to attack U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria,” Long War Journal, 10-30-23. “One assault took place today at the Ain Al Assad Air Base in Anbar Province in Iraq. Two of the militia attacks took place on Oct. 29 at U.S. bases in Al-Shadadi in Hasaka Province and the Omar Oil Field in Deir el-Zor Province, both in Syria. The other two strikes took place on Oct. 27, after the U.S. military announced its assaults on the IRGC depots. One of the attacks targeted the Omar Oil Field, while the other at the Ain Al Assad Air Base.”
“Attacks on US Forces in Iraq and Syria Continue After American Airstrikes,” Air and Space Forces Magazine, 10-30-23.
“Saudi Forces on Alert After Clash With Iran-Backed Houthis,” Bloomberg, 10-30-23.
“Iran tells US to stop blaming it for Hamas attack on Israel,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, Reuters, 10-30-23.
“Counter-terror chiefs on alert for Iranian activity in UK exploiting Gaza war,” Guardian, 10-30-23.
There are over 500 km of tunnels in Gaza (how much did that cost!), about 50-75 m deep. 2 km of tunnel equals a three story that could be a health clinic. “Iran Brags About Hamas Tunnels As Weapons Of War,” Iran International, 10-30-23. Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, says Hamas fighters have constructed over 400 kilometers of tunnels. The 500 km is from the televised interview with Hamas official Marzouk who said the tunnels in Gaza were built to protect Hamas fighters from air strikes, not civilians. He said that protecting Gaza civilians is the responsibility of the United Nations and Israel.
This is another story regarding how the UN is out of touch, and with regard to reigning in Iran. It wants Musk’s company Starlink, trying to spread internet freedom, to be subject to the authoritarian Iranian Regime. Ironic. Clueless. The UN telecommunications body is the Radio Regulations Board of the International Telecommunication Union. “Will Starlink comply with ruling to engage with Iranian authorities?,” Amwaj, 10-30-23.
Iran reads USNWR, and will see that the U.S. is continuing its Abraham Accords work with the Saudi Arabia. “Sullivan Told Saudi Defense Minister US Will Support Defense of Its Partners White House,” Reuters, 10-30-23.
“Prepare for an Iranian Escalation,” WSJ, 10-30-23. “Tehran can’t sit back and watch Israel crush Hamas. Absent serious deterrence, it will open a second front.” It has too much at stake. And can’t afford the Abraham Accords to again gain traction.
“Iran says strikes on US troops are due to its support for Israel, presence in region,” Times of Israel, 10-30-23. Ponder this statement from the article—“Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has said Iran sees it as “its duty to support the resistance groups” but has insisted that they “are independent in their opinion, decision and action.””