Month: December 2023

This type of news, good news, normal country news, is too few and too far beyond.  If Iran didn’t spend so much on terror and didn’t mismanage its budgeted funds (let along corruption under the Regime) and didn’t spend such large amounts trying to spread the Shia Crescent, then it would have funds for health and education and more bridges, etc.  “New Astarachay River bridge connecting Iran and Azerbaijan, to open soon,” Azer News, 12-11-23.

“Iranian president targeted with ‘crimes against humanity’ complaint ahead of Swiss visit,” AFP, 12-11-23.  Long a complaint about this action by Raisi, a member of the “Death Committee.”  “Rights groups have long campaigned for justice over alleged extrajudicial executions of thousands of mainly young people across Iranian prisons within a few months in the summer of 1988, just as the war with Iraq was ending. Those killed were mainly supporters of the People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK or PMOI), a group banned in Iran that had backed Baghdad during the conflict.  The petitioners behind Monday’s complaint say they can personally identify Raisi as figuring on a commission that sent thousands of jailed opponents to their deaths during the crackdown.”

Only country in the world doing this.  “Iran says will force US aircraft carrier out of region,” Mehr, 12-11-23.

“Iran, Saudi Arabia ‘Set For Talks’ To Restore Scheduled Flights,” Aviation Week, 12-11-23.

“Iran’s Grand Strategy to Destroy Israel Is Proceeding Apace,” Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 12-11-23.

“With the Israel-Hamas war, Sunni and Shia armed groups find uncommon unity,” NPR, 12-11-23.

“Understanding the Goals of the Iranian Regime’s Global Aggression,” Iran News Update, 12-11-23.

Not the first time Iran has tried terror on Cyprus territory.  But also of interest is the captured Quds Force agent Arablu.  Media accounts don’t always identify these men by name.  “Cyprus arrests 2 Iranian nationals over suspected plot to attack Israelis,” MSN, Times of Israel, 12-10-23.

“U.S. Seeking Partners To Safeguard Ships After Red Sea Attacks,” Washington Post, 12-10-23.

Article lays out implications of Hamas no longer having tunnel network under hospitals.  “Israel’s Message in Gaza to Iran and Hezbollah,” WSJ, 12-10-23.

“Cyprus arrests 2 Iranian nationals over suspected plot to attack Israelis,” MSN, Times of Israel, 12-10-23.  The long war continues.  See also “Iran plan to kill Israelis in Cyprus foiled: Netanyahu,” AFP, 12-10-23.

“Children of jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi accept Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf,” CBS, 12-10-23.

“Iran Fires Ominous ‘Explosion’ Warning to US and Israel,” Newsweek, 12-9-23.

“Iran’s Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to begin new hunger strike: Family,” Al Jazeera, 12-9-23.

“Mahsa Amini’s Family Barred from Leaving Iran to Accept Human Rights Prize,” Iran Wire, 12-9-23.

The headline is shocking, but the Baha’i faithful have been discriminated terribly in so many ways by the 1979 Regime.  “Three Baha’is in Northern Iran Sentenced for Teaching Kindergarten,” Iran Wire, 12-8-23.

“‘Levels of hell’: Father of Swedish EU diplomat calls for his release by Iran,” Guardian, 12-8-23.

“Iran finally fields new main battle tank,” Defence Blog, 12-8-23.

So many announced plans never come to fruition.  “Iran Plans Major Gas Storage Expansion To Face Winter Shortages,” MEES, 12-8-23.

“Iran’s Parliament Returns Hijab Bill to Guardians Council,” Iran Wire, 12-8-23.

“Iran’s Parliament Returns Hijab Bill to Guardians Council,” Iran Wire, 12-8-23.

“Iran’s Biggest Corruption Case Rattles Ruling Hardliners,” Iran International, 12-7-23.  The ministers of agriculture, industry, and the governors of the Central Bank of Iran and the chiefs of the Iranian Customs Administration are alleged to be involved in the nearly $3.5 billion corruption case.  Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, however, “who has not yet commented on the case, has consistently rejected statements about systematic corruption in Iran.”

“Iranian Paramilitary Commander Repeats Threat To Destroy Israel,” Iran International, 12-7-23.

This is the Amnesty International report that investigated the 2022 brutality by the Regime’s various organs.  Remember, these governmental actors were ordered to do what they did.  “Iran’s IRGC, police raped, sexually assaulted protesters – report,” Jerusalem Post, 12-7-23.

“Iran’s Most Advanced Cyber Attack Yet,” Check Point Research, 12-7-23.

“Iran wants sophisticated Russian military capabilities – US warns,” Reuters, 12-7-23.

“Iran seizes two more vessels in Persian Gulf for ‘fuel smuggling’,” AA, 12-7-23.

“Two Decades of Pressure Against Azeri Activist in Iran,” Iran Wire, 12-7-23.

“The AI Assault on Women: What Iran’s Tech Enabled Morality Laws Indicate for Women’s Rights Movements,” Council on Foreign Relations, 12-7-23.

“US military in talks to escort commercial ships in Red Sea amid attacks from Iranian-backed militants,” CNN, 12-7-23.

“Princeton professor investigated by House Republicans for suspected ties to Iran,” College Fix, 12-7-23.  This is a years-long problem.  A shill for Iran, always siding with the Regime in his various writings and talks.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but note the involvement by Iran in the fight against Ukraine and against Israel.  “US Warns Against Iran, Russia Expanding Military Cooperation,” Iran International, 12-7-23.  Not surprising Iran would do this.  The Houthis have declared they will target any ship associated with or traveling to Israel and does not stop in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid with attack off the Yemen and in the strait.

