Dastardly, pulling in hostages. “UK warns of Iran’s apparent attempts to force ships into its waters amid IRGC drills,” Times of Israel, 1-24-25.
“Iran Update, January 24, 2025,” ISW Press, 1-24-25.
“Trump Redesignates Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels As Foreign Terrorist,” NDTV, AFP, 1-23-25.
“Iranian official calls for Zarif’s arrest over Davos hijab comments,” Iran International, 1-23-25. “The criticism arose after Zarif signaled a softer line on hijab enforcement in a CNN interview on the sidelines of the Davos Forum in Switzerland. “The Islamic Republic has decided not to pressure women regarding the hijab,” Zarif said. “If you walk on the streets of Tehran, you will see some women without hijab. Although this is illegal, the government has chosen not to put women under pressure.” Tehran’s Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Council is a governmental body tasked with enforcing Islamic behavioral codes, including mandatory hijab laws. It plays a significant role in shaping and implementing the Islamic Republic’s social policies. In November 2024, the council announced plans to establish a “hijab clinic” aimed at providing “scientific and psychological treatment” for women who defy compulsory hijab regulations.”
Just in case you’re wondering. “Preparing to strike? Over 1,000 tons of missile fuel chemicals head for Iran from China – report,” JPost, 1-22-25. “Iranian cargo vessels will reportedly carry over 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient to make missile propellant.” … “Two Iranian ships carrying a chemical ingredient crucial for missile propellant will sail from China to Iran within the next few weeks, security sources from two Western countries with knowledge of the matter told the Financial Times. The Iranian cargo vessels – the Golbon and the Jairan – will reportedly carry more than 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient to make the missile propellant ammonium perchlorate. The officials said the sodium perchlorate on the ships could produce up to 960 tons of ammonium perchlorate, which is enough to fuel 260 mid-range Iranian missiles. Ammonium perchlorate makes up approximately 70% of propellant for solid-fuel missiles. Ammonium perchlorate is a substance controlled by the Missile Technology Export Control Regime, an international anti-nuclear missile proliferation body. The Western officials said that approximately 56 20-foot containers of the chemicals are on their way to the IRGC at the port in Bandar Abbas. The Golbon departed with 34 containers from Daishan Island in the East China Sea on Tuesday; the Jairan will depart China with 22 containers in February. Both Iranian-flagged ships will make the three-week voyage to southern Iran without any stops, the Financial Times reported. The Golbon spent several days in Chinese waters before leaving on Tuesday, according to data from vessel tracker Marine Traffic. The tracker also showed the Jairan about 75 km south of Daishan on Wednesday. … Additionally, the Chinese embassy in the US said it was unfamiliar with the situation and added that China is committed to “maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region and actively promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.” “Since the early 1990s, China has assisted the Iranian military extensively with its ballistic missile development program and has provided expertise, technology, parts, and training,” former top CIA analyst Dennis Wilder told the Financial Times. “China’s motivation for secretly assisting Iran today includes clandestinely helping Iran produce missiles for the Russian war effort [in Ukraine], cementing common cause against perceived US hegemonism . . . and Beijing’s purchase annually of large amounts of discounted Iranian crude oil.” Washington has also criticized Beijing for purchasing Iranian petroleum, which goes against US sanctions.”
“Iran’s intelligence minister warns against US talks,” Iran Intelligence, 1-22-25.
“Task Force created in Africa to counter terror fears from Iran and jihadi groups” Fox, 1-22-25. The task force will operate globally and in South Africa and is overseen by global authorities on terrorism. … The “Counter-Terror Task Force” will make recommendations to protect places of worship, schools and community centers. “South Africa’s Jewish community, like other Jewish communities globally, faces heightened risk of terror attacks,” Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein told Fox News Digital. “The Iranian regime is the world’s chief exponent of state-sponsored terror, and have made it their strategy to target Jewish communities worldwide. With this in mind, the findings of the task force will be applied not just in South Africa, but globally.”
“How quickly could Iran build its first nuclear weapon? Look at China,” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 1-22-25.
“Iran is ‘pressing the gas pedal’ on uranium enrichment, IAEA chief says,” Reuters, 1-22-25.
“UN chief Guterres calls on Iran to renounce nuclear weapons,” Reuters, 1-22-25. We don’t see enough of these calls by the UN.
“Iran says defense capabilities non-negotiable,” Xinhua, 1-21-25.
“New Russia-Iran Treaty Reveals the Limits of Their Partnership,” Carnegie, 1-21-25. “The first major treaty between Iran and Russia since 2001 does not include a military alliance or impose any obligations on either party.”
“Iran and Pakistan Consider Strategic Collaboration in Military Equipment Production,” Army Recognition, 1-21-25. “However, this collaboration raises sensitive questions, particularly concerning nuclear issues. While focused on conventional equipment, the partnership could be perceived as a strategic threat by international powers such as the United States and Israel, who closely monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.”
