Iran Nation or Cause

More explosions rock the Middle East and Iran.  “At Least 103 Dead in Blasts at Memorial for Killed Iranian Commander Soleimani,” WSJ, 1-3-24.  “IRNA, the state news agency, said the blasts had been caused by a pair of remote-controlled explosive devices.”  That is a mark of Al Qaida or ISIS.  “At least 103 people were killed in explosions in Iran near a public ceremony commemorating the death of a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officer killed by an American airstrike in 2020.  … At least 170 others were wounded by the blasts, which took place as crowds gathered near the tomb of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani … in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman” (Soleimani’s hometown).

A major terror attack against thousands of Jews in BA was prevented.  “Argentina arrests three from Lebanon, Syria in Maccabi Games terror plot,” Jerusalem Post, 1-3-24.

They have a continuing green light from Iran.  “Yemen’s Houthis say they ‘targeted’ container ship, no damage reported,” Reuters, 1-3-24.  “Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said on Wednesday they had “targeted” a container ship bound for Israel, a day after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the militant group had fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles in the southern Red Sea.”

“US says ISIS could have carried out Iran bombing,” The Hill, 1-3-24.

“US Renews Protection for Former Secretary of State, Aide Over Iran Threats,” VOA, 1-3-24.  Iran is still trying to do violence to Pompeo and Hook.

Norman Roule accurately predicted it was ISIS Khorasan on CNN before the group claimed responsibility.  See “Iran expert says U.S. needs to sharpen “red lines”,” CNN, 1-3-24.

So, let’s see if Iran’s Alborz interdicts those pirates from Yemen.  Or if Iran’s real goal is to intimidate other navies from keeping the oceans free.  “Iran Deploys Destroyer To Red Sea,” Tasnim, 1-2-24.

Thanks Supreme Leader.  After Maersk (the world’s largest shipping company) decides to run ships through the Canal and Red Sea again, you allowed the Houthis to attack and try to take hostage a Maersk cargo ship the Hangzhou, but the U.S. Navy sank 3 of the Houthi pirate boats.  Now, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have halted trade.  “Maersk Decides the Red Sea Is Too Unsafe for Its Ships for Now,” Bloomberg, 1-2-24.

So, here are the Supreme Leader’s terms, incredibly high, conveyed today through Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.  In exchange for the Israeli hostages, Iran wants a complete ceasefire, a unity government in Gaza including Hamas, creation of a Palestinian state with capital in Jerusalem, and right of return for Palestinians to Israel (which means acquisition of land and payments).  “Hamas leader to intermediaries: no hostage release without full ceasefire,” I24, 1-2-24.

With hostage negotiations with Hamas (Iran) going nowhere, and those hostages coming closer to death every day, Israel has made the decision to target one of the major Hamas leaders, the first killed since the Oct. 7 attack.  This is a big deal.  “Top Hamas Leader Killed in Suspected Israeli Strike in Beirut,” Wall Street Journal, 1-2-24.  And can you say Rafic Hariri?  Massive truck bomb by Hezbollah blew up PM Hariri in 2005.  No one held responsible.  It is ironic that Hezbollah/Iran is now insisting that Israel be held responsible for this most recent act.

See also “CEP Brief:  Hamas Leader Saleh Al-Arouri Killed in Alleged Israeli Strike in Lebanon,” Counter Extremism Project, 1-2-24.  “On January 2nd, Hamas military leader and financier Saleh al-Arouri was killed in an alleged Israeli strike in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, according to reports from the Hezbollah-linked al Mayadeen and confirmed by Hezbollah. Arouri had been elected deputy leader of Hamas’s political bureau in October 2017. He was a key Hamas financier, a founding member of the al-Qassam brigades, and head of Hamas’s military wing in the West Bank.  Counter Extremism Project (CEP) Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Mark D. Wallace stated:  “Saleh al-Arouri was a mass murderer and U.S.-designated terrorist who operated freely from the safe havens provided by Turkey and Qatar. Justice for the perpetrators of the October 7 atrocities should be the responsibility of all U.S. and Israeli allies. It cannot be confined by international borders.”  CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler added: “Arouri has been responsible for planning attacks and financing Hamas’s activities from Syria, Turkey, Qatar, and Lebanon since he left Israel in 2010. He moved to Syria in 2012 and was expelled from Turkey in 2015 and Qatar in 2017. In Lebanon, Arouri operated as Hamas’s quasi-ambassador to Hezbollah. He was also a major link between Hamas and the Iranian regime, working closely with former IRGC Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani and attending meetings with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Arouri has been facilitating money and weapons transfers to Hamas since the 1980s. In 2014, he claimed responsibility from Turkey for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens, sparking that summer’s conflict between Israel and Hamas. In 2015, he was expelled from Turkey and designated by the U.S. Treasury for his role as a “key financier and financial facilitator for Hamas military cells planning attacks and fomenting unrest.”  In 2018, the U.S. Department of State offered a $5 million dollar reward for information leading to his arrest. Despite being expelled from Turkey and Qatar in 2015 and 2017 respectively, Arouri enjoyed free movement between Turkey, Lebanon, and Qatar. In March of 2023, Israel’s Shin Bet reported that Arouri, along with other Hamas leaders in Istanbul, had recruited four young students from the West Bank for weapons and explosives training in order to carry out terror attacks in Israel.”

