This is not an automated ship.  Note that nothing in the article is said of the crew.  I imagine they contributed in their interviews to the physical evidence, all pointing directly to Iran.  “US says it nabbed vessel carrying arms from Iran to Yemeni rebels,” Times of Israel, 2-15-24.

Almost too bazare to post.  “Iran claims ‘property rights’ to Antarctica, plans to build naval base,” Mint, 2-15-24.

“U.S. conducted cyberattack on suspected Iranian spy ship,” NBC, 2-15-24.  “One of the U.S. officials with knowledge of the cyberattack said the operation was conducted on an Iranian ship named the MV Behshad. The other officials declined to disclose the name of the ship. … In an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt last week, Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Behshad is in the Red Sea “to combat the piracy activities” and is not providing intelligence to Houthi forces. [BTW, this is one of those opportunities to throw light on the distortions spoken by the Regime—the media should ask what piracy interceptions the Behshad has participated in, as the number is ZERO.] Since January, the Behshad has been operating near the port of Djibouti, close to a Chinese military base on shore, according to ship tracking data. Military analysts say it’s possible Iran has chosen to move the ship near the Chinese base to discourage U.S. naval forces from trying to physically attack or board the suspected spy vessel.”

“Report: U.S. Carried Out Covert Cyberattack on Iranian Spy Ship,” Maritime Executive, 2-15-24.  What is very interesting is what is not said—Did the U.S. cyberattack occur after the Behshad had put into “safe” waters, anchored about three miles from the Chinese naval base in Djibouti?  I think so.

“The Destruction Of Iran’s Medical Infrastructure – OpEd,” Eurasia Review, 2-15-24.

“Iran’s IRGC claims developing stealth drones that ‘can hit any vessel’,” Al Monitor, 2-15-24.

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guard On The Ground In Yemen To Assist Houthis, U.S. Official Says,” Forbes, 2-15-24.

“American forces strike Yemen’s Houthis, seize Iranian weapons shipment heading to militants,” Fox, 2-15-24.

“Swedish foreign minister confronts Iran over murder plot against Jews in his country,” AFP, 2-15-24.  “Tobias Billstrom says it is ‘extremely negative’ that another state pursued a killing plan on Swedish territory.”

“US carries out cyberattack on Iranian warship in Red Sea – NBC News report,” Reuters, 2-15-24.  “The US operation was meant to inhibit the Iranian ship’s ability to share intelligence with Houthi militants in Yemen.”  As a result, it appears there have been fewer attacks.  Amazing what action can do.

“Iran claims test simulated strike on Israeli base,” WION, 2-15-24.

BTW, and this is the truth, the religious leaders in Qom do not allow Valentine’s Day to be celebrated in Iran.  Now, back to the news.  “‘Sabotage Attacks’ On Iran’s Gas Pipelines Cause Major Disruptions,” Iran International, 2-14-24.  “Hours before the explosions, a leaked document from a cyberattack on the parliament revealed that the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council had predicted such incidents in a letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi in November. The letter warned about gas shortages resulting from imbalance between production and consumption. He cited dangers such as cyber threats, labor strikes, and sabotage in the energy network as potential risks to energy security amid gas shortages in the winter. Since mid-2020, there have been multiple acts of sabotage in Iran targeting nuclear, energy, military and industrial sites. The Iranian government has blamed Israel and, in some cases, armed opposition groups, but it is almost certain that sophisticated operations are conducted by state actors. As acts of sabotage occurred regularly, Khamenei ordered closer coordination between a hodgepodge of intelligence and security outfits in June 2023. Iran’s natural gas production gradually declines due to lack of investments and technology, even though the country has the second largest reserves in the world. Officials have said in the past that the sector needs an investment of at least $40 billion to install larger production platforms, with stronger pumps, in the Persian Gulf, where Iran shares a huge underwater gas field with Qatar.”

“Hackers Leak Details About Iran’s Shadowy Oil Smuggling Network,” Iran International, 2-14-24.

“‘The streets smell like death:’ Iran’s suicide epidemic,” Rudaw, 2-14-24.

Happy Valentine’s Day.  “VIDEO: Iran unveils new cruise missile system,” Mehr, 2-14-24.

