Month: April 2024

“Iran commutes a tycoon’s death sentence to 20 years in prison,” AP, 4-30-24.  Two billion dollars is a lot of money.

“Iran officially begins building wall along its border with Afghanistan,” Khaama Press, 4-30-24.

“Iranian rapper receives death sentence for songs criticizing the establishment,” NPR, 4-30-24.

Low-hanging fruit that Princeton doesn’t act on.  This blog has several times over the years taken note of the controversy regarding having this particular ex-official of the Regime on its faculty.  “Princeton’s Mousavian Mocks Protesters Calling For His Resignation,” Iran International, 4-30-24.

“Iran-Allied Houthis Escalate With Several Attacks In One Day,” Iran International, 4-30-24.

“What’s Behind Iran’s Renewed Crackdown on Women,” Sky, 4-30-24.

Bad news, long-term, for Iran, that the next leader understands the control of Iran over Hamas.  “Turkey: Istanbul mayor Imamoglu calls Hamas a terror group,” Middle East Eye, 4-29-24.

“Hamas Fires Rockets Into Israel from Lebanon,” NYT, 4-29-24.  “Though Hamas is based in Gaza, many of its leaders are exiled in Lebanon, where the group has a sizable presence and operates largely out of Palestinian refugee camps. Since the Hamas-led terror attack on Oct. 7 prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza, Hamas has occasionally launched rocket attacks into northern Israel from within Lebanon’s borders, though its ally Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has launched far more. Both groups are backed by Iran.”  There were about 20 rockets fired.  Keep in mind rockets, not missiles.  But still a problem, and still an indication that Hezbollah and Hamas cooperate, under Iran’s direction.

The operative was “involved in plotting attacks against Jews in Germany.”  “Report: Israel assassinates Revolutionary Guards operative in Iran,” Hayom, 4-29-24.

“Shamkhani is the nephew of Ali Shamkhani – the former Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council who has held various high-ranking positions within the Iranian government and military. In recent years, the economic activities of the Shamkhani’s family, including Ali Shamkhani’s two sons, his half-brother, wife and son-in-law, have been widely criticized and have made headlines in Iran.”  See “Nephew Of Former Iranian Security Official Arrested For Corruption,” Iran International, 4-29-24.

“Secret document says Iran security forces molested and killed teen protester,” BBC, 4-29-24.

Remember, for years Iran has said it has no program, or materials, or scientists dedicated to such.  But their path has been like North Korea’s and Pakistan’s, and no is about to cross the threshold into a dangerous place.  It cannot be known if deterrence would work.  “Iran’s Attack on Israel Has Deepened Concerns About Its Nuclear Program,” AP, 4-28-24.  “Iran’s decision to launch more than 300 missiles and drones in its first direct attack on Israeli soil earlier this month showed an appetite for risk that is putting renewed focus on Tehran’s nuclear program and whether it will continue to refrain from developing a bomb.”

Illicit trade, proliferation included in deal.  “Iran, Cuba agree to establish sister ports to facilitate trade,” Hellenic Shipping News, 4-28-24.

“Iran at the peak of drone, missile capabilities: Atlantic Council,” 4-27-24.  But see the actual AC article.  Lot of posturing in Tehran Times.  “This round of Iran-Israel escalation is over, but the next could be just around the corner,” AC, 4-27-24.

Portuguese crew, but no date set for turn-over.  They’ve been held in captivity for about a month–fortunate it is not longer, as most ship crews are several months.  Remember, Iran is the only country that makes hostage-taking an active and regular part of its foreign policy.  “Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship to be released,” Reuters, 4-27-24.

“Jordan fears Iran is trying to create a new front against Israel,” Globe and Mail, 4-27-24.

“It’s time for Europe to ground Iran Air,” The Hill, 4-26-24.

“Ex-Mossad expert warns Iran has built global financial network to bypass sanctions,” Times of Israel, 4-26-24.

“Quality Of Iran’s Weapons Under Aspersion After Failed Israel Attack – Austin,” Iran International, 4-26-24.

“CNN at Friday prayers as Iranians shout ‘death to America’,” CNN, 4-26-24.

Enabler.  “China describes Iran as ‘strategic partner’ in West Asia,” Mehr, 4-26-24.

“Iran’s Prosecutor Says Hijab Is Mandatory For All,” Iran International, 4-26-24.  But see “UN denounces enforcement of mandatory hijab law in Iran,” VOA, 4-26-24.

“12 Points You Need To Know About New Iran Sanctions,” Iran International, 4-26-24.

“Iran News: Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi Abruptly Returns Amid Fears of Interpol Warrant,” NCRI, 4-26-24.

“Former Iran Hostages Demand Release Of Swedish Doctor On Death Row,” Iran International, 4-26-24.

Nasty, brutish, and short in Regime prisons.  “Freed Iranian Artists Diagnosed With Diseases,” Iran International, 4-25-24.

“Iran Needs ‘One Week’ To Build Nuclear Weapon, Official Claims,” Newsweek, 4-25-24.

“The Malaysia-Iran-Israel Triangle Amid the Gaza War,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy,” 4-25-24.

This is just a few days after the high-level visit by China to NK.  But I’m sure there is no connection, right?!  NK missiles and weapons have long ended up with Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas.  “North Korea Sends Rare Delegation to Iran, Fueling Concerns of Military Cooperation,” Time, 4-24-24.  See “China is sending its highest-level delegation to North Korea since 2019 to kick off a ‘friendship year’,” CNN, 4-11-24.

“Iranian women violently dragged from streets by police amid hijab crackdown,” Guardian, 4-24-24.

“How Iran covered up the damage from Israel’s strikes,” Economist, 4-24-24.

“Israel’s Next Front? Iran, Hezbollah, and the Coming War in Lebanon,” Foreign Affairs, 4-24-24.

Iran’s press did not quote the Chinese Defense Chief.  “Iran, China discuss military cooperation; Beijing backs Tehran’s ‘legitimate’ strikes against Israel,” PressTV, 4-24-24.

“IAEA chief: Iran is ‘weeks’ away from nuclear capacity,” i24NEWS, 4-23-24.  “’But that does not mean that Iran has or would have a nuclear weapon in that space of time’.  … Iran is “weeks rather than months” away from the capacity to develop nuclear-grade uranium.”  This is the news that none of us wanted, but that many of us expected.

“How Israeli Missiles Broke Iran’s Air Defense Lines,” Iran International, 4-23-24.

Confusing story for Reuters unless they want to trace the obvious advancements that everyone acknowledges (from the IAEA to public sources) over several years, and to challenge the Regime with the evidence.  “Iran says nuclear weapons have no place in its nuclear doctrine,” Reuters, 4-22-24.

“Israelis tell NYT: Original plan was major strike on military targets near Tehran, beyond,” Times of Israel, 4-22-24.  “Account also cites Israeli official saying a 2nd missile fired at Iranian antiaircraft battery was destroyed by the IAF en route, once it was clear the first had reached its target.”

“Iranian President Raisi set for official visit to Pakistan after recent flare up,” i24NEWS, 4-21-24.

“Supreme leader tacitly acknowledges that Iran hit little in its attack on Israel,” AP, 4-21-24.

“Reports: Iran Suspects Assad of Betraying Its 18 Assassinated IRGC Commanders,” JPC, 4-21-24.  There’s never been another story like this.