Month: February 2024

“Opinion – Iran’s Rising Challenge: The Historical Echoes of Totalitarianism,” Media Line, 2-29-24.

Ballistic missile for offensive purposes continues, here with the help of Moscow.  “Iran’s Pars 1 satellite enters space after Russian launch,” Reuters, 2-29-24.

“Iran observation satellite launched into orbit on Russian rocket,” Times of Israel, 2-29-24.

“Iran’s New—Even Worse—Hijab Era Has Begun,” FP, 2-29-24.

“Key facts about Iran’s elections on Friday,” Reuters, 2-29-24.

“Opinion – Iran’s Rising Challenge: The Historical Echoes of Totalitarianism,” Media Line, 2-29-24.

Ballistic missile for offensive purposes continues, here with the help of Moscow.  “Iran’s Pars 1 satellite enters space after Russian launch,” Reuters, 2-29-24.

“Iran Sees Most Women Ever Run in Election—Can They Break the Glass Ceiling?,” Newsweek, 2-29-24.  Iranians prepare to head to the polls to vote in the 12th parliamentary election since the Islamic Revolution, a record number of female candidates are among the thousands vying for one of 290 seats in the male-dominated legislature.  Some 1,713 women were featured in the list of approved candidates issued by Iran’s Guardian Council ahead of Friday’s election, more than double the number allowed to run in the last vote that took place in 2020.  And yet female hopefuls still represented just a fraction of the 15,200 aspiring lawmakers in the running this year.   For some, however, the trend symbolizes a positive development for a country whose longstanding women’s rights issues garnered renewed notoriety after the death of a young woman in police custody sparked nationwide protests in September 2022. Mahsa Amini, 22, had been arrested for failing to adhere to the nation’s mandatory hijab laws, one of several issues that has sparked debate among those now seeking office.

These types of stories (Cuba, Bolivia, etc.) are a reminder that Iran wants to be physically closer to the U.S. but also for illicit trade.  “Iran, Venezuela Seek To Carry Out Long-Term Deal,” Eurasia Review, 2-28-24.

“VOA’s Acting Director Denounces Iran for Convicting VOA Persian Journalists in Absentia for ‘Propaganda’ Crimes,” VOA, 2-28-24.

“Iran-Aligned Armed Groups Are Endangering Jordan’s National Security,” Washington Institute, 2-28-24.

“Iran Satellite Launch From Russia Fuels Fears Over Moscow-Tehran Ties,” Iran International, 2-28-24.

“As Iran scares the Middle East, at home its regime rots,” Economist, 2-28-24.

“Voter Frustration May Lead to Low Turnout in Iran Parliamentary Elections,” AP, VOA, 2-28-24.

“’Lebanon will be next’: Iran greenlights Hezbollah attack on Israel – report,” JPost, 2-28-24.

“Elections Expose Iran’s Fading Democratic Pretensions,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 2-28-24.

“Khamenei Pleads With Iranians To Vote Amid Election Skepticism,” Iran International, 2-28-24.

More proof that Iran controls its “subcontractors,” and more proof that shooting back (but not proportional) works.  “After U.S. Strikes, Iran’s Proxies Scale Back Attacks on American Bases,” NYT, 2-27-24.  “Tehran, wary of igniting open warfare with Washington, has told militia groups it backs to curtail assaults on targets such as military installations, Iranian and American officials say.”

“How Khamenei’s succession dilemma looms over Iran’s election,” The New Arab, 2-27-24.  No ordinary democracy there.

“4 Charged with Transporting Iranian-Made Weapons Face Detention Hearings in US Court,” Military Times, 2-27-24.  More evidence beyond that Iran made the components—“The FBI affidavit states that crew members had been in contact multiple times by satellite phone with a member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.”

It costs a lot to protect Western officials from Iran’s attempts.  These are just two from one country and during one financial year.  “Secret Service paid over $12 million for a year’s protection of 2 Trump advisers from potential Iranian threats,” CBS, 2-27-24.

“Iranian election turnout could set new record low,” G Zero Media, 2-27-24.

“Iran Denounces UN Investigation, Drawing Parallel With Gaza,” Iran International, 2-27-24.

This is a very safe opinion.  “Despite elections, Iran will remain the same – opinion,” JPost, 2-27-24.

“Iran Continues To Offer Safe Haven To Al-Qaeda, US Confirms,” Iran International, 2-27-24.

“Gallant: Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas hope to turn Ramadan into ‘2nd stage of October 7’,” Times of Israel, 2-27-24.

“Hackers have unmasked some of the tactics Beijing and Tehran use to silence their opponents.”  See “China and Iran Have Their WikiLeaks Moment,” Reason, 2-27-24.  “Millions of documents from a Chinese cybersecurity contractor and the Iranian court system revealing how both governments repress dissent abroad have been posted online over the past two weeks.  …  The files included secret orders and instructions on how to deal with some of Iran’s most well-known dissidents.  …  Iranian prosecutors had issued a secret list of Iranian athletes living abroad who should be arrested if they ever returned to Iran.”

