Month: February 2024

“Does Iran already have nuclear weapons?,” Washington Times, 2-19-24.

“Exclusive-IAEA chief says Iran’s nuclear enrichment activity remains high,” Thomson Reuters, WHBL, 2-19-24.

“Iranian Women Activists Jailed for 15 Years,” Iran Wire, 2-19-24.

“[T]he U.S. seizure of the Emtrasur cargo plane has already had chilling effects on Conviasa’s operations. The Venezuelan airline has already cancelled its service to Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, keeping only its Mexico, Nicaragua, and Cuban routes in the region, alongside flights to Iran, Russia, and Syria.”  See “How the US can ground Iran’s ‘terrorist airlines’,” The Hill, 2-19-24.

“One-third of Christians arrested in Iran targeted for possessing multiple Bibles: report,” Christian Post Reporter, 2-19-24.

The words of Tehran Times, not mine.  “Iran’s missile attacks on Syria, Iraq and Pakistan are a sign of Iran’s power as a regional hegemon. In late 2023, the Pentagon accused Iran of a drone attack on an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean. Each of these attacks had its immediate justifications. But all these operations, which took place in a short period and a wide geographical radius, indicate a much more important event: the emergence of Iran as a Middle East superpower, which is no longer content with using only proxy militias. Iran is ready to use its armed forces to achieve its strategic goals.”  See “Iran has emerged as a superpower vis-a-vis America and Israel,” Tehran Times, 2-19-24.

“Iran claims to add two new ‘stealth’ ships to IRGC Navy,” JPost, 2-19-24.

This is not diplomacy, it is a directive.  “Iran Quds Force chief’s ‘diplomacy’ stalls attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria,” i24NEWS, 2-18-24.

Supplies, weapons, missiles, IRGC advisers—for ten years since the Obama/Biden administration.  “U.S. Middle East Commander Confirms That Iran Was Arming Houthis before Obama Nuclear Deal,” National Review, 2-18-24.

“Iranian Lawyer Jailed For Advocating For Protesters’ Families,” Iran International, 2-18-24.

A second jailed criticizer.  “Cleric Arrested In Iran’s Holy City For Criticizing Supreme Leader,” Iran International, 2-18-24.

“A Look at Iraq’s Competing Shiite Armed Factions and Parties, Many Iran-Aligned,” VOA, Reuters, 2-18-24.

“How Iran radicalised Yemen’s most tolerant tribe,” Spectator, 2-18-24.

“Gold for Drones: Massive Leak Reveals the Iranian Shahed Project in Russia,” Haaretz, 2-18-24.

“Iran: Anti-Veil Activist Must Serve Long Prison Sentence,” VOA, 2-17-24.

“Iran Claims Introduction Of New Missile Systems Amid Tensions,” Iran International, 2-17-24.

“Iran’s Regime is One of the Largest Exporters of Low-Cost Weapons,” Iran Focus, 2-17-24.

This is a blog about Iran, and how it chooses not to act as a normal country.  Two of the pressure points it faces are of course the U.S. and Israel.  So, if it was the USG that decided to betray Israel’s pressure against Iran (regarding the facts of this story), that is dastardly.  “Israel Was Behind Attacks on Major Gas Pipelines in Iran, Officials Say,” NYT, 2-16-24.  Here’s the troubling quote from Western officials (notice how the NYT doesn’t describe them but also describes them at the same time, one of these could be Jake Sullivan himself—“Israel carried out covert attacks on two major natural gas pipelines inside Iran this week, disrupting the flow of heat and cooking gas to provinces with millions of people, according to two Western officials and a military strategist affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps.”  And “The Western officials said Israel also caused a separate blast on Thursday inside a chemical factory on the outskirts of Tehran that rattled a neighborhood and sent plumes of smoke and fire into the air.”  Who is authorizing these releases?  Pres. Biden himself?  It would seem to go the highest officials since the relationship with Israel is so important, and the threat from Iran so striking.  But why not let Iran figure out on its own who did it? — “Energy experts estimated that the attacks on the pipelines, which each run for about 1,200 kilometers or 800 miles and carry 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, knocked out about 15 percent of Iran’s daily natural gas production, making them particularly sweeping assaults on the country’s critical infrastructure.”  Is the U.S. trying to control how Israel defends itself?  Is the U.S. trying to control how Israel approaches the peace deal with Hamas and the PA and with Arab states that SArabia as proposed?  Iran is the real danger, not Israel.  If we want Iran to act as a normal country, then the U.S. needs to do likewise.

“Iran Insists On Its Right To Block Borders With Afghanistan,” Iran International, 2-16-24.  A mighty big, expensive venture.  Won’t happen.  May be built in a few places.  “Iran intends to close its land borders,” Azer News, 2-16-24.

“US Cyberattack Hit 2 Iranian Military Ships in Red Sea,” VOA, 2-16-24.  Two ships, not one—“A source with knowledge of the cyberattack said an Iranian frigate was also targeted.”  Another interesting point—“A U.S. drone strike on February 7 in Baghdad killed a Kataib Hezbollah commander who the U.S. said was ‘responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region.’  There has not been an attack on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria or Jordan since February 4, according to the Pentagon.”

