Iran Names U.S. as Top Threat Amid Global Tensions

IRAN

THE EARLY PHOENIX

Middle East Exclusive Reports for Informed Decisions

August 19, 2024

To read in Arabic, go here.

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U.S. Named Top Threat, Araqchi FM, Zarif Stays

During his address to the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian identified the United States as Iran’s primary threat and emphasized the nation’s readiness to confront challenges. He called for national unity and sought approval for his 19-member “Government of National Consensus,” with a confidence vote set for August 21. The Parliament’s National Security Commission unanimously approved Abbas Araqchi’s nomination as foreign minister, selecting him over Zarif due to legal restrictions disqualifying dual citizens. Araqchi, seen as a pragmatist, focuses on neutralizing sanctions through “honorable means” and fostering partnerships with China and Russia, aligning closely with the regime’s strategies. Zarif’s exclusion stems from both the 2022 law and his controversial tenure, where despite negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal, he was often sidelined by the Supreme Leader and the IRGC. Despite this, reports suggest Zarif may return to the cabinet, with Pezeshkian possibly declining his resignation.

OpenAI Disrupts Complex Iranian Influence Operations with Global Implications

On August 16, 2024, OpenAI disrupted an Iranian influence campaign named Storm-2035. This campaign used ChatGPT to produce content targeting the U.S. presidential election. It also focused on global issues like the Gaza conflict and Venezuelan politics. Despite operating across multiple platforms, the campaign failed to secure significant traction. Earlier in May 2024, OpenAI had disrupted five influence campaigns from Russia, China, Israel, and Iran. These campaigns aimed to manipulate public opinion using AI-driven content, intending to sow discord and undermine election integrity. Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) has closely monitored these activities, noting the persistent threat from Iranian groups like Sefid Flood. Starting in March 2024, these groups prepared for influence operations. They impersonated political and social activists to incite chaos, undermine authority, and erode confidence in electoral systems. Other Iranian actors, like Mint Sandstorm from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), targeted senior political figures with cyberattacks. These emerging threats have overtaken Russia as the most significant foreign threat to the American elections.

Iran Included, Palantir’s Karp Warns U.S. of Three-Front Conflict

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, highlighted the potential for the U.S. to engage in conflicts across three global theaters—China, Russia, and Iran. He emphasized the strategic necessity for the U.S. to advance its autonomous weapons development to maintain a competitive edge.

Karp pointed out the disparities among these countries in their willingness to use extreme measures, including nuclear weapons. He suggested that technological advancements in warfare, such as autonomous drones, are crucial for maintaining U.S. military superiority. Karp also advocated for a stronger, more definitive stance from U.S. leadership to deter adversaries and prevent escalation.

Iran Strengthens Ties with Russia and China, Defies U.S. Sanctions

Iran strengthens ties with Russia and China, defying U.S. sanctions, showcasing military advancements at Moscow’s “Army 2024” Forum. The Iranian pavilion featuring the “Mohajer-10” drone and ballistic missiles captured Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov’s attention. Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, confirmed Tehran’s readiness to facilitate Russian gas transit, bolstering economic cooperation and evading U.S. sanctions. Additionally, Iran is partnering with Chinese satellite companies to enhance its military surveillance capabilities, particularly targeting American and Israeli military sites.

Iran’s Top Spy Catcher Fails as Argentina Nabs Seven Iranian Agents

Esmaeil Khatib revived in February 2024 claims of identifying Mossad spies in 28 countries to secure parliamentary support. Khatib emphasized his ministry’s role in national security, linking it to the Islamic Revolution’s successes and global recognition of Iran’s security. Meanwhile, Argentine authorities dismantled a terrorist cell linked to Iranian-backed groups planning attacks on the Jewish community in Mendoza. This operation resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of weapons and electronic devices. This conflict may spill into areas considered close to U.S. interests.

Iran Puts U.S. on Trial for 1953 Coup, Targets Major American Entities

An Iranian court has initiated a trial against the U.S. government for its role in the 1953 coup. The coup overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, and the trial began on August 18, 2024. Six prominent American entities, including the CIA, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. House of Representatives, are targeted. The lawsuit, brought by 402,000 Iranians, seeks accountability for Operation Ajax, which installed the pro-Western monarchy of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The trial demonstrates Iran’s persistent grievances against the United States.

Iran’s Encirclement of Israel: From Prediction to Reality

In 2015, Ehud Yaari warned that Iran’s 36-year campaign to destroy Israel, driven by Islamist ideology, aimed to encircle it. This prediction materialized on October 7, 2023. Analysts argue that Biden’s appeasement policies since 2020 emboldened Iran, leading to efforts to eradicate Israel on October 7, 2023. Fiamma Nirenstein criticized these policies as dishonorable, predicting they would lead to war. She noted that Iran deceitfully offered to send envoys to lead the ceasefire talks between Israel, the U.S., and Hamas. Tasnim Agency reported Iran is receiving updates from the Qatari Foreign Minister about the ceasefire talks. Iran views the lack of direct Hamas participation as problematic, accusing Qatar and Egypt of possibly betraying Hamas. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns that Iran might be following its long-term agenda. The official warned of cataclysmic consequences if Iran persists with its destructive actions and efforts to undermine the current ceasefire talks.

Iran Forces Confession from Critically Injured Woman After Hijab Law Shooting

Arezou Badri, a 31-year-old mother, was shot by Iranian police on August 15 for allegedly violating hijab laws. Despite severe spinal and lung injuries, she was coerced into a confession while bedridden in a Tehran hospital. Iranian security forces also pressured her family into giving similar forced confessions under duress. The incident occurred near the Caspian Sea, where Badri was shot after allegedly showing her hair while driving. This follows nearly two years after Mahsa Amini’s death, which sparked widespread protests against Iran’s oppressive treatment of women.

Iranian-American Indicted For Exporting Aircraft Parts To Iran

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Jeffrey Chance Nader, a 66-year-old Iranian-American, for attempting to export military aircraft parts to Iran, in violation of U.S. sanctions. Residing in California, Nader was apprehended while allegedly coordinating with Iranian partners to procure and ship components, including those used in American F-4 jets, through his company, Pro Aero Capital.

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Middle East: A Region At War- MBS Under Risk of Assassination