Unless the Crown Prince and the NCRI and others hold outside conferences, along with Kurds and Azeris, there will not be the movement toward a new Iran. They have the opportunity but have to be willing to do what it takes to win independence. The Regime knows this too, they can see like the rest of us. The protesters have to be willing to protest, to organize, to rally. They have to distinguish themselves from Venezuela. So, two weeks in, this is an important news story. See “Despite intense US–Israel strikes, Iran’s regime shows no signs of falling – report,” i24, 3-12-26. “American intelligence says Iran’s leadership remains intact and is not at immediate risk of collapse despite nearly two weeks of US-Israeli strikes, according to sources cited by Reuters. … The resilience of the regime could complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic or military conclusion to the conflict. Officials in Israel have reportedly acknowledged in closed discussions that the ongoing conflict does not guarantee the collapse of Iran’s religious leadership. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that while the campaign has weakened key elements of Iran’s military and political apparatus, there is no certainty it will lead to regime change.”
Well argued by Yaroslav Trofimov. Iran not deterred, Hormuz becomes biggest hostage in the world, Gulf allies endangered, U.S. standing damaged, uranium stockpile remains, Russia oil richer, China stronger and threatens its neighbors. “Ending Iran War Quickly Carries Big Risks for the U.S. and Allies,” WSJ, 3-12-26.
“Saudi Arabia intercepts 18 drones targeting country’s eastern region,” AA, 3-12-26.
Both of these from Iran International, 3-12-26. “Khamenei Jr calls for continued Hormuz pressure as shipping crisis deepens,” and “No appearance, no voice: Iran’s new leader issues first message in writing.” Two weeks in, and his only appearance is a placard.
“Israel is relying on information from Iranians on the ground for strike targets – report,” i24, 3-12-26. “Security official says tips from civilians helped guide drone strike on Basij checkpoints in Tehran.” A sign.
“16 and Counting: Oil and Cargo Ships Are Growing Targets in War With Iran,” NYT, 3-12-26.
“U.N. Security Council Condemns Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes in the Middle East,” NYT, 3-12-26. “The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday decisively adopted a Bahraini-led resolution condemning Iran’s regional attacks and rejected a Russian proposal seeking an end to the conflict in the Mideast. … Thirteen out of the 15 member countries of the Security Council, including the United States, Britain and France, supported Bahrain’s resolution, proposed on behalf of six Gulf nations and Jordan. China and Russia abstained.”
“The two oil pipelines helping Saudi Arabia and UAE bypass the Strait of Hormuz,” CNBC, 3-12-26.
“Tracking the wave of ship attacks that has choked off Strait of Hormuz,” BBC, 3-12-26.
“Iran’s new supreme leader vows continued retaliation across Gulf and oil routes,” PBS, 3-12-26. PBS needs to explore whether Mojtaba Khamenei is alive if they are going to run statements from him such as “You can see for yourself, everything is damaged. The bathroom wall has fallen apart, the ceiling, the cabinets as well. Thank God we are safe ourselves.” But he hasn’t made any statement about his family being killed.