Month: April 2024

“Israel Strikes Iran in Narrow Attack Amid Escalation Fears,” WSJ, 4-19-24.  I’m sure this was less than the almost 350 ballistics, tomahawks, and drones that Iran tried to use against Israel, which could have killed hundreds or more.  The best picture of Iran’s intent and unwise decisions remains the Dome of the Rock image from Jerusalem (and just after Quds Day!) with the incoming missiles reigning down and getting shot out of the sky by the IDF.

“Israel carries out strike in Iran, Israeli official says; no damage to nuclear sites, IAEA says,” WPost, 4-19-24.  The Post does have this right—“it was intended to signal to Iran that Israel had the ability to strike inside the country.”

Ah ha.  Iran does not keep its promise to retaliate, going so far as to say the following.  “No missile attack against Iran, Iranian official tells Reuters,” Reuters, 4-19-24.

“Israel launched ‘limited’ strike on Iran,” Politico, 4-19-24.

“Iran says no retaliation planned, as both sides seek distance from Isfahan attack,” Times of Israel, 4-19-24.

“Nearly 50 nations condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, call for de-escalation,” VOA, 4-18-24.

NBC says “Suspected” when it knows (read the story) otherwise.  Pinocchio.  “Suspected Iran spy ship sails home as the world awaits a new Israeli attack,” NBC, 4-18-24.

“How close is Iran to having nuclear weapons?,” Reuters, 4-18-24.

What the BAS doesn’t say is that Israel is the only country in the world to attack another country’s nuclear program (Iraq, Syria).  It was also praised for this because both of those were proliferation efforts and were dangerous for the world.  “The enormous risks and uncertain benefits of an Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities,” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 4-18-24.

“Iran warns of shift in nuclear stance if Israel threatens atomic sites,” Financial Times, 4-18-24.

We will see if Iran keeps its promise.  “Iran’s military response will be ‘immediate and at a maximum level’ if Israel attacks, foreign minister says,” CNN, 4-18-24.  Let’s see if the press follows up on his claim.

More bad news for the Regime.  “Biden makes new push for historic Israeli-Saudi normalization deal – report,” i24NEWS, 4-18-24.  And the right move by Pres. Biden (really Jake Sullivan), but the recognition of a Palestinian state has to be done in the right way in order for that part to work for Israel, SA, and the Middle East.

“The desperate alignment of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea,” WPost, 4-17-24.

“Raisi, Iranian leaders warn Israel against ‘slightest’ response to weekend attack,” Times of Israel, 4-17-24.

The article is an example of how the radical Regime has forced other countries to react.  “Israel-Iran Confrontation Forces Gulf Powers to Choose Sides,” WSJ, 4-16-24.  “The Saudis and Emiratis shared intelligence that contributed to an overwhelmingly successful defensive response to a sprawling Iranian air attack, said Arab officials. However, they stopped short of giving Washington everything it wanted, denying the U.S. and Israel use of their airspace to intercept missiles and drones, the officials said. … Iranian officials briefed counterparts from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries ahead of Saturday’s large-scale strikes on Israel on the outlines and timing of their plan so that those countries could safeguard airspace, the Saudi officials said. The information was passed along to the U.S., giving Washington and Israel crucial warning and demonstrating for Saudi officials that Riyadh’s warming to Tehran was paying off.”

“As Israel mulls revenge, preserving US-led cooperation also seen as dealing blow to Iran,” Times of Israel, 4-16-24.

“In 1981, Israel bombed the Osirak nuclear reactor in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, despite opposition from Washington. And in 2018, it admitted to having launched a top-secret air raid against a reactor in Syria 11 years prior.”  See “Iran closed nuclear facilities for a day following attack on Israel, says IAEA chief,” AFP, 4-16-24.

“”They would have arrived sooner if they had taken Snapp.”  “Snapp” refers to a popular ride-hailing app in Iran, similar to Uber. The joke suggests that if the Iranian forces had used a commercial ride-sharing service for drones, similar to calling a taxi, their mission wouldn’t have taken so long to execute.”  Seen on “The Art Of Ridicule: Iranians Mock IRGC Attack On Israel,” Iran International, 4-16-24.

