Considering that for years Iran would not admit that its IRGC officers were in Syria, maybe Reuters should be brave and ask when they arrived.  Also, Iran is pulling these officers because they can’t protect them.  “Exclusive: Iran’s Guards pull officers from Syria after Israeli strikes,” Reuters, 2-1-24.

The USG has telegraphed “a series of strikes over a number of days against targets — including Iranian personnel and facilities — inside Iraq and Syria.”  See “Plans for U.S. strikes on Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq, Syria approved after Jordan drone attack,” CBS, 2-1-24.

“Exclusive: Iran’s Guards pull officers from Syria after Israeli strikes,” Reuters, 2-1-24.

“Iran Faces US Lawsuits Over Role In October 7 Atrocities,” Iran International, 2-1-24.

“US intelligence officials estimate Tehran does not have full control of its proxy groups,” Politico, 2-1-24.

The NYT is reaching, especially due to the article (about the four nuclear plants) immediately following in this blog.  Sanger can do better.  He writes, “The move suggests that Tehran may be trying to ease tensions with the United States.”  See “Iran Slows Production of Enriched Uranium, the U.N.’s Nuclear Watchdog Says,” NYT, 2-1-24.

“Iran begins building 4 more nuclear power plants,” AP, 2-1-24.  This was admonished by the IAEA.

“Iran-backed Houthi launch three attacks in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden as tensions escalate; US military responds,” Fox, 2-1-24.

“Exclusive: US believes drone that killed soldiers was Iranian-made, sources say,” Reuters, 2-1-24.

“Iran Executes At Least 28 People In Ten Days As Executions Continue,” Iran International, 2-1-24.