Iran Nation or Cause

“Iran hosts int’l conference in support of Palestinians,” Xinhua, 12-24-23.  “Iran hosted here an international conference to rally support for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank on Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.  The one-day Tehran International Conference on Palestine aimed to lift the blockade of Gaza and ensure more humanitarian aid for the coastal territory, said the statement.  The conference, as part of Iran’s diplomatic efforts to back the Palestinians, was attended by officials, political, religious, media figures and scholars from more than 50 countries, the statement added.  [Actually, most of the attendees were from Iran, from Tehran].  Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, speaking at the conference, accused the United States of being the “first and biggest violator of democracy in the world,” and urged it not to “draw up plans for the future of Gaza, as the future of this region will be determined by its people and legal government,” according to the statement.  Raisi denounced the “global hegemonic system” for violating human rights in Gaza, expressing regret for the deaths of many Palestinian civilians, including children and women, and the destruction of many homes in the war-torn enclave over recent weeks.  In a separate event on Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei criticized the U.S. veto of several UN Security Council resolutions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza as a “shameless move and complicit” with Israel in its bombardments of civilians in Gaza, according to a statement published on his website.  The Iranian leader called again on Muslim countries to stop exports of commodities, oil and fuel to Israel.”

As these things always are, when Iran attacks Israel, it doesn’t mind attacking the world.  It was a Japanese-owned commercial tanker, Liberian-flagged, Netherlands-operated, and the AP reported the tanker had ties with Israel.  The crew was 20 Indians and one Vietnamese, and had left Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and was heading to Mangalore, India.  It is now in Mumbai for repairs with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard.  “Japan-owned tanker attacked by drone fired from Iran in Indian Ocean,” Kyodo News, 12-24-23.

As much as the relationship is symbiotic, Iran doesn’t get everything it wants from Russia, and vice versa.  This story is also reflective of Russia’s refusal to give carte blanche to Iran over the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf entryway straits, fearing the blowback from other countries against Russia.  Of course, it also funny to read Iran’s justification for its territorial claims and that they are “forever,” something foreign to international law and international relations.  “Iran summons Russia’s envoy again over islands dispute,” Al Jazeera, 12-24-23.

“Khamenei Silent As Russia Again Undermines Iran’s Territorial Integrity,” Iran International, 12-24-23.  This is an example of Iran International reporting on a rift at the highest levels of the Regime, news the Iranian government doesn’t want out.

“Iran’s navy adds ‘fully smart’ cruise missiles with 1,000-km range to its armory,” Times of Israel, 12-24-23.  “State TV quotes navy chief boasting of 2 new cruise missiles: Talaeieh can change targets during travel, while Nasir, with a range of 100 km, can be installed on warships.”

“Why Iran-backed Houthi attack on MV Chem Pluto is a threat to global maritime security,” Hindustan Times, 12-24-23.

The Administration’s refusal to perform real self-defense against attacks directly out of Iran against the U.S. (Syria, Iraq, etc.) has now led to this result, the attack by Iran against Israel-related (and thus other countries) shipping, off the coast of India today.   “India drone strike: Cargo ship attacked off Gujarat coast,” BBC, 12-23-23.

And ditto for “Iran threatens to shut Strait of Gibraltar as tensions ramp up,” Yahoo News, 12-23-23.  Part of me says “What is Iran thinking?  It seems like it is starting a war with the world—everyone uses the seas and these straits.”  Another part of me says “Freedom is not free.”

And this goes to the very top of the Regime.  “Iran’s Khamenei calls on Muslim nations to block shipping to Israel,” UPI, 12-23-23.

The humor continues.  “Iran’s Ruler Says Elections Needed Against ‘Dictatorship’,” Iran International, 12-23-23.  They are a dictatorship, cloaked in claims of some sort of democracy.

It is also funny to read (as is always the case when these events occur) Iran categorically deny the evidence presented by others of its bad deeds, but never able to enunciate alternative facts.  “Iran Dismisses US Intelligence Tying It to Red Sea Attacks,” Reuters, 12-23-23.

