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US voices ‘deep concern’ after reports Iranian police shot woman for breaking hijab law

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US voices ‘deep concern’ after reports Iranian police shot woman for breaking hijab law

The Biden administration has expressed “deep concern” about reports from Iran that police shot a mother of two in her car last month and left her partially paralyzed, apparently for her refusal to wear a hijab as mandated.

A State Department spokesperson made the comment in a statement sent exclusively to IB on Sunday. “These reports, unfortunately, are consistent with the Iranian regime’s horrific use of gender-based violence against women and girls,” it said.

Rights activists have said 31-year-old Arezou Badri was partially paralyzed after police opened fire on her vehicle as she was driving with her sister in northern Iran’s Mazandaran province on July 22. The activists have cited sources in Iran as saying police shot Badri because her car was under a confiscation order for her refusal to wear a hijab in the vehicle.

Iranian authorities toughened enforcement this year of an Islamist law that requires women and girls to cover their hair with a hijab in public, even inside a vehicle. Iranian morality police enforcing that law in September 2022 detained and assaulted another young woman, Mahsa Amini, whose death in their custody sparked months of nationwide protests against Iran’s authoritarian Islamist rulers.

The State Department said the shooting of Badri “shows that the [Iranian] regime has learned nothing in the two years since the tragic and senseless killing of Amini … and that the regime’s violent crackdown on women and girls continues unabated.”

The spokesperson added, “The Iranian regime’s brutal treatment of women and girls is a key reason why it remains a pariah on the international stage and why young people leave the country in droves for opportunity and fundamental freedoms.”

The Iranian government tried last week to limit outrage over Badri’s shooting.

Iranian state news site Tasnim published a video on August 19, showing Badri as she lay in a hospital bed in Tehran.

In the Tasnim video, a reporter holding a microphone toward the bedridden Badri asks whether she is feeling better and eating well, and she makes several brief responses in the affirmative. Her father, standing next to the bed, also tells the reporter that his daughter is feeling better.

Iranian state media have said police opened fire on Badri’s car because it ignored orders to stop.

An Iranian judiciary spokesman told an August 20 press conference that the shooter was detained and placed under investigation, but denied there was any connection to enforcement of the hijab mandate.

Kamala Harris wows the crown in Chicago

She said Iranian authorities are seeking to prevent hijab-related controversies and protests from erupting as Iran approaches the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death next month.

VOA has not seen any reports from Iran of street protests related to the shooting of Badri since Alinejad began posting social media images and information about the case on July 29.

“The Iranian regime is trying to control the information. That is why there are so few people learning about what is going on in the hospital where Arezou is under pressure,” Alinejad said.

“As soon as I published information on my social media, I got videos from Iranian women walking unveiled in the street, referring to Arezou,” Alinejad said. “Those women said, ‘We are not going to give up. We know what happened to Arezou, but we will still take off our hijab and walk in the street until the day that we are free.’”

US says Israel remains under ‘threat of attack’ from Iran, cites need to de-escalate regional tensions

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US says Israel remains under ‘threat of attack’ from Iran, cites need to de-escalate regional tensions

The United States said Monday that Israel remains under the threat of attack from Iran and its proxies, days after Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander.

“I would point you to some of the public comments that have been made by Iranian leaders and others. … We continue to assess that there is a threat of attack, and we … remain well-postured to be able to support Israel’s defense, as well as to protect our forces should they be attacked,” Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists.

U.S. Joints Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. CQ Brown met Monday with Israeli Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant and Chief of General Staff Gen. Herzi Halevi in Tel Aviv, discussing both the Hezbollah situation and what is happening on the battlefield in the Gaza Strip.

“The leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership while also discussing the most recent engagement across the Israeli-Lebanese border and the need to de-escalate tensions to avoid a broader conflict,” Joint Staff spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey said in a statement.

In addition to Hezbollah’s promised response for the killing of one of its commanders, Iran has pledged to respond to the assassination of a senior Hamas official in Tehran.

Speaking to Reuters, Brown said Iran wants to “do something that sends a message but they also, I think … don’t want to do something that’s going to create a broader conflict.”

Asked if the risk of an immediate widening of the conflict in the region had declined, Brown said, “Somewhat, yes.”

“You had two things you knew were going to happen. One’s already happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out,” Brown said.

Earlier Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Italian counterpart that Iran’s response “will be inevitable, precise and calculated,” and that Iran does not seek to escalate tensions.

Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, while Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

Gaza war

White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters Monday that Israel is “still facing an enemy in Gaza that continues to want to destroy the State of Israel.”

Kirby said Hamas still poses a “viable threat,” but that Israel has “destroyed an incredible amount of Hamas’ war-marking ability.”

“They’ve killed a high number of both senior, at the strategic level and operational and tactical, leaders from Hamas. No question they have diminished Hamas’s ability to resource itself and to man its ranks,” Kirby said.

The war in Gaza began with the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel during which the U.S.-designated terror group killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage.

The Israeli military campaign of airstrikes and ground fighting has killed more than 40,400 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count.

After several days of higher-level talks in Cairo to try to make progress in achieving a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, working groups are continuing this week to attempt to resolve outstanding issues.

Kirby said U.S. teams, which have worked along with Egyptian and Qatari officials to mediate the talks, continue to describe the discussions as “constructive.”

He said one issue being worked on is the exchange of hostages still held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including the exact numbers of people on both sides and the timing of those exchanges under a potential agreement.

“We want to get it done as soon as possible,” Kirby said.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

In ‘Ruthless’ Sinwar, Iran Got Its Man To Lead Hamas

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In ‘Ruthless’ Sinwar, Iran Got Its Man To Lead Hamas

Yahya Sinwar, the alleged architect of the deadly October 7 attack on Israel and surprise appointment as the new leader of the U.S.- and EU-designated terror group Hamas, is known to have close ties to Iran.

His appointment on August 6 as the head of the Palestinian group’s political bureau followed the assassination of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on July 31, an act that Iran and Hamas blame on Israel.