“’God Spoke Through Me,’ Khamenei Claims, Stirring Controversy,” Iran International, 1-2-24.

“Iran’s Internet Price Hike Sparks Concerns of Censorship,” Iran News Update, 1-2-24.

And news from Canada, from Niagara Falls.  “Iranian with terrorist ties apprehended at northern border,” Washington Examiner, 1-2-24.

“In Major Escalation, Drones Target Key Kurdish Power Base Near Irbil,” VOA, 1-2-24.

“Iran stations warship in Red Sea as US aircraft carrier leaves Middle East – analysis,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, 1-1-24.  So, as the Ford goes home from the Med (the Eisenhower is in the Gulf of Aden, responding to Iran’s Houthi attacks in the Red Sea), what is Iran’s Alborz warship?  It is a frigate, dating from the time of the Shah, built by Great Britain, and launched in 1969.

“Iran sends 2nd notice to US over Gen. Soleimani assassination,” Mehr, 1-1-24.  Hey Iran, get new lawyers.  Since I’m one, it isn’t hard for me (or anyone else) to look up the Protection of Diplomats Convention, a 1973 UN anti-terrorism treaty to prevent and punish crimes against internationally protected persons including diplomatic agents.  Go see https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_4_1973.pdf  Soleimani (the head of the Quds Force) was anything but a diplomat, and in fact tried to kill diplomats.  And thousands of other persons.  He was a marked man, and for many years stayed low key.  As the main person for the Supreme Leader trying to increase the Shia revolution’s breadth to proxies in multiple countries, and targeting U.S. and other states’ soldiers who stood in his way, and leading the charge against Saudi Arabia and to eliminate Israel, Soleimani’s removal by the President Trump was not a surprise.

“Iran stations warship in Red Sea as US aircraft carrier leaves Middle East – analysis,” Reuters, 1-1-24.

“Iran’s security chief meets senior Ansarullah official,” Mehr, 1-1-24.

“Iran’s Escalating Nuclear Program is A Threat to Regional and Global Security,” Iran News Update, 1-1-24.

Read the facts.  This is the classic and right and morally justified and in self-defense and legal under international law to respond to piracy, and in the modern moment how to respond to Iran.  “US Navy sinks 3 Houthi boats attacking merchant ship in Red Sea, US says,” ABC, 12-31-23.

““I would call Mousavi the second Qassem Soleimani. He knew everybody, had good contacts with people on the ground, militias and heads of groups,” Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami, founder and president of the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) in Riyadh, told Arab News. He said Mousavi had “more knowledge of the realities on the ground” in Syria than anyone else, including his boss and current Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, who Al-Sulami said is more knowledgeable about other countries and regions such as Afghanistan and Central Asia than about Syria and the Middle East. … “When it came to Middle East, it was Qassem Soleimani and Reza Mousavi, the second Qassem Soleimani,” he said. “Therefore, it is a very big loss for Iran and a big success for those who are trying to minimize the presence of militias in Syria.” Iran’s ambassador to Syria said that Mousavi had been working in the Iranian embassy in an official capacity as a diplomat and died in an Israeli missile strike in Sayyida Zeinab, a town in southern Damascus. IRGC media in Iran said Mousavi had the rank of brigadier general. He had reportedly lived in Syria for 30 years and had an office at the Syrian Ministry of Defense.”  See “Who killed Iran’s IRGC operative Sayyed Reza Mousavi in Syria, and why?,” Arab News, 12-31-23.

“Flashback 2023: Iran’s human rights crisis unveiled – A year of escalating repression,” MEDYA News, 12-31-23.  “At least 750 people [in 2023] have been executed.”