“U.S. sanctions Iran Central Bank subsidiary for U.S. tech procurement and violating export rules,” AP, 2-14-24.

Insightful interview about Iran from Pahlavi.  “Exiled Iranian prince: ‘There are those who believe in death’,” JNS, 2-14-24.  The “eye of the octopus,” the Islamic regime in Iran, must be addressed, Reza Pahlavi said.

“Iran jails Mahsa Amini uncle for over five years: rights groups,” AFP, 2-13-24.

“Iran is playing a long game, and Washington is losing,” The Hill, 2-13-23.  “Deterrence is not a matter of force, but of will. For deterrence to work, an adversary must believe that the U.S. has the will to strike at his interests. In Iran’s case, regime survival is the greatest interest. The clerics in Tehran will only back down if they believe an American attack places their power at risk. Ahead of the most recent strikes, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby repeated that the U.S. seeks to avoid war with Iran — a clear message that the U.S. has no interest in threatening the regime in Tehran. This inherently contradicts any effort at deterrence. American airstrikes in Iraq and Syria in exchange for free shots against American bases is a tradeoff that Iran is willing to accept. By targeting a militia leader in Baghdad in response to attacks on U.S. troops, the U.S. essentially exchanged a slap on the wrist for the loss of American lives. This pattern of response only encourages Iran and its proxies, reinforcing the perception that they can act with impunity. To effectively deter Iran and its proxies, the U.S. must adopt a more proactive and comprehensive strategy, inclusive of targeting Iranian assets directly, imposing meaningful costs for aggression and signaling a willingness to escalate if necessary. The time for half-measures is over; the U.S. must take the required steps to confront Iran’s malign activities and secure a more stable and peaceful future for the region.”

“Iran’s IRGC fires long-range ballistic missile from cruiser: commander,” Xinhua, 2-13-24.

If I were a betting man, I’d say that the targeting information (regarding international shipping and military vessels) funneled from the Iranian ship near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait to the Houthis was manipulated by an adversary of Iran so that the Houthis would shoot at their master.  “Houthis Fire Missiles at Cargo Ship Bound for Iran, Their Patron,” Bloomberg, 2-12-24.

“Iran asks FIFA to ban Israel over war in Gaza,” Vanguard, 2-12-24.  Did Iran ask FIFA to bar Russia for its invasion of Ukraine?

Putting aside the military and security implications for other countries using the Strait, building bridges are generally praised by others who want developing countries to go forward.  Iran has done to little bridge and school and clinic construction for the past four decades.  “Iran Announces $700m Persian Gulf Bridge Project Funded By Oil Barter,” Iran International, 2-12-24.

And Argentina just authorized its embassy to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  It looks like it is trying to take a stand against Iran’s pressure on Argentina.  “With Argentina’s help, U.S. seizes Boeing 747 used by Iran’s military,” UPI, 2-12-24.  “The seized [Mahan Air] American-built aircraft was transferred by a sanctioned Iranian airline in a transaction that violated U.S. export control laws and directly benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is a designated terrorist organization.”

“Iran celebrates anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution,” ABC, 2-12-24.

“Iran plotted to assassinate a Swedish Jewish woman — this is her story,” Jerusalem Post, 2-12-24.

“Former Iranian-Owned Boeing Aircraft Successfully Returned to the United States,” Department of Justice Press Release, 2-12-24.  “The pilot of the plane, Gholamreza Ghasemi, was identified as an ex-commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a shareholder and board member of a subsidiary of Mahan Air.”

“Iran And Turkey Seal 600 MW HVDC Line Deal For Cross-Border Energy Exchange,” Solar Quarter, 2-12-24.

“Iran’s aggressive maritime acts escalate tension and threaten trade in the region,” Dryad Global, 2-12-24.

Weapons and Ideology.  Dangerous combination.  “Why Sudan’s army is pivoting towards Iran,” New Arab, 2-12-24.