Following the death of Haniyeh, who had strong relations with Iranian officials, the most prominent names to be considered as his successor were Khaled Meshaal, a former politburo chief of Hamas, and Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent figure within the bureau with close ties to Haniyeh.

The appointment of Sinwar, who has been the Hamas chief in Gaza since 2017, came as a big surprise because many did not take into account the Iran factor, analysts say.

“None of us experts on Palestinian affairs — especially here in Israel — thought about Sinwar as the person who would replace Haniyeh,” said Yohanan Tzoreff, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies who specializes in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

“One [major] reason why Sinwar is the [new] leader is Iran,” he added.

Khaled Meshaal (left) was believed to be a shoo-in to replace Ismail Haniyeh (right) as Hamas leader after he was assassinated in Iran.
Khaled Meshaal (left) was believed to be a shoo-in to replace Ismail Haniyeh (right) as Hamas leader after he was assassinated in Iran.

Sinwar was appointed after two days of deliberations in Qatar by the Shura Council — a consultative body that elects the group’s politburo and has members in Gaza, the West Bank, Israeli prisons, and the Palestinian diaspora.

Tzoreff said Meshaal’s criticism during the 2011 Arab Spring of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad — a close ally of Tehran — made him a deeply unpopular figure among Iran’s top brass.

Tzoreff argued that Mashaal’s return to power could have jeopardized the Palestinian group’s relations with the Islamic republic and “[the Iranians] may have stopped giving Hamas everything it needs [to fight Israeli forces].”

But Sinwar is reportedly stuck in Gaza, where he has been in hiding since the start of the war with Israel in October 2023. The constraints on his movement and restricted ability to communicate with the world mean Sinwar is very limited in what he can do.

“I don’t expect him or Hamas to become closer to Iran. At this point, the relationship will likely stay the same,” said Joost Hiltermann, the Middle East and North Africa Program director at the Belgium-based International Crisis Group.

Molded By Israeli Prisons

Also known by his supporters as Abu Ibrahim, the 61-year-old Sinwar was born in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza. His parents, like Haniyeh’s, fled the coastal town of Ashkelon during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War that resulted in the establishment of the state of Israel — or what Palestinians call the “nakba” (catastrophe).

Sinwar joined Hamas shortly after it was formed in 1987 and set up its feared internal security organization, Al-Majd, whose main purpose was to find Israeli spies within the group. He gained a reputation for violence and was nicknamed the “Butcher of Khan Younis.”

Sinwar was captured by Israeli forces and sentenced to multiple life terms for a variety of offenses — including the killing of two Israeli soldiers — and spent more than two decades in prison.

“He is a guy who was hardened in Israeli prisons, like many longtime Palestinian ex-prisoners,” Hiltermann said.

He said Sinwar learned Hebrew while in prison and, crucially, this helped him to learn how Israeli leaders think.

“Sinwar’s really tough. He is ruthless. He is very much a leader in the mold of any Israeli leader,” Hiltermann said.

While in prison, Sinwar organized strikes to improve working conditions and emerged as a leader among incarcerated Palestinians.

His experience in prison “prepared him very well for the leadership of Hamas” and in planning the October 7 attack, Hiltermann said.

Sinwar (left) traveled to Iran with Haniyeh to meet Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in 2012.
Sinwar (left) traveled to Iran with Haniyeh to meet Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in 2012.

Nearly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed when Hamas militants raided communities in south Israel in October and took hostages back to Gaza. The attack prompted Israel to launch a major offensive in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, which Palestinian sources say has killed more than 40,000 people.

Sinwar was released from prison in 2011 as part of an exchange that saw more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners freed in return for one Israeli soldier held by Hamas. Soon after his release, Sinwar accompanied Haniyeh on a trip to Tehran where he met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The same day Sinwar was announced as Haniyeh’s successor on August 6, Khamenei’s account on X posted a short video of that visit showing Sinwar meeting with the Iranian leader in February 2012.

Hamas’s Message

Traditionally, Hamas’s political bureau chief is based abroad so he can travel and maintain contact with regional allies, such as Iran and the Lebanese Islamic militant group Hizballah.

But Sinwar, who U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken once joked is “buried 10 stories underground” in Gaza, is unable to leave the enclave because of the war.

Tzoreff said that, by appointing a Gaza-based leader, Hamas was “sending a very strong message” to both Israel and Arab states that “the resistance of Hamas has not collapsed.”

“The main message is that nobody can push them out of the area,” he added.

Shi'ite Iraqis from the Iranian-backed group Kata’ib Hizballah march in Baghdad in 2014. Iran's regional network is a key element of its strategy of deterrence against perceived threats from the United States, regional rivals, and primarily Israel.

Iran’s ‘Axis Of Resistance’: Different Groups, Same Goals

Sinwar himself may not be keen on leaving Gaza, because his legitimacy is based on his being in the enclave.

“If Sinwar were to leave Gaza, Palestinians would say he is abandoning them, like a captain leaving the ship,” Hiltermann said.

Sinwar has been in Israel’s sights since the beginning of the war, with army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari describing him as a “dead man” following the October attack.

Killing Sinwar remains a priority for the Israeli army.

Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi vowed on August 7 that his troops would target Sinwar and force Hamas to “replace the head of the political bureau again.”

Iran And Russia See Africa As A Land Of Opportunity

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Iran And Russia See Africa As A Land Of Opportunity

Russia and Iran have both seen their international standing diminish in recent years. And as each seeks a way to boost their military and diplomatic influence, Africa looks like a land of opportunity.

There are no signs that Moscow and Tehran, whose bilateral ties have become closer as they each try to counter punitive international sanctions, are working in lockstep in Africa.

But their aims in the continent often align, and experts say the two are each attempting to capitalize on similar situations, including political instability, war, and apathy toward the influence of Western powers.

