THE EARLY PHOENIX
★ IRAN
August 30- September 3-5 , 2024
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Iran’s Influence in the US Election and Disinformation Campaign
Iran is attempting to influence the US presidential election through disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, according to a New York Times report. Tehran’s efforts target both former President Donald Trump and current US leadership, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The campaign reportedly involves fake news outlets, including Savannah Time, NioThinker, and Westland Sun, managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These outlets spread content aimed at discrediting US democratic processes. The US intelligence community confirmed Iranian hacking attempts on Trump’s campaign, which Tehran denies.
Data of 20 Iranian Banks Hacked in Worst-Ever Cyberattack
Iran paid $3 million in ransom to prevent the release of data from over 20 hacked banks, Politico reported, confirming an earlier report from Iran International. The cyberattack, deemed the “worst-ever” against Iran’s banking system, targeted 20 out of 29 active credit institutions. The hacker group IRLeaks infiltrated the system through Tosan, a digital services provider. Among the affected banks are the Bank of Industry and Mines, Iran Zamin Bank, and Saman. This follows previous attacks by IRLeaks, exposing vulnerabilities in Iran’s data security infrastructure.
Iran-Russia Tensions Rise Over Zangezur Corridor Project
Iran has expressed strong opposition to the Zangezur corridor project, which links Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, bypassing Armenia. Iranian officials warned Russia about the geopolitical consequences, urging Moscow to reconsider its support for the corridor. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov criticized Armenia’s resistance to the project, which is backed by Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey to enhance regional connectivity. Iran remains firm against changes to regional borders, fearing that the project could block its only land route to northern countries like Russia. Iranian media have escalated their rhetoric, signaling rising tensions between Tehran and Moscow.
US-Iranian Citizen Arrested for Smuggling UAV Parts to Iran
US authorities arrested Gholam Reza Goodarzi, a dual US-Iranian citizen, for smuggling UAV components from the United States to Iran. Goodarzi, also known as Ron Goodarzi, used proxy destinations and concealed parts in luggage to smuggle military technology. Investigations revealed that from December 2020 to July 2023, Goodarzi smuggled aircraft components to Iran through various proxy locations. If convicted, Goodarzi could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for illegal exports threatening US security. This arrest is part of broader US efforts to stop Iran from acquiring advanced military technology illegally.
Tehran Mayor Visits Damascus to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani arrived in Damascus, leading a senior delegation, welcomed by Damascus Governor Muhammad Tariq Krishati. Krishati viewed the visit as a step toward enhancing cooperation between the capitals of Iran and Syria on multiple levels. He expressed hope for new collaboration during the Syrian Exports Exhibition, with Tehran Mayor Zakani as a special guest. Zakani anticipated that meetings would lead to constructive agreements, strengthening cooperation and shared goals between the cities. The Tehran Mayor will meet Syria’s prime minister and key ministers to discuss internal affairs, economy, and foreign trade.
Exclusive: Iran-U.S. Secret Talks Fail, Enabling Tehran’s Nuclear and Military Gains
Recent developments suggest a potential collusion between the Biden administration and Iran initiated in May 2024. During that time, the U.S., via White House Middle East advisor Brett McGurk, held indirect talks with Iran’s Chief Nuclear Negotiator. The talks mainly focused on incentives to return to the Obama-era JCPOA guidelines and pleas for regional de-escalations.
These talks coincided with reports that Iran is funding anti-American and anti-Israel protests in the U.S. Iran also continued enriching uranium, with the IAEA estimating it could produce three to five nuclear weapons within three months.
Furthermore, Iran during these talks not only continued to supply Russia with drones but was also reported to provide 400 ballistic missiles. Tehran is expected to provide Moscow with more ballistics soon, according to Bloomberg. Lastly, on September 2, 2024, Iran unveiled its Soleiman-402 battle tank, an upgraded version of the U.S.-made M60 model.
In the Middle East, Iran destabilizes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan to gain access to Israel’s longest border. Additionally, by supporting the Houthis, Iran caused a 70% drop in Suez Canal shipping, while also aiming for control over the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. To further its influence, Iran is establishing air and naval bases in Syria to project power across the Mediterranean and Red seas.
