“Saudi Arabia, Iran committed to Beijing Agreement: Statement,” Al Arabiya, 12-15-23.

“Holding Iran accountable for Hamas’ attacks,” Japan Times, 12-15-23.  “Since its founding 75 years ago, Israel has been under constant threat from her enemies — Iran and its terrorist proxies included. With Oct. 7, Israel does not need a further reminder of Iran’s intentions and capabilities; Iran is an existential threat. Now it is time for the rest of the world to acknowledge this fact, to take Iran at its word for its stated goals, recognize Iran’s actions and those of its proxies as apt reflections of the conviction of their statements, and act accordingly.”

“Deep Dive: The challenge of domestic migration in Iran,” Amwaj, 12-15-23.

“Hackers in Iran Attack Computer at Vero Utilities,” Vero News, 12-15-23.

“Iranian Official Calls For Ban On Doctors’ Emigration,” Iran International, 12-15-23.  An effort to stop brain drain, a result of years of persons wanting to flee the country.

Lerpong Sayed, “the president of a Thai-Iran alumni association, immediately began reaching out to associates who might have access to Hamas leaders, establishing an informal group. While it is unclear whether his group’s intervention was decisive, Hamas has released 23 Thais since late November, most of them agricultural workers who earned about $1,500 a month, five times what they could earn at home. “I think Thailand was the most successful in the world in helping the hostages,” Lerpong said to VOA Thai. “From now on, we will use a similar channel … to ask for [Hamas] to free Thai people.””  Why did Thailand find direct (and named in the article) Hamas operatives in Iran, and Iranian officers to work through?  See “Thai Scholar in Iran Plays Role in Hostage Release,” VOA, 12-15-23.

“Monthly Income of the Middle Class in Iran is Decreasing,” Iran Focus, 12-15-23.