Iran Nation or Cause

CBS is actually not one of the best regular sources of wide coverage in the Middle East, but it popped up and has a decently accurate set of stories today from which to start.  “Live Updates: U.S.-Israeli war with Iran spreads, as Iran’s neighbors warn strikes won’t “go unanswered,” CBS, 3-3-26.

“Britain, France, and Greece reinforce Cyprus amid Iranian threats,” i24, 3-3-26.  “Britain reportedly plans to send warship HMS Duncan to Cyprus to protect RAF Akrotiri from potential Iranian attacks.”

This blog has regularly called out enablers, Russia and China.  Now we notice what happens when the kitchen gets hot.  See “Why China Is Doing So Little to Help a Friend Under Fire,” WSJ, 3-3-26.  And see “Putin’s friendship has limits — as Iran just found out,” Politico, 2-28-26.  You have to hope that Brics and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are seeing the writing on the wall.

I’ve noticed my seemingly regular criticism of the New York Times, while I hope readers see that it is one of many open sources on which I rely.  The NYT just gets a number of things wrong while also giving breadth of news that compliments much of the data I collect.  In this story they make Israel out to be the greedy land grabbing country that wants to bend the Middle East to its will.  That is an absolute wrong reading of the present and of history.  Maybe even anti-Semitic.  Instead, since 1979 Iran has been bent on surrounding and defeating Israel (while also opposing the U.S., Saudi Arabia, etc.) by the creation of Hezbollah, terrorism, opposition through international organizations, proxies, direction of Syria against Israel, hijackings, Munich (I’m not doing these in order, and they overlap anyway), assassinations worldwide, Argentina, up to the present support of the Hamas 2023 attack.  It is now Israel that is freeing itself of 45 years of oppression.  Isn’t that what we want?  Will the NYT support Syria and its unyoking from Iran?  Will the NYT support Lebanon and its attempts to rid itself of the Iran-controlling Hezbollah?  What is the purpose of the NYT one has to ask?  See “An Emboldened Israel Is Seizing Opportunities to Remake Region,” NYT, 3-3-26.

An aside.  Some have, with quantitative data in hand, including Freedom House, showed that authoritarianism is on the rise over the past 10 years, and that these dictators support each other, from China’s buying Iran oil, to Iran selling drones to Russia, to Venezuela supporting Iran and Cuba, etc.  Putting apart the threats against Greenland, the U.S. moves against Maduro and Khamenei are from a different playbook.  We have a different foreign policy going on here.  “The credibility of the anti-interventionist faction took another hit following Trump’s successful operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, which did not devolve into the sort of regime-change quagmire that some conservative restrainers feared.”  See “‘Pretty Bad for Vance’: The VP’s Silence on Iran Peeves Allies,” Politico, 3-3-26.

In case you don’t know of the MEK, around since 1979.  This is the other option besides Pahlavi.  “The Iranian exile group that played Washington for this moment,” Politico, 3-3-26.

“Why Europe’s leaders have struggled to speak as one on Iran,” BBC, 3-3-26.

“Missile shrapnel falls in central Israel, 12 wounded as Iran continues barrage,” JPost, 3-3-26.

Deceiving headline.  “Markets Fall and Oil Surges as U.S. Warns of Extended War” in NYT, 3-3-26.  But when you click on it you read “Live Updates: Global Markets Tumble After U.S. Warns War Could Last Weeks.”  That my friends is not an extended war.  Remember the 12 day hostilities in June 2025?  You can call it a war if you want, there was certainly force and violence.  And much of the anti-air and nuclear sites were targeted.  But we didn’t know how long it would take, nor how violent.  Open hostilities that last weeks are not long.  Look at the history of warfare.  Look at how the West has had to deal with Iran in the past.

Don’t be surprised.  Since assisting the people to step forward and not have the IRGC or the Regime trying to kill them, it is only natural that the U.S. and Israel (and the UK we can now add because these are defensive strikes!) would act to stop the Assembly of Experts (meeting in the city of Qom) from appointing a new Supreme Leader.  This is a legitimate target of war, not simply a religious body meeting for a religious purpose.  This model of government has already been tried and has been found wanting.  “IDF flattens building in Qom as Iranian leadership reportedly met to choose a Supreme Leader | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 3-3-26.

