“Iran looking to launch eastern terror front against Israel, Katz warns,” JPost, 3-3-24.

Having the president clearly identify the Supreme Leader as the policy decider is refreshing and doesn’t let the Leader pass the buck or blame others or triangulate, which he has for decades.  Someone has to be responsible, and this Leader has for too long tried to play the middle man and blame others for policy decisions.  Hey, while they’re at it, maybe an election for Leader would be a good thing!  Social science research indicates poor policies, poor outcomes, poor human rights, and poor people when country leaders are unaccountable and stay in power for long periods of time.  “Iran’s president says he backs US talks but aligns with Khamenei’s ban,” Iran International, 3-2-25.

He is partly a result of the haphazard form of governing in the IRI, power struggles, and part wily character.  “Iran’s vice-president Javad Zarif resigns, yet again,” Iran International, 3-2-25.  “Mohammad Javad Zarif, the architect of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, resigned as Iran’s vice-president, state media reported Sunday, a few days after the country’s Supreme Leader voiced his opposition to holding talks with Washington. [after he had indicated Yes]. … Zarif’s resignation came after the Parliament ousted the Pezeshkian administration’s finance minister in a vote of no confidence, the IRGC-affiliated Fars News reported, citing two unnamed sources. … Many observers believed that Zarif joined the Pezeshkian administration to help negotiate another nuclear deal with world powers similar to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was scrapped by Donald Trump during his first term in office. … Zarif is no stranger to resignations, treating them almost like brief intermissions—having submitted five during his tenure under former President Hassan Rouhani. Last August, he resigned as Pezeshkian’s aide, but his departure was short-lived, as he returned as vice president for strategic affairs within a couple of weeks. In November, Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf joined hardliners in the parliament who had long been calling for Zarif’s dismissal over his son’s US citizenship. Ghalibaf called on Zarif to resign voluntarily as he, too, believed that Zarif’s appointment to the post was illegal. Led by the Paydari (Steadfastness) Party faction, ultra-hardliners in Parliament have refused to amend a 2020 law that prohibits appointing dual nationals or individuals whose spouses or children hold dual nationality to “sensitive positions” in the government. Hardliners argue the restriction applies to Zarif.”

Control and Theft.  “Iran Exploits Iraqi Financial System Through Complex Networks,” Kurdistan24, 3-1-25.

More ominous signs between these two countries.  “Explainer: How can Iran help South Africa advance its civilian nuclear program?,” Press TV, 3-1-25.

“Female singer arrested during live performance in Tehran,” Iran International, 2-28-25.

“Why Khamenei’s clerics look for the crescent moon on Friday,” Iran International, 2-28-25.  “Shia grand ayatollahs, both in Iran and abroad, traditionally insist that the crescent moon must be sighted with the naked eye for the observation to be considered valid. Yet, Khamenei and other grand ayatollahs allow the use of binoculars and other simple optical devices for moon-sighting, diverging from traditional Shia practice, which rejects modern astronomical calculations and advanced telescopes in determining the lunar calendar. Since becoming the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader in 1989, Khamenei has maintained a dedicated moon-sighting taskforce. Initially composed of 700 members in 150 groups, this year’s reports indicate that 100 groups have been deployed across the country. Taskforce members, primarily clerics well-versed in Islamic moon-sighting criteria, will repeat this process at the end of Ramadan to determine the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. … In recent years, there has reportedly been pressure on other grand ayatollahs to follow Khamenei’s lead on the matter of beginning and end of Ramadan to reinforce the Supreme Leader’s religious and political authority. While some people fast from dawn to dusk, others must be careful not to break the fasting month regulations, including a ban on eating, drinking, and smoking in all public spaces, including inside private vehicles, even if they are exempted from fasting by medical or other reasons. Law enforcement agencies strictly enforce these rules, with violators facing penalties ranging from 10 days to two months in prison or up to 74 lashes under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code. Restaurants, cafes, and street vendors are barred from serving customers before sunset. Businesses that fail to comply face serious consequences including temporary closure and cash fines. Some establishments have been allowed to discreetly offer take-away food over the last years. As in the past two years, Ramadan will partly coincide with the ancient Iranian New Year holidays—Norouz in Persian. This overlap occurs because Iran follows a solar calendar, while the Islamic calendar is lunar and approximately ten days shorter each year. In recent times, many ordinary Iranians have been deeply impacted by severe economic hardship. The overlap of Ramadan and Norouz is expected to further strain the hospitality industry and other businesses, many of which are already on the brink of bankruptcy due to a sharp decline in people’s ability to afford travel and dining out during the Norouz holidays.”

“Special report: 12 Baloch civilians killed by direct fire from Iran government forces in less than two months,” Hengaw, 2-27-25.

Perhaps anyone would impeached for Iran’s poor economy.  Perhaps the next minister will also be impeached, then the next.  “Impeachment Threat Grows for Iran’s Economy Minister Amid Rising Currency Turmoil,” NIAC, 2-27-25.

