“Iran Update, September 11, 2025,” ISW, 9-11-25.  Nour News “described the Israel-Iran War as a turning point that demonstrated how global security is no longer guaranteed by international law. It claimed that international institutions tasked with preserving peace “proved powerless,” and that law has effectively been replaced by power. Nour News described this as a global transition from “law-based security” to “weapon-based security.”  Convenient.

The FM says.  “Iran says enriched uranium stockpile under rubble after US strikes,” Iran International, 9-11-25.

Ph.D. student hostage traded for Hezbollah member.  Equal trade?  “Israeli-Russian captive in Iraq Tsurkov was freed in exchange deal: Report,” Al Jazeera, 9-11-25.

“US offers $15 million reward over Iran’s Revolutionary Guards network,” Iran International, 9-11-25.

“Iran lawmaker calls Grossi a Mossad agent, urges arrest,” Iran International, 9-11-25.  Threats make it difficult for the IAEA to do its job.

“Iran’s global network of goons,” ABC, 9-10-25.

This of course is not by accident or “Mother Nature.”  It is the result of decades of mismanagement and overuse and corruption.  Will the story be widely spread by the media?  “Satellite Photos Show Middle East’s Largest Lake on Brink of Disappearing,” Newsweek, 9-10-25.

“Iran Steps Back from the Brink with UN Atomic Watchdog Deal,” Bloomberg, 9-10-25.

“Iran’s nomadic women fight for proper toilets, clean water,” DW, 9-10-25.

Notice what the IAEA says versus what Iran says.  “IAEA chief says new Iran deal to cover all facilities, including bombed sites,” Iran International, 9-10-25.  All sites.  Iran blinked.

“New ‘Trump’ Corridor Leaves Iran Scrambling to Preserve Influence in the South Caucasus,” Stimson, 9-10-25.  The article states “The new corridor would deprive Iran of lucrative transit fees and an important geopolitical lever over Azerbaijan, with which Tehran has often had tense relations in part because of Baku’s ties to Israel.”  But this article doesn’t talk about the main thing—the reason the Regime doesn’t like Azerbaijan is because of Azeris in its midst, living mainly in the north central region of Iran.  This ethnic group lives in both Iran and Azerbaijan.  And the Azeris don’t like the abuses of the Regime.

“Opinion: With Traditional Proxies Sidelined, Iran Sets Its Sights on Sudan,” Washington Jewish Week, 9-10-25.

“Iran condemns ‘extremely dangerous’ Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar,” Iran International, 9-9-25.  The Regime is taking the tack that Israel is anti-diplomacy.  I think the term should be communication.  It is difficult to say diplomacy because that term connotes the types of interplay that states have, not states with terror groups.  Regardless, Iran is having flashbacks.

“Iran’s Triple Crisis: A Bankrupt State, Crumbling Infrastructure, and Endemic Corruption,” NCRI, 9-9-25.

“Iran and U.N. Watchdog Meet to Discuss Resuming Nuclear Inspections,” NYTimes, 9-9-25.  “Iran has not allowed inspections since its nuclear sites were bombed by Israel and the United States in June, but it hopes to stave off Western economic sanctions.”  Also of note, “Iran’s government spokeswoman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said on Tuesday that officials “do not have access” to Iran’s enriched uranium, but did not elaborate. “It is located in a place where access is not available,” she was quoted as saying by Iran’s state news agency, IRNA. Her comments seemed to indicate Iran may itself be unable to reach those stockpiles, which some experts have speculated could be trapped in facilities underground since the U.S. and Israeli bombardment. Last month, Mr. Grossi told reporters that Iran would have no obligation to dig out any site for inspectors to gain access. But he said the I.A.E.A. has equipment that can detect nuclear material even without full access.”

Here’s the followup later today.  “Iran and U.N. Watchdog Reach Agreement to Resume Nuclear Inspections,” NYT, 9-9-25.  We don’t know details yet, but “I.A.E.A. inspectors have been unable to verify Iran’s near bomb-grade stockpile since the start of the war.”  And “Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, said in a statement released by Iranian state media that Tuesday’s agreement was reached in light of the “new situation following the United States illegal attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.”  Note the claim of “peaceful.”  Finally, blackmail continues, as FM Araghchi “added that any agreement with the I.A.E.A would be voided should Iran again come under attack. “In the event of any hostile action against Iran, including the reinstatement of annulled U.N. Security Council resolutions, Iran will consider its cooperation with the agency to have come to an end.”

