“Iran calls for OPEC to unite against potential US oil sanctions,” Al Jazeera, 2-5-25.
“Trump Returns to ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran,” Foreign Policy, 2-5-25.
“Syria’s new leader denounces Iran, calling its proxies a regional threat,” NPR, 2-4-25.
“Trump Has a Rare and Short Window to Solve the Iran Problem — Here’s How,” War on the Rocks, 2-4-25
“Iran is the only country in the world to speak up to the U.S., call it by its true names: Leader,” IRNA, 2-3-25. “Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran is the only country in the world that speaks up to the United States and calls it by its true names. “The difference between the Iranian nation and others is that [Iran] has the courage to speak this truth that America is an aggressor, a liar, deceiver, and colonialist and adheres to no human principle whatsoever,” the Leader said on Sunday. Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking during a meeting with top Qur’an teachers and reciters participating in the 41st International Qur’an Competition. The Leader said Iran’s patience and perseverance against all global arrogant powers during the past 46 years have won the nation comprehensive growth. “Not only did Iran not suffer a blow in this face-off, but it also grew in all fields.” In another part of his speech, the Leader described the victory of the people of Gaza over the Zionist regime and the U.S. as an example of “achieving the impossible.” Before the war, no one would have believed that Palestinians in the small territory of Gaza “would fight against a great power like the United States and emerge victorious,” Ayatollah Khamenei said. “But this impossible feat was accomplished by God’s will,” he added.” Hmm. So two thoughts. First, the Leader leads chants regularly that the U.S. is “the Great Satan.” He’s right that Iran is the only country that does that. Second, he is giving Allah credit for victory in Gaza. I guess that is how Allah defines victory, and again, it is only Iran that is saying that Allah claims a victory in Gaza. If I’m wrong on this, someone please correct me; maybe there are other countries.
Really good news. “Iran Is Developing Plans for Faster, Cruder Weapon, U.S. Concludes,” NYT, 2-3-25.
The IRGC hired two assassins to kill a prominent Jew in Azerbaijan. “Iran-Azerbaijan tensions rise over Israel ties, alleged assassination plot,” JPost, 2-3-25.
“Iran, Tunisia stress revival of joint business council,” Tehran Times, 2-2-25. Danger, Will Robinson.
“Iran secretly building nuclear weapons able to reach Europe based on North Korean designs,” Ynet, 2-2-25.
“Iran unveils new ballistic missile that can reach Israel,” Times of Israel, 2-2-25.
“Iran unveils new generation of Bavar-373 air defence system,” Mehr, 2-2-25.
Don’t cross the Regime. “Iran arrests former editor of hardline Kayhan newspaper,” Iran International, 2-2-25.
I can’t imagine how many threats and attempts have been made on the lives of NCRI leaders. “Iran is developing nuclear-capable warheads, opposition group says,” Iran International, 2-1-25.
“Iran Update, February 1, 2025,” Institute for the Study of War, 2-1-25.
“In bitter paradox, Iran grows more polluted even as it runs low on fuel,” Iran International, 2-1-25.
“IRGC Navy unveils underground base housing anti-destroyer cruise missiles,” Press TV, 2-1-25.
“Iran’s covert nuclear agency found operating out of top space program launch sites,” Fox, 1-31-25. “Iran ‘camouflage[s] the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites,’ new report says.”
“Iran’s covert nuclear agency found operating out of top space program launch sites,” Fox, 1-31-25. “Iran ‘camouflage[s] the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites,’ new report says.”
“Friday sermons in Iran reflect hardline pushback against US talks,” Iran International, 1-31-25. “Iran ‘camouflage[s] the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites,’ new report says.”
“Canada moves to deport suspected Iranian official – Global News,” Iran International, 1-30-25.
“Iran’s Zarif at center of political storm at home – analysis,” JPost, 1-30-25.
“Iran’s foreign minister to visit Qatar, meet Hamas officials, foreign ministry says,” Reuters, 1-30-25.
Fascinating. But concerning. Russia may transfer and expand to Libya. But I don’t know about port usage there. The additional interesting thing to watch here is what does the new Syria demand of Iran? “Syria’s new government demands Russia extradite Bashar al-Assad,” i24, 1-29-25.
Nice overview. “Iran in 2025: How strong does it remain in the Middle East?,” UK House of Parliament, 1-29-25.
Iraq harboring Iran proxy groups running from Syria? “Hundreds of Iran-Backed Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun Terrorists Warehoused at Iraqi Government Bases,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 1-29-25.
“Political Prisoners in Iran Charged Insulting Supreme Leader,” Iran Wire, 1-29-25. Quotes of the Day: “Your situation has become even worse than Bashar al-Assad’s was a month ago. You no longer have the power to suppress, nor do you have any time left for deception.” … “I have neither a first defense nor a last one. My freedom will come with the overthrow of the Islamic Republic.”
“Chinese and Iranian Hackers Are Using U.S. AI Products to Bolster Cyberattacks,” WSJ, 1-29-25.
“Iran Suggests Expelling Israelis to Greenland,” Newsweek, 1-29-25. From FM Araghchi himself.
“Iran’s Campaign of Terror Against Minorities Surges Across Country,” Center for Human Rights in Iran, 1-29-25. “The Iranian government has greatly escalated its brutal crackdown on ethnic minority groups in recent weeks, employing unlawful mass raids, violent arrests, and enforced disappearances against hundreds of members of these communities across the country in order to silence peaceful dissent, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said today. “The systematic persecution of Kurds, Arabs, Baluchis, and Azeri Turks has reached alarming levels, as the Islamic Republic escalates its campaign of terror against these communities in order to silence and suppress them,” said Hadi Ghaemi, CHRI’s executive director. “The targeting of Iran’s minority communities is a deliberate state strategy to silence dissent, erase cultural identities, and exert control over communities who have long been subjected to the Islamic Republic’s oppressive and discriminatory policies,” Ghaemi said.”
“Iran to import 50,000 tons of potatoes to combat price hikes,” Iran International, 1-29-25.
“Will Iran and Russia’s Growing Partnership Go Nuclear?,” Foreign Affairs, 1-28-25.
“[C]ryptic remarks some commentators viewed as a tacit endorsement of talks with the United States.” See “Khamenei urges diplomatic vigilance in possible blessing of US talks,” Iran International, 1-28-25.
“Analysis: Iran’s confirmation of Su-35 fighter jet purchase could threaten US air superiority in the Middle East,” Global Defense News, 1-28-25.
“Iran’s Army makes grand advances in electronic warfare, AI: General Bagheri,” Press TV, 1-28-25.
“Iran Unveils Super-Heavy Drone “Gaza,”” Caspian News, 1-28-25.
“Iranian octopus extends its tentacles to new countries, proxies,” Ynet, 1-28-25. “Iran may seek to strengthen its presence in the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, or even Libya. Its ties with Sudan have also recently grown stronger. The Horn of Africa region, including countries like Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, holds strategic importance for Iran. This region, located near Yemen and along the Red Sea, plays a critical role in pressuring Israel and supporting Hamas in Gaza. … [M]ight even include cells in the West Bank and Jordan.”
“Golden opportunity: Iranian daily urges Tehran to invite Musk,” Iran International, 1-25-25. The world’s richest man would fetch quite a ransom.