Remember, for years Iran has said it has no program, or materials, or scientists dedicated to such.  But their path has been like North Korea’s and Pakistan’s, and no is about to cross the threshold into a dangerous place.  It cannot be known if deterrence would work.  “Iran’s Attack on Israel Has Deepened Concerns About Its Nuclear Program,” AP, 4-28-24.  “Iran’s decision to launch more than 300 missiles and drones in its first direct attack on Israeli soil earlier this month showed an appetite for risk that is putting renewed focus on Tehran’s nuclear program and whether it will continue to refrain from developing a bomb.”

Illicit trade, proliferation included in deal.  “Iran, Cuba agree to establish sister ports to facilitate trade,” Hellenic Shipping News, 4-28-24.

“Iran at the peak of drone, missile capabilities: Atlantic Council,” 4-27-24.  But see the actual AC article.  Lot of posturing in Tehran Times.  “This round of Iran-Israel escalation is over, but the next could be just around the corner,” AC, 4-27-24.

Portuguese crew, but no date set for turn-over.  They’ve been held in captivity for about a month–fortunate it is not longer, as most ship crews are several months.  Remember, Iran is the only country that makes hostage-taking an active and regular part of its foreign policy.  “Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship to be released,” Reuters, 4-27-24.

“Jordan fears Iran is trying to create a new front against Israel,” Globe and Mail, 4-27-24.

“It’s time for Europe to ground Iran Air,” The Hill, 4-26-24.

“Ex-Mossad expert warns Iran has built global financial network to bypass sanctions,” Times of Israel, 4-26-24.

“Quality Of Iran’s Weapons Under Aspersion After Failed Israel Attack – Austin,” Iran International, 4-26-24.

“CNN at Friday prayers as Iranians shout ‘death to America’,” CNN, 4-26-24.

Enabler.  “China describes Iran as ‘strategic partner’ in West Asia,” Mehr, 4-26-24.

“Iran’s Prosecutor Says Hijab Is Mandatory For All,” Iran International, 4-26-24.  But see “UN denounces enforcement of mandatory hijab law in Iran,” VOA, 4-26-24.

“12 Points You Need To Know About New Iran Sanctions,” Iran International, 4-26-24.

“Iran News: Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi Abruptly Returns Amid Fears of Interpol Warrant,” NCRI, 4-26-24.

“Former Iran Hostages Demand Release Of Swedish Doctor On Death Row,” Iran International, 4-26-24.

Nasty, brutish, and short in Regime prisons.  “Freed Iranian Artists Diagnosed With Diseases,” Iran International, 4-25-24.

“Iran Needs ‘One Week’ To Build Nuclear Weapon, Official Claims,” Newsweek, 4-25-24.

“The Malaysia-Iran-Israel Triangle Amid the Gaza War,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy,” 4-25-24.

This is just a few days after the high-level visit by China to NK.  But I’m sure there is no connection, right?!  NK missiles and weapons have long ended up with Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas.  “North Korea Sends Rare Delegation to Iran, Fueling Concerns of Military Cooperation,” Time, 4-24-24.  See “China is sending its highest-level delegation to North Korea since 2019 to kick off a ‘friendship year’,” CNN, 4-11-24.

“Iranian women violently dragged from streets by police amid hijab crackdown,” Guardian, 4-24-24.

“How Iran covered up the damage from Israel’s strikes,” Economist, 4-24-24.

“Israel’s Next Front? Iran, Hezbollah, and the Coming War in Lebanon,” Foreign Affairs, 4-24-24.

Iran’s press did not quote the Chinese Defense Chief.  “Iran, China discuss military cooperation; Beijing backs Tehran’s ‘legitimate’ strikes against Israel,” PressTV, 4-24-24.

“IAEA chief: Iran is ‘weeks’ away from nuclear capacity,” i24NEWS, 4-23-24.  “’But that does not mean that Iran has or would have a nuclear weapon in that space of time’.  … Iran is “weeks rather than months” away from the capacity to develop nuclear-grade uranium.”  This is the news that none of us wanted, but that many of us expected.

“How Israeli Missiles Broke Iran’s Air Defense Lines,” Iran International, 4-23-24.

Confusing story for Reuters unless they want to trace the obvious advancements that everyone acknowledges (from the IAEA to public sources) over several years, and to challenge the Regime with the evidence.  “Iran says nuclear weapons have no place in its nuclear doctrine,” Reuters, 4-22-24.

“Israelis tell NYT: Original plan was major strike on military targets near Tehran, beyond,” Times of Israel, 4-22-24.  “Account also cites Israeli official saying a 2nd missile fired at Iranian antiaircraft battery was destroyed by the IAF en route, once it was clear the first had reached its target.”

“Iranian President Raisi set for official visit to Pakistan after recent flare up,” i24NEWS, 4-21-24.

“Supreme leader tacitly acknowledges that Iran hit little in its attack on Israel,” AP, 4-21-24.

“Reports: Iran Suspects Assad of Betraying Its 18 Assassinated IRGC Commanders,” JPC, 4-21-24.  There’s never been another story like this.

“Israel Strikes Iran in Narrow Attack Amid Escalation Fears,” WSJ, 4-19-24.  I’m sure this was less than the almost 350 ballistics, tomahawks, and drones that Iran tried to use against Israel, which could have killed hundreds or more.  The best picture of Iran’s intent and unwise decisions remains the Dome of the Rock image from Jerusalem (and just after Quds Day!) with the incoming missiles reigning down and getting shot out of the sky by the IDF.

“Israel carries out strike in Iran, Israeli official says; no damage to nuclear sites, IAEA says,” WPost, 4-19-24.  The Post does have this right—“it was intended to signal to Iran that Israel had the ability to strike inside the country.”

Ah ha.  Iran does not keep its promise to retaliate, going so far as to say the following.  “No missile attack against Iran, Iranian official tells Reuters,” Reuters, 4-19-24.

“Israel launched ‘limited’ strike on Iran,” Politico, 4-19-24.

“Iran says no retaliation planned, as both sides seek distance from Isfahan attack,” Times of Israel, 4-19-24.

“Nearly 50 nations condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, call for de-escalation,” VOA, 4-18-24.

NBC says “Suspected” when it knows (read the story) otherwise.  Pinocchio.  “Suspected Iran spy ship sails home as the world awaits a new Israeli attack,” NBC, 4-18-24.

“How close is Iran to having nuclear weapons?,” Reuters, 4-18-24.

What the BAS doesn’t say is that Israel is the only country in the world to attack another country’s nuclear program (Iraq, Syria).  It was also praised for this because both of those were proliferation efforts and were dangerous for the world.  “The enormous risks and uncertain benefits of an Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities,” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 4-18-24.

“Iran warns of shift in nuclear stance if Israel threatens atomic sites,” Financial Times, 4-18-24.

We will see if Iran keeps its promise.  “Iran’s military response will be ‘immediate and at a maximum level’ if Israel attacks, foreign minister says,” CNN, 4-18-24.  Let’s see if the press follows up on his claim.

More bad news for the Regime.  “Biden makes new push for historic Israeli-Saudi normalization deal – report,” i24NEWS, 4-18-24.  And the right move by Pres. Biden (really Jake Sullivan), but the recognition of a Palestinian state has to be done in the right way in order for that part to work for Israel, SA, and the Middle East.