“Yemen’s Houthis make play to become Iran’s main Middle East proxy – analysis,” JPost, 1-21-25.
Mirage. “A New Chapter in Iran’s Internet Policy: Hope or Mirage?,” Modern Diplomacy, 1-21-25.
In an op-ed by a Xavier Villar, he lays out the Regime’s thoughts. I also post pieces from mouthpieces. “Why Washington can’t let go of its Iran obsession (and why it should),” Tehran Times, 1-21-25.
“Tehran says it’s ready to sit for talks on removal of sanctions,” Iran International, 1-21-25. Actions speak louder than words, as this blog continually records.
“Trump will seek snapback of UN sanctions on Iran, Rubio says,” Iran International, 1-21-25.
“Iran testing combat robots, developing new models, Army tells Tehran Times,” Tehran Times, 1-20-25.
“Iran testing combat robots, developing new models, Army tells Tehran Times,” Tehran Times, 1-20-25.
“Biden team stressed Iran threats in departing briefing for Trump team,” Semafor, 1-20-25.
Remember, Iran defines “respect” as “let us do what we want, we are sovereign.” See “Iran says it hopes Trump will take ‘realistic’ approach, show ‘respect’ to Mideast,” AFP, Times of Israel, 1-20-25.
Another reminder why Iran should not be allowed to have any type of nuclear program. “Iran extolls deterrence of nuclear program on Trump’s first day back,” Iran International, 1-20-25. “Iran’s nuclear program is central to strengthening national security and deterring international threats, a top official said on Monday as hawkish President Donald Trump returned to the White House after repeatedly vowing to deny Tehran a bomb. “Over the years, adversaries have tried to weaken Iran in this field and entangle the country in international issues,” Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said during a military conference in Tehran. “That is precisely why they do not want Iran to have full, indigenous control over it.” … “Power in today’s international world is distributed based on balance and realism. Islam recognized this long ago and considered power as a foundation for creating deterrence.” Iranian hardliners have previously advocated for developing nuclear weapons as a deterrent. Following Israeli airstrikes on October 26, Javan, a newspaper affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, urged Tehran to consider developing nuclear arms to counter external threats.”
“Iran’s Energy Crisis,” Real Clear Energy, 1-20-25. So much oil and gas, so much mismanagement and unwise spending (terror, Crescent, corruption, etc.). Great article. See also “Iran’s Energy Crisis,” FDD, 1-20-25.
“Iran denies issuing death penalty against rapper ‘Amir Tataloo’ for blasphemy charges,” New Arab, 1-20-25. So I guess we’ll see soon if the Judiciary is telling the truth.
Read this. This is why the West is saying the evil of the Regime needs to come to an end for the Iranian people and everyone else. “Italian journalist Cecilia Sala reveals horror of captivity in Iranian jail,” Politico, 1-20-25.
“Pakistan president officially welcomes Iran’s top general,” Mehr, 1-20-25.
A different definition of victory. Or maybe not a definition of victory at all, but using the word. “Iran president congratulates Gazans on victory, praises ‘strong resistance’ against Israel,” Press TV, 1-20-25.
“Hamas leader Abu Obaida roars at victory speech, thanks Iran, Hezbollah, Houthis and Iraqi resistance group,” Muslim Mirror, 1-20-25. If “Al-Aqsa Storm marked the final nail in the coffin of the Israeli regime” what happened to Hezbollah and Syria?
A really long posting day. But the Leader makes a critical quote here. “Iran’s Leader: Resistance Front not to stop for a moment,” Press TV, 1-20-25. Quote of the Day: ““Despite the fall of prominent figures like Yahya Sinwar, the front of the uprising will not stop for a moment,” the Leader added, referring to Hamas’ former leader, who was assassinated during an Israeli strike against Gaza during the war and other senior resistance personalities. “Hamas is alive and will remain alive.”
“Iran’s Leader expresses condolences over martyrdom of two senior judges in Tehran,” Iran Front Page, 1-19-25.
Quote of the Day. Let’s see how Iran responds. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is urging President-elect Donald Trump to go after Iran with force. The target: Tehran’s nuclear program. The country is now a “de facto nuclear threshold state,” and Graham doesn’t believe diplomacy will stop Iran from eventually crossing the threshold. … “There’s a one in trillion chance you’ll degrade the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy,” Graham told Margaret Brennan on Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “There’s a 90% chance you’ll degrade it through military action by Israel, supported by the United States. So the next topic I will be engaging in with President Trump is to take this moment in time to decimate the Iran nuclear program because they’re so exposed.” … “This is a religious Nazi regime,” Graham told Brennan. “They want to destroy the Jewish state. They want to purify Islam and drive us out of the Mideast. It would be like negotiating with Hitler. I am hoping there will be an effort by Israel to decimate the Iran nuclear program supported by the United States, and, if we don’t do that, it will be a historical mistake.” See “Lindsey Graham wants military action against Iran’s nuclear program,” Politico, 1-19-25.