“Trump open to backing armed Iranian militia groups – WSJ,” Iran International, 3-3-26.  “President Donald Trump is open to supporting groups in Iran willing to take up arms to dislodge the regime, an idea that could turn Iranian factions into ground forces at least rhetorically backed by Washington, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. The officials said Trump has spoken with Kurdish leaders and is engaging other local figures who could seek to exploit Tehran’s weakness, though no final decision has been made on whether the United States would provide arms, training or intelligence support.”

“Ex-CIA director says Iran erred by expanding attacks to Persian Gulf states,” Iran International, 3-3-26.

This is big news.  “CIA working to arm Kurdish forces to spark uprising in Iran, sources say,” CNN, 3-3-26.

“Iran Strikes U.S. Military Communication Infrastructure in Mideast,” NYT, 3-3-26.  From where did Iran get this intelligence?

“Qatar announces arrest of Iran’s IRGC sleeper cells,” Al Jazeera, 3-3-26.

“IAEA confirms buildings damaged at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility,” Al Jazeera, 3-3-26.

“IDF eliminates top Iran Quds Force Lebanon commander in Tehran,” i24, 3-3-26.

“U.S. and Israel Striking Iran Security Agencies That Helped Crush Protests,” NYT, 3-3-26.

“Why China Is Doing So Little to Help a Friend Under Fire,” WSJ, 3-3-26.

The consequence of yesterday’s news prompted it to be the largest number of news items and comments I’ve put on this blog for any one day I believe over these past 8 years.  Here goes with more.  “Live Updates: Mideast Conflict Widens Across Multiple Fronts,” NYT, 3-2-26.  “Iran and allied militias, including Hezbollah, attacked Israel and U.S. targets in the Gulf in retaliation for Ayatollah Khamenei’s death. Israel struck in Lebanon as President Trump said that the U.S. assault on Iran would last “four or five weeks.”

Politico should ask if it wants op-eds like this one to speak for it, or if it will run another op-ed about the evidence of threat from Iran, let alone the reasons the U.S. acted within international law.  See “There Is No Legal Argument for Trump’s War With Iran,” Politico, 3-2-26.  Likewise see “Pentagon offers no evidence to support claim it attacked Iran in defense,” Politico, 3-2-26.  They could consider Iran’s refusal to give up its nuclear weapons program, that seems a threat enough.  Protecting the protestors, as Trump promised?  Refusal of Iran to back down its proxies?  Not disarming Hezbollah and Hamas?  How about the Houthis and the strait they threaten?  What about Iran’s navy in the Persian Gulf and Hormuz?  And don’t forget the Quds Force around the world.  Oh wait, the missiles used in the Middle East.  And the terrorism.  My fingers are getting tired typing.  This is similar to PM Starmer’s weak arguments—let them come at you again to justify another response.  Politico could wait for the testimony of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe when they give an Iran briefing to House members on Tuesday.  Or Politico could read FDD’s Long War Journal.

An important reason Iran’s citizens don’t like the Regime, and its neighbors either.  Disregard for the common man.  “Military briefing: Iran’s new retaliation strategy,” Financial Times, 3-2-26.  “Islamic republic launches constant barrages at Israel while targeting civilian sites around the Gulf.”

“’Too risky’ for Iran to hit Turkey over US assets: analysts,” France24, 3-2-26.

“U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia Struck by Drones,” WSJ, 3-2-26.  But it was empty.

“Quds Force threatens Israel, US: ‘Gates of Hell will remain open’,” Israel Hayom, 3-2-26.

It’s a new day for Iran.  March 1, with the so-called Supreme Leader announced yesterday as killed.  Ali Khamenei was the second leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and had dicatated for over 35 years after the first ten years of rule by the first Great Ayatollah, Ruhollah Khomeini.  Here is obituary, prepared over the past several months by the NYT.  “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hard-Line Cleric Who Made Iran a Regional Power, Is Dead at 86,” NYT, 3-1-26.  The article includes a quote by Vali Nasr at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, “It’s really under him that the Islamic Republic took form.  Khomeini led a revolution.  Khamenei led a state.”  And this is the point of this blog.  The NYT, probably without realizing, uses the word “revolution” in its article, and I say without realizing because they don’t really delve into how radical Iran was compared to its neighbors.  The post-1979 Iran has been so dangerous because it tied state ideology to violence and attempts to grow its revolution across the Middle East.  This blog will continue to watch and see if any reform is taken, anything to show that Iran can take its place among the nations of the world.

