Iran Nation or Cause

I’ve written in this blog that Iran would insist on a high price for the hostages.  One sign is the 3-1 ratio of Palestinian prisoner for Israeli hostages releases.  Another is that all the women aren’t being freed.  Another is the brutality that this story, from even a local source in Texas, records.  “State Department says Hamas refuses to release final women hostages,” KTXS, 12-4-23.

“ICS at Multiple US Water Facilities Targeted by Hackers Affiliated With Iranian Government,” Security Week, 12-4-23.

“US considering ‘appropriate action’ in response to Houthi missile attacks in Red Sea,” ABC, 12-4-23.  The U.S. national security adviser said Iran is the “ultimate party responsible.””  See also “U.S. says Iran responsible for Sunday’s attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea,” Washington Times, 12-4-23.

“Ex-Woman Wrestler in Iran Fined Over Photo Without Hijab,” Iran Wire, 12-4-23.

“Berlin police investigate a suspected arso

n attempt at Iran opposition group’s office,” AP, 12-4-23.  Quds Force at work, around the world.

The headline says it—Will we trust the Regime or Congress?  “Iran Claims $6 Billion Frozen Funds Still Being Released By Qatar,” Iran International, 12-4-23.

“Iran’s Tourism Industry At Lowest Point,” Iran International, 12-4-23.

“Berlin Police Probe Suspected Arson Attempt at Iran Opposition Group’s Office,” VOA, 12-4-23.

“Afghans Banned From 16 Provinces In Iran As Forced Exodus Continues,” RFE/RL, 12-4-23.

Knocking out a drone site when it is preparing to launch is not just self-defense (the U.S. has been attacked over 70 times now), it sends the right message.  “Five Iran-backed fighters killed in preemptive US airstrike in Iraq,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, 12-3-23.

“Three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen on Sunday and a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defense during the hourslong assault.”  See “Houthis claim attacks on ships in Red Sea as U.S. Navy destroyer fired in self-defense, officials say,” PBS, 12-3-23.  See also “U.S. Destroyer, Commercial Vessels Attacked by Drones, Missiles in Red Sea,” WSJ, 12-3-23.  “A U.S. destroyer and three commercial ships operating in the Red Sea came under drone and ballistic-missile attacks, the Pentagon said Sunday, marking the most significant escalation of a weekslong military attack on ships operating in those waters. In two instances on Sunday, the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, came under attack, including while responding to distress calls from nearby commercial ships that faced missile attacks, the Pentagon said. The Carney also shot down a drone that flew nearby. Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the Pentagon warned Sunday that they could be met with a U.S. response—and pointed part of the blame at Iran.”  Iran facilitated and directed these attacks.  The Houthis couldn’t suddenly become international agents of war at sea.

“Iran becoming engulfed by air pollution,” Youtube, TRT, 12-3-23.

Uh oh.  One of the Abraham Accords countries more under the influence of Iran than perhaps a year ago.  “Sudan Seeks Iranian Drones Amid Growing Regional Tensions,” Iran International, 12-3-23.

“A powerful military alliance of Iran, Russia, and China is being formed,” Tehran Times, 12-3-23.

“Supporting Palestine enshrined in Iran’s constitution: Raeisi,” Mehr, 12-3-23.

“Report: 122 Prisoners Executed in Iran in November,” VOA, 12-3-23.

“Iran develops underwater drone,” Mehr, 12-3-23.

The 2023 annual U.S. Terrorism Report has been released.  The Regime continues its unfortunate decision to be a revolutionary cause, and not act as a normal country.  The report again declares that “Iran continued to be the leading state sponsor of terrorism, facilitating a wide range of terrorist and other illicit activities around the world.”  See “US Report Labels Iran ‘Leading State Sponsor Of Terrorism’,” Iran International, 12-2-23.

“Iran’s Regime Soon to Have Nuclear Bombs; Hezbollah Is Next,” Gatestone, 12-2-23.

“Iran navy unveils Chamrosh-4 vertical launch drone,” Mehr News Agency, 12-2-23.

The latest (not athletic competition this time) refusal of the government of Iran to be in the presence of Jews just occurred.  Remember, anti-Semitism is a key component in the radical Shia governent’s mindset.  “Iran delegates quit COP28 over Israeli presence,” AFP, 12-1-23.

Anti-Semitism.  Also Iran’s attempt to get other countries lined up against Israel.  None took this bait.  “Iran delegates quit COP28 over Israeli presence,” AFP, 12-1-23.

“Iran: Gaza, “Axis of Resistance” and Nuclear Calculations,” Crisis Group, 12-1-23.

“Iran Proxies Resume Attacks On US Troops,” Iran International, 11-30-23.  Remember, Iran controls its proxies.  The various proxies starting and stopping and starting attacks on a time table is glaring proof.

The House, including almost 100 Ds, understands that hostages can’t be bought, and that Iran uses American reward money for nefarious purposes.  “House passes bill to permanently freeze $6B in Iranian funds,” The Hill, 11-30-23.

Henry Kissinger is the inspiration for this blog on Iran, so it is only appropriate to cover his passing.  “Henry Kissinger, a statesman who indelibly shaped US foreign policy, dies at 100,” USA Today, 11-29-23.  Beyond his addressing the the threat of the Soviet Union, relations with China, and how to address the Middle East, Kissinger recognized that Iran post-1979 did not act as a normal country and challenged Iran to join the international community.  See also “Kissinger, Diplomat Who Defined US Foreign Policy, Dies at 100,” Bloomberg, 11-29-23.

