Month: December 2023

Read the facts.  This is the classic and right and morally justified and in self-defense and legal under international law to respond to piracy, and in the modern moment how to respond to Iran.  “US Navy sinks 3 Houthi boats attacking merchant ship in Red Sea, US says,” ABC, 12-31-23.

““I would call Mousavi the second Qassem Soleimani. He knew everybody, had good contacts with people on the ground, militias and heads of groups,” Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami, founder and president of the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) in Riyadh, told Arab News. He said Mousavi had “more knowledge of the realities on the ground” in Syria than anyone else, including his boss and current Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, who Al-Sulami said is more knowledgeable about other countries and regions such as Afghanistan and Central Asia than about Syria and the Middle East. … “When it came to Middle East, it was Qassem Soleimani and Reza Mousavi, the second Qassem Soleimani,” he said. “Therefore, it is a very big loss for Iran and a big success for those who are trying to minimize the presence of militias in Syria.” Iran’s ambassador to Syria said that Mousavi had been working in the Iranian embassy in an official capacity as a diplomat and died in an Israeli missile strike in Sayyida Zeinab, a town in southern Damascus. IRGC media in Iran said Mousavi had the rank of brigadier general. He had reportedly lived in Syria for 30 years and had an office at the Syrian Ministry of Defense.”  See “Who killed Iran’s IRGC operative Sayyed Reza Mousavi in Syria, and why?,” Arab News, 12-31-23.

“Flashback 2023: Iran’s human rights crisis unveiled – A year of escalating repression,” MEDYA News, 12-31-23.  “At least 750 people [in 2023] have been executed.”

“Iran Releases Spaniard Held For More Than A Year,” AFP, Barron’s, 12-31-23.  While Iran should have never detained Santiago Sanchez, including for such a long time (he was a hostage), the football fan on a trek from Madrid to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup should have never (1) gone through Iran because it is not on the way to Qatar, and (2) gone to visit the grave of Mahsa Amini.

“Iran’s Economic War On The West,” Forbes, 12-31-23.  Quote of the Day:  “To be clear, this looks like a declaration of diabolical economic warfare from Iran and the groups it backs such as the Houthis.”  Simon Constable.

“Iran, Indonesia agree to launch robotic telesurgery center,” Press TV, 12-31-23.

“Two Afghan citizens secretly executed in Iran,” Khaama Press, 12-31-23.

“Chronic Inequality: The Role of Political Institutions in Iran’s Society,” Iran News Update, 12-31-23.  This quote captures again the theme of this blog—Iran’s revolutionary desires put it at odds with normal countries.  “Poverty diminishes the quality and quantity of capable human resources, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty that perpetuates and deepens its reach. It is obvious that a comprehensive solution within the current regime is not possible while the regime’s behavior does not show the necessitated structural transformation and the establishment of a balanced relationship with the world. And the best aspect for this is the regime’s destructive support of various tensions and war in the Middle East.”

“Nigerian Shiite Leader Calls For Inspiration From Islamic Revolution,” Iran International, 12-31-23.

“Iranian Steel Workers Extend Strike Amid Ongoing Grievances,” Iran International, 12-30-23.  It is only a matter of time before we will read that the Basij or some other entity uses violence against the strikers.

What this means, along with the recent targeted killing of IRGC General Mousavi in Syria, is that (1) Israel is attempting to remove IRGC leadership is a much more open and forceful way—these are some of the persons enabling Hezbollah to right now sporadically attack Israel from Lebanon (they are most of Iran’s eastern Syria IRGC leaders), and (2) most likely that Iran, not an irrational actor but a revolutionary one, will respond in a forceful way.  See “Alleged Israeli airstrike on Damascus airport killed 11 IRGC chiefs – report,” i24NEWS, 12-29-23.

“UN rights chief deplores execution of 4 people in Iran, urging halt to further executions,” AA, 12-29-23.

Best article I’ve seen on literacy/illiteracy rate in the country.  “Iran’s Literacy Rate A Tale of Disparity,” Iran News Update, 12-29-23.