“Iran court sentences pop singer Tataloo to death for insulting Prophet Muhammad,” AFP, 1-19-25.
The value of life, which the Regime doesn’t understand. But it tried to snuff out. Israel lives on. “Hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher in IDF hands after 471 days | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 1-18-25.
We don’t know more at this point. “Two Prominent Judges Are Shot Dead Outside Iran’s Supreme Court,” NYT, 1-18-25. See also, “Gunman shoots dead 2 judges in Iran’s capital tied to 1988 mass executions,” AP, 1-18-25.
“What are Russia’s strategic treaties with Iran, North Korea and China?,” Reuters, 1-17-25.
“A call that could change history: Trump and Pezeshkian’s moment to forge peace,” The Hill, 1-17-25. This blog has regularly called out Seyed Hossein Mousavian of Princeton as a shill for Iran. In Mousavian’s call for the U.S. to come to peace, he does not address Iran, nuclear weapons program, oppression of women and minorities and political opponents, the “Axis of Resistance,” its destabilizing activities across the Middle East, the Shia Crescent, terrorism with a capital T, missiles, relationship with Russia and China, dedication to the destruction of Israel, closing of the strait by support for the Houthis, direction of Iran’s proxies, the assassination attempts, and it support for Hezbollah, among other topics.
“Russia and Iran move to strengthen military ties,” BBC, 1-17-25. “Russia and Iran have agreed to closer military co-operation, in a move announced during a visit to Moscow by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two countries signed a 20-year “strategic partnership” treaty, covering areas ranging from defence and technology to energy and trade. Iran already supplies drones to Russia, as well as, according to Western intelligence, ballistic missiles. Russia has cultivated closer ties with Iran, along with China and North Korea, since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. In the treaty, Russia and Iran pledged to consult and co-operate to deal with military and security threats, as well as taking part in joint military exercises on both their territories and beyond. They also agreed not to allow their territories to be used for actions that threatened the other side. Iran’s President Pezeshkian said the signing of the accord meant that Russia and Iran were entering a new chapter of relations. Trade between the two countries could be significantly enhanced by more co-operation in the energy sector. During a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country was considering building new nuclear power units in Iran. Moscow is also seeking to sell some of its surplus gas to Tehran. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the EU has significantly reduced imports of gas from Russia, spurring Moscow to sign up new customers. A planned gas pipeline from Russia to Iran, which the countries are negotiating, will be laid through the territory of Azerbaijan if realised, Interfax news agency reported on Friday, quoting Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev. Russia could eventually supply up to 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year to Iran, said Putin.”
“Iran [the IRGC] says Gaza ceasefire is a ‘victory’ for Palestinian resistance,” Reuters, 1-16-25.
“Iran-Russia Space Cooperation Deepens as Pezeshkian Visits Moscow,” Stimson, 1-16-25.
“Iraq wants Iran-backed factions to lay down weapons, foreign minister says,” Reuters, 1-16-25.
“Russia-Iran pact will not include mutual defence clause, TASS cites Iranian envoy,” Reuters, 1-16-25.
Iran didn’t have a choice, Hamas is too weak. 33 to be released in phases, more food into Gaza, other parts of deal not announced yet. “Qatar announces historic ceasefire, hostage release between Israel and Hamas,” i24, 1-15-25.
Look, Zarif is back in the news! If true, his statements are embarrassing to the ISI because they couldn’t spot it, nor the pagers. Hey Zarif, why are those Western sanctions in place? “Iranian VP accuses Israel of planting explosives in centrifuges,” i24, 1-15-25.
“Another Iranian terrorist attempt foiled in Azerbaijan,” i24, 1-15-25. “Azerbaijan is a frequent location for IRGC attempts to carry out terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets, with the highly experienced local security service foiling most plots. … Azerbaijan is a preferable target for the IRGC due to its alliance with Israel. Most of the fuel in Israel comes from Azerbaijan, which also procures Israeli weapons, needed to guarantee its security from the hostile neighbors. In 2013 the now-late IRGC Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani created and named a special proxy organization for spreading Khomeinist ideology inside Azerbaijan, Hussainiyoun. Its purpose—to overthrow the secular Azerbaijani government, which Tehran calls a “Zionist proxy.””
“Iran president denies plot to kill Trump, calls for him to pursue peace,” Al Jazeera, 1-15-25.
“Tehran analyst foresees regional dynamics shifting in Iran’s favor,” Iran International, 1-15-25.
“Iran’s navy unveils its first signals intelligence ship,” Reuters, 1-15-25.
Iran wants Russia’s backing for the three disputed islands in the Persian Gulf. “Iran Spurns Russia’s Crimea Annexation in New Strategic Treaty,” Newsweek, 1-15-25.