“’Illusive’ Iranian Hacking Group Ensnares Israeli, UAE Aerospace and Defense Firms,” Dark Reading, 2-27-24.

This can go two ways.  Israel can deter Iran, but this will (continue, it started years ago) be a long-term battle if a war does not instead break out.  Or Israel’s actions against the IRGC could lead Iran to start a war.  But the Regime is always hesitant to look like the aggressor/oppressor, so I lean toward the first choice.  See “No longer afraid of sparking war, Israel takes gloves off against IRGC in Syria,” Times of Israel, 2-27-24.

“Iran Could Decide to Build a Nuclear Weapon,” National Interest, 2-26-24.

It is impossible this was done without Iran’s knowledge.  “Houthis knock out underwater cables linking Europe to Asia – report,” JPost, 2-26-24.

“Iran Reduces Near Weapons-Grade Stockpile, Defying Expectations,” WSJ, 2-26-24.  But “Tehran still has enough weapons-grade material for several nuclear weapons.”

“Iran’s Surgical Strike In Pakistan, Kills Terrorist Commander,” State Times, 2-26-24.

Sounds like another 12th Imam disappearance.  The martyr complex is strong.  “The identity of Iran’s next supreme leader must remain secret in order to protect him from assassination attempts by the United States and Israel, a senior Iranian cleric said in remarks published on Monday.  Mohammad-Ali Mousavi-Jazayeri, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, said in an interview with the Iran-based Didban Iran website….”  See “Iran should hide identity of next supreme leader to avoid US assassination: Cleric,” Al Arabiya, 2-26-24.

“Iran: Republic of God in an Increasingly Secular Society,” Arab Gulf States Institute, 2-26-24.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh doesn’t have a green light from Tehran.  “Israeli officials: Hamas is signaling rejection of latest hostage deal proposals,” Times of Israel, 2-26-24.  “Channels 12, 13 and Kan news all quoted senior officials as saying that Israel had been told that the framework worked out in Paris by Israel, American, Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Friday “doesn’t correspond with Hamas demands.”  Remember that “Qatar is considered one of the main state sponsors of Hamas, as it hosts some of its top leaders, including Haniyeh himself, and has donated billions of dollars over the years to Hamas in Gaza.”  In short, even Hamas-supporting Qatar thought this was a good deal, but Iran is stretching out the hostages in order to try to get Israel to stop fighting.

“Curbing Iran aggression is key to peace in the Middle East – opinion,” JPost, 2-25-24.  “The reason for training and financing the Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and similar extremist movements is the promotion of regional chaos, which simplifies taking over as much territory, influence, and resources as possible by Iran.”

“Japanese, Thai men charged in nuclear sale to Iran – US DOJ,” The Nation, 2-25-24.

“Vast majority of Iranians want a secular government, poll reveals,” Telegraph, 2-25-24.

“Iran’s Rising Misery Index: A Look at Economic Hardship Across Provinces,” Iran News Update, 2-25-24.

121 attacks by Iran against U.S. forces since Oct. 7.  “Missile attack:  Iran-backed groups attack US base in Deir Ezzor countryside,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 2-25-24.

Iran continues its attacks against shipping.  “U.S. and British Warplanes Again Strike Houthi-Linked Targets in Yemen,” NYT, 2-24-24.

“Iran’s IRGC Commander Calls For Israel’s Eradication,” Iran International, 2-24-24.

“Iran’s Russia envoy reveals new details of strategic bilateral deal,” Islamic Republic News Agency, 2-24-24.

“Major Concern for Middle-East: Iran completes first phase of Karun Nuclear Plant in Khuzestan province,” Times of India, 2-24-24.

“The Lies the United States and Media Told About Iran,” Fair Observer, Mehdi Alavi, 2-23-24.  This article would really be sad if it wasn’t so funny.  First, it never identifies the lies the U.S. has supposedly said about Iran.  Second, it is so ironic that the Kerman story is anything but what implied in this piece by Mr. Alavi.  The U.S. actually warned Iran about the ISIS bombers coming to Kerman!  The USG tried to save lives!  Iran chose to ignore our warning.  Finally, my point is also, for Mr. Alavi and others, is that I’m willing to post articles that allegedly cut across the grain of why I keep this news blog on Iran and explain why it is not a normal country.  But those articles need to stand on their own and provide evidence for their side.

“Iran was committing “gross violations” of UNSC resolution 1701, as well as violations of UNSC resolutions 2231 and 1540.”  See “’Running out of patience’: Iran is giving weapons to Hezbollah, Israel warns UNSC,” JPost, 2-23-24.

Considering the heavy coverage on this story (dozens of articles), that Iran can simply deny but not provide counterproof or directly address the transportation, quotes, photos, or any other types of evidence should be just one more indicator to Iran observers of the long-term veracity of the Regime and its spokespeople.  “Iran denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia,” Reuters, 2-23-24.

“Spanish ex-politician blames Iran for attack in which was shot,” Thomson Reuters, 2-23-24.