“A Comprehensive View of Iran’s Corruption Crisis,” Iran News Update, 12-23-23.

“Iran: Swedish citizen to be executed ‘shortly’ says UN,” MEE, 12-23-23.

“Iran to host international conference on Palestine in Tehran,” Ynet, 12-23-23.

“Official: Up to 10k best nurses of Iran have migrated,” IFP, 12-23-23.

“Iran’s Hardliners Threaten Renewed War On Man’s Best Friend,” Iran International, 12-23-23.  The Regime opposes dog ownership.  Not normal.

“Iran, Azerbaijan agree to open transit passage at border,” Xinhua, 12-23-23.  Maybe normal.

“Egyptian, Iranian presidents discuss Gaza developments, restoring ties,” Reuters, 12-23-23.  Pres. Sisi is being careful, but following the lead of the Saudis.

First, the WSJ again breaks a major story (starting with when they reported the Beirut meetings of Iran’s FM and Quds Force head planning the Hamas attacks).  Second, this information, that Iran is behind the Houthi missile targets and firings, have been known to several intelligence agencies for some amount of time.  There are now well more than a dozen countries that have joined the joint task force in the strait and Red Sea to tell Iran to stop.  Third, this blog is again correct in what I’ve been writing over and over again—the Houthis can’t do this on their own, and it is Iran who is behind the attacks on shipping.  And some persons wonder why countries don’t force Israel to a “ceasefire” in Gaza?  It is because Israel is doing good not just in supporting the principle of self-defense, but because they are eliminating Hamas terrorists (backed by Iran), not indiscriminately bombing Palestinians.  See “Iranian Spy Ship Helps Houthis Direct Attacks on Red Sea Vessels,” Wall Street Journal, 12-22-23.  Fourth, you can rest assured that the U.S and others have told Iran’s ship to cease its real-time intelligence and targeting assistance to the Houthis or it risks being sunk.  It is a good time for those IRGC sailors to grab a life vest.

“Iran-backed militias in Iraq claim to have targeted Israeli gas rig in Mediterranean,” Times of Israel, 12-22-23.

Quote of the Day:  “Esthers of the world, rise up,” Hooman Khalili.  See “New Jerusalem mural memorializes Iranian ‘Women Memorial Warriors’,” Jerusalem Post, 12-21-23.

“UK convicts man for spying on Iran opposition TV station in terror plot,” AFP, 12-21-23.  London prosecutors say Chechnya-born Austrian national flew from Vienna to gather ‘hostile reconnaissance’ on building used by Persian-language channel Iran International.”

“Pro-Iran militias launch 60 attacks on U.S. bases in Syria to avenge Gaza conflict: monitor,” Xinhua, 12-21-23.

“Iranian reporter gets 6 months for questioning official explanation of teen’s death,” AFP, 12-21-23.

“The Unfulfilled Commitment to Rare Disease Patients in Iran,” Iran News Update, 12-21-23.

“Double-Agent Reveals IRGC Plot To Kill Iran International TV Anchors,” Iran International, 12-21-23.  “The IRGC was plotting to assassinate two Iran International television anchors in London in 2022 amid Iranian anti-government protests, UK’s ITV has revealed. The plan was foiled because the man hired to do the job turned out to be a ‘double-agent’ working for a western intelligence agency. He would relay all information to his handler and has now shared some details with ITV. Based on irrefutable evidence –seen and verified by ITV and multiple officials– the plot was commissioned and signed off by Mohammad Reza Ansari, the IRGC commander in charge of assassinations outside Iran. Ansari is the ‘mastermind’ behind failed plots to assassinate former US officials Mike Pompeo and John Bolton –for which he’s been sanctioned by the US treasury. He is based in Syria and is reported to have links with the family of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. According to ITV, Ansari hired and directed the hitman (Ismail) through another Assad associate, Mohammad Abd al-Razek Kanafani, requiring him first to use a car bomb and then a ‘quiet’ way to kill his targets: “simply stab [them] with a kitchen knife.” … Ismail, a people-smuggler turned IRGC operative and then double-agent, was promised $200,000, a new identity and safe passage to Iran via Syria.”