“Iran recruiting British citizens to spy on Jews, dissidents – report,” JPost, 2-11-24.  “Iran has recruited British Shia Muslims visiting religious sites in Iran and Iraq to spy on Jews and Iranian dissidents living in the UK, the Daily Mail reported on Friday.  The British citizens were approached by recruiters from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”

That’s the spirit.  Actually, it is the creed the Islamic Republic of Iran was built on.  Without oppressors, the martyr complex can’t exist.  Quite a bit different than “All men are created equal.”  See “Burning US flags and chanting ‘Death to Israel,’ Iran marks 45 years since the Islamic Revolution,” Times of Israel, 2-11-24.  Does any other country on earth celebrate its independence day this way?  That is a rhetorical question we all know the answer to.  “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” and “Death to Saudi Arabia” and “Death to the United Kingdom” are the coin of the realm.

But while we’re at it, will the Sec. Gen. of the UN comment on Iran’s doing what no other country does, calling to remove Iran from the United Nations?  He may instead be spending time figuring out why the UN supplied electricity from its UNRWA building in Gaza to the Hamas tunnel underneath.  “Iran marks Islamic revolution with demand to expel Israel from UN,” Al Monitor, 2-11-24.  It may be that this tunnel was built with Iran funding.  “Israel says UN agency boss should quit over Hamas ‘tunnel’ under Gaza HQ,” Digital Journal 2-10-24.  What will the UN Sec. Gen. say?  But wait!  There’s more!  Rows of computer servers were powered in this key tunnel location.  “Tunnel complex with rows of computer servers discovered under UN aid-agency HQ in Gaza, reports say,” Business Insider, 2-11-24.

“Iran says it has exchanged messages with US,” Reuters, 2-10-24.  This is rare over the period since the U.S. was forced to break relations during the Hostage Crisis way back in 1979.

Again increasing ties with Russia, not a cleans-hand actor.  “Iran Announces Grain Purchase Deal With Russia,” Iran International, 2-10-24.

“Iran Update, February 10, 2024,” Critical Threats, 2-10-24.

“Hezbollah head meets Iran’s FM, says Resistance will emerge victorious,” Press TV, 2-10-24.

He’s not a spy, he’s a hostage.  “Family of Swede imprisoned in Iran fear death penalty verdict is imminent,” Guardian, 2-9-24.

“Revolutionary Iran’s goals are and always have been to chase America out of the Middle East, annihilate Israel, and dominate its Sunni neighbors. Nuclear weapons are a game changer in that respect, and they will be here much sooner than you think.”  …  “Iran is not a rational state actor in the Western sense, but its behavior is logical if you put yourself in the mindset of the hegemonic Shiite Islamist power. American foreign policy experts forget that Iran’s Achilles heel is its need to survive indefinitely at all costs.”  See “The question we are forgetting to ask: How will we handle this once Iran is nuclear?,” The Hill, 2-9-24.

“Iran’s Calculated Approach to Regional Tensions,” RFE/RL, 2-9-24.  “Iran has refrained from direct military action against Israel and the US, prioritizing its regime’s survival amid internal challenges, including civil unrest and economic crises.  …  Iran’s military capabilities, while advanced in areas such as drones and missiles, do not match the conventional and nuclear capabilities of Israel, leading Iran to rely on asymmetric warfare and proxy forces to avoid direct confrontation.”

Iran is not developing.  It is stagnant, in essence going in reverse.  Other countries move on ahead, bettering their people and region.  “On 45th Revolution Anniversary, Iran Resembles North Korea, Not Japan,” Iran International, 2-9-24.

“[S]ince January 2000, the Iranian authorities have amputated the fingers of at least 131 men.”  See “Iranian Finger Amputations Continue Against International Law,” Iran International, 2-8-24.

Bad day for Iran as far as revealing the Regime’s thoughts.  First, the Supreme Leader.  “Meta boots Iran despot Ali Khamenei from Facebook, Instagram after calls to ‘wipe Israel off map’,” NYPost, 2-8-24.  Then, the head of the street beaters.  “Basij Commander Reaffirms Iranian Goal To Annihilate Israel,” Iran International, 2-8-24.

“Iran-linked groups launch drone attack on US base in Syria,” AA, 2-8-24.

“On 45th Revolution Anniversary, Iran Resembles North Korea, Not Japan,” Iran International, 2-8-24.

“Increasingly advanced Iranian cyberattacks mount,” SC Magazine, 2-8-24.