This is not an automated ship.  Note that nothing in the article is said of the crew.  I imagine they contributed in their interviews to the physical evidence, all pointing directly to Iran.  “US says it nabbed vessel carrying arms from Iran to Yemeni rebels,” Times of Israel, 2-15-24.

Almost too bazare to post.  “Iran claims ‘property rights’ to Antarctica, plans to build naval base,” Mint, 2-15-24.

“U.S. conducted cyberattack on suspected Iranian spy ship,” NBC, 2-15-24.  “One of the U.S. officials with knowledge of the cyberattack said the operation was conducted on an Iranian ship named the MV Behshad. The other officials declined to disclose the name of the ship. … In an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt last week, Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Behshad is in the Red Sea “to combat the piracy activities” and is not providing intelligence to Houthi forces. [BTW, this is one of those opportunities to throw light on the distortions spoken by the Regime—the media should ask what piracy interceptions the Behshad has participated in, as the number is ZERO.] Since January, the Behshad has been operating near the port of Djibouti, close to a Chinese military base on shore, according to ship tracking data. Military analysts say it’s possible Iran has chosen to move the ship near the Chinese base to discourage U.S. naval forces from trying to physically attack or board the suspected spy vessel.”

“Report: U.S. Carried Out Covert Cyberattack on Iranian Spy Ship,” Maritime Executive, 2-15-24.  What is very interesting is what is not said—Did the U.S. cyberattack occur after the Behshad had put into “safe” waters, anchored about three miles from the Chinese naval base in Djibouti?  I think so.

“The Destruction Of Iran’s Medical Infrastructure – OpEd,” Eurasia Review, 2-15-24.

“Iran’s IRGC claims developing stealth drones that ‘can hit any vessel’,” Al Monitor, 2-15-24.

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guard On The Ground In Yemen To Assist Houthis, U.S. Official Says,” Forbes, 2-15-24.

“American forces strike Yemen’s Houthis, seize Iranian weapons shipment heading to militants,” Fox, 2-15-24.

“Swedish foreign minister confronts Iran over murder plot against Jews in his country,” AFP, 2-15-24.  “Tobias Billstrom says it is ‘extremely negative’ that another state pursued a killing plan on Swedish territory.”

“US carries out cyberattack on Iranian warship in Red Sea – NBC News report,” Reuters, 2-15-24.  “The US operation was meant to inhibit the Iranian ship’s ability to share intelligence with Houthi militants in Yemen.”  As a result, it appears there have been fewer attacks.  Amazing what action can do.

“Iran claims test simulated strike on Israeli base,” WION, 2-15-24.

BTW, and this is the truth, the religious leaders in Qom do not allow Valentine’s Day to be celebrated in Iran.  Now, back to the news.  “‘Sabotage Attacks’ On Iran’s Gas Pipelines Cause Major Disruptions,” Iran International, 2-14-24.  “Hours before the explosions, a leaked document from a cyberattack on the parliament revealed that the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council had predicted such incidents in a letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi in November. The letter warned about gas shortages resulting from imbalance between production and consumption. He cited dangers such as cyber threats, labor strikes, and sabotage in the energy network as potential risks to energy security amid gas shortages in the winter. Since mid-2020, there have been multiple acts of sabotage in Iran targeting nuclear, energy, military and industrial sites. The Iranian government has blamed Israel and, in some cases, armed opposition groups, but it is almost certain that sophisticated operations are conducted by state actors. As acts of sabotage occurred regularly, Khamenei ordered closer coordination between a hodgepodge of intelligence and security outfits in June 2023. Iran’s natural gas production gradually declines due to lack of investments and technology, even though the country has the second largest reserves in the world. Officials have said in the past that the sector needs an investment of at least $40 billion to install larger production platforms, with stronger pumps, in the Persian Gulf, where Iran shares a huge underwater gas field with Qatar.”

“Hackers Leak Details About Iran’s Shadowy Oil Smuggling Network,” Iran International, 2-14-24.

“‘The streets smell like death:’ Iran’s suicide epidemic,” Rudaw, 2-14-24.

Happy Valentine’s Day.  “VIDEO: Iran unveils new cruise missile system,” Mehr, 2-14-24.

“U.S. sanctions Iran Central Bank subsidiary for U.S. tech procurement and violating export rules,” AP, 2-14-24.

Insightful interview about Iran from Pahlavi.  “Exiled Iranian prince: ‘There are those who believe in death’,” JNS, 2-14-24.  The “eye of the octopus,” the Islamic regime in Iran, must be addressed, Reza Pahlavi said.

“Iran jails Mahsa Amini uncle for over five years: rights groups,” AFP, 2-13-24.