“Israel-Hamas war: Will Iran escalate or manage the Gaza war? – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 12-21-23.

“Cyprus foils alleged Iranian plot to kill Israelis, in joint operation with Mossad,” Times of Israel, 12-20-23.  “Cypriot authorities said the suspects’ Iranian handler moved in and out of Cyprus through the ethnically divided island nation’s breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and would cross a UN-controlled buffer zone into the internationally recognized south to establish contact with the two. His identity and whereabouts were not revealed but the official said he worked for Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. … This is the third such alleged Iranian plot to target Israelis in Cyprus in more than a year. In July, Cyprus authorities broke up an alleged plot involving an Iranian-backed hit squad that planned to kill Israelis and other Jews.”  Turkey is not stopping these Iranian killers.

“Leaked Iran hijab documents call for mobile courts and jail terms for celebrities,” BBC, 12-20-23.

“Even without new Russian jets, Iran’s aging air force could still win home-field advantage in a regional war,” Yahoo News, 12-20-23.

“Iran launches new naval unit as Red Sea attacks intensify,” Al Monitor, 12-20-23.

“Khamenei’s Priorities and the Struggle of the Iranian People,” Iran News, 12-20-23.

“Why Iran Sent the Houthis to War Against Israel,” National Interest, 12-20-23.

“Iran’s Currency Rises After Accessing Unblocked Funds In Oman,” Iran International, 12-20-23.  The brave stories keep coming from II, regardless of the Regime’s attempts to assassinate two of its top newscasters.

“Iranian journalist Sara Massoumi sentenced to prison over tweet: lawyer,” Al Monitor, 12-20-23.

“Accusations against Tehran baseless: Iran’s nuclear chief,” Tehran Times, 12-20-23.

“US-led coalition of 10 nations to counter Houthi attacks on vessels in Red Sea,” Times of Israel, 12-19-23.  CTF 153 has 10 countries participating.  Here is the key passage—“To date the US has not struck back at the Iranian-back Houthis operating in Yemen or targeted any of the militants’ weapons or other sites. On Monday, Austin did not answer a question as to why the Pentagon had not conducted a counterstrike.”

“Fears over citizens’ privacy as Iran reveals new mandatory antivirus mobile app,” Tech Radar, 12-19-23.

“Germany protests to Iran after a court ruling implicates Tehran in a plot to attack a synagogue,” My Journal Carrier, 12-19-23.

“IRGC Navy Establishes Shadow Basij Navy,” Iran International, 12-19-23.  This allows the IRGC navy to more easily use resources on deep ocean trips.  The Basij will patrol some key ports and coastal regions, depending on funding, and the regular navy will putter along.  More bureaucracy, more wasted money on intimidation tactics.

“Malware app to become mandatory in Iran,” Read Write, 12-19-23.  For mass surveillance.  It will be a tool that I doubt is used country-wide because of the expense.  But it is one more spying tool for the Regime.

It is rare that strikes by Jordan against Iran occur, or are reported.  “Details of Jordan’s airstrikes on drug traffickers’ sites in Syria,” Roya News, 12-19-23.  See also “Jordan strikes Iran-linked drug traffickers inside Syria: Reuters,” Roya News, 12-19-23.

“A 70-year-old Iranian man’s dance at a market went viral. Then came the arrests,” Business Insider, 12-18-23.

Just telling Iran won’t work.  “Jordan notifies Iran of ‘need to halt smuggling operations’,” Roya News, 12-18-23.

“Iran, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad: A marriage of convenience,” ECFR, 12-18-23.

“‘We live with a gun to our heads’: how Iran is targeting protesters in Britain,” Guardian, 12-18-23.

“Iran’s Dams Drop To Half Capacity As Hydroelectric Power Overused,” Iran International, 12-18-23.

