“The Top Executioner’: Iran Executed at Least 975 People in 2024,” Foundation for Defense of Democracies, 2-21-25.

“[U]ndiminished intent.”  Just two weeks ago seized.  “[O]n January 28, the US Coast Guard Sentinel Class cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. intercepted a dhow in the Arabian Sea and discovered a consignment of Iranian arms and explosives on board. The consignment consisted of components for medium-range ballistic missiles and unmanned sea drones, plus military-grade communication and network equipment and anti-tank guided missile launcher assemblies. … The seizure conforms to a well-established pattern, confirmed in annual United Nations Panel of Expert reports. Materiel destined for the Houthis is loaded onto nondescript dhows, manned by stateless crews, from warehouses controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Unit 190 in Chah Bahar, Bandar Abbas and elsewhere. The material is transshipped to fishing vessels from the Yemeni coast, and is then smuggled over beaches and through to Houthi-controlled areas.”  See “Iran’s Arm Shipments to the Houthis Continue, a Sign of Trouble Ahead,” Maritime Executive, 2-21-25.

“Iran Watches U.S.-Russia Talks With Apprehension,” RFE/RL, 2-21-25.

Inflation, already high in Iran, jumped 4% in just the last month.  It must be galling to the Regime that money lenders trade U.S. dollars all over the country, from rural areas to the Grand Bazaar in Tehran.  “USD Surpasses 940,000 Iranian Rials as Inflation Accelerates,” Iran Focus, 2-21-25.

“How Iran Targets Women Dissidents Abroad,” New Lines Magazine, 2-21-25.