“Iran Releases Spaniard Held For More Than A Year,” AFP, Barron’s, 12-31-23.  While Iran should have never detained Santiago Sanchez, including for such a long time (he was a hostage), the football fan on a trek from Madrid to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup should have never (1) gone through Iran because it is not on the way to Qatar, and (2) gone to visit the grave of Mahsa Amini.

“Iran’s Economic War On The West,” Forbes, 12-31-23.  Quote of the Day:  “To be clear, this looks like a declaration of diabolical economic warfare from Iran and the groups it backs such as the Houthis.”  Simon Constable.

“Iran, Indonesia agree to launch robotic telesurgery center,” Press TV, 12-31-23.

“Two Afghan citizens secretly executed in Iran,” Khaama Press, 12-31-23.

“Chronic Inequality: The Role of Political Institutions in Iran’s Society,” Iran News Update, 12-31-23.  This quote captures again the theme of this blog—Iran’s revolutionary desires put it at odds with normal countries.  “Poverty diminishes the quality and quantity of capable human resources, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty that perpetuates and deepens its reach. It is obvious that a comprehensive solution within the current regime is not possible while the regime’s behavior does not show the necessitated structural transformation and the establishment of a balanced relationship with the world. And the best aspect for this is the regime’s destructive support of various tensions and war in the Middle East.”

“Nigerian Shiite Leader Calls For Inspiration From Islamic Revolution,” Iran International, 12-31-23.

“Iranian Steel Workers Extend Strike Amid Ongoing Grievances,” Iran International, 12-30-23.  It is only a matter of time before we will read that the Basij or some other entity uses violence against the strikers.

What this means, along with the recent targeted killing of IRGC General Mousavi in Syria, is that (1) Israel is attempting to remove IRGC leadership is a much more open and forceful way—these are some of the persons enabling Hezbollah to right now sporadically attack Israel from Lebanon (they are most of Iran’s eastern Syria IRGC leaders), and (2) most likely that Iran, not an irrational actor but a revolutionary one, will respond in a forceful way.  See “Alleged Israeli airstrike on Damascus airport killed 11 IRGC chiefs – report,” i24NEWS, 12-29-23.

“UN rights chief deplores execution of 4 people in Iran, urging halt to further executions,” AA, 12-29-23.

Best article I’ve seen on literacy/illiteracy rate in the country.  “Iran’s Literacy Rate A Tale of Disparity,” Iran News Update, 12-29-23.

This is the latest Anti-Semitic genocidal statement from Iran against Israel and Jews, and an official statement at that, by the head of the IRGC, Gen. Hossein Salami.  I won’t hold my breath that many countries or the UN will condemn the statement.  And we wonder why Israel says it must eliminate the Iranian proxy Hamas, and we wonder why Israel took action against an Iranian general in Syria?   “Iran holds funeral for a general who was killed by an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria,” AP, 12-28-23.

“France, Germany, UK and US condemn Iran’s increase in uranium enrichment,” Reuters, 12-28-23.

Take words at face value, or otherwise be at your peril.  “Iranians chant ‘Death to Israel’ at huge funeral of commander said killed by Israel,” AFP, Times of Israel, 12-28-23.

“Iran’s supreme leader leads funeral prayers for senior Guards adviser,” Reuters, 12-28-23.  Shows importance to the Supreme Leader.

“Iran: Oct. 7 attack was revenge for killing of Soleimani in 2020; Hamas: No it wasn’t,” Times of Israel, 12-27-23.  This isn’t news.  Terrorists and their handlers will often have multiple and conflicting announcements about motivations.  We should react with action and not deal with words.

“Russia, Iran Officially Ditch U.S. Dollar for Trade,” OilPrice.com, 12-27-23.  “Russia and Iran have finalized an agreement to trade in their local currencies instead of the U.S dollar. … Both countries are subject to U.S. sanctions. … The global de-dollarization drive has been going on for years with BRIC countries and the so-called pariah states trying to ditch the American dollar in favor of other currencies.”  The power of requiring international norms (anti-terrorism financial support, etc.) from those going through U.S. banks makes law breakers flee.

“Iran’s latest threat on Israel: An arsenal of nuclear weapons – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 12-27-23.

“Iran Reports Growth in Oil, Gas Exports,” 12-27-23.  It is a big “If” because these numbers are reported by Iran.  “Iran has exported $26.46 billion worth of crude oil since the start of its calendar year, in March, contributing to a 7% increase in total trade, which stood at $112 billion in the period. This is according to customs data from Tehran, as cited by Reuters. For next year, Iran’s government is making budget plans based on an expected daily average crude oil export rate of 1.35 million barrels, at an average price of $65 per barrel. Gas exports, meanwhile, did even better, according to the data. These rose by an impressive 139% in the seven months between March and October, topping $2 billion in terms of value, according to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, a government agency.”

