“Iran Proxies Resume Attacks On US Troops,” Iran International, 11-30-23. Remember, Iran controls its proxies. The various proxies starting and stopping and starting attacks on a time table is glaring proof.
The House, including almost 100 Ds, understands that hostages can’t be bought, and that Iran uses American reward money for nefarious purposes. “House passes bill to permanently freeze $6B in Iranian funds,” The Hill, 11-30-23.
Henry Kissinger is the inspiration for this blog on Iran, so it is only appropriate to cover his passing. “Henry Kissinger, a statesman who indelibly shaped US foreign policy, dies at 100,” USA Today, 11-29-23. Beyond his addressing the the threat of the Soviet Union, relations with China, and how to address the Middle East, Kissinger recognized that Iran post-1979 did not act as a normal country and challenged Iran to join the international community. See also “Kissinger, Diplomat Who Defined US Foreign Policy, Dies at 100,” Bloomberg, 11-29-23.
Unless the U.S. shoots down Iranian drones, they will continue. “CENTCOM: Iranian Drone Made Unsafe Pass by USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Carney Downs Houthi Missile,” USNI, 11-29-23.
“FLASHPOINT IRAN: Iran’s Proxies Still Destabilizing Region Despite Lull in Attacks on US Bases,” VOA, 11-28-23.
“Iranian sports official fired after foreign athlete competes in Tehran without hijab,” AFP, Times of Israel, 11-28-23.
“Why Iran’s military aircraft deal with Russia is significant leap for both,” Al Monitor, 11-28-23.
“Pennsylvania water facility hit by Iran-linked hackers,” Cyberscoop, 11-28-23.
The bill would classify the Houthis as a U.S.-designated terror group and reapply sanctions on its funding streams, including those from Iran, and on several of its leaders. “Senate Moves To Redesignate Iran-Backed Houthis as Terror Group Amid Strikes on US,” Free Beacon, 11-28-23.
“Satimage Shows Eisenhower Carrier in Persian Gulf, 100 Km From Iran,” Haaretz, 11-28-23.
“Iran finalizes Su-35 jet, Mi-28 helicopter deal with Russia,” Defence Blog, 11-28-23.
“FLASHPOINT IRAN: Iran’s Proxies Still Destabilizing Region Despite Lull in Attacks on US Bases,” VOA, 11-28-23.
“Iranian sports official fired after foreign athlete competes in Tehran without hijab,” AFP, Times of Israel, 11-28-23.
“Why Iran’s military aircraft deal with Russia is significant leap for both,” Al Monitor, 11-28-23.
“The Real Reason Iran Hates Israel: The anti-Semitic regime in Tehran believes Jews guide and control American policy in the Middle East,” Wall Street Journal, 11-27-23. “[The] fundamental motivation of Iran’s theocracy: anti-Semitism. At least three generations of radical Iranian clerics have viewed Israel as illegitimate, usurping sacred Islamic lands in the name of a pernicious ideology advanced by history’s most devilish and stubborn people. Using the language of French Marxism, they call Israel a Western “colonial-settler state,” and they believe Jews guide American imperialism in the Middle East. In this struggle between good and evil, Muslims have a religious obligation to resist Israel and global Jewry. …. “Iranian expansionism—its support to radical militias throughout the Middle East—is impossible to understand properly without seeing the world as Iranian leaders do. They believe they are fighting a Jewish conspiracy that controls the West and intends to humble Muslims everywhere. Hamas’s war against Israel is part of that struggle.
“Iran adds sophisticated warship to Caspian fleet,” AP, 11-27-23.
40% plus each year. Ouch. “Inflation rate in Iran shows no sign of improvement,” Iran Focus, 11-27-23.
“Jailed Nobel Laureate Mohammadi Denounces Iran’s “Execution Machine”,” Iran Wire, 11-27-23.
“IAEA stops short of resolution on Iran in Vienna,” JNS, 11-27-23.
“Iran-backed Houthis fire on US Navy ship answering distress call from Israel-linked tanker,” NYPost, 11-27-23. Luckily the two ballistic missiles exploded 10 miles from the ship. See also the following article which explains that pirates were involved, and their possible connection to Houthis is being investigated by the U.S. Navy. BTW, the Iran attack tally on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria is 73 since Oct. 17. “Pentagon: Suspected Somali pirates behind cargo ship attack in the Middle East,” Politico, 11-27-23.
“In the Gray Zone: Iran’s Global Strategy,” Dialogo Americas, 11-27-23.
“Former president Hassan Rouhani (2013-21) has registered to defend his seat in the elections for Iran’s Assembly of Experts next year. The 88-member clerical body is tasked with supervising the performance of the supreme leader—and appointing his successor. The elections for the council next year, held every eight years, are considered vital because the assembly may appoint the person to replace 84-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. See “Will Rouhani help decide Iran’s next supreme leader?,” Amwaj, 11-27-23.