“Iran taps Doha to broker nuclear talks, signals flexibility on uranium stocks,” Iran International, 9-9-25.

“Inaccessible.”  See “Iran Releases Statement on Missing Nuclear Materials,” Newsweek, 9-9-25.

“Khamenei aide’s son warns of possible assassination plot against leader,” Iran International, 9-9-25.

“Iran, UN nuclear watchdog reach understanding on cooperation,” Al Monitor, 9-9-25.  But this article doesn’t tell us the terms of the agreement.  That’s almost completely useless news.

“Couple held in Iran in ‘dire’ situation, says son,” BBC, 9-9-25.  Sad but true.  Iran takes ordinary people hostage and abuses them and trades them like pawns.

“Assessing Defense Cooperation Between Iran and China in the Wake of the 12-Day War: MENA Defense Intelligence Digest,” Hudson, 9-9-25.

“Cartel connection: Hezbollah and Iran exploit Maduro’s Venezuela for cocaine cash,” Fox, 9-7-25.  Just in case you didn’t know, so this is a long post.  “Citrinowicz said the group uses family ties, language and community institutions to cement its influence across Latin America. “They appoint imams, fund religious centers and control educational programs… through these networks, Hezbollah can interact with local cartels, sell drugs and channel the profits back to Lebanon through elaborate schemes.” He said this role as a connector makes Hezbollah indispensable to Iran’s strategy in the Western Hemisphere. “The connection starts and ends with enmity towards the West in general, specifically to the United States,” he said. “As long as Maduro is there, the Iranians will be there. But if Maduro goes, Iran will lose the most important stronghold of its activity in Latin America.” Townsend stated the partnership works for both sides. “Iran’s partnership with Maduro enables Hezbollah to operate in Venezuela. Iran gets to safely operate, through Hezbollah, in the West without prosecution, and Maduro and his officials get paid well. Ultimately, Iran uses and exploits Maduro. Maduro doesn’t care — he and his friends benefit financially.” Both experts pointed to state complicity as the key enabler. “Under Maduro and Chávez, Venezuela has become a major transshipment hub for Colombian cocaine,” Townsend said. “There have been several indictments in the U.S. and Treasury OFAC designations that tie senior government officials directly to the use of state infrastructure — ports, air bases, even military convoys — to move massive shipments of cocaine. Cartel of the Suns, high-ranking military officers, run and protects these shipments. Who launders all of this drug money? Hezbollah.” Citrinowicz emphasized Iran’s investment in Venezuelan power structures. “The enhancement is illustrated by several aspects: first and foremost, the military cooperation, especially Iranian factories building UAVs for the Venezuelan army, and constant Quds Force flights from Iran through Africa toward Venezuela,” he said. “Iran is also teaching Venezuela how to bypass sanctions and has invested billions into the economy.” Experts say Washington’s best leverage lies in choking the finances. “We need to aggressively target and choke these financial networks,” Townsend said. “The priority is to attack the financial and logistical networks, indict everyone we can and pressure Maduro. If we can cut off the financial arteries, the cocaine won’t be as profitable.” Citrinowicz agreed that the strike fits into a broader effort. “By weakening Maduro, the U.S. weakens the Iranian presence in Latin America and weakens Iran’s ability to threaten U.S. soil,” he said. “The best way to weaken Venezuela is also to aim against the Iranian presence over there.”

“Cancelled concert shows political, social rifts in Iran amid war tensions,” Al Jazeera, 9-6-25.

“Iran paves over mass grave of 1979 revolution victims, turning it into a parking lot,” 9-6-25, AP, NYPost.  Talk about burying the evidence.

“China, Russia, North Korea and Iran’s ‘axis of upheaval’ reshapes geopolitics,” ABC, 9-6-25.

“Serious Human Rights Abuses Continue in Iran,” VOA, 9-5-25.

