Month: July 2025

Not some pro-Western outlet.  “UK, US and allies accuse Iran of cross-border assassination plots,” Al Jazeera, 7-31-25.

“Tehran did not get the message and is back to business as usual. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News’ Bret Baier that Iran would continue to maintain its support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. And before meeting European leaders last week, he said it was important for them “to understand that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s position remains unshakable, and that our uranium enrichment will continue.” Tehran has resumed its taunts against Israel and, with help from China, is rebuilding the Russia-supplied air defense network destroyed by the Israeli air force — all under the protection of the Trump brokered ceasefire following Operation Midnight Hammer.”  See “Russia and Iran are on a collision course with Trump,” The Hill, 7-31-25.

A big money maker for Iran is finally addressed.  “US says sanctions hit Iran ‘shipping empire’ linked to top Tehran official,” Al Jazeera, 7-31-25.  And quote of the day:  “The Shamkhani family’s shipping empire highlights how the Iranian regime elites leverage their positions to accrue massive wealth and fund the regime’s dangerous behaviour,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.  “The new sanctions target 15 shipping firms, 52 vessels, 12 individuals and 53 entities involved in sanctions evasion in 17 countries, ranging from Panama to Italy to Hong Kong.”

“Free Speech Sees Rare Win in Iran,” Newsweek, 7-30-25.

How nice of Russia to protect Iran (and act for its own interests).  “Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that a pledge to avoid further strikes was a necessary condition for restarting cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has been limited in its access to Iranian sites.” And “Iranian officials have warned they may leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if European powers, France, Germany and the UK, trigger the mechanism, which they have threatened to do by the end of August.”  Now why would a country like Iran which says it isn’t pursuing nuclear weapons threaten to leave the NPT?  See “Russia warns against new strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites,” Iran International, 7-30-25.

Really interesting.  “How the Snapback Mechanism Brings Back Sanctions on Iran?,” Iran Wire, 7-30-25. “As October 18, 2025, approaches – the tenth anniversary of the JCPOA and the deadline for deciding whether to terminate or extend UN Security Council Resolution 2231 – the snapback mechanism outlined in the resolution has once again drawn attention in Iran. UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was adopted after the JCPOA agreement was reached, and it annulled six previous Security Council resolutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and most of the UN sanctions. However, it included a provision that if the Islamic Republic fails to comply with the JCPOA, the sanctions could quickly be reimposed. … How Does the Snapback Mechanism Work? Any of the current members of the JCPOA – France, the UK, Germany, China, and Russia – can invoke the snapback mechanism if they claim Iran has violated the agreement. … Four of the JCPOA member states that are permanent members of the UN Security Council can directly activate the mechanism. … In the Security Council’s vote on the resolution, veto power was removed following a proposal by Russia, meaning no country could block the draft resolution or prevent the return of sanctions on Iran using a veto. If a country uses its veto, it would effectively veto the continuation of sanctions relief for Iran, leading to the immediate reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program. The continuation of sanctions relief can only be approved if nine votes in favor are achieved in the Security Council, with no permanent member vetoing it. In this mechanism, even abstentions by members are considered votes in favor. Given that at least one country with veto power has called for the return of sanctions, the reactivation of previous resolutions and the reimposition of sanctions on Iran using snapback is guaranteed. Members would have 10 days to reach an agreement on a draft resolution proposed by one of the Security Council members. If no agreement is reached, the president of the Security Council is obligated to draft a resolution confirming the continuation of international sanctions relief for Iran. Members would have a maximum of 30 days to announce their votes on the draft. If Security Council members cannot reach an agreement on the draft or an alternative, such as granting Iran additional time, by the end of the 30th day, the original letter submitted to the Security Council will automatically reinstate all previous resolutions and sanctions, and Iran’s status in the council will revert to what it was before the adoption of Resolution 2231. With the snapback mechanism, Resolutions 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and the severe Resolution 1929, which called for military action to prevent Iran’s nuclear program, will once again become valid. After the snapback process is completed in the Security Council, which must be finalized by the end of the 30th day following the submission of the letter regarding Iran’s non-compliance with the JCPOA, there is a brief period before the sanctions are enforced. The exact timing for the reimposition of sanctions is outlined in Resolution 2231, which states that all UN member states will enforce sanctions on Iran simultaneously. At precisely 00:00 GMT, the Security Council resolutions and the sanctions they contain will be reactivated. From that moment, all Security Council members must enforce these resolutions, including inspecting ships, planes, and transport related to Iran if necessary, to prevent the transfer of materials that could support Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”

Stealing from the Iranian people.  “Trump admin unveils largest-to-date Iran sanctions on oil ‘shipping empire’,” Al Monitor, 7-30-25.  “The sanctions target more than 115 individuals, entities and vessels that the Treasury Department has linked to a network transporting oil from Iran and Russia. … Through a network of oil tankers, container ships and front companies, the Treasury Department alleges that Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani is able to exert control over a significant portion of Iran’s crude oil exports, most often to buyers in China. Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, a key political adviser to Iran’s supreme leader who was sanctioned by the United States in 2020. Proceeds from the oil and petroleum sales benefit both the Shamkhani family and the Iranian regime.”

I’ve noted this several times since the 12 day war.  Iran is not backing down.  “Behind the curtain: Iran’s unseen influence on Gaza talks – analysis,” JPost, 7-30-25.

“Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani revealed in an interview with the Associated Press that his government blocked 29 attempts by pro-Iranian militias to launch missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. bases in Iraq during last month’s 12-day war with Iran.”  See “29 attacks on Israel, U.S. bases foiled by Iraq to contain regional conflict, says PM,” I24, 7-29-25.

