Month: January 2025

“Iran’s covert nuclear agency found operating out of top space program launch sites,” Fox, 1-31-25.  “Iran ‘camouflage[s] the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites,’ new report says.”

“Iran’s covert nuclear agency found operating out of top space program launch sites,” Fox, 1-31-25.  “Iran ‘camouflage[s] the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites,’ new report says.”

“Friday sermons in Iran reflect hardline pushback against US talks,” Iran International, 1-31-25.  “Iran ‘camouflage[s] the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites,’ new report says.”

“Canada moves to deport suspected Iranian official – Global News,” Iran International, 1-30-25.

“Iran’s Zarif at center of political storm at home – analysis,” JPost, 1-30-25.

“Iran’s foreign minister to visit Qatar, meet Hamas officials, foreign ministry says,” Reuters, 1-30-25.

Fascinating.  But concerning.  Russia may transfer and expand to Libya.  But I don’t know about port usage there.  The additional interesting thing to watch here is what does the new Syria demand of Iran?  “Syria’s new government demands Russia extradite Bashar al-Assad,” i24, 1-29-25.

Nice overview.  “Iran in 2025: How strong does it remain in the Middle East?,” UK House of Parliament, 1-29-25.

Iraq harboring Iran proxy groups running from Syria?  “Hundreds of Iran-Backed Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun Terrorists Warehoused at Iraqi Government Bases,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 1-29-25.

“Political Prisoners in Iran Charged Insulting Supreme Leader,” Iran Wire, 1-29-25.  Quotes of the Day:  “Your situation has become even worse than Bashar al-Assad’s was a month ago. You no longer have the power to suppress, nor do you have any time left for deception.” … “I have neither a first defense nor a last one. My freedom will come with the overthrow of the Islamic Republic.”

“Chinese and Iranian Hackers Are Using U.S. AI Products to Bolster Cyberattacks,” WSJ, 1-29-25.

“Iran Suggests Expelling Israelis to Greenland,” Newsweek, 1-29-25.  From FM Araghchi himself.

“Iran’s Campaign of Terror Against Minorities Surges Across Country,” Center for Human Rights in Iran, 1-29-25.  “The Iranian government has greatly escalated its brutal crackdown on ethnic minority groups in recent weeks, employing unlawful mass raids, violent arrests, and enforced disappearances against hundreds of members of these communities across the country in order to silence peaceful dissent, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said today. “The systematic persecution of Kurds, Arabs, Baluchis, and Azeri Turks has reached alarming levels, as the Islamic Republic escalates its campaign of terror against these communities in order to silence and suppress them,” said Hadi Ghaemi, CHRI’s executive director. “The targeting of Iran’s minority communities is a deliberate state strategy to silence dissent, erase cultural identities, and exert control over communities who have long been subjected to the Islamic Republic’s oppressive and discriminatory policies,” Ghaemi said.”

“Iran to import 50,000 tons of potatoes to combat price hikes,” Iran International, 1-29-25.

“Head Of Hamas Youth Department Mohammad Al-Najjar To Iran TV: October 7 Will Be Repeated With Attacks From The West Bank, Lebanon, Egypt; We Are Grateful For Iran Providing Such Technologies As UAVs To Gaza, January 29, 2025,” MEMRI, 1-29-25.

“Will Iran and Russia’s Growing Partnership Go Nuclear?,” Foreign Affairs, 1-28-25.

“[C]ryptic remarks some commentators viewed as a tacit endorsement of talks with the United States.”  See “Khamenei urges diplomatic vigilance in possible blessing of US talks,” Iran International, 1-28-25.

“Analysis: Iran’s confirmation of Su-35 fighter jet purchase could threaten US air superiority in the Middle East,” Global Defense News, 1-28-25.

“Iran’s Army makes grand advances in electronic warfare, AI: General Bagheri,” Press TV, 1-28-25.

“Iran Unveils Super-Heavy Drone “Gaza,”” Caspian News, 1-28-25.

“Iranian octopus extends its tentacles to new countries, proxies,” Ynet, 1-28-25.  “Iran may seek to strengthen its presence in the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, or even Libya. Its ties with Sudan have also recently grown stronger. The Horn of Africa region, including countries like Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, holds strategic importance for Iran. This region, located near Yemen and along the Red Sea, plays a critical role in pressuring Israel and supporting Hamas in Gaza. … [M]ight even include cells in the West Bank and Jordan.”

“Golden opportunity: Iranian daily urges Tehran to invite Musk,” Iran International, 1-25-25.  The world’s richest man would fetch quite a ransom.

