Pretend for just a minute that Iran didn’t have any part of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Wouldn’t the world still be objecting to the present meeting of the Supreme Leader and the head of Hamas? Reuters certainly isn’t making this point. “Iranian state media confirm meeting between Khamenei, Hamas’ Haniyeh in Tehran,” Reuters, 11-4-23.
Quote of the Day: “This is like granting Bin Laden a Nobel Peace Prize.” Naftali Bennett, Israel’s former PM. “Why did the United Nations hand a human rights job to Iran’s ambassador?,” Spectator, 11-2-23.
“Iran limiting jailed Nobel winner’s medical care over hijab refusal: family,” AFP, 11-2-23. So cruel.
Why, if Iran is not involved with Hamas’ actions, were these talks held in Iran? “Thailand held direct hostage talks with Hamas in Iran,” Times of Israel, 11-2-23.
“Iran’s MuddyWater Targets Israel in New Spear-Phishing Cyber Campaign,” Hacker News, 11-2-23.
“Iranian commander in Lebanon to coordinate with Hezbollah – report,” Jerusalem Post, 11-2-23. “The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, visited Lebanon to coordinate with Hezbollah concerning the conflict with Israel on Wednesday, the Lebanese al-Jadeed news reported on Wednesday.”
The Yazdani family has had their lives ruined by the Regime. First, the son is shot. Then his mother is unfairly sentenced to more than a decade behind bars. For nothing. “Iranian mother jailed for 13 years after denouncing death of son shot at protest,” Guardian, 11-2-23.
“Israel Warns An Elite Iran-Backed Unit is Now in Lebanon to Join War,” Newsweek, 11-2-23. The Imam Hossein Division has arrived in southern Lebanon to aid Hezbollah. It is overseen by the Quds Force (of the IRGC), and is considered Iran’s “most elite fighting force in Syria.” The group has precision-guided munitions and both armed and surveillance drones. It is comprised of combat, special forces and logistics departments, with a force of thousands of fighters, mostly Syrians, but from Afghanistan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, and Yemen.
Good article. One additional point that should be made—Iran is really a proxy for Russia. “The Iran-Russia Military Axis,” WSJ, 11-2-23.
“After Years of Vowing to Destroy Israel, Iran Faces a Dilemma,” DNYUZ, 11-1-23. “Still, Iran does not want regional war, which carries risks for the nation and its religious rulers. … The military capabilities of its allies could be significantly diminished by a protracted battle with Israel, and even more so if the U.S. military enters the fray. The Islamic Republic views the militias as its extended arms of influence, able to strike while affording Tehran a measure of deniability. They give Iran leverage in international negotiations and a means of tilting the balance of power in the Middle East away from archenemies like Israel and the United States, and rivals like Saudi Arabia. But if Iran does nothing, its fiery leaders risk losing credibility among constituents and allies. Some Iranian hard-line conservatives have questioned why Iran’s actions are not matching its rhetoric to “free Al Quds,” or Jerusalem, from Israel’s rule.” Another way of saying this is that Israel won’t attack first. Iran doesn’t want to be seen as the aggressor but acting in self defense.
This same article, originally from the NYT, was criticized for seeming to incite Iran to attack through Hezbollah or otherwise. Also, the “Times was widely panned over its botched coverage of the explosion that occurred at Gaza’s Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, running Hamas’ narrative that Israel bombed the building through an airstrike killing over 500 civilians. Subsequent reporting and intelligence found it was an explosion in the hospital’s parking lot stemming from a misfired rocket fired by Hamas ally Islamic Jihad, resulting in a death toll a fraction of what the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health had first alleged. The following week, The Times published an editor’s note admitting it relied “too heavily” on Hamas’ word.”
“Iran’s Khamenei calls for boycott of Israel amid Gaza bombardment,” Al Jazeera, 11-1-23. Good luck on getting all Muslim countries to stop selling oil and food to Israel. Already Turkey won’t go along.