“Both Iran and Russia, what they see in Africa is an opportunity to break their diplomatic isolation,” said Cameron Hudson, fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “They have been isolated by the West, financially, politically — essentially branded as pariah states. And so, in Africa, they see 54 opportunities to break that status.”

Russia and Iran have stepped up their engagement with African states, some of which are wary of the West and open to finding alternative trade and investment partners. Tehran and Moscow are notably active in places of conflict, such as West Africa and the Sahel, where juntas have made clear that Western forces are not welcome.

Hudson said Moscow’s and Tehran’s involvement in Africa also has the “ancillary benefit of thumbing their nose” at the Western states behind the crippling international sanctions imposed on them.

The sanctions — imposed over Russia’s war in Ukraine and Iran’s controversial nuclear program, among other things — have effectively cut both Russia and Iran off from the global financial system and harmed their lucrative trade in arms and oil.

New Avenues

By opening new avenues of trade and influence in Africa, Moscow and Tehran can show that the attempts to isolate and punish them “is only marginally successful, and that they can build coalitions of states who support their interests,” Hudson said.

The two countries see Africa as “a battleground where they can supplant the West and better position themselves economically, politically, and even militarily for prolonged tension with the West,” said Liam Karr, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project.

Malians demonstrate against France and in support of Russia on the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Mali in September 2020.
Malians demonstrate against France and in support of Russia on the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Mali in September 2020.

Karr noted that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — former French colonies in the central Sahel where anti-Western military juntas have taken power — “have increased cooperation with Iran and Russia as they distanced themselves from France.”

The situation has already led to the expulsion of French troops from Niger and Mali. U.S. forces battling Islamist insurgents in the region have withdrawn from Niger’s capital, Niamey, and will completely leave the country by September.

The rapidly changing landscape has led to some uncomfortable situations, such as when Russian troops backing Niger’s junta were deployed in May to an air base housing U.S. soldiers.

Both Iran and Russia “use military engagement to ‘get their foot in the door’ with unstable or other isolated countries to pursue greater economic and political cooperation,” Karr explained. Such military engagement, he added, also “allows them to use limited resources to threaten critical waterways, such as the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.”

‘Opportunity In Chaos’

Moscow’s influence is marked by high-level political engagement, business dealings including arms sales, and the ubiquitous presence of pro-Kremlin mercenaries in conflict areas.

“Russia finds opportunity in chaos. And so, when there is political instability in a country, when there is a kind of organic rejection of the West, which we have seen in a lot of states in Africa that view the West as a kind of neocolonial actor, then that creates openings and opportunities for Russia to come in with its narrative,” Hudson said.

Russia’s military footprint is also the most hazardous, as evidenced by the deaths of scores of Russian Wagner mercenaries in fighting against Tuareg separatists linked to the Al-Qaeda terrorist network in Mali last month.

Both Iran and Russia have offered military support to the armed forces in Sudan in their fight against rebels. (file photo)
Both Iran and Russia have offered military support to the armed forces in Sudan in their fight against rebels. (file photo)

Iran is playing catch-up to its Russian ally, working to expand its influence on the continent through trade ties, arms sales, and the use of proxies and militant partners as part of its “axis of resistance” against Israel and the West in general.

In West Africa, Iran has reached out to the trio of juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. In Nigeria, Tehran has established a proxy group called the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which functions like other proxies and partners.

Tehran has also used proxies to make its presence felt across the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, allowing it to put more pressure on regional adversaries, primarily Israel.

‘Aligned Interests’

Iran’s and Russia’s interest in Africa sometimes overlaps, as is the case in Niger and in Sudan, where both are playing a role in the yearlong civil war between the Sudanese military and rebel forces.

“Sudan is a clear area where they both have military interests. Iran and Russia have both offered military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces hoping to secure a military base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast that would enable them to improve their military posture in the area vis-à-vis the West,” Karr said. “Iran has offered drones, whereas Russia has offered ‘unrestricted qualitative military aid.'”

Juntas that have taken power in Mali and Niger, meanwhile, are looking to Moscow and Tehran to fortify their positions.

“They certainly lack legitimacy in the West and among international institutions, and so building relations to Iran or to Russia helps them build legitimacy, because all of a sudden they look like state actors,” Hudson said. “They look like they’re doing the trade and diplomacy that a legitimate government would do.”

Both Karr and Hudson say there are no clear signs that Russia and Iran are coordinating their strategies in Africa.

Karr said that “similar aims and methods mean that most of their efforts mutually reinforce each other,” while Hudson noted “a set of aligned interests, but not interests that are being explicitly coordinated.”

How Would Iran Benefit From Exporting Ballistic Missiles To Russia?

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How Would Iran Benefit From Exporting Ballistic Missiles To Russia?

A new report says Iran is preparing to export Fath-360 and Ababil close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) to Russia and has started training Russian personnel to use the former.

There have been several reports since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 claiming Iran was gearing up to sell or had already supplied Russia with ballistic missiles. None of the reports was confirmed by U.S. or Ukrainian officials, and Iran continues to deny having armed or planning to arm Russia.

Analysts who spoke to RFE/RL were unsure about the latest report but added that if confirmed it would provide a boon for Russia’s war efforts and have both benefits and pitfalls for Iran.

Russia’s use of North Korean ballistic missiles briefly allayed concerns Moscow would turn to Iran to restock its inventory.

“However, the extensive demands of the battlefield may have strained North Korea’s supply capabilities,” Nicole Grajewski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told RFE/RL.

She said Moscow might be seeking Iranian ballistic missiles as a strategy to “lessen its dependence on North Korea,” which would allow Russia to play off Pyongyang and Tehran against each other, “potentially maximizing its strategic benefits.”

A visit to Tehran on August 6 by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, who previously served as the country’s defense minister, fueled suspicions that Moscow was seeking to acquire Iranian missiles.