Dastardly, pulling in hostages.  “UK warns of Iran’s apparent attempts to force ships into its waters amid IRGC drills,” Times of Israel, 1-24-25.

“Iran Update, January 24, 2025,” ISW Press, 1-24-25.

“Trump Redesignates Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels As Foreign Terrorist,” NDTV, AFP, 1-23-25.

“Iranian official calls for Zarif’s arrest over Davos hijab comments,” Iran International, 1-23-25.  “The criticism arose after Zarif signaled a softer line on hijab enforcement in a CNN interview on the sidelines of the Davos Forum in Switzerland. “The Islamic Republic has decided not to pressure women regarding the hijab,” Zarif said. “If you walk on the streets of Tehran, you will see some women without hijab. Although this is illegal, the government has chosen not to put women under pressure.” Tehran’s Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Council is a governmental body tasked with enforcing Islamic behavioral codes, including mandatory hijab laws. It plays a significant role in shaping and implementing the Islamic Republic’s social policies. In November 2024, the council announced plans to establish a “hijab clinic” aimed at providing “scientific and psychological treatment” for women who defy compulsory hijab regulations.”

Just in case you’re wondering.  “Preparing to strike? Over 1,000 tons of missile fuel chemicals head for Iran from China – report,” JPost, 1-22-25.  “Iranian cargo vessels will reportedly carry over 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient to make missile propellant.”   …  “Two Iranian ships carrying a chemical ingredient crucial for missile propellant will sail from China to Iran within the next few weeks, security sources from two Western countries with knowledge of the matter told the Financial Times. The Iranian cargo vessels – the Golbon and the Jairan – will reportedly carry more than 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient to make the missile propellant ammonium perchlorate. The officials said the sodium perchlorate on the ships could produce up to 960 tons of ammonium perchlorate, which is enough to fuel 260 mid-range Iranian missiles. Ammonium perchlorate makes up approximately 70% of propellant for solid-fuel missiles. Ammonium perchlorate is a substance controlled by the Missile Technology Export Control Regime, an international anti-nuclear missile proliferation body. The Western officials said that approximately 56 20-foot containers of the chemicals are on their way to the IRGC at the port in Bandar Abbas. The Golbon departed with 34 containers from Daishan Island in the East China Sea on Tuesday; the Jairan will depart China with 22 containers in February. Both Iranian-flagged ships will make the three-week voyage to southern Iran without any stops, the Financial Times reported. The Golbon spent several days in Chinese waters before leaving on Tuesday, according to data from vessel tracker Marine Traffic. The tracker also showed the Jairan about 75 km south of Daishan on Wednesday. … Additionally, the Chinese embassy in the US said it was unfamiliar with the situation and added that China is committed to “maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region and actively promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.” “Since the early 1990s, China has assisted the Iranian military extensively with its ballistic missile development program and has provided expertise, technology, parts, and training,” former top CIA analyst Dennis Wilder told the Financial Times. “China’s motivation for secretly assisting Iran today includes clandestinely helping Iran produce missiles for the Russian war effort [in Ukraine], cementing common cause against perceived US hegemonism . . . and Beijing’s purchase annually of large amounts of discounted Iranian crude oil.” Washington has also criticized Beijing for purchasing Iranian petroleum, which goes against US sanctions.”

“Iran’s intelligence minister warns against US talks,” Iran Intelligence, 1-22-25.

“Task Force created in Africa to counter terror fears from Iran and jihadi groups” Fox, 1-22-25.  The task force will operate globally and in South Africa and is overseen by global authorities on terrorism. … The “Counter-Terror Task Force” will make recommendations to protect places of worship, schools and community centers.  “South Africa’s Jewish community, like other Jewish communities globally, faces heightened risk of terror attacks,” Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein told Fox News Digital. “The Iranian regime is the world’s chief exponent of state-sponsored terror, and have made it their strategy to target Jewish communities worldwide. With this in mind, the findings of the task force will be applied not just in South Africa, but globally.”

“How quickly could Iran build its first nuclear weapon? Look at China,” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 1-22-25.

“Iran is ‘pressing the gas pedal’ on uranium enrichment, IAEA chief says,” Reuters, 1-22-25.

“UN chief Guterres calls on Iran to renounce nuclear weapons,” Reuters, 1-22-25.  We don’t see enough of these calls by the UN.

“Iran says defense capabilities non-negotiable,” Xinhua, 1-21-25.

“New Russia-Iran Treaty Reveals the Limits of Their Partnership,” Carnegie, 1-21-25.  “The first major treaty between Iran and Russia since 2001 does not include a military alliance or impose any obligations on either party.”