“Iran Update, September 5, 2025,” ISW, 9-5-25.

Remember, this “dilemma” is entirely of Iran’s making.  “Iran’s imminent nuclear dilemma,” Economist, 9-4-25.

“Iran is the biggest loser in Trump’s Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal,” The Hill, 9-4-25.

This is Amnesty speaking, not Donald Trump or Bibi, the IAEA, the UN, UANI, dissidents, etc.  “Iran: Authorities unleash wave of oppression after hostilities with Israel,” Amnesty International, 9-3-25.

“Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium stock grew before Israeli attack, IAEA says,” JPost, 9-3-25.  The IAEA “report revealed Iran had 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60% before Israeli and US strikes, enough for 10 bombs if further refined.”

“The Neighbor From Hell:  Israel and the United States delivered a blow to Iran. But it could come back stronger,” The Atlantic, 9-2-25.  The author rightly points out there was no peace or armistice agreement at the end of the 12 Day War.  Which, read it here, was not a stand by itself type of war, it was really the latest set of violent exchanges, albeit one which during that 12 days Israel won overwhelmingly.  But Iran has not backed down, continues work on its nuclear program, and continues to try to prop back its proxies, especially Hezbollah.  The Regime has not learned its lesson but instead insists Israel and the U.S. and Europe and Saudi Arabia need to learn their lessons.

“US may strike Iran again if nuclear defiance continues – WP opinion,” Iran International, 9-2-25.  Iran’s nuclear program continues along with its intransigence for IAEA inspections, despite the military message from the U.S. and Israel.  With cover from Russia and China, it will not be deterred.  That is where we are now.  While it is possible to imagine Iran without a nuclear program and using its vast gas and oil to develop and provide for its citizens, the Regime continues down the revolutionary path to Shia conversion and authority.  No new here, right?!

Here’s a story about some of that cover referenced above.  “Leaders of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran gather in Beijing for huge military parade in challenge to the West,” CNN, 9-2-25.

We will negotiate, but only if we get to keep our missiles says Iran.  “Path for Iran-US negotiations not closed, Iran’s Supreme Security Council says,” Times of Israel, 9-2-25.

“Iran Gets Boost From US Rival for Nuclear Talks Showdown,” Newsweek, 9-2-25.

“Houthis say they launched missile at Israeli-owned tanker in the Red Sea,” Al Arabiya, 9-1-25.

“Iran’s currency hits new low as ‘snapback’ looms over nuclear programme,” Al Jazeera, 9-1-25.

Keep in mind that Russia and China agreed to the inclusion of the snapback provisions in writing several years ago.  So for them to declare now it violates international law is invalid on its face, as they have already “made” international law by signing a treaty.  See “China, Russia join Iran in rejecting European move to restore sanctions on Tehran,” Reuters, 9-1-25.  That is “International Law 101.”  The two powers agreed to the snapback provision several years ago to keep the West then from lowering the hammer on Iran, and now they continue in their quest to delay, delay, delay.

“Experts reveal why Iran is attacking Diaspora Jews, warn that West ‘doesn’t understand fanaticism’,” JPost, 9-1-25.  “[T]he IRGC sees the Jewish Diaspora as indistinguishable from Israel. … [T]he regime’s hostility is not just against Israel but also against Jews. When Iranian officials deny the Holocaust, this is not rhetoric but part of a genuine animus against the Jewish people. … Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s followers are true believers in an ideology that sees world Jewry as an enemy of Islam, in part because of the Diaspora’s connection to Israel. “The compass of their ideology is that there is no place for Zionism under the sun,” said the ex-official. … [T]he Iranian force sees the effort to harm Diaspora Jews as a legitimate part of its war conduct. The IRGC’s perspective is that the Jewish Diaspora is a soft target that would hurt Israel because the Jewish state holds itself responsible for their security. Westerners often don’t understand the Islamic Republic’s motivations, according to the security official, because it requires understanding the Jihadist mentality in which hate and faith are the basis, rather than pragmatism or opportunism. “People in the West think in a Western rational way and don’t understand the fanatical ideology behind it,” said the ex-official.”