Month: December 2023

Quote of the Day:  “Esthers of the world, rise up,” Hooman Khalili.  See “New Jerusalem mural memorializes Iranian ‘Women Memorial Warriors’,” Jerusalem Post, 12-21-23.

“UK convicts man for spying on Iran opposition TV station in terror plot,” AFP, 12-21-23.  London prosecutors say Chechnya-born Austrian national flew from Vienna to gather ‘hostile reconnaissance’ on building used by Persian-language channel Iran International.”

“Pro-Iran militias launch 60 attacks on U.S. bases in Syria to avenge Gaza conflict: monitor,” Xinhua, 12-21-23.

“Iranian reporter gets 6 months for questioning official explanation of teen’s death,” AFP, 12-21-23.

“The Unfulfilled Commitment to Rare Disease Patients in Iran,” Iran News Update, 12-21-23.

“Double-Agent Reveals IRGC Plot To Kill Iran International TV Anchors,” Iran International, 12-21-23.  “The IRGC was plotting to assassinate two Iran International television anchors in London in 2022 amid Iranian anti-government protests, UK’s ITV has revealed. The plan was foiled because the man hired to do the job turned out to be a ‘double-agent’ working for a western intelligence agency. He would relay all information to his handler and has now shared some details with ITV. Based on irrefutable evidence –seen and verified by ITV and multiple officials– the plot was commissioned and signed off by Mohammad Reza Ansari, the IRGC commander in charge of assassinations outside Iran. Ansari is the ‘mastermind’ behind failed plots to assassinate former US officials Mike Pompeo and John Bolton –for which he’s been sanctioned by the US treasury. He is based in Syria and is reported to have links with the family of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. According to ITV, Ansari hired and directed the hitman (Ismail) through another Assad associate, Mohammad Abd al-Razek Kanafani, requiring him first to use a car bomb and then a ‘quiet’ way to kill his targets: “simply stab [them] with a kitchen knife.” … Ismail, a people-smuggler turned IRGC operative and then double-agent, was promised $200,000, a new identity and safe passage to Iran via Syria.”

“Israel-Hamas war: Will Iran escalate or manage the Gaza war? – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 12-21-23.

“Cyprus foils alleged Iranian plot to kill Israelis, in joint operation with Mossad,” Times of Israel, 12-20-23.  “Cypriot authorities said the suspects’ Iranian handler moved in and out of Cyprus through the ethnically divided island nation’s breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and would cross a UN-controlled buffer zone into the internationally recognized south to establish contact with the two. His identity and whereabouts were not revealed but the official said he worked for Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. … This is the third such alleged Iranian plot to target Israelis in Cyprus in more than a year. In July, Cyprus authorities broke up an alleged plot involving an Iranian-backed hit squad that planned to kill Israelis and other Jews.”  Turkey is not stopping these Iranian killers.

“Leaked Iran hijab documents call for mobile courts and jail terms for celebrities,” BBC, 12-20-23.

“Even without new Russian jets, Iran’s aging air force could still win home-field advantage in a regional war,” Yahoo News, 12-20-23.

“Iran launches new naval unit as Red Sea attacks intensify,” Al Monitor, 12-20-23.

“Khamenei’s Priorities and the Struggle of the Iranian People,” Iran News, 12-20-23.

“Why Iran Sent the Houthis to War Against Israel,” National Interest, 12-20-23.

“Iran’s Currency Rises After Accessing Unblocked Funds In Oman,” Iran International, 12-20-23.  The brave stories keep coming from II, regardless of the Regime’s attempts to assassinate two of its top newscasters.

“Iranian journalist Sara Massoumi sentenced to prison over tweet: lawyer,” Al Monitor, 12-20-23.

“Accusations against Tehran baseless: Iran’s nuclear chief,” Tehran Times, 12-20-23.

“US-led coalition of 10 nations to counter Houthi attacks on vessels in Red Sea,” Times of Israel, 12-19-23.  CTF 153 has 10 countries participating.  Here is the key passage—“To date the US has not struck back at the Iranian-back Houthis operating in Yemen or targeted any of the militants’ weapons or other sites. On Monday, Austin did not answer a question as to why the Pentagon had not conducted a counterstrike.”

“Fears over citizens’ privacy as Iran reveals new mandatory antivirus mobile app,” Tech Radar, 12-19-23.

“Germany protests to Iran after a court ruling implicates Tehran in a plot to attack a synagogue,” My Journal Carrier, 12-19-23.

“IRGC Navy Establishes Shadow Basij Navy,” Iran International, 12-19-23.  This allows the IRGC navy to more easily use resources on deep ocean trips.  The Basij will patrol some key ports and coastal regions, depending on funding, and the regular navy will putter along.  More bureaucracy, more wasted money on intimidation tactics.