From Drones To Missiles

Since the early months of the Ukraine war, Russia was suspected of using Iranian-made Shahed and Mohajer-6 drones, many of which have been found after being shot down in Ukrainian cities and battlefields. Iran initially denied arming Russia before relenting and admitting that it had supplied “a limited number of drones” to Moscow before the war.

Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Tehran continues to deny that its drones are being used by Russia against Ukraine. That has not stopped the United States and EU from imposing sanctions on Iran for helping Moscow.

Grajewski said Iranian drones “had a comparative advantage over the Russian ones in terms of technology, manufacturing, and operational use.” But with ballistic missiles, it “is about quantity, not quality.”

Aside from the reputational boost that would come from supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, Iran would also gain significant knowledge about how Fath-360 and Ababil perform in battle.

In addition, Grejewski said, the “operational use and any Russian modifications would potentially help Iran with some areas where its missiles tend to be lacking.”

Earlier reports suggested Russia was eyeing Iran’s Fateh-110 and Zolfaqar short-range ballistic missiles. But exporting those to Russia would put Iran in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) range and payload thresholds, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

However, Fath-360 and Ababil are under the 300 km and 500 kg thresholds established by the MTCR.

“Nonetheless, that does not mean [CRBMs] should be ignored, as they help Russia conserve their own domestically produced long-range strike assets and are further signs of a deepening Russo-Iranian relationship,” Taleblu argued.

Taking Risks To Grow Partnership

Not contravening the MTCR would still draw the ire of Western nations if Iran ends up supplying Russia with ballistic missiles.

UN restrictions on Iran’s imports and exports of missiles expired in October 2023, but the United States and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) as well as the wider EU extended ballistic-missile sanctions against Iran.

Iran unveiled the Mohajer-10 drone in 2023 and showcased it in Russia this month.
Iran unveiled the Mohajer-10 drone in 2023 and showcased it in Russia this month.

“The E3 was resolute in their warnings to Iran,” Grajewski said. “The supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would complicate any solution with the Iranian nuclear program.”

Talks on restoring the nuclear deal have stalled and the agreement is set to expire in October 2025, so Iran may be looking to bolster its relations with Russia in case the prospects for reviving the deal disappear.

Iran took part in Russia’s annual army exhibition, which was held in Moscow on August 12-14, and showcased some of its latest military technology including the Mohajer-10 drone — the updated version of the Mohajer-6 that Russia has used in Ukraine.

Iran test-fires its home-built surface-to-surface Fateh 110 missile in 2010.

U.S. Says Growing Iran-Russia Military Ties ‘Should Concern’ World

But Grajewski argued that more notable was the presence in Moscow of Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, a deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters that is responsible for the operational command and control of Iran’s armed forces.

Taleblu said Iran had received a combination of things for arming Russia with drones, including cash and gold, and maintained that “these vectors of cooperation are likely set to deepen.”

“Iran is intent on moving up from the status of junior partner to Russia, which is one reason why the arms cooperation between the two over Ukraine is unlikely to be compartmentalized,” he added.

Iran-backed militia linked to terror plots targeting Jews in Central Asia

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Iran-backed militia linked to terror plots targeting Jews in Central Asia

The Iraqi militia group Kata’ib Hezbollah, backed by Iran’s IRGC Quds Force, has been linked to recent terrorist plots targeting Jewish centers in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as Tehran seeks to expand its influence beyond the Middle East.

Kata’ib Hezbollah, also known as Hezbollah Brigades, is an Iraqi Shia militia formed in 2007. Aligned closely with Iran, the group is a part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq. The US-designated group’s activities are heavily backed by Iran through training, weapons, and financial support.

Beyond Iraq, Kata’ib Hezbollah has extended its operations to Syria, where it fights alongside other Iranian-backed militias in support of the Bashar Al-Assad regime, and now to Central Asia.

Sources have confirmed to Iran International that Kataib Hezbollah has been carrying out terrorist activities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan through a Tajik operative identified Muhammad Ali Burhanov, also known as Sayed Hamid al-Tajiki.

The Iraqi militant group’s operation in Central Asia was first reported by Terror Alarm on X earlier this month.

Burhanov, who has been linked to multiple attacks in Central Asia, reportedly studied at Al-Mustafa University in Iran—a known recruitment hub for Tehran-backed militant groups. This university, operating under the Islamic Propaganda Bureau of the Qom Seminary, has branches in nearly 60 countries and serves as Iran’s primary instrument for spreading Shi’ism internationally.

Al-Mustafa University had earlier drawn scrutiny, particularly in 2020 when it was allocated a budget of nearly 5 trillion rials, or approximately $100 million at the time, making it the most heavily funded university in Iran. The United States sanctioned the university in December 2020 for recruiting Afghan and Pakistani students to fight in Syria, with Canada following suit in October 2022 for its role in recruiting foreign fighters.

The involvement of Burhanov and his operatives in Central Asia is reportedly supported by the IRGC Quds Force’s Department 400, with direct involvement from senior officials such as Hossein Rahmani and Hossein Rahban. These figures are instrumental in recruiting young militiamen and collaborating with various extremist groups, including Jihadists, ISIS, and the Taliban.

Recent operations linked to Burhanov for Kata’ib Hezbollah have included a failed gunfire attack on the Jewish Agency offices in Almaty, an attempted arson at the Ohr Avner Jewish Center in Almaty, and arson attacks on a farm owned by Saxovat Broyler Co. in Tashkent and a warehouse owned by Neostream Co. in Almaty.

Iran has a long history of hostility towards Jews, often manifesting through both direct and indirect actions. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iranian government has embraced an openly anti-Israel stance, which has frequently spilled over into broader anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions.

The government has supported and funded various proxy groups, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which have carried out attacks against Jewish targets, both in the Middle East and globally. Iran’s involvement in bombings, such as the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people, highlights its longstanding agenda of targeting Jewish communities far beyond its borders. The Islamic Republic’s anti-Semitic propaganda, denial of the Holocaust, and calls for the destruction of Israel further fuel this deep-seated enmity, creating an environment where anti-Jewish violence is not only tolerated but encouraged.