“Afghans caught in mass deportations in Iran face an uncertain future at home,” NPR, 7-29-25.

“Iran’s Khamenei accuses West of using nuclear demands as excuse for confrontation,” Times of Israel, 7-29-25.  For those out there who thought the 12 day war would change Iran’s thinking, think again.

The water mismanagement by the ISI government is among the worst in the world and has gone on for years.  “Iran nears ‘day zero’: Water crisis deepens amid drought, unrest and mismanagement,” Al Monitor, 7-29-25.

“Iran’s future after Khamenei: Can the political system survive without him?,” NZZ, 7-29-25.

“Russian S-400 Triumf Air Defense System Tested in Iran / Finally Delivered,” Roka, 7-29-25.

I’ll wait to hear what open sources say about this test, “the first field activation of the system in Iran.”  At this point it looks like that, just a test.  Certainly the Ayatollah wishes he had fully-functional S-400s back in June.  “Iran Flexes Missile Shield Near Nuclear Hub in First-Ever Russian S-400 Test,” United24, 7-28-25.

“Two Americans Detained in Iran on Suspicion of Spying for Israel,” Newsweek, 7-28-25.  The U.S. State Department spokesperson said (good advice), “Americans, including Iranian-Americans and other dual nationals, have been wrongfully detained, taken hostage by the Iranian government for months, and years. The threat of detention is even greater today. Do not travel to Iran under any circumstances.”

“Iran: Horrifying secret executions amid mounting political repression,” Amnesty International, 7-28-25.

Paranoia continues.  “Iran bans mobile phones in parliament over security concerns,” Iran International, 7-27-25.

Did not know this estimated number.  “Officials have said that they believe that potentially hundreds of Israelis have been working on behalf of Iran, in an effort that Tehran has accelerated within the past couple of years.”  See “Iran-born Israeli charged with giving Tehran sensitive info on Israel’s war plans,” Times of Israel, 7-27-25.

“How Iran’s strike on Qatar’s Al-Udeid Base is changing regional dynamics,” Amwaj, 7-27-25.

“Wait to speak to hostage parents ‘intolerable’,” BBC, 7-27-25.  “[N]ot been able to speak to his parents in more than 200 days.”

“Iran’s Africa activities pose ‘significant threats to US national security’,” Fox, 7-27-25.  “State Department joins Senate Foreign Relations Chairman in raising alarm over Tehran’s uranium purchases and drone supplies.”  …  Tehran is accused of reportedly buying uranium in Niger, supplying drones in violation of a U.N. arms embargo to forces in Sudan and promoting the growth of destabilizing Islamist fundamentalism and terrorism on the continent.”

“Iran executes 2 opposition members over alleged attacks on civilian sites,” AP, 7-27-25.  Two MEKs were hung.

“Iran’s plan to abandon GPS is about much more than technology,” Al Jazeera, 7-27-25.  Iran is “developing a plan to switch transportation, agriculture and the internet from GPS to [China’s] BeiDou.”

“IDF shoots down Houthi missile; sirens triggered in West Bank, Dead Sea area,” Times of Israel, 7-26-25.  “No injuries or damage reported in attack, the second launched by the Iran-backed Yemen group in 3 days.”

“Strikes on Iran thwarted fission and fusion nukes, and ‘electronic pulse’ bomb – report,” Times of Israel, 7-26-25.  First, “According to the report, the 12-day war with Iran also destroyed roughly half of Tehran’s 3,000 ballistic missiles and 80% of its 500 missile launchers. Unnamed Israeli sources were cited as saying Tehran was planning to raise its ballistic missile stockpile to at least 8,000.”  And can you imagine what EMP weapons would do to the U.S. or Europe?  It would end life as we know it.  Second, this appears to be the first we are hearing about Iran’s EMP program.  “Development of an EMP device was said to have been promoted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as an alternative to nuclear arms, since atomic weapons are nominally banned under a religious decree by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.”  (the fatwa has been repeatedly debunked on this blog).  Last, “A well-informed Israeli source cited in the report said “Iran is no longer a nuclear threshold state” … and would require one to two years to build a nuclear weapon, if it could do so covertly.”

“At least five killed in courthouse attack in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan,” Al Jazeera, 7-26-25.

“European and Iranian diplomats meet in Istanbul as return of sanctions looms over nuclear deadlock,” AP, 7-25-25.

Yes, worrying.  Iran’s COMS satellites don’t help with agriculture or education or transportation.  “Russia Blasts New Iran Satellite Into Space,” Newsweek, 7-25-25.

“Iran Started New Talks Over Its Nuclear Program. Here’s What to Know,” NYT, 7-25-25.  This article is a reminder that Iran is just continuing to stretch out its effort to develop nuclear weapons.  The NYT should note that but doesn’t, only reporting that talks continue without movement or resolution.

It’s not just he versus he.  The Iranian version didn’t occur.  Check other sources besides the two country’s official media.  Wonder if the mainstream news will dig into that?  “Defense official disputes Iranian report of encounter with US warship,” Navy Times, 7-24-25.

“Iranian Officials Suspect Sabotage in String of Mysterious Fires,” NYT, 7-23-25.

Iran is infamous for telling ships they are off-course, and luring them into its waters, and then seizing them.  It would be great for the UN to comment on this every time it happens.  Who else does this to other countries?  “US defense official reacts to Iran’s claims about encounter with warship,” Fox, 7-23-25.

Here’s the message we expect, but do not want to see.  And this qualifies for a Quote of the Day.  “Iran will not stop nuclear development, foreign minister says,” I24, 7-22-25.  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride,” Araghchi said in the interview. “Our enrichment is so dear to us.”