This is the latest Anti-Semitic genocidal statement from Iran against Israel and Jews, and an official statement at that, by the head of the IRGC, Gen. Hossein Salami.  I won’t hold my breath that many countries or the UN will condemn the statement.  And we wonder why Israel says it must eliminate the Iranian proxy Hamas, and we wonder why Israel took action against an Iranian general in Syria?   “Iran holds funeral for a general who was killed by an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria,” AP, 12-28-23.

“France, Germany, UK and US condemn Iran’s increase in uranium enrichment,” Reuters, 12-28-23.

Take words at face value, or otherwise be at your peril.  “Iranians chant ‘Death to Israel’ at huge funeral of commander said killed by Israel,” AFP, Times of Israel, 12-28-23.

“Iran’s supreme leader leads funeral prayers for senior Guards adviser,” Reuters, 12-28-23.  Shows importance to the Supreme Leader.

“Iran: Oct. 7 attack was revenge for killing of Soleimani in 2020; Hamas: No it wasn’t,” Times of Israel, 12-27-23.  This isn’t news.  Terrorists and their handlers will often have multiple and conflicting announcements about motivations.  We should react with action and not deal with words.

“Russia, Iran Officially Ditch U.S. Dollar for Trade,” OilPrice.com, 12-27-23.  “Russia and Iran have finalized an agreement to trade in their local currencies instead of the U.S dollar. … Both countries are subject to U.S. sanctions. … The global de-dollarization drive has been going on for years with BRIC countries and the so-called pariah states trying to ditch the American dollar in favor of other currencies.”  The power of requiring international norms (anti-terrorism financial support, etc.) from those going through U.S. banks makes law breakers flee.

“Iran’s latest threat on Israel: An arsenal of nuclear weapons – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 12-27-23.

“Iran Reports Growth in Oil, Gas Exports,” 12-27-23.  It is a big “If” because these numbers are reported by Iran.  “Iran has exported $26.46 billion worth of crude oil since the start of its calendar year, in March, contributing to a 7% increase in total trade, which stood at $112 billion in the period. This is according to customs data from Tehran, as cited by Reuters. For next year, Iran’s government is making budget plans based on an expected daily average crude oil export rate of 1.35 million barrels, at an average price of $65 per barrel. Gas exports, meanwhile, did even better, according to the data. These rose by an impressive 139% in the seven months between March and October, topping $2 billion in terms of value, according to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, a government agency.”

Blatant miss-stating of the facts presented by the IAEA.  “Iran Says ‘Nothing New’ in UN Nuclear Watchdog Report,” VOA, 12-27-23.

“Iran is waging a shadow war to reshape the Middle East – opinion,” Jerusalem Post, 12-27-23.

The details in this kind of story shows why Iran is trying to murder Iran International reporters and anchors.  “Exclusive: Iran Recruits Afghans To Target Israelis,” Iran International, 12-27-23.

“Iran-backed Houthis attack another container ship transiting Red Sea,” Fox Business, 12-26-23.

“Tensions Rise As Israel Kills Iran’s ‘Top Man’ In Syria,” Iran International, 12-26-23.  From the various open sources I’ve read on this, Gen. Razi Mousavi was not killed by accident, say by being too close to an Israeli attack on an arms shipment landing in Syria.  Instead, it appears to be a targeted attack on the IRGC’s top military and intelligence man in Syria.  “Razi Mousavi (aka Seyyed Razi) headed IRGC’s ‘logistics’ and military coordination in Syria, which may be better understood as being in charge of getting weapons or money for Iran-backed forces in Syria and Lebanon.”  The last thing to note on this story is that Iran still claims to not have forces in Syria or to supply and direct Hezbollah, a known fiction to all.

So we attacked in Iraq, not inside Iran.  If you keep getting nowhere, go somewhere else.  “US Strikes Iran-Backed Militia After Iraq Air Base Attack,” VOA, 12-26-23.

This is dangerous, and what the UN Security Council should really be watching, not just its IAEA.  “UN watchdog: Iran raising production rate of near-weapons-grade uranium,” Times of Israel, 12-26-23.  “IAEA report says Teheran reversed previous slowdown and has tripled the rate at which it is enriching to 60% purity.”  It is approaching weapons grade purity.

“Iran Adds to Pressure on U.S. With Nuclear Program Acceleration,” WSJ, 12-26-23.