“Executions in Iran are up 30%, a new United Nations report says,” AP, 11-1-23.“Iran is carrying out executions “at an alarming rate,” putting to death at least 419 people in the first seven months of the year, the United Nations chief said in a new report. That’s a 30% increase from the same period in 2022. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the report to the U.N. General Assembly on the human rights situation in Iran that seven men were executed in relation to or for participating in nationwide protests, sparked by the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was picked up by the morality police for her allegedly loose headscarf in violation of Iran’s Islamic dress code. In all seven cases, information received by the U.N. human rights office “consistently indicated that the judicial proceedings did not fulfil the requirements for due process and a fair trial under international human rights law,” Guterres said. “Access to adequate and timely legal representation was frequently denied, with reports of coerced confessions, which may have been obtained as a result of torture.””
“Turkey, Iran FMs warn over Israel’s expansion of Gaza war, disagree on oil boycott,” Al Monitor, 11-1-23.
“U.S. officials hold their breath for Iranian cyberattacks,” Politico, 11-1-23.
“Hamas leaders feel betrayed by Iran and Hezbollah,” JNS, 11-1-23.
“FBI Director Wray on Iran and the Rising Jihadist Threat,” National Review, 11-1-23.
“Iran’s chess game is going well, but US Navy carriers are queens not pawns,” Telegraph, 10-31-23. The Iranian government’s desire to escalate the Gaza war and open up Hezbollah is tempered by the presence of the Ford off the coast of Lebanon. In other words, radical Shia expansion is being deterred (hopefully) by Western democratic-minded power.
“Lawyer Arrest Fuels Outrage Over Iran Teen’s Death,” Barron’s, 10-31-23. Nasrin Sotoudeh, 60, was arrested at the funeral on Sunday in Tehran of Armita Garawand, 17, whose death was reported by Iranian state media at the weekend after a month in a coma.
Be assured that Iran through its Quds Force is NOT discouraging these plans and threats by various groups. “FBI Director Wray warns terror threat to Americans at ‘whole other level’ amid Hamas-Israel conflict,” Fox, 10-31-23.
“Amid Israel War, Iran Tests Massive Haydar Missile From Bell Helicopter That Can Hit Tanks 30 KMs Away,” Eurasian Times, 10-31-23.
Nasrallah doesn’t want to die. “Hezbollah Hesitates as Israel Strikes Gaza,” NYT, 10-31-23.
“Iranian hackers caught spying on governments and military in Middle East,” The Record, 10-31-23.
The only foreign minister (Abdollahian) in the world to meet with Hamas’ leader (Haniyeh). “Iran’s FM Meets With Hamas Leader In Qatar,” 10-31-23.
“Profiles of 15 Iranian-Backed Militias in the Middle East,” Long War Journal, 10-31-23.
“Iran’s nuclear envoy threatens Israel’s annihilation after return from Hamas meeting in Russia,” Washington Examiner, 10-31-23.
At least four attacks since Pres. Biden’s two. “Iran-backed militias continue to attack U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria,” Long War Journal, 10-30-23. “One assault took place today at the Ain Al Assad Air Base in Anbar Province in Iraq. Two of the militia attacks took place on Oct. 29 at U.S. bases in Al-Shadadi in Hasaka Province and the Omar Oil Field in Deir el-Zor Province, both in Syria. The other two strikes took place on Oct. 27, after the U.S. military announced its assaults on the IRGC depots. One of the attacks targeted the Omar Oil Field, while the other at the Ain Al Assad Air Base.”
“Attacks on US Forces in Iraq and Syria Continue After American Airstrikes,” Air and Space Forces Magazine, 10-30-23.
“Saudi Forces on Alert After Clash With Iran-Backed Houthis,” Bloomberg, 10-30-23.
“Iran tells US to stop blaming it for Hamas attack on Israel,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, Reuters, 10-30-23.
“Counter-terror chiefs on alert for Iranian activity in UK exploiting Gaza war,” Guardian, 10-30-23.