“Trump says talks easier after Khamenei, Iran vows ‘devastating’ response,” Iran International, 3-1-26.  For those predicting a wider war across the region, I respond show us the evidence.  How many missiles has Iran actually shot.  How many have made it through missile defenses?  Closing the Dubai airport and having some residential buildings hit is nothing compared to June 2025 and what would have been feared before.

“‘Freedom, freedom!’: Jubilant crowds across Iran celebrate killing of Khamenei,” Times of Israel, 3-1-26.  “Iranian state television announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays.”  I wonder what the odds are now at Polymarket whether the 7 holidays will be observed.

Apparently Larijani is alive.  “Ali Larijani, once seen as a pragmatist, steps into void left by Khamenei’s death,” Times of Israel, 3-1-26.

It appears that the great threat to shipping that Iran made is not materializing.  Few ships hit, minor damage.  Other ships waiting to pass through Hormuz.  “Two ships hit near Strait of Hormuz as fears grow of oil price rises,” BBC, 3-1-26.

“Nine dead in missile attack on Israel as Iran strikes region,” BBC, 3-1-26.  Low numbers of successful missiles and casualties across the Middle East.  Iran’s counterattack is falling flat so far.  “Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait – all home to US military bases – said they had intercepted missiles fired towards them, but falling debris appeared to have caused widespread damage.”

“The months of planning behind US-Israeli mission to target Iran’s supreme leader,” BBC, 3-1-26.  Pres. Pezeshkian is apparently alive.  “Three senior Iranian defence officials have been confirmed dead by Iran, including Defence Council secretary Ali Shamkhani, Defence Minister Brig Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Gen Mohammad Pakpour.”  Shamkhani was a real danger, and is a great loss to the Regime.

How to Make Friends and Influence People–Dale Carnegie would not be impressed by use of the Shahed-136 against civilians.  “Iran Fires Cheap Drones Into Arab Countries, Wreaking Havoc,” NYT, 3-1-26.

The best article yet detailing how the Leader was deposed.  “The C.I.A. Helped Pinpoint a Gathering of Iranian Leaders. Then Israel Struck.,” NYT, 3-1-26.

These types of statements are endangering the life of the country’s president.  “Iranian president appears on state TV, says country is ‘crushing enemy’s bases’,” BBC, 3-1-26.  Pezeshkian is in a three-person interim committee, with Mohseni Ejehei, head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi.  Also, the FM says a “new supreme leader may be selected in a day or two.”  Will the Assembly of Experts actually convene?

“Iran operations ‘ahead of schedule’, says Trump as Tehran hits back across region,” BBC, 3-1-26.

“Three US service members killed – Centcom,” BBC, 3-1-26.  We don’t know where or who yet.

The last time this happened, peaceful protesters were slaughtered.  Those celebrating the Ayatollah’s death should stay off the streets so the Regime can’t take revenge against them for the attacks by the U.S. and Israel.  The new three person council may have ordered more shootings.  They also don’t want regime change.  “Internet access remains severely restricted in Iran,” BBC Persian, 3-1-26.  “Data from Kentik, a company that monitors global internet traffic, indicates a sharp drop in connectivity across Iran following the attacks. The firm estimates that roughly 99% of the country’s access to the global internet has been cut. This is reflected on social media, where only a limited number of accounts – mostly belonging to Iranian officials or other trusted individuals – appear to remain active.”

Finally.  The newspaper admits “[a] badly weakened Iran will no longer intimidate or threaten its neighbors in the same way. The regional impact could be comparable to the collapse of the Soviet Union.”  See “Iran’s Regime May Survive, but the Middle East Will Be Changed,” NYT, 3-1-26.  And then “Iran’s decline began two years ago, with Israel’s tough and sustained response to an invasion by Hamas from Gaza.”  There is a new wind in the Middle East.

