Iran Nation or Cause

The Iranians placed three busts of Solemani at the field level.  “Saudi soccer team refuses to play in Iran over busts of slain general, in potential diplomatic row,” AP, 10-2-23.  Due to the widespread death and mayhem in various countries of the Quds Force leader over multiple years, it is no surprise that Al-Ittihad’s players refused to take to the field after a request to remove the bust was rejected by Sepahan officials.  But, at this point, I don’t think this will affect Iran-SA relations.

“Iran to trade Hezbollah arms to Moscow, Arab tribes in Syria – report,”  Jerusalem Post, 10-2-23.

“Iran, Syria, Venezuela to construct oil refinery in Homs,” MEMO, 10-2-23.

“The tragedy of modern Iran,” Ellsworth American, 10-2-23.

“Politician Says Iran Losing Key Gateway As Azerbaijan Takes Karabakh,” Iran International, 10-2-23.

It is not surprising to see Israel react as any country would when Iran tries to arm an entity like Hezbollah, sworn to destroy Israel.  “Israel Strikes Iranian Weapons Shipment Near Damascus,” 10-1-23.

“Iran adding cruise missiles to frigate in bid to strengthen navy,” Jerusalem Post, 10-1-23.

“Iranian Cleric Denies Blame For Nation’s Problems After Revolution,” Iran International, 10-1-23.

Another example of how Iran does not support regional peace.  “Iran Slams Normalization With Israel as ‘Reactionary’,” VOA, 10-1-23.

The theme pushed regularly by the Great Ayatollah—the U.S. is responsible for all world wrongs (except when the Little Satan Israel is, or the other Little Satan Saudi Arabia is, or in the past when Iraq was …).  “Iran Leader’s aide: US forced Ukraine into war, causing further mayhem in region,” Iran Front Page, 9-30-23.

“Iranian press review: Curly hair banned for male medical students,” Middle East Eye, 9-29-23.

“Iran protesters mark anniversary of bloody crackdown in south-east,” Middle East Monitor, 9-29-23.

Saudi won’t be pleased with the Regime.  “Alleged Iranian hackers target victims in Saudi Arabia with new spying malware,” The Record, 9-29-23.

No, Politico.  Your using “Iranian vessels pointed lasers” (twice) does not report what Iran did—Iran shot its lasers at the helicopter.  Accurate reporting leads to better outcomes.  “‘Unsafe and unprofessional’: U.S. chides Iran after American helicopter hit with lasers,” Politico, 9-28-23.  See other articles in the news such as “Iran ‘Laser Attacks’ US Navy Chopper; US Condemns Iran for ‘Unsafe & Unprofessional’ Act,” Eurasian Times, 9-29-23.

Really funny.  “Iranian Navy Reiterates Plans for a Base in Antarctica,” Maritime Excutive, 9-28-23.

Not funny.  “Russia’s secret munition route for Iranian weapons,” Frontline, 9-28-23.

“Iran says it has successfully launched an imaging satellite into orbit amid tensions with the West,” Canadian Press, 9-27-23.  This is for use with ballistic missiles.

“Iran Unveils Jet-Powered Version Of Shahed Kamikaze Drone,” Forbes, 9-27-23.  Again, note the lack of articles in Iranian news about budgetary funds being used for new medical clinics, highways, schools, bridges, etc.  Daily stories are focused on weapons.  This is not me making this up–it is what the daily news has reported through the search engines for years now.

“US targets Iran drone procurement network, accuses it of aiding Russia,” Al Arabiya, 9-27-23.

For goods and pilgrims.  “Historic Iraq-Iran railway link ready in 18 months -Iraq transport adviser,” Reuters, 9-26-23.

“Iran denies missile base blast after mystery explosion rocks western city,” Jerusalem Post, 9-26-23.

“Inside Iran’s influence operation,” Semafor, 9-26-23.

“Iranian leader said to okay direct talks with US on reviving nuke deal,” Times of Israel, 9-26-23.  According to this story (not denied yet by the Regime), this report by UK-based Amwaj.media claims backchannel contacts already lowering tensions, with Tehran seeking to pick up negotiations where they left off before collapse in 2022.

It is abnormal for a country that holds people as hostage pawns and sponsors state terrorism to be allowed into the United States.  The State Department made the right decision.  “US denies top Iran diplomat’s request to visit Washington: State Department,” Al Arabiya, 9-25-23.

Hold him to this prediction.  And note that he wants to kick the inspectors out (ala Saddam).  “Israel’s peace talks with Saudi Arabia will fail, Iran’s Raisi claims,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, 9-25-23.

Remember, the agreement was based on blackmail—pay me or I’ll build nukes.  (and Iran would be able to build them after the agreement ran).  “Iran’s president defends uranium enrichment after Europeans ‘trampled on their commitments’,” CNN, 9-24-23.

We are reminded of the purpose of this blog—Iran must decide if it will be a radical/revolutionary state or a reasonable/rational actor.  And for too long it has chosen the former.  “Blinken: Iran not a ‘responsible actor’ on nuke program after booting UN inspectors,” Times of Israel, 9-23-21.

The Mohajer-10 supposedly is “the longest-range drone in the world”, with a range of 1,240 miles and can fly for up to 24 hours.  “Iran parades new ‘longest-range’ drone on Iraq war anniversary,” New Arab, 9-23-23.