There are over 500 km of tunnels in Gaza (how much did that cost!), about 50-75 m deep. 2 km of tunnel equals a three story that could be a health clinic. “Iran Brags About Hamas Tunnels As Weapons Of War,” Iran International, 10-30-23. Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, says Hamas fighters have constructed over 400 kilometers of tunnels. The 500 km is from the televised interview with Hamas official Marzouk who said the tunnels in Gaza were built to protect Hamas fighters from air strikes, not civilians. He said that protecting Gaza civilians is the responsibility of the United Nations and Israel.
This is another story regarding how the UN is out of touch, and with regard to reigning in Iran. It wants Musk’s company Starlink, trying to spread internet freedom, to be subject to the authoritarian Iranian Regime. Ironic. Clueless. The UN telecommunications body is the Radio Regulations Board of the International Telecommunication Union. “Will Starlink comply with ruling to engage with Iranian authorities?,” Amwaj, 10-30-23.
Iran reads USNWR, and will see that the U.S. is continuing its Abraham Accords work with the Saudi Arabia. “Sullivan Told Saudi Defense Minister US Will Support Defense of Its Partners White House,” Reuters, 10-30-23.
“Prepare for an Iranian Escalation,” WSJ, 10-30-23. “Tehran can’t sit back and watch Israel crush Hamas. Absent serious deterrence, it will open a second front.” It has too much at stake. And can’t afford the Abraham Accords to again gain traction.
“Iran says strikes on US troops are due to its support for Israel, presence in region,” Times of Israel, 10-30-23. Ponder this statement from the article—“Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has said Iran sees it as “its duty to support the resistance groups” but has insisted that they “are independent in their opinion, decision and action.””
The headline tells it all. The interviewer asked good questions, but a review of news articles from this blog alone presents overwhelming evidence and examples that the Islamic Republic of Iran is heavily involved in malign activities for years. “Iranian Foreign Minister: “We Are Not Involved” In Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, “Why Is The U.S. So Involved?”, RealClearPolitics, 10-29-23.
“Israel has “crossed the red lines” in Gaza, Iranian President Raisi says,” CNN, 10-29-23. It is impossible for a reader to know if this is the point at which the Ayatollah orders Hezbollah into the action.
“Armita Geravand: Teenage girl allegedly attacked by Iranian morality police for not wearing headscarf dies,” Sky News, 10-28-23.
“Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, explained,” Vox, 10-28-23. Why would Hezbollah enter the fight against Israel? If Iran decides so.
I highly encourage persons to read a newsletter/blog that I’ve added to my Iran blog, Echoing Eden: Christian Analysis of the Conflict in Israel, found at https://zacharymccartney.substack.com
Extended Quote of the Day, from the WSJ editorial board: “The Pentagon says the U.S. hit two facilities in eastern Syria that are used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). But pinprick bombing of weapons and ammo lockers aren’t proportionate to the enemy attacks. Iran’s proxies have lobbed rockets or drones at U.S. positions at least 19 times since Oct. 17. One U.S. contractor died after suffering a cardiac event while ducking for cover. Some 21 U.S. service members have been injured. The restrained U.S. response is intended as a warning, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin implied more could follow if the militias keep it up. No doubt President Biden aims to avoid a larger regional conflict. But a better example for restoring deterrence is former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Syria in 2018 when Russia’s Wagner Group and Bashar al-Assad fighters attacked a U.S. military position. As Gen. Mattis told Congress, he directed the attacking force “to be annihilated. And it was.” The Wagner Group and other malign actors absorbed the lesson of that furious military response. The risk now is that Iran thinks it can continue to launch rockets at Americans at a manageable price. Secretary Austin also said the U.S. response was “separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.” But everyone paying attention knows that’s not true. Why pretend otherwise? Like Hamas, the militias from Yemen to Iraq and Syria are equipped, trained and financed by the IRGC. They don’t act without Iran’s assent. Iran is also stirring up the West Bank and harassing Israel in the north via Hezbollah in Lebanon. Telling Americans that the strikes have nothing to do with Hamas disguises the nature of the Middle East challenge and the source of the problem. The Biden Administration deserves credit for equating Hamas with Islamic State and trying to mobilize an international coalition to eliminate the terrorist group. But without changing American policy toward Iran, the threat will persist. Mr. Biden will have to drop the fantasies of a nuclear deal, enforce sanctions on oil and missiles instead of winking at violations, and restore maximum pressure on Tehran. That could include covert aid to the dissidents inside Iran so the Ayatollahs feel pressure at home.” See “A Weak Response to Iran’s Attacks,” WSJ, 10-27-23.