The price of death in Ukraine.   “$375,000 – The Sticker Price for an Iranian Shahed Drone,” Forbes, 2-7-24.  Iran has sold Russia “a price of $193,000 per Shahed for a 6,000 unit buy. A smaller order of 2,000 units would yield a $290,000 per Shaded sticker price. The two countries reportedly agreed to the larger buy, netting the Iranian government $1.8 billion from the sale after the addition of licensing fees.”

Drug trafficking and weapons.  And influence.  Beyond Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Bolivia, Iran is making other SA inroads.  “Iran’s Stealthy Steps in the Region: Latin America under Threat,” Diaglogo Americas, 2-7-24.

“U.S. drone strike kills a leader of an Iran-backed militia in Iraq,” NPR, 2-7-24.

“Iran’s ambassador to UN says country is ‘sending arms,’ ’empowering’ Palestinian ‘resistance’ groups,” Fox, 2-7-24.

“Iran Says Several Azerbaijanis Arrested For Alleged Sabotage Plans,” Iran International, 2-7-24.

“China, Russia and Iran ‘attempting to illegally acquire’ US technology, top DHS official says,” ABC, 2-7-24.  “It’s the latest warning about a problem seen in Iranian weapons and elsewhere.”

“Three dead as US drone strike targets Iran-linked militia leader in Baghdad,” Guardian, 2-7-24.  The commander of Kataib Hezbollah work in Syria was killed.

Iran only charges Russia 20K for shaheds, but they cost much more.  “$375,000 – The Sticker Price For An Iranian Shahed Drone,” Forbes, 2-7-24.

A lot of news today.

“Iran is silent for a reason,” Israel Hayom, 2-6-24.

Another example of discrimination (and inferiority/martyrdom complex)baked into society, this time against Arabs instead of Jews.  “Iran ‘surprised’ by choice of Arab referee in Asia soccer semifinal against Qatar,” Times of Israel, 2-6-24.

“Who is part of Iran’s regional armed network?,” PBS, 2-6-24.

Iran knows this.  “Israel Privately Estimates as Many as 50 Hostages Could Be Dead,” WSJ, 2-6-24.

“Report in Sweden: Iran Planned to Kill Jews in the Country Using Agents Disguised as Refugees,” Haaretz, 2-6-24.

“Iran, Russia, China plan joint naval drill in coming weeks to bolster regional security,” Times of India, 2-6-24.

“Iran closer than ever to weaponizing uranium, building nuclear bomb – report,” JPost, 2-6-24.  “A new report from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) is sounding the alarm on Iran’s closeness to going nuclear, upgrading its threat level to “Extreme Danger,” the highest of its six ratings, for the first time since the group began following the Iranian nuclear program in the 1990s.  Since 2022, the report says, Iran’s ‘breakout’ time has been zero— that is to say, Iran “has more than enough… highly enriched uranium (HEU) to directly fashion a nuclear explosive.” Uranium itself is not the only component required to fashion a nuclear weapon, though it is by far the hardest to come by. “If Iran wanted to further enrich its 60 percent enriched uranium up to 90 percent weapon-grade uranium (WGU)… it could do so quickly,” the report says. “[Iran] can break out and produce enough weapon-grade enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon in a week,” it goes on, “using only a fraction of its 60 percent enriched uranium. This breakout could be difficult for inspectors to detect promptly, if Iran took steps to delay inspectors’ access.” Moreover, using its remaining stock of enriched uranium, the country “could have in total enough weapon-grade uranium for six weapons in one month, and after five months of producing weapon-grade uranium, it could have enough for twelve.” Although manufacturing the delivery system for the weapon itself could take longer, an accelerated program to develop a simple warhead delivered by ship or truck “could be accomplished in about six months,” signaling Iran’s nuclearization “either dramatically via an underground nuclear test or stealthily via leaks about its accomplishment.”’

“How US airstrikes will and won’t hurt Iran-backed militias,” Asia Times, 2-6-24.

“Iran suspected in plot to kill Swedish Jews – report,” AFP, 2-6-24.  “Iranian couple posing as Afghani immigrants and reportedly working for IRGC were never charged but were reportedly deported in 2022.”

“Iran warns US not to target ship ‘providing intelligence to Houthis’,” Telegraph, 2-6-24.