Israel and Hezbollah step back from war, but are there any true winners?

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Israel and Hezbollah step back from war, but are there any true winners?

Israel and Hezbollah have stepped back from a regional war—for now. While daily rocket barrages persist along the Israel-Lebanon border, no clear winners have emerged, and the situation remains fragile and uncertain.

It was August 25 around 4:30 in the morning when Sarit Zehavi heard loud explosions.

“Literally the ground was shaking.”

She didn’t know what was happening.

“The blasts were truly something that we have never heard in the past.”

It was the IDF launching preemptive air strikes in Southern Lebanon to thwart a major attack after Israeli intelligence gathered information on the incoming threat, according to IDF officials.

Israel prevented Hezbollah’s full response to the killing of its Chief of Staff Fuad Shukr on July 30 from materializing.

Iran’s proxy was meant to reportedly carry out hundreds of rockets and UAV strikes in Israel, while also firing accurate missiles at security targets near Tel Aviv. It was described as a large-scale ariel attack by Hezbollah, according to the IDF.

Sarit Zehavi specialized in the IDF’s military intelligence and now runs an organization researching and analyzing Israel’s security challenges in the North, but above all she is an Israeli Northern citizen herself, who lives with Hezbollah just 9 kilometers from her doorstep.

Sarit Zehavi at the Alma Research Centre in Northern Israel.

This is her reality. Since October 7, there have been daily attacks in the North and more than 60 thousand Northern Israeli residents are refugees in their own country.

And that also affects the economy with thousands of Northerners not at work, and those who remain, risking their lives to cultivate the fields and farm. The ongoing war against Hamas has tested Israel’s economy, and opening up a second front with Hezbollah could cripple it.

“All of us civilians of the North that morning ran to the bomb shelters, including myself and my family. It just didn’t stop for about more than an hour. Since this war started, I was very much afraid of a scenario of fire to all over the borderline, because I was afraid that with this scenario, we will see an infiltration as well,” said Zehavi.

There has been a weekly average of 60 Hezbollah attacks in the North since the start of the war 10 months ago, which amounts to 2,804 attacks so far, according to Zehavi.

Hezbollah and its allies have been threatening a retaliatory attack since the assassination of Shukr, which Israel claimed responsibility for. The Iran-backed Hezbollah said in a statement that this “first phase” of retaliation was “successfully completed”.

Nasrallah made a televised speech after the heavy exchange of fire. In it, he said the main focus of Hezbollah’s attack was the Glilot base north of Tel Aviv, which is home to the Mossad and the military intelligence group Unit 8200.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah speaks in a televised address after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire [Handout/Al-Manar TV via Reuters]

He rejected statements by Israeli officials that the attack had failed, saying that Israel was keeping information on the damage “a secret”.

Many of Hezbollah’s rockets are unguided, but it also has precision missiles, drones and anti-tank, anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles. Since the 2006 war with Israel, Hezbollah has advanced its capabilities.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hezbollah was “thrown off balance” and its attempted attack on Israel. He said Israel prevented Hezbollah’s attack minutes before it was supposed to be carried out.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani posted to X that Israel has lost its “deterrent” power, saying it was unable to anticipate the time and place of Hezbollah’s “limited and managed attack.”

Any real winners?

With both sides claiming victory, there appears to be no real winners.

Zehavi referred to Israel’s operation as a “success” and “achievement” with “limitations.”

According to IDF statements, Israel attacked 270 Hezbollah targets, destroyed a few thousand launcher barrels, being careful to not cripple all of Hezbollah capacities in an effort to prevent a full-scale war.

Both parties can’t risk a regional war – at least not yet.

“I think that Nasrallah is not interested in a full-scale war. But the problem is it is willing to take the risk?” said Zehavi.

The Iran-backed group possesses upwards of 150,000 missiles and rockets, according to the World Factbook of the US Central Intelligence Agency.

“It’s something about Armageddon. We are not frightened from that. Israel is capable to defend itself,” said Beni Sabti, a researcher in the Iran program at INSS.

Sabti said Israel’s weekend strike likely hit around less than 1 percent of all the ammunition Hezbollah has, but since most of their rockets are short range, the key is to keep pushing Hezbollah farther from the border.

Hezbollah said it has rockets that can hit all areas of Israel with precision, but the majority of their arsenal are unguided and short range.

Iranian-made guided missile al-Mas on display

“I think that Iran regime and also Hezbollah understood that they have a limit,” said Sabti.

He said Iran’s government and Hezbollah leaders wouldn’t also want to risk losing wealth and power amassed over the years.

Hezbollah, is listed as a terrorist entity in the US and Canada, but has participated in national elections since 1992 and has become a major political presence in Lebanon and would not want to jeopardize its political authority in the country.

The Lebanese currency was devalued by more than 98% between January 2023 and March 2024, with an annual inflation rate of 221.3% in 2023, according to the World Bank.

Iran’s foreign minister told his Qatari counterpart on Monday that the Islamic Republic will support any ceasefire deal agreed by Hamas.

“We will support any agreement that our friends in the Palestinian resistance and Hamas approve”, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Qatar’s Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

This could be read as a sign that Iran isn’t going to retaliate against Israel, understanding as Sabti pointed out, their so-called limitations. Despite that the US is continuing to boost its military presence in the region in anticipation of a major escalation.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Monday, “We must assume Iran remains postured and prepared to attack Israel.” He described Hezbollah’s attack on Israel over the weekend as “sizeable.”

The preemptive attack doesn’t signal a change in Israel’s strategy and likely prevented anything big from happening, showing success by acting on intelligence, said Sabti.

A game of political theatre?

Robert Springborg, an academic and Middle East expert, described Israel and Hezbollah’s conflict as “political theatre” with “a lot of collateral damage.”

