“Before winding down the war, US and Israel are determined to wipe out Iran’s nuclear expertise,” CNN, 4-7-26.
“Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is unconscious in Qom – report,” i24, 4-7-26. “Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is unconscious and receiving treatment in the city of Qom, Iran, and is currently unable to participate in decision-making, according to a diplomatic memo cited by multiple intelligence sources. The document, seen by The Times, is understood to be based on US and Israeli intelligence assessments and shared with Gulf allies. The memo, reviewed by the British newspaper, suggests that Khamenei is being treated for a severe medical condition in Qom, traditionally Iran’s religious center and the site of major Shiite seminaries. It states that he is “unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime,” marking the first publicly reported confirmation of his location since the start of the war.” This article needs a revision by I24. Because the son was badly injured the first night of the war, he was not conscious and was unable to serve when selected several days later by the Assembly of Experts. He cannot be considered as the third ayatollah and the Assembly needs to select a new leader. And explain why they appointed an invalid to lead their great country. For readers, see the story from yesterday, “5 Men Now Running Iran,” FDD, 4-6-26.
“Photo shows children behind machine gun on military vehicle in Iran’s Qom,” Iran International, 4-7-26. But Mojtaba Khamenei’s photo is on the side of their truck.
Notice that the BBC doesn’t touch the $2M ransom for each ship subject. I’m confident Philippines and Malaysia and others are paying. (in fact, this amount is close to what the Somalia pirates would receive a few years ago, remember?!). See “Trump’s deadline looms but Asian nations already have deals with Iran,” BBC, 4-7-26.
“Iran’s Anti-Access and Area Denial Strategy Is Cruder Than China’s But Still Dangerous,” War on the Rocks, 4-7-26.
“The Iranian Advantage Is an Illusion,” NYT, 4-7-26. “Right now, there’s no telling what will happen. But as you survey where Iran stands now compared with where it stood just three years ago, you are overwhelmed with a sense of loss. Your once-powerful proxies in Gaza, Beirut, Damascus: decimated, deposed or dead. The Arab states: increasingly on side with the Americans and Zionists. Your nuclear program: set back for years or decades, if not forever. Your economy: in even deeper crisis than it was before the war, with no turnaround in sight. Your most capable leaders: dead. Your own people: waiting for the war and the state of emergency to end so they can rise against you again. It’s a solace of sorts that sophisticated Western commentators think you’re winning this thing. From wherever you are now hiding — since it’s not safe to go to work — it doesn’t feel that way.”
“Iran-Linked Hackers Are Sabotaging US Energy and Water Infrastructure,” Iran Wired, 4-7-26.
“Iran’s president says Guards commanders are wrecking ceasefire chances,” Iran International, 4-7-26.
“Russia and China veto U.N. resolution to open the Strait of Hormuz,” NYT, 4-7-26. Lest there be any doubt about how the UN is not an effective entity in international relations and international law. “Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that called for countries to cooperate in taking defensive action to open the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks. The move effectively blocked U.N. authorization for the use of military force to address the maritime crisis. The resolution received 11 votes in favor, two votes against and two abstentions. China and Russia, both permanent members of the Council with veto powers, shot it down. Pakistan, which has been mediating between Iran and the U.S., abstained. The vote came just a few hours before President Trump’s 8 p.m. deadline for Iran to reopen the strait, a vital waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped. Mr. Trump had warned on Tuesday morning that “a whole civilization will be wiped out” if a deal was not reached. Bahrain, with the support of Arab countries in the Persian Gulf and the United States, had drafted and put forth the resolution after weeks of diplomatic negotiations. The text of the resolution went through at least five revisions and the language was watered down — from authorizing offensive military force to allowing only defensive actions to open the strait. “Failing to adopt this resolution sends the wrong signal to the world, a signal that the threat to international waters can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for maintenance of international peace and security,” said Bahrain’s foreign minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Bahrain, the only Arab member of the Council, is presiding over the Council this month. Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., condemned the rejection of the resolution, saying Bahrain’s request was not unreasonable given the economic and security upheaval caused by Iran’s actions. “It was a simple resolution: Iran must stop attacking the Gulf, stop threatening its neighbors, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” Mr. Waltz said. Russia and China said the resolution failed to state that the crisis was a result of U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran, instead placing all of the blame on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz was open before Israel and the U.S. launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. Russia and China also said they opposed setting a “dangerous” legal precedent for resorting to force to settle disputes in the sea.”