“Iran ‘one to two weeks away’ from weapons-grade nuclear material as US continues sanctions relief,” Fox, 7-20-24.
“Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed Houthis,” Iran International, 7-20-24.
“Blinken says Iran’s nuclear weapon breakout time is probably down to 1-2 weeks,” CNN, 7-19-24.
The Houthis used an Iranian attack drone called a Samad-3. “Drone evades Israel’s vaunted air defenses in Tel Aviv strike,” Axios, 7-19-24.
“Iranian proxies attack US base in Iraq for the first time in months,” Military Times, 7-18-24.
A lot of news today. This blog will begin now after a short absence, picking up with the stories on 7-16-24 of Iran attempting to kill former Pres. Donald Trump, along with several of his staff targeted due to the operation against Gen. Soleimani in 2020. These include Pompeo, Bolton, O’Brien, Hook, and the 2-3 high ranking U.S. military officials. The viable threats have forced more than a million dollars of cost to the USG/month. Iran really needs to be careful, as killing a head of state will most likely be an act of war. “US officials have gathered increasing amount of intel about Iran plotting to assassinate Trump,” Politico, 7-16-24.
See also “Exclusive: Secret Service ramped up security after receiving intel of Iranian plot to assassinate Trump; no known connection to shooting,” CNN, 7-16-24. “US authorities obtained intelligence from a human source in recent weeks on a plot by Iran to try to assassinate Donald Trump, a development that led to the Secret Service increasing security around the former president in recent weeks, multiple people briefed on the matter told CNN.” … “Warnings about that operational planning have coincided with a noticeable surge of online messaging from Iranian accounts and state-backed media mentioning Trump, which has raised security concerns among US officials, one of the sources told CNN.”
“Iran’s new cabinet will be facing old problems,” Iran International, 7-16-24. “The process to form a new cabinet in Iran has officially begun with President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian appointing former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as the head of the Strategic Council for Transition.” Zarif if fluent in English, having lived in the U.S. for years for graduate school and posting at the UN Iranian Mission as Ambassador.
This reporter asks a good question, but then never answers why Pres. Saied is moving closer to Iran. Sounds like a research question. “Why are Tunisia’s Relations with Iran Warming Up?,” Informed Comment, 7-16-24.
“Iranian TV presenter stabbed in London moves abroad for safety,” Guardian, 7-16-24. Iran International, “the London-based channel received repeated threats from Iran, with UK intelligence services foiling at least 15 plots to either kidnap or kill employees of the TV station. … [Reporter] Zeraati is among many calling for the British government to proscribe the IRGC, an arm of the Iranian state, as a terrorist organisation. … Iran International says it provides independent coverage of events in the country but the regime in Tehran has declared it a terrorist organisation and said its workers would be pursued by its security services.”
“Iran’s Shiite Muslims mark Ashoura with mourning, processions,” VOA, 7-16-24. “Ashoura, a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, that gave birth to their faith. … Shiites represent more than 10% of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein’s death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.”
“Here’s what you need to know about Iran. They don’t just call Khamenei supreme leader,” Fox, 7-16-24. “Khamenei is the sole power in Iran. [And] Forget claims that the new president-elect is a reformer.”
Another hardliner speaks, Kani, who will likely be named FM. “Exclusive: Iran Says Israel’s Foes Are Winning,” Newsweek, 7-16-24.
“July 16: PM says Iran has been planning multi-front attack on Israel: ‘Sinwar fired too early’,” Times of Israel, 7-16-24.
Ploy for more time for the program to complete. “Iran open to resuming nuclear accord talks – acting foreign minister,” Reuters, 7-16-24.
“Iranian intelligence recruited Israeli citizens for espionage – Shin Bet,” JPost, 7-16-24.
“‘We will repeat Munich 1972’: Israeli Olympic athletes threatened ahead of Paris Games,” Times of Israel, 7-16-24.
Azerbaijan walks a tightrope. Iran also has to be careful, as the Azeris are Iran’s largest minority (over 20% of the population). “Azerbaijan reopens its embassy in Iran as the two countries try to ease tensions,” ABC, 7-15-24.
“Suspected Israeli strike kills businessman involved in financing of Iran’s proxies,” Iran International, 7-15-24. Katerji, known for his close ties to the Syrian government, played a significant role in the financing operations of Iran’s IRGC Quds Force and its proxies including Lebanon’s Hezbollah
“Vessel smuggling missiles, personnel for Iran-backed Houthis goes missing: Report,” Iran International, 7-15-24. Hopefully it has been sunk, and its occupants brought to justice. And a message sent to Iran. And a step forward in freeing the Red Sea for world commerce. “[T]he ship may have been targeted by the US-backed Prosperity Guardian mission [20 countries], aimed at protecting Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks amid the blockade launched by the terror group since November.”
“Two attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels strike ships in the Red Sea,” AP, 7-15-24.
“Footage reportedly shows explosion in area of Iran’s main drone factory,” Times of Israel, 7-13-24.
A hostage (supertanker) ship released, but not before Iran took its oil. “Iran releases Chevron-chartered tanker after 15-month ordeal,” Headwinds, 7-12-24. The Advantage Sweet is one of several vessels captured by Iranian forces in tit-for-tat battles over US sanctions that were reimposed in 2018 by former president Donald Trump. … The US said in January that Iran was holding five ships and more than 90 crew hostage from vessels seized in 2023.”
“When a Foreign Government is Trying to Kill You on U.S. Soil,” NPR, 7-12-24. “The United States Justice Department says it has foiled at least four assassination plots sponsored by foreign governments on U.S. soil. One of the targets of those assassination attempts is Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and activist who Iran allegedly tried to have killed in New York. We hear how knowing she is at such risk has turned Alinejad’s life upside down.”
“US presents evidence Houthis used Iran-made missile to target ship in December,” 7-11-24. “Defense Intelligence Agency report finds weapon that hit Norway-registered Strinda was propelled by Tolu-4 turbojet engine, as used in Iranian Noor anti-ship cruise missile. … The Strinda was coming from Malaysia and was bound for the Suez Canal and then on to Italy with a cargo of palm oil when it was struck by a missile on December 11. The attack sparked a major fire on board that the crew later extinguished without anyone being hurt.”
Iran has forced 8% Canal revenue loss to Egypt through the past nine months. “Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues drop amid Red Sea shipping crisis,” Hellenic Shipping News, 7-11-24.