IRAN

• Israel Leads in Countering Iran’s Threat: A Call for U.S. to Follow Suit

Israel’s proactive measures against Iranian influence across its northern borders are evidently becoming a rightful priority. The Israeli airstrikes on the outskirts of Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of two IRGC officers, further underscore Syria’s critical role in Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance,’ serving as a conduit for arms to Hizballah.

Source: Iran International

This concern is amplified by recent Hamas operations,” explained Dr. David Adesnik, a leading FDD analyst on Syrian affairs. In response to a question about Israel’s killing of the two officers, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Kanaani confirmed this publicly, stating that nothing will go unpunished and stressing that any action against Iran’s interests and its advisory forces in Syria will not occur without a response.

In the wake of Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, the Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Forces embarked on a two-day visit to Iraq, purportedly to initiate a military student exchange program between Iran and Iraq. Coinciding with this visit, a group aligned with Iran launched a series of drone and missile attacks against U.S. military bases in the region.

Source: TasnimNews

These retaliatory strikes targeted the Green Village base in Syria, the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, and the “Kharab al-Jir” airport base in northern Syria. Other Iranian factions in northeast Syria were reportedly vacating three of their headquarters, in Deir Ezzor, however.

The IRGC Public Relations also issued a statement condemning Israel’s aggression in Gaza and praising the martyrdom of its IRGC officers, emphasizing the symbol of the ongoing resistance. Iran also responded to the State Department annual report on terrorism by accusing Washington of using this term as a tool against countries that are not aligned with its policies, adding that this report lacks international credibility. The Iranian government also announced forming a special working group to halt fuel supply to Israel, aiming to engage with Israeli fuel suppliers and prevent the strengthening of Israel’s fuel reserves.

Iran’s president Raisi said that his country’s support for Gaza is in total compliance with the Iranian constitution and noted the massive worldwide rallies as indicators that the blood of Palestinians has overcome the arrogant system’s media empire.

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• IRAN’s War Against the United States

Shortly after the U.S. Navy USS Carney intercepted Houthis drones in the Red Sea using its Phalanx area weapon, Iran introduced its new unmanned submarine. This submarine is capable of operating at depths up to 200 meters for a continuous 24-hour period.

Source: WarriorMaven

While a direct comparison may seem incongruous, the timing of this revelation appears to be a clear demonstration to Iran’s alleged preparedness in confronting threats. Furthermore, it confirms Dr. Russell Berman, Director of the Middle East Institute at Hoover Institute, conclusion that Iran feels it is at war with the U.S. (Watch Arabic translated video).

An Israeli newspaper downplayed the Houthi militia’s ability to harm commercial ships in the Red Sea, citing advanced protections and technological challenges. Despite capturing the “Galaxy Leader,” Israel views these attacks as minimal threats, emphasizing the robust design and defense systems of these vessels.

This Monday, in a preemptive strike, an American drone targeted militants near Kirkuk, Iraq, who were planning an attack on the Harir Air Base in Erbil, resulting in five fatalities and three injuries among the “Harakat al-Nujaba” group, linked to Iran.

• Iran and Cuba Together Against Israel, Challenging the U.S.

In Iran’s further attempts to be allegedly rallying support against its perceived enemy at war, the United States of America, Iranian media highlighted the scheduled reciprocal visit of the handpicked Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canal to Tehran, noting that in-depth discussions about the the Israel-Hamas conflict would take place, signaling Cuba’s role and potential implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Source: abc

During a phone call with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Raisi suggested that various countries, including Japan, can directly observe the level of support for the rights of the Palestinian nation by holding referendums, although Western countries are very afraid of holding such polls.

Iran’s foreign minister subsequently launched his own attack on Israel citing documents obtained by Hamas on October 7 that support the hypothesis that Israel is planning to displace the people of Gaza to Egypt, and the people of the West Bank to parts of Jordan. He continued to stress, however, that Tehran is not looking to expand war in the region during a phone call with EU’s Joseph Borell.

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• Iran’s Descent into Despotism: Khamenei’s Reign of Fear and the West’s Moral Imperative. 

The recent call for “absolute obedience” to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the alarming escalation of civilian executions clearly demonstrates the nightmare Iranians have had to endure for forty years. Khamenei’s prolonged rule has led to a society stifled by oppression and a failing state, as seen in the economic downturn and public dissent.

The regime’s insistence on absolute control, even in the face of international condemnation, underscores the need for U.S. policymakers to leverage these internal atrocities to exert pressure on Iran, promoting regional stability and human rights. Analysts say that Iran is exploiting the global focus on the conflict in Gaza as a pretext to carry out an “unprecedented” number of executions

The European Union has decried over 600 executions this year as “cruel and inhumane,” highlighting the regime’s oppressive tactics, including lack of legal representation and family contact for the accused.

Source: Iran International

This surge, a 56.5% increase in November with 122 individuals executed, includes minors and political prisoners. Among them, a young man executed for defending a girl and a 17-year-old hanged for a street fight, blatantly disregarding international norms.

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• Iran’s Gasoline Crisis: A Ticking Environmental Time Bomb. 

Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum confidential document reveals that 80% of its gasoline is substandard, with harmful chemicals like ‘MTBE’ mixed daily. Producing 100-110 million liters daily, Iran’s outdated refineries contribute to severe air pollution and a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions over 20 years. Facing a gasoline shortage, Iran now imports standard gasoline, mainly for major cities. This situation is crucial for the U.S., impacting regional stability, global energy markets, and environmental concerns. It provides leverage in U.S. diplomatic negotiations with Iran, influencing foreign policy, particularly in nuclear talks and regional security issues.

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