“Iran triples output of near-weapons grade nuclear fuel,” Semafor, 12-26-23.  “The International Atomic Energy Agency told member states in a confidential report that Iran is now producing uranium enriched to 60% purity at a rate of 9 kg per month, up from 3 kg over the summer and early fall. The U.S. estimates that Tehran already has amassed enough fissile material for the production of three nuclear weapons and is moving dangerously close to the 90% purity that’s considered weapons grade. Tehran has “increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous output reduction from mid-2023,” the IAEA said in the report, which was first viewed by the Associated Press and Reuters.”

Think about it, “It was the first time the Navy shot down an incoming anti-ship ballistic missile in combat”—Iran has brought us to this.  “Navy shoots down ballistic missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis in Red Sea,” Fox, 12-26-23.

“Iran-Backed Forces Widen Their Attacks on Commercial Shipping,” WSJ, 12-25-23.  “The U.S. Navy said late Saturday that two more vessels had been attacked that day by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, bringing the number of commercial ships attacked near a crucial passageway between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East to 15. The Pentagon said earlier in the day that a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean was struck by a drone launched directly from Iran, a claim Tehran denied. The shipping attacks are part of a broader regional confrontation between Iran’s allies and the U.S. and Israel, and are increasing. A declassified document from the Defense Department shows Houthi attacks on ships escalated during the first half of December to eight incidents, compared with just three during the last half of November.”  Remember, this escalation was approved by the Supreme Leader.  On that note, Merry Christmas.

“3 American service-members wounded in Iraq,” Politico, 12-25-23.  Tehran has ordered over 100 attacks now.

From where does Sinwar get his marching orders and numbers?  We know.  “Sinwar falsely claimed that the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, had “targeted” over 5,000 Israeli soldiers and officers, and killed about third of them — that is, over 1,500. The actual figure of IDF deaths is one-tenth of what the terror leader alleged. According to the IDF, 156 soldiers have so far been killed in the ground operation in Gaza. Over 300 members of the security forces were killed in Hamas’s initial October 7 onslaught. The terror leader also gave inflated claims of the number of Israeli soldiers injured in the war, and the amount of Israeli military equipment that has been destroyed. He claimed that around 3,500 troops were seriously wounded or disabled, whereas that figure according to the IDF stands at less than 200.”  See “In first public message since Oct. 7, Sinwar says Hamas won’t surrender,” Times of Israel, 12-25-23.

“Iran hosts int’l conference in support of Palestinians,” Xinhua, 12-24-23.  “Iran hosted here an international conference to rally support for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank on Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.  The one-day Tehran International Conference on Palestine aimed to lift the blockade of Gaza and ensure more humanitarian aid for the coastal territory, said the statement.  The conference, as part of Iran’s diplomatic efforts to back the Palestinians, was attended by officials, political, religious, media figures and scholars from more than 50 countries, the statement added.  [Actually, most of the attendees were from Iran, from Tehran].  Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, speaking at the conference, accused the United States of being the “first and biggest violator of democracy in the world,” and urged it not to “draw up plans for the future of Gaza, as the future of this region will be determined by its people and legal government,” according to the statement.  Raisi denounced the “global hegemonic system” for violating human rights in Gaza, expressing regret for the deaths of many Palestinian civilians, including children and women, and the destruction of many homes in the war-torn enclave over recent weeks.  In a separate event on Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei criticized the U.S. veto of several UN Security Council resolutions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza as a “shameless move and complicit” with Israel in its bombardments of civilians in Gaza, according to a statement published on his website.  The Iranian leader called again on Muslim countries to stop exports of commodities, oil and fuel to Israel.”

As these things always are, when Iran attacks Israel, it doesn’t mind attacking the world.  It was a Japanese-owned commercial tanker, Liberian-flagged, Netherlands-operated, and the AP reported the tanker had ties with Israel.  The crew was 20 Indians and one Vietnamese, and had left Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and was heading to Mangalore, India.  It is now in Mumbai for repairs with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard.  “Japan-owned tanker attacked by drone fired from Iran in Indian Ocean,” Kyodo News, 12-24-23.