“David Albright, a physicist who is the founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital that “Iran would need a year or more to build a semi-reliable warhead for a ballistic missile and about two years to reconstitute the Amad Plan so as to be able to serially produce reliable warheads for ballistic missiles, i.e., have a fully developed nuclear weapons production complex.” Iran’s regime pursued an atomic weapons program code named the Amad Plan from the late 1990s to early 2003. … In February, Reuters exclusively reported that Iran had enriched uranium well beyond the need for commercial nuclear use. The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told Reuters that while the pace of uranium enrichment had slowed slightly since the end of last year, Iran was still enriching at an elevated rate of around 7 kg of uranium per month to 60% purity. … Albright warned that “Iran can make a crude nuclear explosive in about six months, able to be tested underground or delivered by truck, ship or cargo plane. This accomplishment would be enough to establish Iran as a nuclear weapons power.”  See “Iran’s attack on Israel shines spotlight on Tehran’s advancing nuclear weapons program,” Fox, 4-16-24.  “For Israel, as the country’s former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said, Iran with an atomic weapon would mean a “nuclear Holocaust” for the Jewish state.”

“What to know about Shahed-136 drones, which Iran used to attack Israel,” WPost, 4-16-24.

“‘Iran is in for the long haul’ with oil tanker hijacks, expert says, as U.S. considers more sanctions,” CNBC, 4-16-24.

“World braces for Iran-Israel cyberattacks following missile attack,” Axios, 4-16-24.

“Iranian UN ambassador says Israel knows next attack ‘most decisive’,” i24NEWS, 4-15-24.  “Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, urges action against Iran including sanctions and the designation of IRGC as a terrorist organization.”  The showing of the video in the UN Security Council meeting of Iron Dome shooting down Iranian missiles above the Dome of the Rock, filmed from the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (both on the Temple Mount), was most impressive, along with the statements that Iran is acting inconsistent with Islam.

“BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel,” BBC, 4-15-24.

“Israel Faced a Sophisticated Attack From Iran,” NYT, 4-14-24.  My comment–While it took advanced military technology involving drones and ballistics, and some attacks from Iraq and Yemen, it was still a failure.  Hmmm.  Someone needs to tell NYT what UK FM David Cameron said.  “Iran suffered ‘double defeat’ – Lord Cameron,” BBC, 4-15-24.  And consider “At least half of Iranian ballistic missiles failed or crashed prematurely – report,” i24NEWS, 4-15-24.  Following the unprecedented attack from Iran, senior Western officials reportedly believe an Israeli response could be as soon as Monday.  …  At least half of the ballistic missiles in the Iranian attack against Israel over the weekend failed to launch, failed in flight or crashed before reaching its destination, two U.S. officials confirmed to ABC.  … In terms of the Iranian missiles, at least nine penetrated the Israeli air defense system and interception efforts by allies. As a result, two air force bases in Israel were but no significant damage was caused, one of the senior U.S. officials told ABC. According to the American report, five ballistic missiles hit the Nevatim Air Force Base and damaged a C-130 transport plane, an unused runway and empty storage facilities. While the other four ballistic missiles hit another base in the Negev, there were no reports of significant damage.”

Everyone else high-ranking in Iran except the Supreme Leader has spoken, all saying Iran’s attack against Israel was a complete success.  Since the Leader claims higher sources than other Iranian officials and its president, it will be interesting to hear his interpretation when the Ayatollah speaks.  “Iran’s leaders insist the attack against Israel was a ‘victory’,” NPR, 4-15-24.

Amazing, and not what Iran wanted to hear.  This is the first time EVER that Saudi Arabia has helped Israel in a military affair/action.  At least publicly.  And it is against Iran, whom SA had opened relations with again.  “Saudi Arabia says it helped defend Israel against Iran — report,” JPost, 4-15-24.  Many drones had to travel over Saudi airspace, so my guess is their assistance was with tracking.