“Each side is playing to its own constituency and trying to demonstrate to its enemy that it has potential, which it can escalate at any time. They’ve been engaged in shadowboxing now, basically since October 7th of last year. This is yet another round of that. Neither side believes that they could triumph without huge cost to themselves,” said Springborg, an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University [SFU], and fellow at the Italian Institute of International Affairs.

He believes that full-blown war was never a real option on the table for either party, saying that the regional actors are playing a “role” and can’t take major risks.

Springborg pointed to Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel in April, with an unprecedented number of ballistic missiles fired in a single military operation. The retaliation came nearly two weeks after Israel’s attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria, which killed two top Iranian generals.

While on one hand Iran’s move opened up the prospect of further escalation, it also involved extensive advance warning to Israeli air defenses. That ultimately allowed enough time for the majority of the drones and missiles to be intercepted before reaching their targets. He saw that as part of the political theatre.

“I don’t think a bigger regional war was ever on the cards,” he said.

Khamenei advises tactical retreat, but warns against trusting the West

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Khamenei advises tactical retreat, but warns against trusting the West

In his characteristic ambiguous style, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei hinted at a willingness to “cooperate” with the West while warning the government about the dangers of placing trust in them.

“Let us not place our hopes in the enemy, nor should we await their approval for our plans. This does not preclude engaging with them when necessary—there’s no harm. However, do not rely on them, and trust in the enemy is misplaced,” Khamenei said on Tuesday.

In his first meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet, Khamenei fueled speculation of a possible shift toward a softer foreign policy, though not without his trademark dose of skepticism.

“No plan is without its challenges,” he remarked. “For some, the instinctive response to obstacles is a retreat, but this is a flawed approach. Instead, one must either overcome the hurdle or find a way to circumvent it. While there may be times when a tactical retreat becomes necessary after all avenues have been explored, it is crucial not to abandon one’s position or resolve at the first sign of difficulty,” Khamenei added.

Since Masoud Pezeshkian’s election, murmurs of dialogue with the West have grown, signaling a potential shift toward negotiations on nuclear issues. While Tehran’s rhetoric fluctuates, it remains steadfast on red lines like terrorism sponsorship. How they intend to lift crippling sanctions while maintaining these positions is yet to be seen.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the center during the first meeting with Masoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet, August 27, 2024.

Two weeks ago, Khamenei had adopted a more aggressive yet still ambiguous tone. He condemned the “enemy’s psychological warfare” intended to dissuade Iran and warned that any retreat—whether military, political, or economic—that lacks “tactical prudence” would invite “divine wrath,” as cautioned in the Holy Quran.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Khamenei also confirmed he had vetted the ministers well before their parliamentary approval.

“The President sought my counsel in selecting the ministers. I endorsed several, emphasized the importance of others, and remained neutral on many whom I was unfamiliar with,” Khamenei said on Tuesday.

Last week, in his final address before the cabinet vote, Pezeshkian revealed that Khamenei approved every minister and personally persuaded at least one hesitant candidate to step up.

In the first meeting of the new cabinet, Khamenei confirmed the claim but with a nuanced twist, noting that while he had reviewed the list, he was unfamiliar with many of the nominees—this subtle remark left room for future maneuvering, a hallmark of Khamenei’s strategic ambiguity.

Historically, it has been understood that Khamenei plays a decisive role in selecting key ministers—specifically those of Intelligence, Interior, Defense, and Foreign Affairs. Yet, no sitting president had previously admitted to such direct pre-approval.

Pezeshkian’s openness, paired with Khamenei’s carefully measured response, has led to renewed scrutiny of the system’s democratic pretensions. Some reformist observers speculate that Pezeshkian might be laying the groundwork to shift blame to Khamenei if his administration falters. However, Khamenei has never shied away from disowning those he’s endorsed—most notably former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whom Khamenei staunchly defended in the face of the 2009 protests, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud.

Artistic Exchange Builds Bridges Between Düsseldorf and Haifa, and Beyond

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Artistic Exchange Builds Bridges Between Düsseldorf and Haifa, and Beyond

Düsseldorf, August 18, 2024 – As I stood in Paul-Spiegel-Platz, in front of the historic synagogue, I couldn’t help but feel the profound significance of the event unfolding before me. The unveiling of Druze artist Sam Halaby’s striking cartwheeler figure was more than just an artistic display—it was a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and the enduring bond between the sister cities of Düsseldorf and Haifa.

Halaby, hailing from Daliyat al-Karmel in Israel, is known as a “hunter of colors,” and witnessing his work firsthand was an experience I will not soon forget. His ability to transform ordinary spaces into vibrant, immersive environments is nothing short of magical. The cartwheeler figure he presented, crafted from lightweight polystyrene and bursting with colour, radiated a message of love and positivity that resonated deeply with everyone present. This artwork, commissioned by the Jewish Community of Düsseldorf and brought to life in collaboration with Radschläger Düsseldorf, is a testament to the deep-rooted cultural connections that exist between these two cities.

The unveiling of Druze artist Sam Halaby’s vibrant cartwheeler figure at Paul-Spiegel-Platz was not just an artistic display; it symbolized the enduring bond between Düsseldorf and Haifa and offered a beacon of hope amidst global challenges.

For a long time, I had been contemplating how to transform my parents’ home into a museum to honor their artistic legacy. Then, a chance encounter with Sam Halaby on the streets of Düsseldorf turned out to be nothing short of serendipitous. While buying coffee, I noticed Sam from his promotional posters, and this led to an immediate and heartfelt conversation. Sam, upon learning that I was Iranian, expressed his own Druze heritage and we quickly found a deep connection. It felt almost like a miracle that our shared background in art and our personal histories converged so meaningfully at that moment.

Sam Halaby’s story is one of remarkable resilience and emotional depth. Born as the tenth child in a traditional Druze family in Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, Sam was surrounded by love from his nine older sisters. His mother, Emily, recognized his extraordinary artistic talent from a young age, nurturing his abilities and attributing them to his previous incarnations. Her death, while a profound personal loss, inspired Sam to channel his grief into his art, creating works that resonate deeply with themes of love, memory, and healing.

