“Iraq Foreign Minister: We Need an Apology from Iran and Proof about ‘Mossad Base’,” MENA, 2-21-24.
Quote of the Day: “With today’s extradition of Omarov, we have taken a significant step forward to hold Iranian actors accountable for their brazen plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen on American soil.” Director of the F.B.I. Christopher Wray. Second Quote of the Day: “I’m joyful first for having been given a second life and I rejoice in the humiliation of Islamic Republic. My adopted country has once again saved me from the murderous regime of my birth country Iran.” Masih Alinejad, an American human rights activist from Brooklyn and critic of Iran. See “Man Extradited to U.S. in Suspected Iranian Plot to Kill Activist,” NYT, 5-21-24. They tried to assassinate Ms. Alinejad with an AK-47.
“Iran created a Frankenstein’s monster in the Middle East,” The Hill, 2-21-24.
“Iran’s Reformist Camp In Disarray Over Sham Elections,” Iran International, 2-21-24.
“Iran Invites IAEA Chief To Attend Conference In May,” AFP, 2-21-24.
That Iran identifies Israel and prepares further to attack it is because of the leaks from “Western” security officials reported several days ago. As I wrote then on this blog, if this was the USG that authorized the leak to blame Israel, shame on us. Israel has taken a beating and are being asked to do more in the war on terror than any country. See “Iran says Israel is behind ‘plot’ against gas pipelines – report,” i24NEWS, 2-21-24.
“Iran and Sri Lanka commit to deepening bilateral relations,” JPost, 2-21-24. Iran continues to try to find support from any country (including small ones).
This story will send shivers up the spine of those fearing a wider war, and is also a clear signal of what Israel may do because of Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons. When last week Ali-Akbar Salehi (past head of Iran’s nuclear agency) said Iran now has everything needed to make a nuclear bomb, the IAF now releases this story that it is preparing its F-35s for possible attacks on Iran’s nuke sites. See “Israel prepares F-35s for potential mission in Iran,” Shephard, 2-21-24.
The one person most likely not to be taken hostage when visiting Iran—the IAEA head. “Iran dismisses plan by U.N. nuclear watchdog head to visit next month,” Thomson Reuters, 2-21-24.
“Iran sends Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles, sources say,” Reuters, 2-21-24.
“IntelBrief: Iran’s Battles are Fought Out in Syria,” Soufan Center, 2-21-24.