“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.
“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.
Funny how the existing task force against pirates has been working just fine, but if it expands and Iran is under the microscope with the Houthis suddenly there would be huge problems. See “Iran warns a US-backed Red Sea maritime task force would create ‘extraordinary problems’,” Washington Examiner, 12-14-23.
But this “progress” has taken forever—since 1979! And is a reminder about the unfair mandatory hijab against women. “Female soccer fans in Iran allowed into Tehran stadium for men’s game. FIFA head praises progress,” AP, 12-14-23.
Denmark and Germany attacks thwarted. Most likely acting under Regime direction or encouragement, because they wouldn’t do so without. “German authorities thwart attack by Hamas-linked members on Jewish institutions,” i24, 12-14-23.
“Israel’s (not-so) secret plan to prevent a nuclear Iran and create a new Middle East,” Times of Israel, 12-13-23.
It got too hot in the kitchen. “Iran’s Raisi Skips Trip To Switzerland Amid Legal Bid For His Arrest,” Iran International, 12-12-23.
“Iran’s Houthis attack ship as Hezbollah escalates attacks in north,” Jerusalem Post, 12-12-23.
“Woman Victim of Child Marriage Faces Imminent Execution in Iran,” Iran Wire, 12-12-23.
This type of news, good news, normal country news, is too few and too far beyond. If Iran didn’t spend so much on terror and didn’t mismanage its budgeted funds (let along corruption under the Regime) and didn’t spend such large amounts trying to spread the Shia Crescent, then it would have funds for health and education and more bridges, etc. “New Astarachay River bridge connecting Iran and Azerbaijan, to open soon,” Azer News, 12-11-23.
“Iranian president targeted with ‘crimes against humanity’ complaint ahead of Swiss visit,” AFP, 12-11-23. Long a complaint about this action by Raisi, a member of the “Death Committee.” “Rights groups have long campaigned for justice over alleged extrajudicial executions of thousands of mainly young people across Iranian prisons within a few months in the summer of 1988, just as the war with Iraq was ending. Those killed were mainly supporters of the People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK or PMOI), a group banned in Iran that had backed Baghdad during the conflict. The petitioners behind Monday’s complaint say they can personally identify Raisi as figuring on a commission that sent thousands of jailed opponents to their deaths during the crackdown.”
Only country in the world doing this. “Iran says will force US aircraft carrier out of region,” Mehr, 12-11-23.
“Iran, Saudi Arabia ‘Set For Talks’ To Restore Scheduled Flights,” Aviation Week, 12-11-23.
“Iran’s Grand Strategy to Destroy Israel Is Proceeding Apace,” Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 12-11-23.
“With the Israel-Hamas war, Sunni and Shia armed groups find uncommon unity,” NPR, 12-11-23.
“Understanding the Goals of the Iranian Regime’s Global Aggression,” Iran News Update, 12-11-23.
Not the first time Iran has tried terror on Cyprus territory. But also of interest is the captured Quds Force agent Arablu. Media accounts don’t always identify these men by name. “Cyprus arrests 2 Iranian nationals over suspected plot to attack Israelis,” MSN, Times of Israel, 12-10-23.
“U.S. Seeking Partners To Safeguard Ships After Red Sea Attacks,” Washington Post, 12-10-23.
Article lays out implications of Hamas no longer having tunnel network under hospitals. “Israel’s Message in Gaza to Iran and Hezbollah,” WSJ, 12-10-23.
“Cyprus arrests 2 Iranian nationals over suspected plot to attack Israelis,” MSN, Times of Israel, 12-10-23. The long war continues. See also “Iran plan to kill Israelis in Cyprus foiled: Netanyahu,” AFP, 12-10-23.
“Children of jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi accept Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf,” CBS, 12-10-23.
“Iran Fires Ominous ‘Explosion’ Warning to US and Israel,” Newsweek, 12-9-23.
“Iran’s Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to begin new hunger strike: Family,” Al Jazeera, 12-9-23.
“Mahsa Amini’s Family Barred from Leaving Iran to Accept Human Rights Prize,” Iran Wire, 12-9-23.
The headline is shocking, but the Baha’i faithful have been discriminated terribly in so many ways by the 1979 Regime. “Three Baha’is in Northern Iran Sentenced for Teaching Kindergarten,” Iran Wire, 12-8-23.
“‘Levels of hell’: Father of Swedish EU diplomat calls for his release by Iran,” Guardian, 12-8-23.
“Iran finally fields new main battle tank,” Defence Blog, 12-8-23.
So many announced plans never come to fruition. “Iran Plans Major Gas Storage Expansion To Face Winter Shortages,” MEES, 12-8-23.
“Iran’s Parliament Returns Hijab Bill to Guardians Council,” Iran Wire, 12-8-23.
“Iran’s Parliament Returns Hijab Bill to Guardians Council,” Iran Wire, 12-8-23.
