Lots of blog-relevant news on 12-17-25. First this one–Their own fault, based on the Regime’s founding purposes and following decisions over 46 years. “‘Nobody Knows What to Do About the Future’,” The Atlantic, 12-17-25.
It started by dragging her by her hair to a vehicle. “Why Iran Is Going After Its Best,” Time, 12-17-25. “The establishment knows protests are inevitable,” one said. “It is only a matter of time.” Their strategy is to delay that reckoning through fear, executing people at a rate of four a day, deploying checkpoints across major cities, monitoring citizens’ phones, and making examples of anyone with a platform.
“Swiss government significantly expands sanctions against Iran,” Sanctions News, 12-17-25
“Sweden confirms citizen held in Iran after judiciary announces espionage case,” Iran International, 12-17-25.
This author’s opinion (and the website’s) perspective is so off-base I almost didn’t post it, but just to again say that I post other perspectives, here it is. (as evidence of how wrong the analysis is, note that the June War is not even mentioned, nor is Iran’s nuclear weapons program). “Black Boxes and Broken Mirrors: Iran, Israel, and the New Geography of Instability,” Small Wars Journal, 12-17-25.
“Mossad chief says Iran still determined to build nuclear bomb,” Iran International, 12-17-25.
“Iran, Russia sign cooperation agreement after talks in Moscow,” Iran International, 12-17-25.
One of the few articles approaching this subject in the past years. “What Has Iran Gained from BRICS?,” National Interest, 12-17-25. In essence, one IR theory says that states look after their own interests. So, if various pirate states band together for a common goal or for a time period, the base being flawed in original or ultimate purpose does not allow for long-term success. That does not bode well for Iran. It can’t be relied upon, nor the other states upon each other. So Iran, and they, instead should reconsider why it/they exist as a state.
Interesting. Iran is always looking for opportunities to surround the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey (E and T don’t always make this type of point). “Is Iran’s Axis of Resistance turning toward Tunisia?,” National Interest, 12-17-25. But this story comes at a time that Tunisia needs to evaluate its trajectory and the best interests of its people.
Iran’s ability to project power into the Persian Gulf wants the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. “Iran summons Cyprus ambassador over interventionist stance,” Mehr, 12-17-25.
“Iran curbs women’s rights further by changing dowry law,” DW, 12-17-25. From 110 gold coins to just 14 coins, and each is about 8 grams of gold. 12-22-25 price is 153/gram, so that’s not much price to pay for males for a bride or a divorce.
Lost an opportunity to lose an opportunity. “Trump authorized Iran attack after Tehran rejected deal – Washington Post,” Iran International, 12-17-25.
Outstanding article, one of the best on this topic. People power. “What frightens Tehran more than bunker busters and F-35s,” Iran International, 12-17-25.
“China Draws Iranian Ire Over UAE Islands Claim,” RFE/RL, 12-17-25.
“Inside Venezuela’s growing arsenal of Iranian weapons,” Task & Purpose, 12-17-25. You wonder about the U.S. threatening Maduro, the proxy of Iran?! “Iranian-made attack boats, missiles, drones, and Hezbollah-linked networks. Great article showing the relationship and some of the important reasons the U.S. is off the coast.