Quote of the Day:  “Iran’s support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop.”  U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.  “Austin: Iran must halt backing of Houthi attacks on global shipping,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, 12-18-23.

“West Accuses Iran of Illegally Testing Missiles, Sending Russia Drones,” VOA, 12-18-23.

A rare article from media about Jordanian difficulties with Iran’s efforts to smuggle weapons and drugs.  “Jordan says it foiled plot against its security by Iran-linked smugglers from Syria,” Reuters, 12-18-23.

“Iran Update,” Critical Threats, 12-17-23.

This is the embarrassing and even despicable way the Regime-controlled media cover the annual peace prize.   “In presence of terrorists, Nobel Peace Prize awarded to anti-Iran rabble-rouser,” Press TV, 12-17-23.

“Iran’s goal is to drag Israel into a larger conflict – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 12-17-23.

“A Viral Dance and ‘Happiness Campaign’ Frustrates Iran’s Clerics,” NYT, 12-16-23.  This reminds me of the Pharrell Williams “Happy” video protests in Tehran and across the country about a decade ago.

This blog has repeatedly said the U.S. is not deterring Iran, continuing the current conflict in Gaza, Yeman, Syria, and Iraq (and on water).  Our responses have been tepid.  See “US weighs strike options to deter Houthis from more Red Sea attacks,” Politico, 12-16-23.

“U.S. military shoots down 14 drones in Red Sea—launched from areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthis—as attacks on commercial carriers threaten havoc for world trade,” Fortune, 12-16-23.

“Iranian Politician Says Corruption Scandals Reach $57 Billion,” Iran International, 12-16-23.

“Iran’s Auto Industry Plagued With Daily Losses Of $3.7 Million,” Iran International, 12-16-23.

“Israeli Mossad agent executed, says,” Times of India, 12-16-23.

“Su-22 fighter jet crashes in Iran,” Defence Blog, 12-16-23.

“Iran Faces Looming Food Shortage as Essential Goods, Imports Plunge,” VOA, 12-16-23.

First Maersk, now BP.  Iran has them hostage, too.  “Iran-backed Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Oil giant BP pauses all shipments,” Hindustan Times, 12-16-23.

“Saudi Arabia, Iran committed to Beijing Agreement: Statement,” Al Arabiya, 12-15-23.

“Holding Iran accountable for Hamas’ attacks,” Japan Times, 12-15-23.  “Since its founding 75 years ago, Israel has been under constant threat from her enemies — Iran and its terrorist proxies included. With Oct. 7, Israel does not need a further reminder of Iran’s intentions and capabilities; Iran is an existential threat. Now it is time for the rest of the world to acknowledge this fact, to take Iran at its word for its stated goals, recognize Iran’s actions and those of its proxies as apt reflections of the conviction of their statements, and act accordingly.”

“Deep Dive: The challenge of domestic migration in Iran,” Amwaj, 12-15-23.

“Hackers in Iran Attack Computer at Vero Utilities,” Vero News, 12-15-23.

“Iranian Official Calls For Ban On Doctors’ Emigration,” Iran International, 12-15-23.  An effort to stop brain drain, a result of years of persons wanting to flee the country.

Lerpong Sayed, “the president of a Thai-Iran alumni association, immediately began reaching out to associates who might have access to Hamas leaders, establishing an informal group. While it is unclear whether his group’s intervention was decisive, Hamas has released 23 Thais since late November, most of them agricultural workers who earned about $1,500 a month, five times what they could earn at home. “I think Thailand was the most successful in the world in helping the hostages,” Lerpong said to VOA Thai. “From now on, we will use a similar channel … to ask for [Hamas] to free Thai people.””  Why did Thailand find direct (and named in the article) Hamas operatives in Iran, and Iranian officers to work through?  See “Thai Scholar in Iran Plays Role in Hostage Release,” VOA, 12-15-23.

“Monthly Income of the Middle Class in Iran is Decreasing,” Iran Focus, 12-15-23.