Month: October 2025

The mass media doesn’t usually cover the drug, terror, missile tech sharing, etc. between Iran and several countries in South America.  See “Cornyn Chairs Drug Caucus Hearing on Hezbollah’s Drug Trafficking in Latin America,” Office of John Cornyn, 10-21-25.

I guess the SA-I agreement was not enough for SA security, no surprise there.  This looks like another step toward SA-Israel normalization, bad news for the continuing miscalculations of Iran.  “Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman to visit White House on Nov. 18, sources say,” CBS, 10-21-25.

“Iran will turn region into ‘hell’ if attacked, Guards commander warns,” Iran International, 10-21-25.

“Iran risks severe economic downturn, unrest as renewed UN sanctions bite,” Iran International, 10-21-25.

He has set up this system of “governing” for years now, and he stays above the fray.  “Fractured republic: Iran’s elites fight it out in Khamenei’s twilight,” Iran International, 10-21-25.

The headline says it all.  Iran’s policies toward other countries and the U.S. will remain the same while the Ayatollah does not pass away from his illnesses.  “Iran’s Khamenei rejects Trump offer of talks, denies US destroyed Iranian nuclear capabilities,” Reuters, 10-20-25.

“’It Was Just an Accident’ was secretly shot in Iran and won big at Cannes. Now it’s an Oscars contender,” NBC, 10-20-25.

“Iraq says it will not allow using its land, airspace to threaten Iran, neighbors,” AA, 10-20-25.  Read into this plenty.

Delicious story, but not unusual for the elite in the country.  “Double standard: privacy defense over Shamkhani leak angers Iranians,” Iran International, 10-20-25.

Important news.  “UN nuclear watchdog believes most of Iran’s enriched uranium unharmed by war with Israel,” Times of Israel, 10-20-25.  “IAEA director says roughly 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium being stored at damaged nuclear facilities, no way to access it without Tehran’s full cooperation.”  Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director, said “ the majority” of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium “remains in the nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Fordo, and some in Natanz.”

This is probably as authoritative as we can get at this point.  “Iran’s enriched uranium stored at known nuclear sites, Grossi says,” Iran International, 10-19-25.  “Rafael Grossi said information available to the agency indicates that most of the material is stored at known nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Fordow, and to a lesser extent in Natanz, though a small amount could have been taken elsewhere. In the interview published on Saturday, he said inspectors would gain access to these sites only “when Iran perceives a national interest” in allowing it. The IAEA estimates Iran possesses more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium — enough for several nuclear weapons if further refined. Grossi added that the three facilities had been severely damaged in Israeli and US strikes in June.”

“Iran helped Hezbollah rebuild command structure in Lebanon – Le Figaro,” Iran International, 10-19-25.

Again, it is in the interest of all three countries to take this action.  “Iran, Russia, China send letter to UN declaring nuclear deal with Tehran terminated,” AA, 10-19-25.

“Iran court sentences 2 French citizens to long jail terms for spying for Israel, France,” Times of Israel, 10-18-25.  France has repeatedly accused Iran of holding Kohler and Paris arbitrarily, keeping them in conditions akin to torture in Tehran’s Evin prison and not allowing proper consular protection.

This story surmises that Pres. Trump is trying to get Russia to get Iran to do something.  It might not be that, though, it may be another indication of the closeness between two less than good actors.  “Iran Messages Putin Before Trump’s Russian Showdown,” Newsweek, 10-17-25.

“Iran’s execution rate tops 1,000 this year as death row inmates launch hunger strike,” Fox, 10-17-25.

“Smuggler jailed for 40 years after shipping ballistic missile parts from Iran,” BBC, 10-17-25.

I think there will be a program, but not 80,000 enforcers.  “Iran to mobilize 80,000 volunteers for hijab campaign, official says,” Iran International, 10-17-25.

“Iran’s Sudden And Brief ‘Shadow Fleet’ Reveal,” RFE/RL, 10-17-25.

“Former security guard at US Embassy in Norway convicted of spying for Russia and Iran,” AP, 10-16-25.  “Prosecutors said he handed over details about the embassy’s diplomats, its floor plans and security routines.”

“Iran: UN member states must urgently press authorities to halt executions after horrifying increase,” Amnesty International, 10-16-25.  “UN Member states must confront the Iranian authorities’ shocking execution spree with the urgency it demands. More than 1,000 people have already been executed in Iran since the beginning of 2025 – an average of four a day. Since the Woman Life Freedom uprising of 2022, the Iranian authorities have increasingly weaponized the death penalty to instill fear among the population, crush dissent and punish marginalized communities. This year, executions have reached a scale not seen in Iran since 1989.”

“Iran says no plan to leave Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” Iran International, 10-15-25.

“Khamenei aide unveils ‘Israel annihilation plan’ book,” Iran International, 10-15-25.  “The book, “Israel Annihilation Plan: The Islamic Republic’s Strategy for the Destruction of the Zionist Regime,” was presented in Iran’s holy city of Qom.  “The presentation suggested that despite a Gaza ceasefire which could tamp down region-wide conflicts over the past two years, Tehran was far from retiring its hostility and harsh rhetoric toward its regional arch-enemy.  …  “Alireza Panahian, a cleric close to supreme leader Ali Khamenei, praised the authors during the unveiling ceremony, calling the book a valuable step in elaborating on the views of Khamenei and his predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini.”

“Internet Reacts to Iran’s New ‘Holy Virgin Mary’ Subway Station,” Newsweek, 10-15-25.  I’m surprised the story doesn’t state what is probably going on here—an attempt to woo Armenia.

“Spies, Burgers and Bombs: After a New War, Old Wounds Resurface in Tehran,” NYT, 10-15-25.

“French pair sentenced in Iran on spying charges,” BBC, 10-14-25.

“Iran says hijab laws remain in force amid debate over enforcement,” Iran International, 10-14-25.

“Iran accuses US of ‘hostile and criminal behavior,’ says Trump’s call for dialogue inconsistent,” Times of Israel, 10-14-25.

This short article is not really about flaring, but is a culmination of bad decisions has led Iraq to this and move away from dependency.  “Iraq pledges to end $4 billion gas imports from Iran by 2028 as it races to diversify beyond oil,” CNBC, 10-14-25.

“US is ready for deal with Iran when Tehran is, Trump says,” Reuters, 10-13-25.  It is difficult for me to see the Ayatollah willing to end years of repressive rule.

I think that what AJ really means is saying “Death to America” since 1979 is really hard to stop saying.  “Reviving US-Iran diplomacy difficult despite Trump’s ‘hand of friendship’,” Al Jazeera, 10-13-25.

“Trump credits Iran nuclear strikes for kickstarting Israel-Hamas peace deal,” Fox, 10-13-25.  Similar, “US strike stopped Iran from getting nuclear bomb before Gaza deal, Trump says,” Iran International, 10-13-25.

What this story doesn’t do is to remind us what was widely said at Oct. 7—that the attacks were designed by Iran to stop normalization with Israel.  “Is normalization with Saudi Arabia closer or further way?,” JPost, 10-13-25.

“Russia says it supplies Iran with necessary military equipment,” Al Arabiya, 10-13-25.

Buyer’s remorse.  “October 7 massacre a ‘mistake that cost Iran dearly,’ regime-aligned newspaper says,” JPost, 10-12-25.

True.  “Iran’s Economic Collapse Is Fueled by the Regime’s Political Choices, Not Sanctions,” NCRI, 10-12-25.

“Iran says it declined invitation to attend Trump-led Mideast peace summit,” Iran International, 10-12-25.