How many of these foiled attacks inside the U.S.?  A dozen in the past very recent years.  “Former Navy Sailor Plotted Attack on Behalf of Iran,” USIP Iran Primer, 2-27-25.

“Special report: 12 Baloch civilians killed by direct fire from Iran government forces in less than two months,” Hengaw, 2-27-25.

Five years is a long time.  “Secret negotiations lead to release of Dutch citizen held in Iran for five years,” NLTimes, 2-27-25.

“Iran’s government hits out at crypto again as currency freefalls,” Al Jazeera, 2-27-25.

We are beyond the limit.  “IAEA reports Iran has enough uranium for 6 nuclear bombs,” i24, 2-26-25.  “The International Atomic Energy Agency has published new reports indicating Iran increased its enriched uranium stockpile by 92.5 kilograms, enough for two more atomic bombs.”

“Russia’s Lavrov aligns positions with Iran on nuclear program,” Reuters, 2-26-25.

“Iran accelerates production of near weapons-grade uranium, IAEA says,” AP, 2-26-25.

“Christian Woman Arrested in Iran After Police Raid Christian Gathering,” Persecution.org, 2-26-25.

“Ship Carrying Chemical for Missile Development Docks in Iran,” FDD, 2-25-25.  “A container ship carrying 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate from China — a precursor chemical used to make ammonium perchlorate, an important component in solid rocket fuel — docked in Iran.”

“Iran showcases Russian-made Spartak in military drills,” Defence Blog, 2-25-25.

“Ship Carrying Chemical for Missile Development Docks in Iran,” FDD, 2-25-25.  “A container ship carrying 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate from China — a precursor chemical used to make ammonium perchlorate, an important component in solid rocket fuel — docked in Iran.”

“Iran showcases Russian-made Spartak in military drills,” Defence Blog, 2-25-25.

“Russia’s Lavrov aligns positions with Iran on nuclear programme,” Reuters, 2-25-25.

“Iran’s energy crisis is worse than reported,” Israel Hayom, 2-25-25.  “Public services shut down, the workweek shortened, and schools closed in most of the country – Iran’s energy crisis is growing. The ayatollah regime is attempting to deflect responsibility for its failures. Meanwhile, Iran’s chief of staff suggests a capitalist solution.”

“Iran on ‘high alert’ amid fears of attack on nuclear sites,” Telegraph, 2-25-25.

“Iran Update,” ISW, 2-25-25.  “The British ambassador to Israel stated on February 25 that the E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) has given Iran until the end of June 2025 to conclude a new nuclear deal and prevent the imposition of snapback sanctions. It is very unlikely that Iran will conclude a deal with the E3 and the United States by June 2025, given that such a deal would require Iran to completely change its current policy on negotiations.”

“Iran arrests two young women for dancing in cemetery,” The New Arab, 2-25-25.

“Iran rejects ‘baseless’ Israeli accusation of smuggling arms to Lebanon,” Press TV, 2-25-25.

“What Iran Wants:  The Roots of the Islamic Republic’s Conflict with the West,” Foreign Affairs, Christopher de Bellaigue, March/April 2025, 2-25-25.

“Iran’s Security Forces Fight Separatists in Port City of Chabahar,” Maritime Executive, 2-25-25.  Interesting article about restive persons in the port city for India goods.

“Alabama man sentenced for violating U.S. trade sanctions with Iran,” ABC, 5-25-25.  These types of stories show up every month or so in the media.  Iran actively continues to recruit and bribe to circumvent sanctions.

“China’s rearming of Iran will end badly,” The Times, 2-25-25.  “Iran imagined a different future, one in which it could be a leading regional power, true to its roots but capable of commanding respect, proud and dignified. It squandered that hope by pursuing military nuclear dominance, stupidly imagining that would give it the clout of a China, and squeezing the breath out of its well-educated young generation with repressive laws and the cruellest of police enforcers. War is no solution to any of its problems — it should have learnt that by now — and China should abandon its attempts to turn Iran into a country that can command a battlefield or relive the glories of the Persian empire.”

“This was Shi’ite Iran’s greatest power hub. From here, they operated Hezbollah.”  See “Israeli reporter details the classified materials he found at Iran’s embassy in Damascus soon after Assad’s fall,” Times of Israel, 2-24.25.

“Sanctions on Iran’s Oil Trade to Reimpose Maximum Pressure,” Department of State, 2-24-25.  See also “US imposes new sanctions on Iran’s shadow fleet, Treasury Department says,” JPost, 2-24-25.

Iran couldn’t knock the jets down with shoulder launched missiles either.  From the photos, it looks like they were about 2,000 feet.  Iran condemns Israel after its fighter jets fly over Nasrallah’s funeral in Beirut.  See “Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describes Israeli move as ‘act of terror’,” AA, 2-24-25.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence:  A Concise History, Steven Ward, 2025, 2-24-25.  The first book about Iran’s shadowy Ministry of Intelligence.  “Steven R. Ward provides an accessible overview of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) and its focus on tracking and countering domestic dissent and perceived foreign-inspired sedition. The ministry’s checkered record of effective intelligence operations includes a history of assassinations and human rights abuses. Developing a clearer picture of the MOIS is important for understanding how the Islamic Republic of Iran operates, seeks security, and competes with its adversaries. Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence updates and improves on the paucity of available information about Iranian intelligence activities. The chapters in the book cover the MOIS’s origins, leaders, structure and organizational culture, operations and tradecraft, foreign partners, cultural representations, and future outlook. The book also provides a significant examination of this contemporary intelligence agency that does not follow the model of Western organizations.  Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence will be of interest to scholars, students, and general readers of intelligence and Iran’s history and politics. It will also be an important resource for national security and foreign policy practitioners.”

