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.