Yep, my thoughts about predictions markets were accurate.  Somebody is making a killing.  See “Bets on Fate of Iran’s Khamenei Spark Uproar at Leading Prediction Markets,” WSJ, 3-1-26.

Worth putting all this—I’ve predicted the IRGC would create a military narco-state and use Shia clerics as symbols of authority.  “Iran’s Guards push to name next leader outside legal procedures,” Iran International, 3-1-26.  “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is insisting on the swift appointment of the next leader of the Islamic Republic after Ali Khamenei’s death, sources with knowledge of the matter told Iran International. According to the sources speaking on condition of anonymity, the remaining IRGC command structure is seeking to finalize the decision within the coming hours, specifically by dawn on Sunday, March 1. The sources said with airstrikes ongoing, it is not feasible to convene a session of the Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader. As a result, the IRGC is pushing for the appointment of the next leader to take place outside the legally prescribed procedures. Reports received by Iran International also indicate that following the killing of Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, disarray and confusion have intensified within the Islamic Republic’s security and military structures. Sources say parts of the chain of command have been disrupted, with the transmission of orders and operational coordination facing difficulties. This could further complicate field decision-making and crisis management in the hours and days ahead.”

“Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s ex-president who said ‘Israel must be wiped off the map,’ killed in Israeli airstrikes,” NYPost, 3-1-26.  There are many reasons Ahmadinejad would have been on a target list, even if he was not favored currently by the (former) Leader.  He represents much of what was bad about the Regime including Mahdi worship and massive anti-Semitism.  “Ahmadinejad became especially notorious in the West for his rhetoric toward Israel and his comments about the Holocaust.”  He was so controversial (including that the Second Coming and the Mahdi were about to occur) that the Leader side-lined his power when he was president.  It’s pretty bad when you make Ali Khamenei look moderate.

“Exiled Shah Reza Pahlavi: “I Am Leading This Transition,” “The Military Will Side With Us, And We Have A Plan,” RealClearPolitics, 3-1-26.  Key quotes.  “REZA PAHLAVI — FORMER CROWN PRINCE OF IRAN: Well, Maria, to be realistic, from the time that we start until the day we can have the final referendum, I anticipate a period that should not be longer than a couple of years at most. What’s critical is the first 100 days — to immediately stabilize the country and the Iranian economic situation, and to ensure that the apparatus of government remains as intact as possible so the functioning of the country continues to be in place while we bring all the components together. At the very end, the people will have a choice, and various plans will be proposed in the Constitutional Assembly, which is the entity that will, of course, debate all these issues.”

A tortured understanding of international law by UK PM Starmer.  He seems to be ignoring 45+ years and current threats, looking at this strictly as “who shoots first on a particular day” equals what is offensive/illegal IL, and a similar definition for self-defense.  Well, he has missed opportunity to help lead in the world in a better direction, and keeps himself (along with France and Germany) in a Maginot Line mindset.  At least the U.S. will now have access to Fairford and Diego Garcia.

“Starmer says he will give US permission to use UK bases for Iran missions,” Politico, 3-1-26.  So he waited until the UK was attacked by an Iranian drone at its Cypress air base.  That’s not leadership when a long-term threat continues.  Wait until the next hit!  Wait until the next British tourist hostage is taken!

“Western officials reportedly estimate Iran to run out of ballistic missiles in days | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 3-1-26.

The story is so surprising to some (that Israel would join in from the first), and the media need to move quickly to understand what is happening, that even I24 gets the headline wrong.  “Israel, U.S. launch preemptive military operation against Israel, emergency situation declared in Israel | LIVE BLOG,” I24, 2-28-26.

“US, Israel attack Iran live: Trump announces ‘major combat operations’,” Al Jazeera, 2-28-26.

“US UN Ambassador Tells Off Iran To His Face at Tense UN Meeting,” New York Post, 2-28-26.  Statement (video in the UNSC) by the U.S. at the United Nations of its rationale based on the actions of Iran, including the global security declaration as long as 20 years ago that Iran give up its enrichment activities.  Here in the past three weeks, Iran continues to refuse to give up its program.  The Ayatollah has lost his chance.