“Risking Sanctions, South Africa Welcomes Nuclear Cooperation with Russia and Iran,” FDD, 2-24-25.

“Energy shortages force Iran to cut workweek to two, three days,” Iran International, 2-24-25.  These are severe gas shortages and electricity cuts.

Let’s ask the IAEA if the Iranian FM is telling the truth.  “”Iran has always conducted its peaceful nuclear activities under international supervision and within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Prolife

ration Treaty (NPT),” FM Araghchi said in a UN meeting on disarmament in Geneva on Monday. “Iran has fully cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to ensure the safety of these activities,” he added elsewhere.”  See “Iran FM warns world against danger of Israeli WMDs,” Mehr, 2-24-25.

“Iran is the world’s top executioner of women, with at least 31 executed in Iran in 2024, the highest number of women executions since 2010.”  See “Women Executed in Iran in 2024,” Iran Human Rights, 2-24-25.

“Venezuela, Iran Forge Anti-Western Partnership of Necessity,” DW, 2-24-25.

A lot of news today.

Dawn is a Pakistan mouthpiece, so I don’t quote them often because of the slant.  But their reporting gives me the chance to ask readers, have you noticed the Supreme Leader never leaves Iran?  In fact, he doesn’t get away from Tehran and the safety of his compound much.  It is not because of illness.  It is because they know the people don’t trust him, and there would be visible reminders by public demonstrations if he were to show in various places.  The Regime’s policies have trapped it at home.  See “Iran’s speaker to attend Nasrallah funeral,” Dawn, 2-23-25.

Really rich.  And note that the competent Iranian-backed Press TV doesn’t mention the organization or award name.  “Iran receives international peace award in India for supporting Palestinians,” Press TV, 2-23-25.

“Turkey & Iran Reconnect by Rail: Van-Tehran Train Resumes After 4 Years,” FTN News, 2-23-25.

Brave man.  “Lebanon not battleground for ‘wars of others,’ President Aoun tells Iran,” Al Arabiya, 2-23-25.

“As Nasrallah is buried, Iran insists ‘Axis of Resistance’ will endure,” Amwaj, 2-23-25.

“Iran, Russia Sign Roadmap for Completing Transport Corridor,” Caspian News, 2-23-25.  “This railway segment is the missing link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a major trade route connecting India to Russia.”

About 7% of Iran’s population is living in tents, for all purposes homeless.  “Expansion of Informal Settlements and Poverty in Iran,” Iran Focus, 2-23-25.

Part of me says don’t cover this story, it is so unlikely that Iran will ever build this type of tunnel.  The Regime simply has too many public works that it is mismanaged and failed (and too much spent on offense—not defensive—weapons).  Even now, businesses and homes only have power for 2-3 days each week.  And this despite massive oil and gas reserves.  But I have to mention the story because it is news.  The tunnel from Iran to Qatar (Iran to Oman would make more sense) would be five times further than the longest undersea tunnel, The Chunnel.  See “The world’s longest tunnel between Iran and Qatar,” Press TV, 2-23-25.

“Russia Planning to Build More Nuclear Reactors in Iran,” Power, 2-23-25.

“The fact that Nasrallah’s assassination was not followed by a public funeral was a great humiliation for Hezbollah and its supporters. After their crushing defeat, the group and the Iranian axis want to give a show of strength to show that they are back. Or at least that they are still here and not quite dead.”  See “At Nasrallah’s funeral, Hezbollah and Iran set to put on a ‘show of strength’,” France 24, 2-22-25.

“Iran’s parliament speaker, foreign minister to attend funeral of Hezbollah’s Nasrallah,” Times of Israel, 2-22-25.

“Iranian Regime MP Warns About Intensified Medicine Shortages,” Iran Focus, 2-22-25.

“Iran Is Begging Russia For Su-35 Fighters,” National Interest, 2-22-25.

We’ll sell our drones to anyone!  “Iran comments on Shahed drone purchase condition,” Mehr, 2-22-25.

Well, it is already a dictatorship, and the Supreme Leader’s procedural powers through the Guardian Council and influence already result basically in his hand-selecting the president.  “Prominent lawmaker proposes Khamenei directly appoint Iran’s presidents,” Iran International, 2-22-25.

“Iran: Some Nurses Are Homeless and Sleep in Their Cars,” Iran Focus, 2-22-25.

“Hezbollah facing financial squeeze as supply lines from Iran are severed,” The Spokesman Review, 2-22-25.