Perhaps the most bizarre story in the eight years I’ve been doing this blog. The media and other countries need to be running with this story, it shows how radical and unnatural the Regime is. And how much it dissembles. “Reports: Iran’s new supreme leader is in a coma after Israeli airstrike,” Times of Israel, 3-13-26. “Sources say the successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly unaware of the ongoing war and his own appointment.” This story does beg one important question—if MK is so injured, why did the Assembly of Experts vote him in? Were they told of his disability? Did they actually select him, or was this really the three-headed council’s decision? With the input of the IRGC? Fascinating.
“Ankara stresses Turkish ownership of key air base amid missile scare and Iran tensions,” Nordic Monitor, 3-13-26.
“BREAKING: US refuelling plane goes down over Iraq,” Sky News, 3-13-26. Probably a tragic accident.
“Day 13 of Middle East conflict — global economy disruptions, Iranian attacks spread to sea,” CNN, 3-13-26.
“Counter Extremism Project Condemns Antisemitic Islamic Republic of Iran Regime-inspired Al-Quds Day Marches Around the World, Calls to Ban Marches and Demonstrations Outright,” Counter Extremism Project, 3-13-26. Remember that Quds Day at its inception and even its claims now has nothing to do with Palestinians. It is for the slaughter of all Israelis (even those not Jews). London and other cities should ban this annual call to genocide.
Perhaps the Regime thinks that if Israel will hit the protesters in the streets, it won’t have to. “Iran raises ‘human shield’ fears by rallying supporters to the streets,” Iran International, 3-13-26.
And you ask why hasn’t the Lebanese government disarmed Hezbollah yet? Here’s an additional reason. “Iran pays Lebanon parliament speaker $500,000 a month to maintain influence,” Iran International, 3-13-26. “Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri receives more than $500,000 per month from the Islamic Republic in order to support Tehran’s interests and those of its allied group Hezbollah in Lebanon, informed sources told Iran International. Officials in Tehran say the sums are meant to “buy” unity among Lebanon’s Shiite leadership to ensure that they “act in accordance with Iran’s interests, not Lebanon’s interests.” I would imagine he uses that money to buy other persons’ loyalty also. … The sources said Berri has been unwilling to support efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah because, in exchange for receiving large sums from Tehran, he must “advance measures in the Lebanese parliament that align with Tehran’s interests.” … In recent months, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have tried to pressure Hezbollah to disarm in order to reduce tensions with Israel and the international community.”
Sounds like the U.S. needs to file these cases before the same court. This also begs the question about seizing the Iranian ships leaving Hormuz. “The Oil Tankers Trump Seized Are Costing the U.S. Millions of Dollars,” NYT, 3-13-26.
To possibly seize Kharg Island. “More Marines and Warships Being Sent to Middle East, U.S. Officials Say,” NYT, 3-13-26.