Oops. Another Hamas projectile doesn’t hit its target, meant for Eilat, Israel, but slammed into Taba, opposite the Israeli side of the border. Identified as either a drone or missile, it fell near a medical facility in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Taba, and injured six people Egypt’s per Al Qahera News reports. Images online and in Egyptian media showed a damaged building and exploded vehicles. “Fallen drone injures six in Egypt town near Israel: army,” AFP, Arab News, 10-27-23.
This is what I’m waiting for on 10-27 after this 10-26 story below — “Information about the specific targets and other details were not yet provided” to determine if our attacks were simply the same amount of force, not enough force, or provide a real deterrent and message to the Ayatollah. “US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops,” AP, 10-26-23. There have been 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and 4 in Syria since Oct. 17. 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria. So, should the U.S. conduct 16 attacks? Until we know more, two on 10-26 is skimpy. We want to deter the bad actor, not refuse to punish.
Oops again. “IDF spokesperson: Hamas’ main operation base is under Gaza’s largest hospital,” I-24, 10-27-23. Will Iran denounce Hamas’ use of a hospital as a violation of international law? It is Shifa Hospital. See also “Hamas’s key operation center underneath Gaza’s largest hospital,” I24, 10-27-23. “Hamas routinely and in an emergency uses humanitarian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip for the benefit of its terrorist activities while utilizing the humanitarian shelter to protect its terrorists and the leaders of the terrorist organization.”
“Iran Warns of New Fronts Against the US If Gaza War Drags On,” Bloomberg, 10-27-23. Considering that Iran’s FM says his country doesn’t control these various groups who would attack the U.S., he certainly seems to know a lot about their intentions.
This important story is now also being carried by Al Arabiya (significance is Saudi control) after its publication by the WSJ and then other Western outlets. “Hundreds of Hamas fighters trained in Iran ahead of Oct 7 attack on Israel: Report,” Al Arabiya, 10-26-23.
I was asked recently if the war started by Hamas would widen (would Iran order Hezbollah into the fight, etc.), and I responded with three thoughts. First, the Supreme Leader is ill, and has shown no proclivity to diminish Iran’s aggressive policies and actions in the Middle East over the past few years. In this sense he has nothing to lose. Second, I said that Iran is becoming more of a thugocracy instead of a theocracy over the past ten years plus as it becomes more authoritarian and militaristic and more like a mafia. The IRGC controls so much of the economy and the politics. Those generals and their military supporters have been enriched and only want more. Last, I see stories like the following, which are evidence that overall Iran is not moderating its radical actions in the region. See “Iran-Sudan Rapprochement Threatens to Deepen Deadly Civil War,” Bloomberg, 10-26-23. So, I have to write this, that unless the Supreme Leader becomes convinced that Iran needs to wait until a better time, he will give a green light to Hezbollah to open a full-scale attack.
This is an example of how the dysfunctional UN allows Iran to continue forward through Hamas—two powerful nation-states do not hold Iran or Hamas accountable. “The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday voted on two resolutions regarding the Israel-Hamas war. Russia and China vetoed the text suggested by the U.S that called for humanitarian pauses. In contrast, a rival Russian-drafted resolution called for ceasefire and failed to win the minimum number of votes. Only Russia, China, the UAE and Gabon voted in favor.” See “LIVEBLOG: As more aid trucks enter Gaza, Hamas rockets rain down on southern, central Israel,” I24 News, 10-26-23.
