Iran Nation or Cause

Another sign the Regime won’t change–they keep arresting opponents, including world famous persons.  “Iran arrests Nobel Prize-winning human rights activist Narges Mohammadi,” i24, 12-12-25.

“Behind the Seized Venezuelan Tanker, Cuba’s Secret Lifeline,” NYT, 12-12-25.  Why does the Times wait to run these stories?  You can’t lead from behind.  Let the world know these illegal activities so we understand beforehand why states like the U.S. could act.  Here’s part:  “The history of Skipper’s voyages points to a larger, looser network connecting the energy industries of Venezuela, Cuba, Iran and Russia, the four American adversaries that have been, to various degrees, shut out from the formal global oil market by Washington’s sanctions. Skipper’s crew of about 30 sailors was mostly Russian, a U.S. official said. Before shipping Venezuelan oil, Skipper spent four years as part of Iran’s covert fleet, transporting Iranian oil to Syria and China, according to data from Kpler, the shipping data firm, and a senior Iranian oil ministry official, who discussed sensitive issues on condition of anonymity.”

“U.S. Boarded Ship and Seized Cargo Heading to Iran From China,” NYT, 12-12-25.  As reported first by WSJ.  “A U.S. special operations team boarded a ship in the Indian Ocean last month [in November] and seized cargo headed to Iran from China, a U.S. official said, a rare operation at sea aimed at blocking Tehran from rebuilding its military arsenal. … The United States had been tracking the shipment as it made its way from China to Iran, the U.S. official said on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly, and the ship was sailing several hundred miles off the coast of Sri Lanka when U.S. special operations forces launched the operation. The commandos boarded the ship and confiscated its cargo before letting the vessel proceed. It was unclear what exactly the ship was carrying, but the cargo, the official said, consisted of dual-use components that could be used either for civilian applications or to make conventional weapons. … Iranian factories are working around the clock to replenish stockpiles of long-range missiles and drones that can be used to strike Israel. In the war this summer, Iran had sought to overwhelm Israel’s air defense network through sheer numbers, and will likely seek to import components to build as many new weapons as possible ahead of a renewed conflict.”

“Iran’s Khamenei suggests US moves on Venezuela aim at oil, land grab,” Iran International, 12-11-25.  The Ayatollah’s proposition—that the U.S. is out to steal Venezuela’s resources and land, is easily testable.  Intrepid reporters and observers can simply watch what happens.  My money’s on the U.S.—they don’t have a history of taking in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, etc., etc.

This story is a reminder that when you read about the U.S. v. Venezuela, you are actually reading U.S. v. Iran.  “Tanker Seized By US Off Venezuela Was Part Of Iranian Shadow Fleet,” RFE/RL, 12-11-25.

Probably in hiding in Lebanon with Hezbollah, facilitated by Iran.  “The Hunt for Assad’s Brutal Enforcer,” WSJ, 12-11-25.

“It is rare but not unprecedented for the U.S. to seize a ship in international waters. The Trump administration in 2020 seized four vessels allegedly loaded with Iranian fuel in violation of sanctions. A federal judge approved a warrant for at least one of those seizures, saying Justice Department prosecutors had provided enough evidence that the tanker and its fuel were assets of a designated terrorist organization. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the tanker, the Skipper, had been sanctioned for carrying Iranian oil in the past and would be taken to a U.S. port. She said U.S. forces executed a warrant for the Skipper, and that investigators were interviewing its crew.”  See “Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Strikes at the Heart of Maduro’s Grip on Power,” WSJ, 12-11-25.

Iran is behind this cargo.  “US seizes Cuba-bound Venezuelan oil tanker, ramping up pressure on Maduro,” Politico, 12-10-25.

“Trump orders blockade of Venezuela, targeting sanctioned oil tankers,” Politico, 12-10-25.

Happy day in Tehran.  “First rain of autumn falls in Iran’s capital, but the drought-ravaged nation needs far more,” AP, 12-10-25.

What is a social media “Like”?  We have that question in the West also.  “Iran summons Jewish MP over constituents’ social media activity,” Iran International, 12-9-25.

“Russia dismisses recruitment flyers in Tehran as scam,” Iran International, 12-9-25.

“Iran, Egypt protest Seattle’s ‘Pride Match’ branding for 2026 World Cup game,” Iran International, 12-9-25.  FIFA doesn’t have to allow its events to become politicized.  Wish it was just futbol.

NCRI is good at highlighting these local or regional protest stories.  “Iran: Massive Protest by Thousands of South Pars Gas Workers in Asaluyeh Amidst Ongoing Protests Across Various Sectors,” NCRI, 12-9-25.

I agree with this story, that most likely the control of Syria by Iran is gone.  “The Unraveling of Iran’s Influence in Syria,” RFE/RL, OilPrice.com, 12-9-25.

“Iran accelerates missile rebuilding effort, IDF warns Knesset – Ynet,” Iran International, 12-9-25.

“Iran’s Currency Plunges to Historic Low,” Modern Diplomacy, 12-8-25.

“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.