THE EARLY PHOENIX
★ IRAN 09-09-24
Iran Plots to Target Jews in Europe, French Authorities Reveal
Iran is behind a plot to kill Jews in France and Germany, according to French authorities. A Paris court charged Abdelkrim S., 34, and his partner Sabrina B., 33, with conspiring with Iranian intelligence to carry out terrorist attacks. The case, known as “Marco Polo,” signals a resurgence of Iranian state-sponsored terrorism in Europe, as reported by France’s General Directorate for Internal Security. The accused allegedly planned attacks on Israeli citizens and businesses, aiming to spread fear among Jews and Iran’s political opposition in Europe.
Iran Transfers Ballistic Missiles to Russia for Ukraine Conflict
CIA Director William Burns, speaking in London, expressed concern over the strengthening ties between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which he said endanger Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East. Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, according to anonymous sources confirming U.S. intelligence findings. While the details of the transfers remain undisclosed, the sources highlighted the ongoing threat posed by this growing defense partnership.
Iranian Ex-MP Criticizes Leaders Over Missile Sales to Russia
Former Iranian MP Heshmatollah Falhatpisheh criticized Iran’s leadership for selling missiles to Russia, calling it “the dirtiest example of Russophilia.” He argued that Iran is becoming a pawn in the Ukraine war, exacerbating the country’s economic and diplomatic struggles. Falhatpisheh, a critic of Iran’s policies, warned that this would deepen Iran’s involvement in global conflicts. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, another Iranian lawmaker, defended the arms sales as necessary for bartering essential goods like soybeans and wheat. Iran denies its involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Iranian President Calls for Relocating Capital to Southern Coast
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for moving Iran’s capital from Tehran to the southern regions near the Gulf and the Sea of Oman, citing development challenges and the need for improved competitiveness. Pezeshkian highlighted Tehran’s water shortages and inefficiencies caused by transferring resources from the south to the capital. The idea of relocating the capital has been considered multiple times since 2004, with discussions emphasizing earthquake risks and other issues. However, no final decision has been made, and previous attempts have stalled despite parliamentary approvals.
Iran Increases Election Meddling While Dismissing U.S. Accusations
Iranian-linked hackers are ramping up their attempts to interfere with the 2024 U.S. presidential election, according to cybersecurity reports. Targeting African American communities and veterans, the hackers spread disinformation aimed at eroding trust in U.S. institutions. Tehran Times, Iran’s state-run publication, dismissed these claims, calling U.S. accusations hypocritical. However, intelligence experts continue to warn that Iran is working alongside Russia and China to undermine U.S. democracy through increasingly aggressive cyberattacks and disinformation efforts, seeking to weaken the country’s stability and political unity.
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★ YEMEN’s Houthis 09-09-2024
Iran Directly Supports Houthis in Red Sea Shipping Attacks
Iran is directly involved in Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping vessels. Houthis lack the technical expertise to execute such precise operations, particularly targeting Chinese and Russian ships. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard controls naval and missile forces, managing air unit operations. Spy ships like Bahshad and Saviz, equipped with naval radars, monitor ship movements up to 100 kilometers. Despite an electronic attack on Bahshad, smaller vessels continue espionage. Fast boats, disguised as fishermen or smugglers, support Houthi operations. This coordinated effort aims to disrupt maritime navigation, aligning with Tehran’s broader strategic goals.
Houthis Claim Downing of Eighth US MQ-9 Reaper Drone
Media networks in the Middle East are going viral with unsubstantiated news that the Houthis have downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Marib on Sunday. The US military told The Associated Press it was aware of the claim but has “received no reports” of American military drones being downed over Yemen. Russian News Agency claimed that this is the eighth US MQ-9 drone downed by Houthi forces over Yemeni airspace since escalation.
U.S. Airstrikes Hit Houthi Positions in Central Yemen
U.S. airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Ibb province, central Yemen, today, hitting the Miatem area east of Ibb city. Houthi media reported the strikes but did not confirm any casualties or specify the exact targets of the airstrikes. CENTCOM did not announce the operation.
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