More on the Regime’s effect on SA, and how SA still wants peace with Israel.  “Saudi Arabia not involved in intercepting Iran missiles, drones at Israel: Sources,” Al Arabiya, 4-15-24.  And see “Saudi Arabia says it helped defend Israel against Iran — report,” JPost, 4-14-24.

“With Nuclear Deal Dead, Containing Iran Grows More Fraught,” NYT, 4-15-24.

Countries, it turns out, really aren’t equal.  “‘This Seems to Be a Major Strategic Error on the Part of Iran’,” Politico Magazine, 4-15-24.  Thoughts for the Council on Foreign Relations and Richard Haass.

“Russian weapons help Iran harden defenses against Israeli airstrike,” Washington Post, 4-15-24.

“Ex-Iranian Security Official Slams Russia’s Lack Of Support In Israel Attack,” Iran International, 4-15-24.

“Maps show how US, Israeli weaponry was used against Iran’s aerial attack,” USA Today, 4-15-24.

“China Tells Iran Cooperation Will Last After Attack on Israel,” Bloomberg, 4-15-24.

Israel finds itself in a different situation than the Scud Attacks from Saddam Hussein, where he shot ballistic missiles into Israel during the 1991 Gulf War to pressure it into fighting, and to hopefully divide the Arab coalition against him.  Israel restrained itself and did not retaliate, and was widely praised.  Today in 2024, Israel (with the help of multiple shooters in the form of the U.S. and Jordan) shot down almost all the drones and tomahawks and ballistics.  Will Israel declare “victory” or will it retaliate this time because of Iran’s seeming act of war?  Remember, I’ve said it before, the consulate destruction (and the death of the terror Quds Force generals) in Damascus does not appear to be a violation of international law, but was a continuation of the undeclared war already going by Iran against Israel.  See “IDF says 99 percent of launches intercepted, Iran’s attack ‘failed’,” i24NEWS, 4-14-24.

“Iran warns Israel, US of ‘severe response’ in case of retaliation,” Al Jazeera, 4-14-24.  “Iranian military chief says overnight attack ‘achieved all its goals’, adding that US bases are under threat if it backs Israeli retaliation.”  Funny?  Iran didn’t achieve any goals, didn’t even kill Israelis.  Almost all its bullets were shot down.  What goals must it have had?

“Iranians express support for Israeli strikes on regime sites,” i24NEWS, 4-14-24.  “Reports indicate that Iranians have engaged in spreading anti-regime graffiti in the streets and have utilized social media platforms to express support for Israel’s actions.”

“Iran told Turkey in advance of its operation against Israel, Turkish source says,” Reuters, 4-14-24.

One of those rare times when the USG and the IRI seems to agree–both have said not to respond to Iran’s attack.  “Iran warns Israel, US of ‘severe response’ in case of retaliation,” Al Jazeera, 4-14-24.

“What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?,” BBC, 4-14-24.  “Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, …. The attack included 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles, none of which entered Israeli territory, and 110 ballistic missiles of which a small number reached Israel.”  BTW, BBC coverage of the conflict is good, but i24 remains the most balanced and in-depth despite their being right in the middle of the action.

“Video emerges of Iran seizing Israeli-linked cargo ship before they attacked,” CNN, 4-14-24.

“Iran Attacks on Israel Spur Escalation Concerns,” Council on Foreign Relations, 4-14-24.

“Report: Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, provided intelligence on Iran attack,” Times of Israel, 4-14-24.

‘We’re crazier than you realise’: Iran delivers its message with attack on Israel,” Financial Times, 4-14-24.

“UN Security Council to meet Sunday for emergency talks on Iran’s attack against Israel,” Times of Israel, 4-14-24.

This is perhaps the weirdest attack ever by Iran, which makes me first think it is a ploy.  They never announce they are attacking, nor how (drones), nor that the attack will take hours to arrive across Iraq and Jordan (who both have closed their airspaces), and in a wave.  Expect a second attack or a sneak attack somewhere in the world while we watch for Israel to shoot down drones.  “Iran launches dozens of drones at Israel; IDF aims to intercept,” i24, 4-13-24.  “IRGC releases statement it has begun a combined airborne attack against Israel in retaliation to Damascus strike.”