“Iran govt welcomes Sudan’s request to restore bilateral relations,” Dabanga Sudan, 2-6-24.

“Why Iran is hard to intimidate,” Economist, 2-6-24.

“Despite U.S. airstrikes, Iran continues to arm its proxies,” NBC, 2-6-24.

The problem with Holt’s interview with the UN Ambassador from Iran is that, after the denial, Holt doesn’t present evidence to see, hold, or even rebut the Ambassador.  The viewers only hear the blanket denial from Iran, which has been shown in hundreds of cases in the media over the past many years to be contradicted by facts on the ground.  “Iran is not directing Houthis or other groups to launch attacks, Iran’s U.N. envoy says,” NBC, 2-6-24.

And the same for the claim that the Ambassador made equating Iran and its proxies to NATO.  Mr. Holt could have quickly said that Art. 5 of the NATO Charter requires that an attack on one is an attack on all, and therefore Iran and its proxies are one.  Or he could have said that the U.S. is the main country in NATO, and the others follow its lead–thus, the proxies follow Iran’s lead.  This oversight and failure to hold accountable in reporting is a reminder of the coverage of the supposedly modern and normal ski facilities of North Korea, but it was instead using actors and fake ski clothing.  (See “Inside North Korea: Lester Holt Reports From A Modern Ski Resort | NBC Nightly News,” NBC, 1-21-18).  “Exclusive: Iran’s U.N. ambassador likens ties to militant groups to NATO alliance,” NBC, 2-6-24.

“Iran accelerates cyber ops against Israel from chaotic start,” Microsoft Blogs, 2-6-24.

For those claiming that Iran does not control its proxies, and they are really independent groups who are loosely associated with Iran’s general aims (i.e., “Iran’s Proxies Aren’t Really Proxies,” Time, 12-7-24, by Amal Saad, a lecturer at Cardiff University), here’s the most recent news flash, and a destruction of that argument.  “IDF revealed over $150 Million transferred from Iran to Hamas,” i24, 2-6-24.  “The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson revealed a significant development regarding the funding of Hamas, stating that more than $150 million was transferred from Iran to the militant group. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari disclosed this information on Tuesday evening, shedding light on the extent of financial support provided to Hamas by Iran. According to Hagari, the funds were utilized by Hamas to sustain its operations underground, emphasizing the group’s investment in fortifying its infrastructure beneath Gaza. He stated, “They invested this money to survive underground,” highlighting Hamas’ strategic use of financial resources to maintain its capabilities amid ongoing conflicts with Israel. Furthermore, Hagari underscored the global implications of Iran’s support for terrorism, describing it as a pressing concern that extends beyond the Middle East region. He emphasized the IDF’s efforts to share intelligence information with international partners to address this threat and called for verification of the reported financial transactions. The disclosure comes in the wake of recent military operations in Gaza, during which IDF soldiers uncovered significant amounts of cash intended for Hamas. Hagari revealed that IDF personnel located tables detailing payments to Hamas from Tehran between 2014 and 2020, providing further evidence of Iran’s financial backing for the militant group. In addition to the substantial funds transferred from Iran, IDF soldiers discovered bags filled with hundred-shekel bills destined for Hamas, as well as cash envelopes containing tens of thousands of dollars designated for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar himself.”  If Hamas (and Sinwar) isn’t a proxy, then they can be sending cash the other way, right?!

See also “Images of the documents published by the IDF suggest the figure is, in total, $154 million provided by Iran to Sinwar [only documented from 2014-2020].”  This quote is from “IDF discovers direct links between Iran and Hamas’s Sinwar in Gaza,” JPost, 2-6-24.

“DIA report confirms the Huthis’ use of Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct attacks across the Middle East,” DIA Public Affairs, 2-6-24.  This means that the Huthis are the people doing the shooting, but the missiles and drones come from Iran, and the orders to attack come from Iran, thus the Huthis are not just a proxy they are the true “middleman” in organized Iranian attacks with Iranian material using an actor who lives outside of Iran.  Everything begins and ends with Iran.

Well-known Robin Wright delivers another article.  “The U.S. Confronts Middle Eastern Militias but Not Iran’s Long Game,” New Yorker, 2-6-24.