Not sure how the court proposes to distribute this.  “Iran court orders US to pay $50 bln for Qassem Soleimani assassination,” Al Arabiya, 12-6-23.

Really terrible victim reports, from a reliable source.  “IRAN: SECURITY FORCES USED RAPE AND OTHER SEXUAL VIOLENCE TO CRUSH “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM” UPRISING WITH IMPUNITY,” Amnesty International, 12-6-23.

“Iran Orders US To Pay $50 Billion For Assassinating Its Top General Qasem Soleimani,” NDTV, 12-6-23.

“Iran-backed Houthis brag of Hamas, Islamic Jihad support,” Jerusalem Post, 12-6-23.

“Faces Of Passengers Displayed In Iranian Metro To Enforce Hijab,” Iran International, 12-6-23.

“Iranian Court Orders US to Pay $50B for Soleimani Assassination,” AFP, 12-6-23.  I wonder what the cause of action was—Removal of terror income attributed to Soleimani’s oversight?  And who are the 3,300 Iranians who supposedly filed the suit?  These types of sham judgments are often fast, out of sight, and not enforced.

“Iran Says It Launched Animals Into Orbit in Preparation for Human Space Missions,” Time, 12-6-23.

“Iran, Russia sign joint declaration to counter sanctions,” Xinhua, 12-6-23.

“Iranian President to Meet Putin in Moscow on Dec. 7,” Moscow Times, 12-5-23.

“’Situation horrible, stay at home’: Air pollution chokes Iran’s capital Tehran,” Hindustan Times, 12-5-23.  The environmental stories carried on this blog are reminders of the vast corruption and mismanagement by the Regime and the IRGC.

I’ve written in this blog that Iran would insist on a high price for the hostages.  One sign is the 3-1 ratio of Palestinian prisoner for Israeli hostages releases.  Another is that all the women aren’t being freed.  Another is the brutality that this story, from even a local source in Texas, records.  “State Department says Hamas refuses to release final women hostages,” KTXS, 12-4-23.

“ICS at Multiple US Water Facilities Targeted by Hackers Affiliated With Iranian Government,” Security Week, 12-4-23.

“US considering ‘appropriate action’ in response to Houthi missile attacks in Red Sea,” ABC, 12-4-23.  The U.S. national security adviser said Iran is the “ultimate party responsible.””  See also “U.S. says Iran responsible for Sunday’s attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea,” Washington Times, 12-4-23.

“Ex-Woman Wrestler in Iran Fined Over Photo Without Hijab,” Iran Wire, 12-4-23.

“Berlin police investigate a suspected arso

n attempt at Iran opposition group’s office,” AP, 12-4-23.  Quds Force at work, around the world.

The headline says it—Will we trust the Regime or Congress?  “Iran Claims $6 Billion Frozen Funds Still Being Released By Qatar,” Iran International, 12-4-23.

“Iran’s Tourism Industry At Lowest Point,” Iran International, 12-4-23.

“Berlin Police Probe Suspected Arson Attempt at Iran Opposition Group’s Office,” VOA, 12-4-23.

“Afghans Banned From 16 Provinces In Iran As Forced Exodus Continues,” RFE/RL, 12-4-23.

Knocking out a drone site when it is preparing to launch is not just self-defense (the U.S. has been attacked over 70 times now), it sends the right message.  “Five Iran-backed fighters killed in preemptive US airstrike in Iraq,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, 12-3-23.

“Three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen on Sunday and a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defense during the hourslong assault.”  See “Houthis claim attacks on ships in Red Sea as U.S. Navy destroyer fired in self-defense, officials say,” PBS, 12-3-23.  See also “U.S. Destroyer, Commercial Vessels Attacked by Drones, Missiles in Red Sea,” WSJ, 12-3-23.  “A U.S. destroyer and three commercial ships operating in the Red Sea came under drone and ballistic-missile attacks, the Pentagon said Sunday, marking the most significant escalation of a weekslong military attack on ships operating in those waters. In two instances on Sunday, the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, came under attack, including while responding to distress calls from nearby commercial ships that faced missile attacks, the Pentagon said. The Carney also shot down a drone that flew nearby. Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the Pentagon warned Sunday that they could be met with a U.S. response—and pointed part of the blame at Iran.”  Iran facilitated and directed these attacks.  The Houthis couldn’t suddenly become international agents of war at sea.

“Iran becoming engulfed by air pollution,” Youtube, TRT, 12-3-23.

Uh oh.  One of the Abraham Accords countries more under the influence of Iran than perhaps a year ago.  “Sudan Seeks Iranian Drones Amid Growing Regional Tensions,” Iran International, 12-3-23.

“A powerful military alliance of Iran, Russia, and China is being formed,” Tehran Times, 12-3-23.

“Supporting Palestine enshrined in Iran’s constitution: Raeisi,” Mehr, 12-3-23.

“Report: 122 Prisoners Executed in Iran in November,” VOA, 12-3-23.

“Iran develops underwater drone,” Mehr, 12-3-23.

The 2023 annual U.S. Terrorism Report has been released.  The Regime continues its unfortunate decision to be a revolutionary cause, and not act as a normal country.  The report again declares that “Iran continued to be the leading state sponsor of terrorism, facilitating a wide range of terrorist and other illicit activities around the world.”  See “US Report Labels Iran ‘Leading State Sponsor Of Terrorism’,” Iran International, 12-2-23.

“Iran’s Regime Soon to Have Nuclear Bombs; Hezbollah Is Next,” Gatestone, 12-2-23.

“Iran navy unveils Chamrosh-4 vertical launch drone,” Mehr News Agency, 12-2-23.