A word about the NYT and those who don’t understand the Regime.  See “Why Have You Started This War, Mr. President?,” NYT, 2-28-26.  The premise is flawed.  The U.S. didn’t start this war, it is decades and years and issues and threats and deaths long.  Iran started it with the founding mantra “Death to America.”  It is how the country is founded and run.  There is also Death to Israel and Death to Saudi Arabia.  They are Little Satans.  This is not what a normal country does and is why Henry Kissinger’s statement about the ISI started this blog.  All American presidents since Jimmy Carter have had to deal with this Shia Crescent Mahdi Death Cult.  All regional presidents and monarchs and countries of the Middle East but really around the world because of the long arm of Iran and its Quds Force and IRGC have had to deal with the two Supreme Leaders and their twisted view of Islam.  There have been proxies, the long war with Iraq, hostages, missile strikes, the largest state-sponsor of terror, the nuclear weapons program, the list of negatives is so long.  And the list of brutality and human rights denials and corruption against common Iranians are too numerous to count.  Well, more than 30,000 is the latest number to count, those killed in the Jan. 8-9 military-grade weapons murders of their countrymen and women.  Why doesn’t the NYT ask which countries or international organizations are holding Iran to account for that most recent event, which is the largest government mass killing at one time of a country’s people?

Israel will forever have the credit for removing this Haman.  “Israel kills Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei in Saturday strikes | LIVE BLOG,” I24, 2-28-26.  Khamenei will never order another person dead.  Or an entire nation.  I wonder if Quds Day is no officially over?  I wonder if the Doomsday clock in Tehran will ever be reconstituted?  I wonder if the new head of government in Iran will make predictions of how long will Israel will exist?

“Israel, US timed Iran strikes to Khamenei meeting with inner circle – report,” I24, 2-28-26.  “Israeli officials said Khamenei was killed along with key lieutenants, including Ali Shamkhani, the powerful former secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour. Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Khamenei met on Saturday with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes began. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei’s body had been found.”  [was Larijani killed?]  Two US sources and a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said confirmation that Khamenei was meeting his top aides triggered the joint Israeli-US operation. The US official said the attack needed to hit Khamenei first to maintain the element of surprise, suggesting concerns that the Iranian leader would go into hiding if he had advance warning. One US source said Khamenei had originally been expected to hold the meeting on Saturday evening in Tehran, but Israeli intelligence detected a meeting on Saturday morning, and the strikes were moved forward.  The precise location of the meeting was not immediately clear, the sources said. However, Khamenei’s high‑security compound in Tehran was struck at the beginning of the operation, and satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters confirmed that the site was destroyed. … After Khamenei’s death, Head of Iran’s National Security Council said a temporary Leadership Council will be formed today. According to a report by Iran International, Iran’s president, judiciary chief, Guardian Council jurist will assume the supreme leader’s duties.  The impact of Khamenei’s death on Iran’s internal power structure and regional policy remains uncertain. In a pre‑attack assessment, the US Central Intelligence Agency concluded that he could be replaced by hardliners from within the IRGC [this is what I think, that Iran becomes a military dictatorship or junta for the moment], according to two sources briefed on the intelligence. Officials and analysts warn that the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, combined with ongoing military exchanges, could further destabilize the region and complicate efforts to contain wider escalation.”

