Iran Nation or Cause

“Iran executes nationwide scam mastermind,” Shafaq, 12-7-25.

“Tehran confirms US arrest and deportation of 55 more Iranian nationals,” Iran International, 12-7-25.

“Iran’s private sector ready to play leading role in strengthening economic ties with Kazakhstan,” Tehran Times, 12-7-25.  But of course.  This article was produced partly because Kazakhstan just announced it was part of the Abraham Accords with Israel in November.

“Iran continues crackdown on dissent with human rights lawyer found dead, arrests and disappearances,” JPost, 12-7-25.  Local media reports about cardiac arrest likely aren’t true–“Blood was flowing from Alikordi’s mouth and nose, and there were signs of severe head trauma, including a fractured skull.”

“’It’s all over’: how Iran abandoned Assad to his fate days before fall,” AFP, 12-7-25.

Thank you Jerusalem Post!  “Iran directing Hamas money network in Turkey, moving hundreds of millions to terrorists,” JPost, 12-7-25.  “The money changers work in full cooperation with Tehran and manage wide-scale economic activity in Turkey, including receiving funds from Iran, storing them, and transferring them to Hamas, he added.”

On Kish Island, where people have “let their hair down” for years, so to speak.  “Iran sues marathon organizers after women run without hijab,” New Region, 12-6-25.

Clearly stated, Iran calls the shots.  (excuse the pun).  “Lebanese FM: Hezbollah won’t disarm without a decision from Iran,” Times of Israel, 12-6-25.

“Iran’s new military drills near disputed islands ratchet up tensions with UAE,” Al Monitor, 12-6-25.

“School Closures Sweep Iran as Air Pollution, COVID-19, and Influenza Surge,” Iran Focus, 12-6-25.

“Report: Iran launches massive missiles during a naval drill near Strait of Hormuz,” AP, 12-5-25.

“Iran to play at least one World Cup game on U.S. soil,” AP, WTOP, 12-5-25

“Trump Lifts Iran Visa Ban for 2026 World Cup Draw,” Newsweek, 12-5-25.

This goes to the motivation for Iran to incite Hamas.  “ToI reveals: US and Saudis reached understandings on Palestinian component of normalization before Oct. 7,” Times of Israel, 12-5-25.

“Iran issues withering rebuke of UAE in wake of Yemen offensive,” Iran International, 12-5-25.

“Iran’s Guards warn US vessels during drill in Gulf,” Times of Israel, 12-4-25.

Ironic is the use of the word “hostage.”  Iran takes persons and ships and countries hostage, now its own system is held hostage—by the system.  See the quote “Without a designated heir—even informally—the system remains brittle, its future hostage to uncertainty and factional strife.” in ““’To the grave’: Iran’s succession battle has begun,” Iran International, 12-4-25.

“US judge finds Iran liable for Iraq attacks, orders $841 million in damages,” Iran International, 12-4-25.

“Iran’s Khamenei defends US embassy takeover as ‘day of pride’,” Iran International, 12-4-25.

“Iran releases two French nationals from detention,” BBC, 12-4-25.

“Iranian MPs chant ‘Death to America’ on anniversary of US embassy takeover,” Iran International, 12-4-25.

We don’t know Iran’s motivation yet—could simply be for cash.  “Iran seizes tanker in Strait of Hormuz, US official says, as tensions remain high in region,” AP, 12-4-25.

“Iran’s currency falls to a new low as nuclear sanctions squeeze its ailing economy,” Stuff, 12-3-25.

“Iran moderates sound alarm over lost role as buffer between state, people,” Iran International, 12-3-25.

“The war no one declares: Inside the Mossad–Iran shadow conflict,” MEMO, 12-3-25.

“6 Big Questions About Iran’s Water Crisis And Tehran’s Day Zero,” Forbes, 12-3-25.  “Over the long term, Iran must pivot from a resistance economy to a resilience economy.”  Absolutely!  This is the point of this blog, that the 1979 Revolution has detoured Iran from its real calling, to be a normal country, to take care of its people, to be a rational actor among its Middle East neighbors.

“With the Nuclear Deal Gone, Iran’s Back Is to the Wall,” WPR, 12-3-25.

Who would have thought?  “US sends 1-way attack drones to the Middle East,” ABC, 12-3-25.

“US sets up one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East after reverse-engineering Iranian drone,” Budapest, 12-3-25.

Ugh.  “Imported pistachios from Iran and products made with pistachios from Iran”—Salmonella.  See “Public advisory – Imported pistachios from Iran: What you need to know,” CNW Group, Yahoo Finance, 12-2-25.  This is the last thing the people of Iran need.

“Turkey Pushes for Closer Ties With Iran Despite Mounting Sanctions as Both Countries Pursue Regional Ambitions,” Algemeiner, 12-2-25.

“Analysis: Iran’s Al Mustafa University [in Venz] is a terror front [for Iran],” FDD’s Long War Journal, 12-2-25.

“China-Russia–Led Bloc Launches Anti-Terror Drills In Iran: How Big A Deal Is It For Tehran?,” RFE/RL, 12-2-25.

“Leaked wedding video reveals hypocrisy in Islamist Iran’s elite,” Asia Times, 12-2-25.

“Iran’s aggressive posture, sanctions evasion, and fake reform,” FDD, 12-1-25.

“Iran sentences award-winning director Jafar Panahi to year in prison for ‘propaganda activities’,” AFP, 12-1-25.

“Twelve Prisoners Executed in Iran on Murder and Drug Charges,” Hirana, 12-1-25.

“Iran to boycott 2026 World Cup Draw in protest of US visa issues,” AMNY, 12-1-25.

“Senior lawmaker confirms Trump sent message to Iran via Saudi crown prince,” Iran International, 12-1-25.  “The United States has long insisted that Iran must completely halt its uranium enrichment program, stop supporting its armed allies in the Middle East and accept restrictions on its ballistic missile program.”  Think for a moment—it is a very short list of countries that are involved in these activities.

It is not surprising, though slow, to see additional countries designate the IRGC.  “Australia lists Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a State Sponsor of Terrorism,” Australia Today, 11-30-25.

News flash!  “Khamenei: Iran defeated US, Israel in June’s 12-Day War,” JNS, 11-29-25.  This is the Quote of the Day, of the Month.  Of the Year?  It certainly shows intransigence and irrationality.  ““In the 12-Day War, the Iranian nation undeniably defeated both the U.S. and the Zionists,” Khamenei said.”

“Iran denies launching ballistic missiles towards Kurdistan region of Iraq – report,” JPost, 11-20-25.

Maybe the Sahand won’t capsize this time.  “Repaired Sahand destroyer, floating base join Iranian Navy, state media say,” Reuters, 11-29-25.

Produce the body!  We often ask Iran to show its evidence.  “Tehran asserts its air defense forces neutralized over 196 hostile Israeli aircraft and drones,” Palestine Chronicle, 11-29-25.

No other country has this problem.  Iran has brought this on itself.  “Iran boycotting World Cup draw citing visa denials,” AP, ESPN, 11-28-25.

“Khomeini promised free water. Iran is running out of it,” WPost, 11-28-25.

“With Iran’s regime wary of widespread dissent, Tehran women let their hair down,” Times of Israel, 11-28-25.