“Iran’s Nuclear Program: Tehran’s Compliance with International Obligations,” Updated November 27, 2023,” CRS, 11-27-23.
This rare and surprising news reflects how countries should discuss common problems, with exchange of expert visits and joint working groups. “Afghanistan and Iran team up to tackle water rights issue,” Khaama Press, 11-26-23.
“An Israeli-owned ship was targeted in suspected Iranian attack in Indian Ocean, US official tells AP,” Intelligencer, 11-26-23.
Watch out for the 400 uniformed hijab enforcers in Tehran’s subway stations. “No One Takes Responsibility For Hijab ‘Horror Tunnel’ In Tehran,” Iran International, 11-25-23.
“Iran’s Navy Plans To Hold Two War Games In South,” Eurasia Review, 11-25-23.
“Iran carries on the jailing of women journalists : RSF calls for the release of Nasim Sultan Beigi and Saeedeh Shafiei,” Reporters Without Borders, 11-25-23.
It would be interesting to see how often Iran threatens closure, and to compare to the number of times other countries threaten to close straits near them. “Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Threatens To Close Strait Of Hormuz,” 11-25-23.
“At least 32 Thai nationals were killed in the massacres, according to Bangkok.” Iran’s power over Hamas is seen it its quick ability to release these (alive) Thai farm workers. “Report: Hamas set to release 23 Thai hostages in side deal brokered by Iran,” Times of Israel, 11-24-23.
China’s take through its media outlet. “Iran welcomes Hamas-Israel truce deal,” Xinhua, 11-24-23.
“Unraveling the Motivations Behind Tehran’s Push for War in Palestine,” Iran News Update, 11-24-23.
“Exclusive: Iran Executes Juvenile Offender,” Iran International, 11-24-23.
“Gaza War Leaves West Hesitant to Crack Down on Iran Nuclear Program,” AFP, 11-24-23. George H.W. Bush would say this is “not the time to go wobbly.”
“ISW: Iran supplies Russia with glide bombs,” Euromaidan, 11-24-23.
Iran is the only country (?) in the world that organized events supporting a terror group, Hamas, in the current war. “Iran’s Basij volunteer forces hold nationwide rallies in solidarity with Gaza,” Press TV, 11-24-23.
Iran’ Press TV won’t carry this question—Why won’t the UN denounce one country’s call for the destruction of another? Not only is this a violation of the UN Charter, it threatens war across the Middle East. “Hamas chief hails ‘political and military victory’, thanks Iran,” Press TV, 11-24-23.
“Iran’s Security Agencies Coerce Muslims to Denounce Jailed Baha’i Women,” Iran Wire, 11-24-23.
“Sea of secrecy: Iran challenges IMO over controversial ‘Dark Shipping’ resolution,” OilandGas.com, 11-24-23.
“Iran: Security Forces Violently Repress Anniversary Protest, Says HRW,” Eurasia Review, 11-23-23.
“Lebanon’s Hezbollah Intensifies Attacks On Israel,” AFP, 11-23-23.
“Iran secretly executes man over 2022 anti-government protests – sources,” BBC, 11-23-23.
“In Lebanon, Iran FM meets with Hezbollah chief and Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials,” Times of Israel, 11-23-23. Now we now Iran’s current strategy—a permanent ceasefire to protect Hamas—which Israel won’t agree to. “In second visit since Oct.7, Amir-Abdollahian meets with leaders of three terror groups backed by Tehran, threatens conflict will expand if Gaza war resumes after lull.” … “Iran is the main state sponsor of the three terror groups, among others, and has been providing them with financial and military aid over the years in its declared effort to annihilate Israel.” … “In an interview with the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen news channel on Wednesday, Amir-Abdollahian said that the Gaza war is likely to spread unless the truce between Israel and Hamas, which is expected to go into effect by Friday, is maintained.” … The FM said, “If it does not continue… the conditions in the region will not remain the same as before the ceasefire and the scope of the war will expand,” he said. The truce agreement that was finalized between Israel and Hamas on Tuesday, and approved by the Israeli cabinet early Wednesday morning, stipulates that Hamas will release 50 Israeli women and children hostages who were abducted and taken into Gaza during the terror group’s October 7 terror onslaught. Some 240 hostages are being held overall. The hostages will be released in groups of 12-13 per day over four days, starting on Friday or later. In exchange, Israel has agreed to a truce for those four days, for the first time since the outbreak of the war, as well as the release of 150 teenage and female Palestinian security prisoners. The halt in fighting could be extended by one additional day for each additional group of 10 Israeli hostages freed, after which Israel’s campaign to destroy Hamas in Gaza is expected to resume.”