“Malware app to become mandatory in Iran,” Read Write, 12-19-23.  For mass surveillance.  It will be a tool that I doubt is used country-wide because of the expense.  But it is one more spying tool for the Regime.

It is rare that strikes by Jordan against Iran occur, or are reported.  “Details of Jordan’s airstrikes on drug traffickers’ sites in Syria,” Roya News, 12-19-23.  See also “Jordan strikes Iran-linked drug traffickers inside Syria: Reuters,” Roya News, 12-19-23.

“A 70-year-old Iranian man’s dance at a market went viral. Then came the arrests,” Business Insider, 12-18-23.

Just telling Iran won’t work.  “Jordan notifies Iran of ‘need to halt smuggling operations’,” Roya News, 12-18-23.

“Iran, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad: A marriage of convenience,” ECFR, 12-18-23.

“‘We live with a gun to our heads’: how Iran is targeting protesters in Britain,” Guardian, 12-18-23.

“Iran’s Dams Drop To Half Capacity As Hydroelectric Power Overused,” Iran International, 12-18-23.

Quote of the Day:  “Iran’s support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop.”  U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.  “Austin: Iran must halt backing of Houthi attacks on global shipping,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, 12-18-23.

“West Accuses Iran of Illegally Testing Missiles, Sending Russia Drones,” VOA, 12-18-23.

A rare article from media about Jordanian difficulties with Iran’s efforts to smuggle weapons and drugs.  “Jordan says it foiled plot against its security by Iran-linked smugglers from Syria,” Reuters, 12-18-23.

“Iran Update,” Critical Threats, 12-17-23.

This is the embarrassing and even despicable way the Regime-controlled media cover the annual peace prize.   “In presence of terrorists, Nobel Peace Prize awarded to anti-Iran rabble-rouser,” Press TV, 12-17-23.

“Iran’s goal is to drag Israel into a larger conflict – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 12-17-23.

“A Viral Dance and ‘Happiness Campaign’ Frustrates Iran’s Clerics,” NYT, 12-16-23.  This reminds me of the Pharrell Williams “Happy” video protests in Tehran and across the country about a decade ago.

This blog has repeatedly said the U.S. is not deterring Iran, continuing the current conflict in Gaza, Yeman, Syria, and Iraq (and on water).  Our responses have been tepid.  See “US weighs strike options to deter Houthis from more Red Sea attacks,” Politico, 12-16-23.

“U.S. military shoots down 14 drones in Red Sea—launched from areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthis—as attacks on commercial carriers threaten havoc for world trade,” Fortune, 12-16-23.

“Iranian Politician Says Corruption Scandals Reach $57 Billion,” Iran International, 12-16-23.

“Iran’s Auto Industry Plagued With Daily Losses Of $3.7 Million,” Iran International, 12-16-23.

“Israeli Mossad agent executed, says,” Times of India, 12-16-23.

“Su-22 fighter jet crashes in Iran,” Defence Blog, 12-16-23.

“Iran Faces Looming Food Shortage as Essential Goods, Imports Plunge,” VOA, 12-16-23.

First Maersk, now BP.  Iran has them hostage, too.  “Iran-backed Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Oil giant BP pauses all shipments,” Hindustan Times, 12-16-23.

“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.

Funny how the existing task force against pirates has been working just fine, but if it expands and Iran is under the microscope with the Houthis suddenly there would be huge problems.  See “Iran warns a US-backed Red Sea maritime task force would create ‘extraordinary problems’,” Washington Examiner, 12-14-23.

But this “progress” has taken forever—since 1979!  And is a reminder about the unfair mandatory hijab against women.  “Female soccer fans in Iran allowed into Tehran stadium for men’s game. FIFA head praises progress,” AP, 12-14-23.

Denmark and Germany attacks thwarted.  Most likely acting under Regime direction or encouragement, because they wouldn’t do so without.  “German authorities thwart attack by Hamas-linked members on Jewish institutions,” i24, 12-14-23.

“Israel’s (not-so) secret plan to prevent a nuclear Iran and create a new Middle East,” Times of Israel, 12-13-23.

It got too hot in the kitchen.  “Iran’s Raisi Skips Trip To Switzerland Amid Legal Bid For His Arrest,” Iran International, 12-12-23.

“Iran’s Houthis attack ship as Hezbollah escalates attacks in north,” Jerusalem Post, 12-12-23.

“Woman Victim of Child Marriage Faces Imminent Execution in Iran,” Iran Wire, 12-12-23.