“Iran and Pakistan Consider Strategic Collaboration in Military Equipment Production,” Army Recognition, 1-21-25.  “However, this collaboration raises sensitive questions, particularly concerning nuclear issues. While focused on conventional equipment, the partnership could be perceived as a strategic threat by international powers such as the United States and Israel, who closely monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.”

“Yemen’s Houthis make play to become Iran’s main Middle East proxy – analysis,” JPost, 1-21-25.

Mirage.  “A New Chapter in Iran’s Internet Policy: Hope or Mirage?,” Modern Diplomacy, 1-21-25.

In an op-ed by a Xavier Villar, he lays out the Regime’s thoughts.  I also post pieces from mouthpieces.  “Why Washington can’t let go of its Iran obsession (and why it should),” Tehran Times, 1-21-25.

“Tehran says it’s ready to sit for talks on removal of sanctions,” Iran International, 1-21-25.  Actions speak louder than words, as this blog continually records.

“Iranian International Affairs Expert Mostafa Khoshcheshm Refutes President Pezeshkian’s Claim That Iran Never Plotted To Kill Trump: We Put A Price On His Head, I Remember Several Officials Talking About Killing Him,” MEMRI, 1-21-25.

“Trump will seek snapback of UN sanctions on Iran, Rubio says,” Iran International, 1-21-25.

“Iran testing combat robots, developing new models, Army tells Tehran Times,” Tehran Times, 1-20-25.

“Iran testing combat robots, developing new models, Army tells Tehran Times,” Tehran Times, 1-20-25.

“Biden team stressed Iran threats in departing briefing for Trump team,” Semafor, 1-20-25.

Remember, Iran defines “respect” as “let us do what we want, we are sovereign.”  See “Iran says it hopes Trump will take ‘realistic’ approach, show ‘respect’ to Mideast,” AFP, Times of Israel, 1-20-25.

Another reminder why Iran should not be allowed to have any type of nuclear program.  “Iran extolls deterrence of nuclear program on Trump’s first day back,” Iran International, 1-20-25.  “Iran’s nuclear program is central to strengthening national security and deterring international threats, a top official said on Monday as hawkish President Donald Trump returned to the White House after repeatedly vowing to deny Tehran a bomb.  “Over the years, adversaries have tried to weaken Iran in this field and entangle the country in international issues,” Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said during a military conference in Tehran.  “That is precisely why they do not want Iran to have full, indigenous control over it.”  …  “Power in today’s international world is distributed based on balance and realism. Islam recognized this long ago and considered power as a foundation for creating deterrence.”  Iranian hardliners have previously advocated for developing nuclear weapons as a deterrent. Following Israeli airstrikes on October 26, Javan, a newspaper affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, urged Tehran to consider developing nuclear arms to counter external threats.”

“Iran’s Energy Crisis,” Real Clear Energy, 1-20-25.  So much oil and gas, so much mismanagement and unwise spending (terror, Crescent, corruption, etc.).  Great article.  See also “Iran’s Energy Crisis,” FDD, 1-20-25.

“Iran denies issuing death penalty against rapper ‘Amir Tataloo’ for blasphemy charges,” New Arab, 1-20-25.  So I guess we’ll see soon if the Judiciary is telling the truth.

Read this.  This is why the West is saying the evil of the Regime needs to come to an end for the Iranian people and everyone else.  “Italian journalist Cecilia Sala reveals horror of captivity in Iranian jail,” Politico, 1-20-25.

“Pakistan president officially welcomes Iran’s top general,” Mehr, 1-20-25.

A different definition of victory.  Or maybe not a definition of victory at all, but using the word.  “Iran president congratulates Gazans on victory, praises ‘strong resistance’ against Israel,” Press TV, 1-20-25.

“Hamas leader Abu Obaida roars at victory speech, thanks Iran, Hezbollah, Houthis and Iraqi resistance group,” Muslim Mirror, 1-20-25.  If “Al-Aqsa Storm marked the final nail in the coffin of the Israeli regime” what happened to Hezbollah and Syria?

A really long posting day.  But the Leader makes a critical quote here.  “Iran’s Leader: Resistance Front not to stop for a moment,” Press TV, 1-20-25.  Quote of the Day:  ““Despite the fall of prominent figures like Yahya Sinwar, the front of the uprising will not stop for a moment,” the Leader added, referring to Hamas’ former leader, who was assassinated during an Israeli strike against Gaza during the war and other senior resistance personalities. “Hamas is alive and will remain alive.”