Former President Donald Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham have expressed deep concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Trump warning that Iran’s capabilities could threaten Israel’s existence. Graham has introduced legislation to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, citing intelligence that suggests Iran is close to achieving this capability. Both leaders called for stringent measures to deter Iran’s progress, emphasizing the potential regional and global threats posed by a nuclear-armed Iran. Immediately after President Trump’s warning, Khamenei directed Iran’s president to allow the IAEA Director to resume halted inspections.
The meetings between the Biden administration and Iran—whether direct or indirect, secret or disclosed, treasonous or capitulatory—yielded no positive outcomes. Instead, they allowed Iran to expand its influence into regions it had never previously dreamed of controlling.
Iran Attacks U.S., Israel, Azerbaijan Web Sectors
Iranian hackers, collaborating with ransomware gangs, are stealing sensitive data from American, Israeli, and Azerbaijani educational, medical, and defense sectors. Hackers exploit software vulnerabilities, infiltrate networks to steal databases, and disable security measures, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.
Iran Seeks $250 Billion for Growth With Depleted Funds
Iran needs $250 billion to achieve 8% growth, with over half expected from domestic sources, and $100 billion from foreign investment, says Iran’s new President. This investment aims to revitalize key sectors like energy, infrastructure, and high-tech industries to reduce inflation and unemployment. During a TV interview, Pezeshkian announced Khamenei’s approval to withdraw $5.8 billion from Iran’s National Development Fund (NDF). The government’s debt to the NDF is nearly $100 billion. The September 2024 withdrawal reduced the fund’s balance to $4.2 billion. Experts criticize Pezeshkian’s economic plan as unoriginal, repeating past promises without offering innovative solutions, risking public disillusionment. The reality often overlooked is that neither the new president nor his predecessors have the leverage to gain approvals for alternative plans.
Iran’s Quds Force Sanctioned by Britain Over UK Destabilization Plot
Iran’s Quds Force, a special unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been sanctioned by Britain for planning destabilizing activities within the UK. The UK government’s updated black-list now includes Unit 700 of the Quds Force, along with key figures such as Hamid Fazeli, Abdolfattah Ahvazian, and Bahnam Shahriari. These individuals are accused of engaging in hostile actions targeting the UK, as well as involvement in destabilizing efforts in Israel, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. The sanctions involve entry bans and asset freezes. The UK’s Iran sanctions list now includes 27 legal entities and 190 individuals.
Iran Retaliates Against Germany by Closing Tehran Language Institute
Iran closed the German Language Institute in Tehran, retaliating for Germany’s shutdown of the Islamic Center Hamburg. Iran accused the institute of illegal activities and promoting Western influence. The closure reflects escalating tensions between the two nations, each targeting the other’s cultural institutions in a tit-for-tat diplomatic conflict. Germany condemned the closure, viewing it as unjustified and a hindrance to cultural exchange.
Iran: Khamenei Vows Eternal War on Sunni, Arab ‘Yazidis’
On August 25, 2024, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stirred deeper sectarian divisions via posts on X. He depicted an ongoing religious conflict between the justice-seeking “Husseini front”, Shiites and the oppressive “Yazidi front.”, Sunnis and Arabs. Khamenei emphasized this battle as a moral duty against tyranny, pledging opposition against ‘oppressors’ indefinitely. This narrative reflects Iran’s support for Assad in Syria, criticized for exacerbating sectarian conflicts. The Syrian Islamic Council refuted Khamenei’s portrayal of Sunnis, highlighting their enduring commitment to justice and condemning Iranian-backed forces’ actions. They called on the media to expose and counter Iran’s divisive strategies, underscoring the implications for regional peace.
Iranian Merchant Ship Capsizes in Kuwaiti Waters, Six Crew Members Dead
An Iranian merchant ship capsized in Kuwaiti waters, killing six crew members of Indian and Iranian nationality. Three bodies have been recovered, while search efforts continue for the remaining victims. The cause of the incident remains unknown.
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Iran-U.S. Talks: Nuclear Gains and Global Impact Ai Generated Video Report
This video provides a concise and impactful summary of the recent developments between Iran and the U.S. from May to September 2024. It covers the failed negotiations, Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities, military expansions, and the broader global repercussions, including cyber-attacks and international responses.
Video created with the assistance of Generator Text to Video Maker using advanced AI tools.
Explore more at InVideo.