As much as the relationship is symbiotic, Iran doesn’t get everything it wants from Russia, and vice versa.  This story is also reflective of Russia’s refusal to give carte blanche to Iran over the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf entryway straits, fearing the blowback from other countries against Russia.  Of course, it also funny to read Iran’s justification for its territorial claims and that they are “forever,” something foreign to international law and international relations.  “Iran summons Russia’s envoy again over islands dispute,” Al Jazeera, 12-24-23.

“Khamenei Silent As Russia Again Undermines Iran’s Territorial Integrity,” Iran International, 12-24-23.  This is an example of Iran International reporting on a rift at the highest levels of the Regime, news the Iranian government doesn’t want out.

“Iran’s navy adds ‘fully smart’ cruise missiles with 1,000-km range to its armory,” Times of Israel, 12-24-23.  “State TV quotes navy chief boasting of 2 new cruise missiles: Talaeieh can change targets during travel, while Nasir, with a range of 100 km, can be installed on warships.”

“Why Iran-backed Houthi attack on MV Chem Pluto is a threat to global maritime security,” Hindustan Times, 12-24-23.

The Administration’s refusal to perform real self-defense against attacks directly out of Iran against the U.S. (Syria, Iraq, etc.) has now led to this result, the attack by Iran against Israel-related (and thus other countries) shipping, off the coast of India today.   “India drone strike: Cargo ship attacked off Gujarat coast,” BBC, 12-23-23.

And ditto for “Iran threatens to shut Strait of Gibraltar as tensions ramp up,” Yahoo News, 12-23-23.  Part of me says “What is Iran thinking?  It seems like it is starting a war with the world—everyone uses the seas and these straits.”  Another part of me says “Freedom is not free.”

And this goes to the very top of the Regime.  “Iran’s Khamenei calls on Muslim nations to block shipping to Israel,” UPI, 12-23-23.

The humor continues.  “Iran’s Ruler Says Elections Needed Against ‘Dictatorship’,” Iran International, 12-23-23.  They are a dictatorship, cloaked in claims of some sort of democracy.

It is also funny to read (as is always the case when these events occur) Iran categorically deny the evidence presented by others of its bad deeds, but never able to enunciate alternative facts.  “Iran Dismisses US Intelligence Tying It to Red Sea Attacks,” Reuters, 12-23-23.

“A Comprehensive View of Iran’s Corruption Crisis,” Iran News Update, 12-23-23.

“Iran: Swedish citizen to be executed ‘shortly’ says UN,” MEE, 12-23-23.

“Iran to host international conference on Palestine in Tehran,” Ynet, 12-23-23.

“Official: Up to 10k best nurses of Iran have migrated,” IFP, 12-23-23.

“Iran’s Hardliners Threaten Renewed War On Man’s Best Friend,” Iran International, 12-23-23.  The Regime opposes dog ownership.  Not normal.

“Iran, Azerbaijan agree to open transit passage at border,” Xinhua, 12-23-23.  Maybe normal.

“Egyptian, Iranian presidents discuss Gaza developments, restoring ties,” Reuters, 12-23-23.  Pres. Sisi is being careful, but following the lead of the Saudis.

First, the WSJ again breaks a major story (starting with when they reported the Beirut meetings of Iran’s FM and Quds Force head planning the Hamas attacks).  Second, this information, that Iran is behind the Houthi missile targets and firings, have been known to several intelligence agencies for some amount of time.  There are now well more than a dozen countries that have joined the joint task force in the strait and Red Sea to tell Iran to stop.  Third, this blog is again correct in what I’ve been writing over and over again—the Houthis can’t do this on their own, and it is Iran who is behind the attacks on shipping.  And some persons wonder why countries don’t force Israel to a “ceasefire” in Gaza?  It is because Israel is doing good not just in supporting the principle of self-defense, but because they are eliminating Hamas terrorists (backed by Iran), not indiscriminately bombing Palestinians.  See “Iranian Spy Ship Helps Houthis Direct Attacks on Red Sea Vessels,” Wall Street Journal, 12-22-23.  Fourth, you can rest assured that the U.S and others have told Iran’s ship to cease its real-time intelligence and targeting assistance to the Houthis or it risks being sunk.  It is a good time for those IRGC sailors to grab a life vest.

“Iran-backed militias in Iraq claim to have targeted Israeli gas rig in Mediterranean,” Times of Israel, 12-22-23.