“Revenge is coming for Kerman attack? Iran takes ominous step,” Israel Hayom, 1-5-24.  “Iran hoisted Friday a red flag on top of the main mosque in Qom, the country’s religious center, a sign of looming retaliation for the bombings at the memorial of Qassem Soleimani that killed at least 84 and for which ISIS claimed responsibility. The waving of the flag was broadcast on the country’s main media channels as a symbol of the regime’s intention to avenge the blasts. The last time the flag was displayed in such a way was in 2019 after the assassination of Soleimani. Tehran then attacked the Al-Asad Airbase US military base in western Iraq.”  Here, the Islamic State has declared responsibility.

“US says carried out Iraq strike, killed pro-Iran commander,” New Arab, 1-5-24.  This article explains the difficulty Iraq has in being next to Iran but wanting to partner with the U.S. also.  And for the U.S., after 100 attacks, it makes sense to finally act in self-defense.

Regardless of ISIS taking responsibility, the head of the IRGC still blamed the U.S. and Israel for the Soleimani remembrance attack.  “Iran Guards Corps commander accuses US, Israel of orchestrating Soleimani memorial attack,” YNet, 1-5-24.

You go, Jordan!  “Jordan strikes Iran-linked drug dealers in Syria,” Arab News, 1-5-24.  Drugs and weapons.

“Iran Withholds Oil Deliveries As It Seeks Higher Prices from China,” OilPrice.com, 1-5-24.

“Iranian Hijab Rebels Whipped, Given Jail Term,” Iran International, 1-5-24.