Iran Nation or Cause

“Israeli charged with accepting $41,000 bribe from Iran,” i24NEWS, 3-24-25.

“Iran Warns Against Attack as US Warships Move Closer,” Newsweek, 3-24-25.

“Sanctions on Chinese refinery are Trump’s first real move against Iran – WSJ,” Iran International, 3-24-25.  “Teapot refineries purchase “Iranian oil shipped by illicit methods to China in violation of US sanctions … buy 90% of these exports and provide a lifeline for Tehran, which is financially strapped.”

“Iran Oil Tankers Evading Sanctions with False Iraqi Paperwork,” Oilprice.com, 3-24-25.

“2 convicted in plot to kill Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad,” MSN, 3-24-25.

Sand people from Star Wars, supplied by Iran, that no one should believe.  “Houthis falsely claim to successfully hit Ben Gurion, US aircraft carrier,” i24, 3-23-25.

“Iran’s top diplomat says US must change its approach for any talks,” Reuters, 3-23-25.  See also “Top Trump official Waltz: Iran must fully dismantle nuke program, not only curb enrichment,” Times of Israel, 3-23-25.

Ah, so the Leader does want to talk.  “Trump envoy says Iran reached out through back channels,” Iran International, 3-22-25.

Against all evidence.  “Iran’s leader says Yemen’s Houthis act independently, warns against US action,” Reuters, 3-21-25.

“Earthquake in Iran unlikely to have damaged Iranian nuclear centrifuges,” JPost, 3-21-25.

“President Trump said … that the Iran-backed Houthis would be “completely annihilated” by U.S. airstrikes and warned Tehran to “immediately” stop supplying them with military equipment.”  See “Trump sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East in ramp up against Houthis,” Politico, 3-21-25.

Mark your calendars for May 20.  “President Donald Trump has given Iran a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear agreement, according to a report by Axios.”  That would mean May 20 (if not a few days earlier, from the date the letter was delivered).  “Trump Issues Nuclear Ultimatum to Iran,” 3-20-25.

“U.S. offers $15 million reward for woman, 3 accomplices accused of smuggling drone technology to Iran,” CBS, 3-20-25.

The two month deadline runs May 19, actually the letter was delivered a few days prior.  March 19 is when this was reported about the U.S. letter to the Supreme Leader.  “Trump gives Iran two-month deadline to reach new nuclear deal,” CNN, 3-19-25.

Let’s hope this is the case—“Trump and Putin agreed that Iran must not obtain access to nuclear weapons.”  See “Trump, Putin on same page about Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, White House says,” Fox, 3-18-25.

“Captured Gaza records show that Iran, Hezbollah plotted with Hamas to destroy Israel,” Times of Israel, 3-18-25.

Finally.  And after many threats by the U.S. and Israel and other states.  The sinking of the spy ship Zagros being sunk by the US Navy in the Red Sea, according to Saudi media outlet Al-Hadath.  “Amid Reports Of U.S. Navy Sinking Iran’s “Most Advanced” SIGNIT Vessel, Houthis Strike American Warship Yet Again,” Eurasian Times, 3-18-25.

Reuters did not mention the Supreme Leader photo in the headline.  “Doctor deported to Lebanon had photos ‘sympathetic’ to Hezbollah on phone, US says,” Reuters, 3-17-25.

“U.S. Punches Back at Iran-Backed Houthi Terrorists in Yemen,” U.S. DOD, 3-17-25.

“Can Iran Save Itself?,” Foreign Affairs, 3-17-25.

“Iran denies destabilizing activities in Yemen region,” Fox News, 3-17-25.

“US spy drone retreats near Iranian airspace, Nournews says,” Reuters, 3-17-25.

Really keen.  In China, Iran endorses diplomacy.  In Tehran, the Leader blocks diplomacy.  I hope the world media points this out.  (they won’t).  “China, Russia, Iran endorse dialogue for nuclear solution,” Global Times, 3-15-25.  And see “Without seeing Trump’s letter, Iran’s Khamenei firmly rejects talks with US,” Al Arabiya, 3-12-25.

“Trump orders multiple strikes in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels,” Fox, 3-15-25.

“Iran very close to acquiring nuclear weapons, UN watchdog warns,” Iran International, 3-15-25.

Lots of relevant news today.

Only country in the world doing this.  “Iran using drones and apps to enforce women’s dress code,” BBC, 3-14-25.  This reminds me, along with the next story about the Picasso exhibition, of the 2024 award-winning movie “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” which was combined with images of the 2022–2023 protests in Iran after Mahsa Amini was killed–those nationwide protests were violently suppressed by the Iranian state.

Multiple women without hijab in the public galleries/showing, you can see in the story’s video.  The exhibition may get shut down, let’s see.  “Picasso exhibition unveiled in Iran after spending decades locked away,” NBC, 3-14-25.

What are “illegal” sanctions?  “China calls for lifting of ‘illegal unilateral sanctions’ on Iran,” AFP, Times of Israel, 3-14-25.

“Singapore-based shipping firm hit with US sanctions over Iran oil links,” The Straits Times, 3-14-25.

Both the Golbon and the Jairan are thinking they are fortunate not to be sunk along the way.  “Exclusive: Second Iranian ship suspected of carrying missile ingredient leaves China,” VOA, 3-14-25.  “Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to the news reports in a Jan. 23 press briefing, asserting that China abides by its own export controls and international obligations and rejects other countries’ imposition of what Beijing considers illegal unilateral sanctions.”

“High stakes as Iran nuclear issue reaches crunch moment,” BBC, 3-14-25.

$71 for the day!  For Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.  “Iran’s central bank increases daily cash withdrawal limits,” Central Banking, 3-14-25.

“Iran’s Nuclear Disarmament:  The Only Deal That Protects U.S. and Allied Security,” FDD, 3-14-25.

“How a Russian Mobster Stalked an Iranian Dissident in Brooklyn,” NYT, 3-14-25.

Notice the source.  “China, Russia affirm Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” Tehran Times, 3-14-25.

“UN Says Iran’s Crimes Against Humanity Demand Expanded Investigation,” Center for Human Rights in Iran, 3-14-25.

“3 Christian converts in Iran sentenced to over 40 years in prison,” Catholic News Agency, 3-14-25.