“Live Updates: U.S. and Israel Strike Iran as Trump Calls for Overthrow of Government,” NYT, 2-28-26.  First, the Supreme Leader is now a marked man the rest of his life, much more so than by his own persons.  I don’t know if he will ever go outside again.  Another comment–Classless by the NYT.  It complains that “This is the second time President Trump has attacked Iran during ongoing negotiations on its nuclear program.  Already, Iranian officials were doubtful they could trust Trump to negotiate seriously or if he intended to reach a lasting agreement. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has an abiding mistrust of the United States, which was reinforced in 2018 when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran.”  This is distorting history and reality.  We have been negotiating for years.  And the NYT ignores the many reports in the last few days that Iran was not negotiating in good faith, was not offering much, and certainly wasn’t giving up its nuclear program.  Why should anyone continue so-called negotiating or diplomacy that is not going anywhere?  Here’s another point–“In a letter to the U.N. Security Council, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, asked for the council to intervene and said Israel and the United States had violated international law in attacking Iran. “The United States and the Israeli regime shall bear full and direct responsibility for all ensuing consequences, including any escalation arising from their unlawful actions,” Mr. Araghchi said in the letter. “All bases, facilities and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives within the framework of Iran’s lawful exercise of self-defense.”  Good luck on whether the world defends this interpretation of IL.  As an example of my point, “Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union’s executive arm, announced on social media that she would convene a special security update meeting on Monday on the situation in Iran. She said that it is “of the utmost importance that there is no further escalation through Iran’s unjustified attacks on partners in the region.”  And “Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said that there had been “blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks” on its capital Riyadh and in the country’s oil-rich eastern province. The statement said the attacks came even after Saudi Arabia had said it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran.”  Also, the NYT is reporting that “Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, said there were currently no backchannel negotiations taking place in an effort to end the war with the United States and Israel. “If the Americans want to talk to us, they know how they can contact me,” Araghchi said in an interview on NBC News.”  Note that Araghchi didn’t say he was trying to contact the U.S. or Israel.  The next comment I have is what is important now is will the Iranian people step up, and will the Army and Basij step down.  It will be interesting to learn more about the contacts between Western intelligence and freedom advocates.  Here’s another point—only Iran brings its rivals together so well.  “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the president of the United Arab Emirates, spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia by phone on Saturday, according to U.A.E. state media, after the Emirates came under retaliatory Iranian strikes. Prince Mohammed told the Emirati leader that Saudi Arabia would be “placing all its capabilities at its disposal,” to support the Emirates. Relations between the two Gulf neighbors have been strained in recent months.  Finally, “Iran’s semiofficial news agency Fars reported that Iranian missile attacks had targeted U.S. military facilities including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.”  Apparently, though, little damage as the missiles are being shot out of the sky.

Where is Esmail Qaani, leader of the Quds Force?  I guess he survived June 25, and now March 26.  But why no public appearances if he is alive?  Not even a mention of him in the Regime news sources.  “Diagramming the Blows to Iran’s Leadership,” NYT, 2-28-26.

This is from the man who hardly ever criticizes the largest state-sponsor of terror.  “UN chief condemns U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran during emergency Security Council meeting,” PBS, 2-28-26.

“What It Will Take to Change the Regime in Iran,” Foreign Affairs, 2-27-26.  “The U.S. Military Must Go Big—and Then Let Iranians Do the Rest.”  Because the Regime will never reform nor change on its own.

“Iran Update, February 27, 2026,” Institute for the Study of War, 2-27-26.

“Iran Update, February 27, 2026,” Critical Threats, 2-27-26.  Another good regular overview, from where the university protests are occurring, to the continuing fact that the IAEA can’t confirm whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities.

“U.S. authorizes nonessential staff, family members to leave Israel ‘while commercial flight are available’ | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 2-27-26.

“US, Iran to convene for 3rd round of nuclear talks in Geneva | LIVE BLOG,” i24NEWS, 2-26-26.  “US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: ‘Iran isn’t enriching right now, but they’re trying to get to the point where they ultimately can.'”

“Iran could offer billion-dollar energy deal to entice US ahead of nuclear talks – report,” i24NEWS, 2-26-26.  “Tehran aims to turn a high-stakes standoff into a “commercial windfall” for American companies, offering oil, gas, and mineral investments to persuade Washington toward diplomacy over war.”  BTW, I keep seeing in news of all types that war might be coming.  This ignores the 40+ year of war that Iran has been waging against the U.S. (and others).   Sometimes it is more open conflict than others, but Iran has been a belligerent for years.  Sometimes there is open violence.  But the violence against diplomats, dissidents, soldiers, tourists, government employees, naval forces, shall I go on, has been a constant.  The U.S. hasn’t had relations since 1979 of course.