“IDF: Iran launched over 200 missiles and drones at Israel, child wounded | LIVE UPDATES,” i24NEWS, 4-12-24.  “Iran has launched three waves of missiles toward Israel from the areas of Kermanshah and Dokuh, in western Iran.”

Keep in mind that if Israel does what the U.S. directs (“Scoop: Biden told Bibi U.S. won’t support an Israeli counterattack on Iran,” Axios, 4-13-24) that Iran will not stop.  They will attack again.

“Iran takes another ship and crew hostage,” Independent, 4-13-24.  “Iran seizes Israel-linked cargo ship as world braces for revenge attack.  …  Commandos from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard dropped from a helicopter onto the MSC Aries, a container vessel associated with Zodiac Maritime, run by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.”

“US sees Iran moving weaponry internally including drones, cruise missiles – report,” JPost, 4-13-24.

Big News.  And may initiate more attacks by the Regime against Argentina.   “Argentine court blames Iran and Hezbollah for deadly 1994 Jewish center bombing,” AP, 4-12-24.  “Argentina’s highest criminal court reported a new development Thursday in the elusive quest for justice in the deadliest attack in the country’s history — the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center headquarters — concluding Iran had planned the attack and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group had executed the plans.  In a ruling obtained by The Associated Press, Argentina’s Court of Cassation deemed Iran and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah, responsible for the bombing in Buenos Aires that leveled the community center, killing 85 people, wounding 300 and devastating Latin America’s biggest Jewish community. The court said the attack came in retaliation for Argentina reneging on a nuclear cooperation deal with Tehran. Alleging Iran’s “political and strategic” role in the bombing, the Argentine court paved the way for victims’ families to bring lawsuits against the Islamic Republic. In the past three decades, Iran has not turned over citizens convicted in Argentina. Interpol arrest warrants have led nowhere. “The significance of these grave human rights violations for the international community as a whole invokes a state’s duty to provide judicial protection,” the ruling said, declaring the bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Association community center a “crime against humanity.”  See also “Argentina court blames Iran for 1990s terror attacks on Israeli embassy, AMIA center,” Times of Israel, 4-12-24.

“A Look at Iran’s Military Capabilities,” NYT, 4-12-24.

“U.S. Pledges to Defend Israel in Case of Iranian Attack,” WSJ, 4-12-24.

“U.S. Targets Unlikely to Be on List in Possible Iranian Attack, Officials Say,” NYT, 4-12-24.

Remember, this began because of the 1979 Revolution, then the continued push to spread the Shia Crescent and through proxies the spread of terror and intimidation (including the creation of Hezbollah), then the 2011 Syria civil war with Iran’s response of snipers and IRGC and Quds Force, and most recently the overt placement of Iranian military personnel and use of the “consulate” in Damascus.  “U.S. Moves Warships to Defend Israel in Case of Iranian Attack,” WSJ, 4-12-24.

Iran thinks it has a green light from the international community to attack Israel, because Israel attacked its military installation in Damascus?  It has not been proven to be a consulate yet.  “Tensions rise amid expectations of Iran retaliation against Israel,” Al Jazeera, 4-11-24.

Is the Iranian press believable?  “Iran’s Mehr news agency removes report about closing Tehran’s airspace, denies publishing it,” Arab News, 4-11-24.

“Blame the United Nations.  “Iran says UN condemnation could have averted retaliation,” i24NEWS, 4-11-24.

“IDF says it’s on high alert for Iranian attack, as world warns Tehran of consequences,” Times of Israel, 4-11-24.

“Iran has ten ways to attack Israel; which one will it choose? – analysis,” JPost, 4-11-24.

“US has asked countries in the region to press Iran not to engage in war in Sudan,” Reuters, 4-11-24.

“As Iran vows revenge, Israel worries it could get even by going nuclear,” Times of Israel, 4-11-24.

“Iran’s leader says 4 threatening words to Israel, blasts the US and West for ‘disaster’ in Gaza,” Fox, 4-10-24.