The event was a powerful testament to the role of art in bridging divides. Commissioned by the Jewish Community of Düsseldorf and created in collaboration with Radschläger Düsseldorf, Halaby’s cartwheeler figure, crafted from durable polystyrene and adorned with vibrant colors, symbolized a message of love and positivity. The artwork reflects the deep-rooted cultural connections between Düsseldorf and Haifa and serves as a symbol of hope and unity.

Dignitaries and notable guests gathered to celebrate this cultural exchange. Düsseldorf’s Mayor Joseph Hinkel expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved, including Sam Halaby Tanya Rubinstein-Horowitz, Dr Horowitz  and Bert Römgens  whose collaboration brought the project to life. Mayor Hinkel underscored the importance of Paul-Spiegel-Platz and the Düsseldorf Jewish synagogue as the ideal settings for this event, emphasizing how Halaby’s vibrant work resonates with Düsseldorf’s commitment to fostering international relationships through art.

What a beautiful and meaningful image! It seems that this moment showcases a blend of art and peace. The act of Mayor Joseph dipping his finger in blue paint and placing a blue heart on Sam Halabi’s t-shirt symbolizes a message of solidarity and hope.

The color blue typically signifies tranquility and peace, while the heart acts as a symbol of love and unity.

When Sam Halabi finished his painting on Mayor Joseph’s shirt, the mayor dipped his finger in blue paint and placed a blue heart on Sam Halabi’s t-shirt. I was filming this image and in my mind, I was composing a story of this program for the people of Iran and Israel about peace and art.

I see a stark difference between a mayor in a civilized country and the mayor of Tehran, who might even kill his own wife with impunity. This is the disparity between nations with a Republic of Islamic governance and what we aspire to change. Our hope is to evolve in a manner similar to England’s transition—from the Cromwellian period to a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Reza Pahlavi leading the way.

Bert Römgens, Director of Jewish Düsseldorf and from the Alexander-Bederov Center Library, represented the rich Jewish heritage celebrated by the artwork. He also added his personal touch to the painting, embodying the collaborative spirit of the event. During the event, I reflected on the broader historical and geopolitical context that influenced the occasion.

The current regional instability, particularly following the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023, highlights the need for unity and understanding. As an Iranian-born journalist, I spoke about Iran’s complex relationship with Israel and the Iranian diaspora’s separation from the current government. Many Iranians, including those of us in the diaspora, have distanced ourselves from the Iranian regime due to its policies and actions, which stand in stark contrast to our values of peace and cultural exchange.

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s recent speech provided a powerful context for this dialogue. Addressing a global audience, Pahlavi warned against the dangers posed by radical ideologies, including Marxism and Islamism, which have threatened Western civilization and previously devastated Iran. His call for a partnership based on shared values and mutual interests resonates strongly with the spirit of this cultural exchange. Pahlavi’s emphasis on unity and vigilance against extremism echoes the themes of hope and collaboration embodied in Halaby’s artwork.

Oded Horowitz, Chairman of the Jewish Community, spoke with deep emotion about the significance of the project, particularly in light of ongoing regional conflicts and the plight of hostages. “We thought it was a fitting gesture in these challenging times,” Horowitz remarked, highlighting how Halaby’s artwork offers a much-needed message of hope and unity.

Mrs. Rivka Young from founder of the Run for Lives added her personal touch to the painting, embodying the collaborative spirit of the event. She spoke passionately about the need for international solidarity to support hostages and promote peace, reflecting the sentiments of many attendees who were moved by the occasion.

Halaby’s artistic project, coordinated by the Cultural Office under Angelique Tracik, allowed him to share his vision of “limitless creativity and positive energy” with a new audience. As Halaby began painting the cartwheeler figure, he created a dynamic piece filled with vibrant colors. Mayor Hinkel, dressed impeccably in a light suit, also contributed to the painting, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and unity.

Following the exhibition, attendees gathered for a demonstration in the main streets of Düsseldorf, organized by Rivka Young, founder of the Run for Lives initiative and a passionate advocate for peace and unity. The event was a profound display of solidarity, featuring both Iranian and Israeli flags side by side, along with images of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and posters advocating for a positive relationship between Iran and Israel, highlighting their historical ties.

The demonstration included a deeply moving moment where we collectively honored the hostages and expressed our support through heartfelt speeches and symbolic displays. Every Sunday, a significant number of Iranians participate in these demonstrations, marching through the streets to show their solidarity with the hostages and their commitment to peace. The presence of Iranian flags and images of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi further symbolizes the desire for reconciliation and a brighter future for our nations.

Displaying these symbols together was a profoundly emotional and symbolic conclusion to an event that celebrated the power of art in bridging cultural and political divides. It underscored our shared commitment to reconciliation and peace, serving as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity during times of adversity.

The completed cartwheeler figure not only highlights Sam Halaby’s artistic brilliance but also reinforces the strong bond between Düsseldorf and Haifa. As the vibrant colors of the cartwheeler illuminate Paul-Spiegel-Platz, they stand as a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange in building bridges between communities, even amid global challenges. This poignant and visually striking artwork celebrates the enduring friendship and artistic collaboration between these two cities, while echoing a call for unity and vigilance against radical ideologies.

The spirit of unity and peace was also evident last year when Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi visited Haifa and prayed for harmony between the Iranian and Israeli peoples. His visit and prayers highlighted the potential for friendship and mutual respect between our nations.

In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes for peace and love to all people, particularly to the Iranian and Israeli Jewish communities. May our shared humanity guide us towards understanding, cooperation, and a brighter future for everyone.

As an Iranian who believes in Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and the Cyrus Accord, and who is convinced that Iran’s salvation lies in peace and friendship between the people of Iran and Israel, I had a deeply impactful experience. For the first time, I participated in a ceremony alongside patriotic Iranians who, every week, quietly and with dignity, stand as champions of peace and friendship with the people of Israel. These individuals, without seeking recognition, attend these events with a steadfast belief in the power of peace.