“Iranians Cite Progress in Talks, but a Marathon Session Produces No Deal,” NYT, 2-26-26.  Repeating myself, but not just indicative of the immediate negotiations.  This is a multi-year refusal of the Supreme Leader and the Regime to come to normalcy.  They want the Revolution to continue, it is all they know, it keeps them in power.

Another day, another proposal.  Iran won’t simply give up its program.  Time is running shy.  “Iran to propose to US a temporary halt to uranium enrichment – report,” I24, 2-26-26.  “US negotiators reportedly have demanded Iran must dismantle Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites and hand over enriched uranium, insisting any new deal must be permanent.”

But they never say what that progress is, right?!  “Tehran hails ‘good progress’ in Iran-US talks, technical discussions set for next week,” France 24, 2-26-26.

“Iran’s shadowy chemical weapons program draws scrutiny as reports allege use against protesters,” Fox, 2-24-26.

“7 experts on the risk of a wider war with Iran,” Politico, 2-24-26.

“It’s Time to Confront Afghanistan and Iran About Al-Qaeda,” National Interest, 2-24-26.  “The al-Qaeda terror network operates with impunity out of Iran and Afghanistan. America must lean on both countries’ regimes to bring it to heel. Iran’s nuclear program is at the heart of its ongoing standoff with the United States, but Washington also needs to confront Iran on another key issue: its persistent support for al-Qaeda and its ongoing relationship with the Taliban.”

“Why Iran Will Escalate,” Foreign Affairs, 2-24-26.  This article forgets the argument that the U.S. warned not to punish the protesters.

You heard it here first:  The Regime will not give up anything of consequence.  It will not give up anything/much regarding its nuclear program nor its ballistic missiles.  They would allow the U.S. to attack in response to the killing of Iranian protesters.  The Leader and his henchmen are just trying to stay alive at this point.  But if you read this blog and the news regularly, you already knew this.  See “For Iran’s Rulers, Refusing U.S. Demands Is a Risk Worth Taking,” NYT, 2-23-26.

“Iran: student chant ‘death to Islamic Republic’ as protests continue for 3rd day,” I24, 2-23-26.

“’Hard to see’ Trump continue talks if gaps remain after Iran submits draft proposal on Tuesday, U.S. official tells i24NEWS,” 2-23-26.  “Tuesday’s round of talks understood to be a last chance saloon for the Iranians before a U.S. strike.”

“Binance Employees Find $1.7 Billion in Crypto Was Sent to Iranian Entities,” NYT, 2-23-26.

“Trump Considers Targeted Strike Against Iran, Followed by Larger Attack,” NYT, 2-22-26.

As a sign of how “off the rails” the IRI government has become, the Supreme Leader’s survival and leadership and succession plan doesn’t even mention the Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for selecting a new leader, nor does the NYT even mention the Assembly.  Amazing developments in a regime slated for falling apart, being surgically altered by the strikes, being overthrown by its own people, all the above.  See “Inside Iran’s Preparation for War and Plans for Survival,” NYT, 2-22-26.  Khamenei has “told everyone in leadership roles to name up to four replacements and has delegated responsibilities to a tight circle of confidants to make decisions in case communications with him are disrupted or he is killed.”  Adviser Larijani is “in Mr. Khamenei’s trusted circle, which includes his top military adviser and former commander in chief of the Guards, Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi; Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former Guards commander and current speaker of Parliament, … and his chief of staff, the cleric Ali Asghar Hejazi.”  BTW, Larijani is taking the place of Pres. Pezeshkian in essence, see the article for examples.

“Iranian Students Protest as Anger Grows,” WSJ, 2-21-26.  “Students at several universities gathered in large numbers Saturday—the first day of a new academic term—chanting slogans commemorating those who were killed and condemning security forces, according to videos verified by Storyful, which is owned by News Corp, parent company of The Wall Street Journal. The student protests represent the most significant show of public defiance against the Islamic Republic since the mass protests were brutally crushed in January. At Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, students dressed in black shouted “Long Live the Shah,” a reference to Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, who has emerged as a leader of the recent protests. A similar scene played out in another part of the city, at Sharif University of Technology, where antigovernment protesters chanted slogans against the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. That protest turned violent, with the students clashing with members of the plainclothes Basij militia outside the university campus, according to videos verified by Storyful.”