“Iran’s Government Plans To Increase Taxes Amid Economic Crisis,” Iran International, 11-23-23.
Yes, it is millions Iran sends Hamas. “US targets Hamas sanctions on money transfers from Iran,” AP, 11-23-23.
“Iran’s Pension Funds Crisis,” Iran News Update, 11-22-23. The mismanagement and raiding goes on and on, year after year.
“U.S. Warns Iran Is Weighing Sending Short-Range Missiles to Russia,” WSJ, 11-22-23.
“Attacks on American Troops increase; Iran responsible says US officials,” KCBY, 11-22-23.
This seems to be the main quote the AP wants us to read: “The city’s coastal promenade that once bustled with cafes and coffee shops was gone. Instead, there was rubble and a single lifeguard hut.” Instead, we need to remember that the AP leans toward Hamas and those living in Gaza repeatedly, and the AP’s choosing sides for weeks (siding with Hamas and the Gaza Health Ministry) in the question of whether Shifa was being used for human shield cover (in violation of international law). Despite years of IDF reporting more accurately the situation inside of the Strip, AP again sided against Israel and criticized its attacks around the hospital proper. You can read it in the tone of this story, too. We should all pause to remember that an essential element of helping the Palestinians and moving forward in the Middle East is accurate and balanced reporting. See “Israel unveils what it claims is a major Hamas hideout beneath Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital,” AP, 11-22-23. In this story, the AP is finally forced to admit there were tunnels and bunkers under the hospital. I wonder how they would have reported the situation if they were present when Hamas was working there? Maybe they would have said the facilities were self-defense works (they took a long time to make BTW, and with monies from ?).
“Meet the secret IRGC entity purging university professors in Iran,” Iran Source, 11-22-23. For college profs like me, this comes close to home. We appreciate the freedoms of religion, speech, and association offered by the U.S. Constitution.
“IAEA head says the barring of several nuclear inspectors by Iran is a ‘serious blow’ to monitoring,” AP, 11-22-23.
“US fighter jets strike Iran-backed targets in Iraq after repeated attacks on US bases,” Times of Israel, 11-22-23. “US officials say their forces have been attacked approximately 66 times since October 17 as a result of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza—32 times in Iraq and 34 times in Syria.”
“Iran’s barring of inspectors is serious blow to IAEA’s work, Grossi says,” WHBL, 11-22-23.
“Crypto Giant Under US Fire For Iran Sanctions Breach, Terror Funding,” Iran International, 11-22-23. It’s about time this was addressed. A major route for illicit monies to terror and criminal states. “Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been implicated in allegations of violating Iran sanctions and terrorism funding by the US Treasury. In a historic move described as “the new era in crypto crackdown,” the US Department of Justice, Treasury, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have imposed a record $4.4 billion fine on Binance on allegations that it enabled the laundering of substantial sums of illicit money worldwide. … Crypto wallets at Binance were found to interact with bitcoin wallets associated with groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US and several other countries, including the Islamic State and al-Qaeda as well as the armed wing of Iran-backed Hamas, and another Iran-funded militia the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the US said. The global trading platform, which accounts for about half of all crypto activity, is charged with facilitating money laundering, aiding terrorist networks like Hamas, and violating sanctions on countries such as Cuba, Iran, Russia, Syria, as well as playing a role in human and narcotics trafficking. The indictment accused Binance of conducting over $1 billion in transactions with sanctioned countries and criminal actors.”
“US hits Iran-backed militants with 4th round of airstrikes,” ABC, 11-22-23.
Latest official Iranian line on Israel’s existence. Quote of the Day: “Without a doubt, the past six weeks of heroic resistance have proven that time is not on the side of the artificial Israeli entity.” Iran’s FM Hussein Amir Abdollahian. See “Iran’s Foreign Ministry Hussein Amir Abdollahian visits Lebanon to coordinate regional proxies’ effort,” I24, 11-22-23.
“Iran Update,” CriticalThreats.org, 11-22-23.
This is what I wrote about recently in this blog—a list was quickly made as the hostages came into Gaza, and that list was shared with Qatar and I’m sure Iran. From the article, “Qatar, the close U.S. ally with influence over Hamas, approached the White House shortly after Oct. 7 with information about the hostages the militants had just taken.” See “How a secret cell got Hamas to release 50 hostages,” Politico, 11-21-23.
The danger of tag-teaming continues to grow. “US says Russia’s Wagner providing air defense capability to Hezbollah, Iran,” AA, 11-21-23.
“The White House is concerned Iran may provide ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine,” YNews, 11-21-23.