“Iran foreign minister to meet with Guterres ahead of UN vote on Israel-Hamas War,” Times of Israel, 3-26-23. Here are two quotes of note from the story:
“Iran’s support for Hamas has been extensive over the years, with the Iranian government providing the terrorist group with weapons, technology, and financial aid to the estimated tune of $100 million a year, among other things. In addition to its support for Hamas, Iran continues to back other destabilizing forces in the region, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.”
“Earlier this week, Israel stopped issuing visas to UN officials after Guterres implied that Hamas’s October 7 massacre was caused by Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and Palestinian territories. “It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum,” he said in his strongly criticized remarks. “The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing.” Contrary to Guterres’s statement, Israel has not had any military or civilian presence in the Gaza Strip since its unilateral withdrawal in 2005. Since then, both Israel and Egypt have maintained tight control of Gaza’s borders in response to the ruling terror group’s years of rocket fire and attacks against Israel.” In short, Sec. Gen. Guterres simply doesn’t understand—this war is the fault of Hamas (and Iran); it is not the fault of Israel. Guterres’ internal ability to separate and understand the horrid actions of Hamas from the other issue of the Palestinians seems to be blinded.
In this blog I’ve already declared that since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that Iran is attacking the U.S. (see my Oct. 24 entry). Iran is at war with America. But they’ve actually been advocating death to this country since 1979, and have killed thousands of Americans since that time. So don’t be surprised by more attacks when you see headlines like this one, “Amid raging war, Iran leader says, ‘US a ‘definite accomplice’ in Israeli crimes’,” India Today, 10-26-23.
If the U.S. only hit two sites (after Iran attacked 16 U.S. bases and sites), the main question will not be whether it is a proportional or defensive response but rather if it will deter future Iranian attacks. That should be the standard as Iran will only respect force they cannot defeat. “U.S. hits sites in Syria as Gaza aid ‘barely trickles in,” BBC, 10-26-23.
“A colossal Israel-Iran war is much closer than anyone imagines,” Telegraph, 10-26-23.
Imperial Kitten is still alive. “Iran APT Targets the Mediterranean With Watering-Hole Attacks,” 10-26-23.
Since Iran started this, why should they be allowed to negotiate with themselves? “Iran says it ‘stands ready’ to play role in Gaza hostage release deal,” Times of Israel, 10-26-23.
“Israel says Hamas used N.Korea, Iran weapons in attack,” Times of Israel, 10-26-23.
The Ayatollah will not like reading this story (and it seems that it could be buried among other Oct. 25 stories); the good news is also that despite authoritarianism around the world (not just in the Middle East) and radical Islam, there is still the desire for freedom. “Saudi crown prince indicates Israel normalization can resume after war – White House,” Times of Israel, 10-25-23.
“Iran ordered recent attacks by allies in Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, says Israel,” Deccan Herald, 10-25-23.
“Hamas Fighters Trained in Iran Before Oct. 7 Attacks,” Wall Street Journal, 10-25-23. “In the weeks leading up to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel, hundreds of the Palestinian Islamist militant group’s fighters received specialized combat training in Iran, according to people familiar with intelligence related to the assault. Roughly 500 militants from Hamas and an allied group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, participated in the exercises in September, which were led by officers of the Quds Force, the foreign-operations arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the people said. Senior Palestinian officials and Iranian Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani, the head of Quds Force, also attended, they said.”
Quote of the Day—“The orders come from one place—Iran,” IDF military spokesman Daniel Hagari. See “Israeli Military Spokesman Says Iran Provided Support, Training to Hamas,” WSJ, 10-25-23.
(Another) Quote of the Day. “Hamas is not a terrorist organization, it is a liberation group, mujahideen waging a battle to protect its lands and people.” Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. See “Turkey’s Erdogan: Hamas aren’t terrorists, they’re a liberation group,” Jerusalem Post, 10-25-23. Turkey’s harboring of several top leaders of Hamas colors this story. This has been going on for years. See “Hamas Still Finds Harbor in Turkey,” Washington Examiner, 6-8-16.