Unless the U.S. shoots down Iranian drones, they will continue.  “CENTCOM: Iranian Drone Made Unsafe Pass by USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Carney Downs Houthi Missile,” USNI, 11-29-23.

“FLASHPOINT IRAN: Iran’s Proxies Still Destabilizing Region Despite Lull in Attacks on US Bases,” VOA, 11-28-23.

“Iranian sports official fired after foreign athlete competes in Tehran without hijab,” AFP, Times of Israel, 11-28-23.

“Why Iran’s military aircraft deal with Russia is significant leap for both,” Al Monitor, 11-28-23.

“Pennsylvania water facility hit by Iran-linked hackers,” Cyberscoop, 11-28-23.

The bill would classify the Houthis as a U.S.-designated terror group and reapply sanctions on its funding streams, including those from Iran, and on several of its leaders.  “Senate Moves To Redesignate Iran-Backed Houthis as Terror Group Amid Strikes on US,” Free Beacon, 11-28-23.

“Satimage Shows Eisenhower Carrier in Persian Gulf, 100 Km From Iran,” Haaretz, 11-28-23.

“Iran finalizes Su-35 jet, Mi-28 helicopter deal with Russia,” Defence Blog, 11-28-23.

“FLASHPOINT IRAN: Iran’s Proxies Still Destabilizing Region Despite Lull in Attacks on US Bases,” VOA, 11-28-23.

“Iranian sports official fired after foreign athlete competes in Tehran without hijab,” AFP, Times of Israel, 11-28-23.

“Why Iran’s military aircraft deal with Russia is significant leap for both,” Al Monitor, 11-28-23.

“The Real Reason Iran Hates Israel:  The anti-Semitic regime in Tehran believes Jews guide and control American policy in the Middle East,” Wall Street Journal, 11-27-23.  “[The] fundamental motivation of Iran’s theocracy: anti-Semitism. At least three generations of radical Iranian clerics have viewed Israel as illegitimate, usurping sacred Islamic lands in the name of a pernicious ideology advanced by history’s most devilish and stubborn people. Using the language of French Marxism, they call Israel a Western “colonial-settler state,” and they believe Jews guide American imperialism in the Middle East. In this struggle between good and evil, Muslims have a religious obligation to resist Israel and global Jewry. …. “Iranian expansionism—its support to radical militias throughout the Middle East—is impossible to understand properly without seeing the world as Iranian leaders do. They believe they are fighting a Jewish conspiracy that controls the West and intends to humble Muslims everywhere. Hamas’s war against Israel is part of that struggle.

“Iran adds sophisticated warship to Caspian fleet,” AP, 11-27-23.

40% plus each year.  Ouch.  “Inflation rate in Iran shows no sign of improvement,” Iran Focus, 11-27-23.

“Jailed Nobel Laureate Mohammadi Denounces Iran’s “Execution Machine”,” Iran Wire, 11-27-23.

“IAEA stops short of resolution on Iran in Vienna,” JNS, 11-27-23.

“Iran-backed Houthis fire on US Navy ship answering distress call from Israel-linked tanker,” NYPost, 11-27-23.  Luckily the two ballistic missiles exploded 10 miles from the ship.  See also the following article which explains that pirates were involved, and their possible connection to Houthis is being investigated by the U.S. Navy.  BTW, the Iran attack tally on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria is 73 since Oct. 17.  “Pentagon: Suspected Somali pirates behind cargo ship attack in the Middle East,” Politico, 11-27-23.

“In the Gray Zone: Iran’s Global Strategy,” Dialogo Americas, 11-27-23.

“Former president Hassan Rouhani (2013-21) has registered to defend his seat in the elections for Iran’s Assembly of Experts next year. The 88-member clerical body is tasked with supervising the performance of the supreme leader—and appointing his successor. The elections for the council next year, held every eight years, are considered vital because the assembly may appoint the person to replace 84-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  See “Will Rouhani help decide Iran’s next supreme leader?,” Amwaj, 11-27-23.

“Iran’s Nuclear Program: Tehran’s Compliance with International Obligations,” Updated November 27, 2023,” CRS, 11-27-23.

This rare and surprising news reflects how countries should discuss common problems, with exchange of expert visits and joint working groups.  “Afghanistan and Iran team up to tackle water rights issue,” Khaama Press, 11-26-23.

“An Israeli-owned ship was targeted in suspected Iranian attack in Indian Ocean, US official tells AP,” Intelligencer, 11-26-23.

Watch out for the 400 uniformed hijab enforcers in Tehran’s subway stations.  “No One Takes Responsibility For Hijab ‘Horror Tunnel’ In Tehran,” Iran International, 11-25-23.

“Iran’s Navy Plans To Hold Two War Games In South,” Eurasia Review, 11-25-23.

“Iran carries on the jailing of women journalists : RSF calls for the release of Nasim Sultan Beigi and Saeedeh Shafiei,” Reporters Without Borders, 11-25-23.

It would be interesting to see how often Iran threatens closure, and to compare to the number of times other countries threaten to close straits near them.  “Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Threatens To Close Strait Of Hormuz,” 11-25-23.