Blatant miss-stating of the facts presented by the IAEA.  “Iran Says ‘Nothing New’ in UN Nuclear Watchdog Report,” VOA, 12-27-23.

“Iran is waging a shadow war to reshape the Middle East – opinion,” Jerusalem Post, 12-27-23.

The details in this kind of story shows why Iran is trying to murder Iran International reporters and anchors.  “Exclusive: Iran Recruits Afghans To Target Israelis,” Iran International, 12-27-23.

“Iran-backed Houthis attack another container ship transiting Red Sea,” Fox Business, 12-26-23.

“Tensions Rise As Israel Kills Iran’s ‘Top Man’ In Syria,” Iran International, 12-26-23.  From the various open sources I’ve read on this, Gen. Razi Mousavi was not killed by accident, say by being too close to an Israeli attack on an arms shipment landing in Syria.  Instead, it appears to be a targeted attack on the IRGC’s top military and intelligence man in Syria.  “Razi Mousavi (aka Seyyed Razi) headed IRGC’s ‘logistics’ and military coordination in Syria, which may be better understood as being in charge of getting weapons or money for Iran-backed forces in Syria and Lebanon.”  The last thing to note on this story is that Iran still claims to not have forces in Syria or to supply and direct Hezbollah, a known fiction to all.

So we attacked in Iraq, not inside Iran.  If you keep getting nowhere, go somewhere else.  “US Strikes Iran-Backed Militia After Iraq Air Base Attack,” VOA, 12-26-23.

This is dangerous, and what the UN Security Council should really be watching, not just its IAEA.  “UN watchdog: Iran raising production rate of near-weapons-grade uranium,” Times of Israel, 12-26-23.  “IAEA report says Teheran reversed previous slowdown and has tripled the rate at which it is enriching to 60% purity.”  It is approaching weapons grade purity.

“Iran Adds to Pressure on U.S. With Nuclear Program Acceleration,” WSJ, 12-26-23.

“Iran triples output of near-weapons grade nuclear fuel,” Semafor, 12-26-23.  “The International Atomic Energy Agency told member states in a confidential report that Iran is now producing uranium enriched to 60% purity at a rate of 9 kg per month, up from 3 kg over the summer and early fall. The U.S. estimates that Tehran already has amassed enough fissile material for the production of three nuclear weapons and is moving dangerously close to the 90% purity that’s considered weapons grade. Tehran has “increased its production of highly enriched uranium, reversing a previous output reduction from mid-2023,” the IAEA said in the report, which was first viewed by the Associated Press and Reuters.”

Think about it, “It was the first time the Navy shot down an incoming anti-ship ballistic missile in combat”—Iran has brought us to this.  “Navy shoots down ballistic missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis in Red Sea,” Fox, 12-26-23.

“Iran-Backed Forces Widen Their Attacks on Commercial Shipping,” WSJ, 12-25-23.  “The U.S. Navy said late Saturday that two more vessels had been attacked that day by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, bringing the number of commercial ships attacked near a crucial passageway between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East to 15. The Pentagon said earlier in the day that a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean was struck by a drone launched directly from Iran, a claim Tehran denied. The shipping attacks are part of a broader regional confrontation between Iran’s allies and the U.S. and Israel, and are increasing. A declassified document from the Defense Department shows Houthi attacks on ships escalated during the first half of December to eight incidents, compared with just three during the last half of November.”  Remember, this escalation was approved by the Supreme Leader.  On that note, Merry Christmas.

“3 American service-members wounded in Iraq,” Politico, 12-25-23.  Tehran has ordered over 100 attacks now.

From where does Sinwar get his marching orders and numbers?  We know.  “Sinwar falsely claimed that the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, had “targeted” over 5,000 Israeli soldiers and officers, and killed about third of them — that is, over 1,500. The actual figure of IDF deaths is one-tenth of what the terror leader alleged. According to the IDF, 156 soldiers have so far been killed in the ground operation in Gaza. Over 300 members of the security forces were killed in Hamas’s initial October 7 onslaught. The terror leader also gave inflated claims of the number of Israeli soldiers injured in the war, and the amount of Israeli military equipment that has been destroyed. He claimed that around 3,500 troops were seriously wounded or disabled, whereas that figure according to the IDF stands at less than 200.”  See “In first public message since Oct. 7, Sinwar says Hamas won’t surrender,” Times of Israel, 12-25-23.