“Iran is playing a long game, and Washington is losing,” The Hill, 2-13-23.  “Deterrence is not a matter of force, but of will. For deterrence to work, an adversary must believe that the U.S. has the will to strike at his interests. In Iran’s case, regime survival is the greatest interest. The clerics in Tehran will only back down if they believe an American attack places their power at risk. Ahead of the most recent strikes, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby repeated that the U.S. seeks to avoid war with Iran — a clear message that the U.S. has no interest in threatening the regime in Tehran. This inherently contradicts any effort at deterrence. American airstrikes in Iraq and Syria in exchange for free shots against American bases is a tradeoff that Iran is willing to accept. By targeting a militia leader in Baghdad in response to attacks on U.S. troops, the U.S. essentially exchanged a slap on the wrist for the loss of American lives. This pattern of response only encourages Iran and its proxies, reinforcing the perception that they can act with impunity. To effectively deter Iran and its proxies, the U.S. must adopt a more proactive and comprehensive strategy, inclusive of targeting Iranian assets directly, imposing meaningful costs for aggression and signaling a willingness to escalate if necessary. The time for half-measures is over; the U.S. must take the required steps to confront Iran’s malign activities and secure a more stable and peaceful future for the region.”

“Iran’s IRGC fires long-range ballistic missile from cruiser: commander,” Xinhua, 2-13-24.

If I were a betting man, I’d say that the targeting information (regarding international shipping and military vessels) funneled from the Iranian ship near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait to the Houthis was manipulated by an adversary of Iran so that the Houthis would shoot at their master.  “Houthis Fire Missiles at Cargo Ship Bound for Iran, Their Patron,” Bloomberg, 2-12-24.

“Iran asks FIFA to ban Israel over war in Gaza,” Vanguard, 2-12-24.  Did Iran ask FIFA to bar Russia for its invasion of Ukraine?

Putting aside the military and security implications for other countries using the Strait, building bridges are generally praised by others who want developing countries to go forward.  Iran has done to little bridge and school and clinic construction for the past four decades.  “Iran Announces $700m Persian Gulf Bridge Project Funded By Oil Barter,” Iran International, 2-12-24.

And Argentina just authorized its embassy to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  It looks like it is trying to take a stand against Iran’s pressure on Argentina.  “With Argentina’s help, U.S. seizes Boeing 747 used by Iran’s military,” UPI, 2-12-24.  “The seized [Mahan Air] American-built aircraft was transferred by a sanctioned Iranian airline in a transaction that violated U.S. export control laws and directly benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is a designated terrorist organization.”

“Iran celebrates anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution,” ABC, 2-12-24.

“Iran plotted to assassinate a Swedish Jewish woman — this is her story,” Jerusalem Post, 2-12-24.

“Former Iranian-Owned Boeing Aircraft Successfully Returned to the United States,” Department of Justice Press Release, 2-12-24.  “The pilot of the plane, Gholamreza Ghasemi, was identified as an ex-commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a shareholder and board member of a subsidiary of Mahan Air.”

“Iran And Turkey Seal 600 MW HVDC Line Deal For Cross-Border Energy Exchange,” Solar Quarter, 2-12-24.

“Iran’s aggressive maritime acts escalate tension and threaten trade in the region,” Dryad Global, 2-12-24.

Weapons and Ideology.  Dangerous combination.  “Why Sudan’s army is pivoting towards Iran,” New Arab, 2-12-24.

“Iran recruiting British citizens to spy on Jews, dissidents – report,” JPost, 2-11-24.  “Iran has recruited British Shia Muslims visiting religious sites in Iran and Iraq to spy on Jews and Iranian dissidents living in the UK, the Daily Mail reported on Friday.  The British citizens were approached by recruiters from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”

That’s the spirit.  Actually, it is the creed the Islamic Republic of Iran was built on.  Without oppressors, the martyr complex can’t exist.  Quite a bit different than “All men are created equal.”  See “Burning US flags and chanting ‘Death to Israel,’ Iran marks 45 years since the Islamic Revolution,” Times of Israel, 2-11-24.  Does any other country on earth celebrate its independence day this way?  That is a rhetorical question we all know the answer to.  “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” and “Death to Saudi Arabia” and “Death to the United Kingdom” are the coin of the realm.

But while we’re at it, will the Sec. Gen. of the UN comment on Iran’s doing what no other country does, calling to remove Iran from the United Nations?  He may instead be spending time figuring out why the UN supplied electricity from its UNRWA building in Gaza to the Hamas tunnel underneath.  “Iran marks Islamic revolution with demand to expel Israel from UN,” Al Monitor, 2-11-24.  It may be that this tunnel was built with Iran funding.  “Israel says UN agency boss should quit over Hamas ‘tunnel’ under Gaza HQ,” Digital Journal 2-10-24.  What will the UN Sec. Gen. say?  But wait!  There’s more!  Rows of computer servers were powered in this key tunnel location.  “Tunnel complex with rows of computer servers discovered under UN aid-agency HQ in Gaza, reports say,” Business Insider, 2-11-24.

“Iran says it has exchanged messages with US,” Reuters, 2-10-24.  This is rare over the period since the U.S. was forced to break relations during the Hostage Crisis way back in 1979.

Again increasing ties with Russia, not a cleans-hand actor.  “Iran Announces Grain Purchase Deal With Russia,” Iran International, 2-10-24.

“Iran Update, February 10, 2024,” Critical Threats, 2-10-24.

“Hezbollah head meets Iran’s FM, says Resistance will emerge victorious,” Press TV, 2-10-24.