“Israel issues warning to UNSC over Iran’s weapon shipments to Hezbollah,” i24NEWS, 2-23-24.

“Iran has the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East. Now it’s sending them to Russia,” NBC, 2-23-24.

“Iran Convicted 44 Foreign-Based Journalists In Absentia, Leaked Document Reveals,” Iran International, 2-23-24.

“Leaked Documents Shed Light on How Iran’s Regime Evades International Sanctions,” Iran News Update, 2-23-24.

“Iran denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia,” Reuters, 2-23-24.

Remember, the military-unsophisticated Houthis have no ability to develop undersea weapons.  These all come from Iran.  “Houthis to step up Red Sea strikes, use ‘submarine weapons’, leader says,” Reuters, 2-22-24.

“Iran-Backed Houthis Prepare for Long Red Sea Battle With US,” Bloomberg, 2-22-24.

“Understanding Iran’s non-state network,” Asia Times, 2-22-24.

Six sources.  Wait and see how many sources Iran uses when it denies these missile transfer reports.  “Iran sends Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles, sources say,” Japan Times, 2-22-24.

“Iran’s Khamenei calls Israel a ‘cancerous tumor’ with assured ‘destruction’,” Al Arabiya, 2-22-24.

“Iran’s Ex-President Demands Reasons For Disqualification,” Iran International, 2-22-24.

“4 charged in transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons on boat intercepted by U.S.,” AP, NPR, 2-22-24.

“Iraq Foreign Minister:  We Need an Apology from Iran and Proof about ‘Mossad Base’,” MENA, 2-21-24.

Quote of the Day:  “With today’s extradition of Omarov, we have taken a significant step forward to hold Iranian actors accountable for their brazen plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen on American soil.”  Director of the F.B.I. Christopher Wray.  Second Quote of the Day:  “I’m joyful first for having been given a second life and I rejoice in the humiliation of Islamic Republic.  My adopted country has once again saved me from the murderous regime of my birth country Iran.”  Masih Alinejad, an American human rights activist from Brooklyn and critic of Iran.  See “Man Extradited to U.S. in Suspected Iranian Plot to Kill Activist,” NYT, 5-21-24.  They tried to assassinate Ms. Alinejad with an AK-47.

“Iran created a Frankenstein’s monster in the Middle East,” The Hill, 2-21-24.

“Iran’s Reformist Camp In Disarray Over Sham Elections,” Iran International, 2-21-24.

“Iran Invites IAEA Chief To Attend Conference In May,” AFP, 2-21-24.

That Iran identifies Israel and prepares further to attack it is because of the leaks from “Western” security officials reported several days ago.  As I wrote then on this blog, if this was the USG that authorized the leak to blame Israel, shame on us.  Israel has taken a beating and are being asked to do more in the war on terror than any country.  See “Iran says Israel is behind ‘plot’ against gas pipelines – report,” i24NEWS, 2-21-24.

“Iran and Sri Lanka commit to deepening bilateral relations,” JPost, 2-21-24.  Iran continues to try to find support from any country (including small ones).

This story will send shivers up the spine of those fearing a wider war, and is also a clear signal of what Israel may do because of Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons.  When last week Ali-Akbar Salehi (past head of Iran’s nuclear agency) said Iran now has everything needed to make a nuclear bomb, the IAF now releases this story that it is preparing its F-35s for possible attacks on Iran’s nuke sites.  See “Israel prepares F-35s for potential mission in Iran,” Shephard, 2-21-24.

The one person most likely not to be taken hostage when visiting Iran—the IAEA head.  “Iran dismisses plan by U.N. nuclear watchdog head to visit next month,” Thomson Reuters, 2-21-24.

“Iran sends Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles, sources say,” Reuters, 2-21-24.

“IntelBrief: Iran’s Battles are Fought Out in Syria,” Soufan Center, 2-21-24.

“Iran and Hezbollah Hackers Launch Attacks to Influence Israel-Hamas Narrative,” The Hacker News, 2-20-24.

“Iran’s nuclear enrichment exceeds commercial needs, says IAEA chief,” Japan Times, 2-20-24.

“Remember Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program?,” WSJ, 2-20-24.

“Jordan Increasingly Concerned About Iran Amid Activity Of Iran-Backed Militias On Its Northern Border,” MEMRI, 2-20-24.

Ships and crews still held hostage, for bartering by the Regime.  “Iran Released Filipino Seafarer from Seized Oil Tanker St. Nikolas,” Maritime Executive, 2-20-24.

“Crackdown on Diaspora Dissenters: Surge in Passport Seizures at Iranian Airports,” Iran Wire, 2-20-24.

“Iran’s IRGC equips ground troops with new homegrown drones,” Xinhua, 2-20-24.

Egypt doesn’t appreciate Iran’s assistance to the Houthis to partly close Bab el Mandab.  “Egypt’s Suez Canal revenue declines by almost half due to Red Sea tensions,” New Arab, 2-20-24.

“A Look Inside Iran’s Shadowy ‘Axis of Resistance’,” RFE/RL, 2-20-24.