“Iran is increasingly desperate, retired US general says,” Politico, 10-6-24.  And the former CENTCOM commander Frank McKenzie “said he found it entirely believable that Iran’s leaders, driven by “desperation” as they seek to stay in power, could be targeting former President Donald Trump as he seeks to regain the presidency. “They view the election of President Trump as a direct threat to that regime preservation,” he said.”

“Iran’s Quds Force leader missing after Israeli strike in Beirut: Reports,” India Today, 10-6-24.  “According to reports, the Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburb Dahiyeh were targeted at Hashem Safieddine, the successor to slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Esmail Qaani was also reportedly present in Dahiyeh at the time.”  This begs the question—Why in the world would the Leader allow Quds Force leader Qaani to be in a place where Israel would attack?  That is very poor military judgment.  See also “Iran’s Quds Force chief out of contact since Beirut strikes, Iranian officials say,” Reuters, 10-6-24.

“Iran’s Khamenei decorates commander for Israel attack,” AFP, VOA, 10-6-24.

“Murder for hire: Inside Iran’s proxy war with Israel in the West,” USA Today, 10-6-24.  “Since 2020, there have been at least 33 assassination or abduction attempts in the West in which local or Israeli authorities allege an Iran link, Reuters found in an examination of court documents and public statements by government officials.”