This profound experience inspired me to write about my journey to Düsseldorf as a journalist. In this city, I encountered a community that firmly believes in reclaiming Iran through peace and friendship. They are committed to fighting for the people of Iran and, if necessary, sacrificing their lives to liberate their homeland from its adversaries. Their dedication showed me that there is still hope for a bright and free future for Iran—a future where people live together in peace and harmony.

P.S

Sam Halaby is a distinguished Druze artist from Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, whose rise to fame is as inspiring as his art. .

Halaby’s work is celebrated for its vibrant use of color and deep emotional resonance, themes that often reflect his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences. His artistry has gained recognition far beyond his native Israel, with major pieces displayed in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Israeli Presidential Residence. Halaby’s success has not only earned him a place among Israel’s most respected contemporary artists but has also made him a cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between his Druze roots and the broader art world.

Halaby’s latest exhibit in a Jaffa gallery, a moving tribute to his mother, underscores the personal and cultural influences that have shaped his work. Through his art, he continues to challenge societal norms, inspiring others in his community and beyond to pursue their creative dreams. Halaby’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the universal language of art.

Saba Khoi

Publishing received articles does not necessarily mean confirming all their opinions

 

Iran working to form ‘new eastern terror front,’ Israel warns

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Iran working to form ‘new eastern terror front,’ Israel warns

Israel’s foreign minister has warned that Iran is attempting to open a new Eastern front in its proxy war against the Jewish state, with the IRGC’s support, targeting Jordan and the West Bank.

In a post on X, Israel Katz said that as Iran’s proxies in Gaza and Lebanon continue to fight on Israel’s northern and southern borders, Iran is now trying to destabilize Jordan and the Palestinian Authority (PA)-controlled West Bank.

Katz stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) is working with Hamas operatives in Lebanon to smuggle weapons into Jordan.

“A serious and dangerous situation is unfolding as Iran works to establish a new eastern terror front against Israel’s major population centers,” he said.

“Iranian Revolutionary Guard units are collaborating with Hamas operatives in Lebanon to smuggle weapons and funds into Jordan with the aim of destabilizing the regime.”

He said that from Jordan, weapons are smuggled across the eastern border, “flooding” the West Bank, particularly refugee camps, with dangerous weapons and large sums of money, “aiming to create a pro-Iranian Islamic terror front, as they have done in Gaza, Lebanon, and other areas, targeting Tel Aviv and Israel’s major population centers”.

The foreign minister said: “The Iranian axis of evil today effectively controls refugee camps in Judea and Samaria [West Bank] through its proxies, leaving the Palestinian Authority powerless to act. We must take terror hubs like the Jenin refugee camp and carry out a thorough operational campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure in the camp.”

David Schenker, a Taube Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute said Tehran is aiming to destabilize Jordan, one of Israel’s Arab allies, by inciting protests against its ruling Hashemite dynasty. He said Iran is also increasing drug and weapons smuggling through the kingdom in a bid to overthrow the monarchy and turn it into another Iran proxy state.

He said there’s a strong Hamas presence in the West Bank despite being under Palestinian Authority control.

“The Iranians are incredibly incensed by Jordan’s Western orientation and the fact that Jordan has a peace treaty with Israel,” said Schenker, who was a former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

Jordan has been at peace with its neighbor Israel since 1994. Amman also maintains close ties to Washington, and has a role in administering Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.

“Iran is interfering in Jordanian internal politics,” he said.

Jordan’s Reaction: Diplomacy vs. Reality

Katz, Israel’s Foreign Minister wrote on X that “the construction of the eastern barrier along the border with Jordan must be expedited to prevent the smuggling of weapons from Jordan into Israel, which threatens both the Jordanian regime and the State of Israel”.

Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, posted to X, seemingly in response to Katz, calling his tweet ‘lies’ and taking aim at Israel’s war in Gaza since the Iran-backed Hamas invasion of October 7. In a single day, Hamas killed over 1,100 mostly civilians and took over 250 more hostage, sparking the longest Gaza war since Hamas took control of the strip.

“No amount of disinformation by radical Israeli officials spreading lies, including about Jordan, will change the fact that Israel’s continued aggression on Gaza, its violation of international law and the rights of the Palestinian people are the biggest threat to regional security,” wrote Safadi.

Jordan’s top diplomat made a rare visit to Iran on August 4, underscoring Amman’s sensitive position, the first official visit of a Jordanian to Tehran in decades.

Despite the public outcry from the foreign minister, Jordan is a key ally for its Jewish neighbor. That was made clear when Jordan was part of a global coalition to thwart more than 350 missiles and drones aimed directly at Israel from Iran in April.

The Islamic Republic launched its first direct attack on Israel’s soil in response to an apparent Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 that killed two IRGC generals and several senior officials.

Almost all of the missiles were intercepted by Israel and a US-led coalition including France, Jordan and Britain. It is believed that Saudi Arabia provided intelligence reports about Iran’s plans to the US.

While Jordan must speak out against Israel in public, its diplomatic relationship with the Jewish state remains strong, not least in the area of security.

Nearly 60 percent of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian origin, putting the country in a precarious position when it comes to supporting Israel publicly given the backdrop of the war against Hamas.

On Episode 10 of Iran International’s English podcast ‘Eye for Iran’, Israeli Knesset member Amit Halevi, said Jordan and other neighboring Arab countries like Saudi Arabia appear one way diplomatically for their populace, but cooperate with Israel for their own security and well-being.

Halevi said that Iran’s attempts and activities to undermine the Jordanian regime have “become high level in recent years”.

Dr. Walid Phares, an expert in foreign policy and the author of ‘Iran, an Imperialist Republic, and US Policy’, told Iran International smuggling arms through Jordan is not new. Formed over the years, it has been facilitated since Iran effectively took over areas of Iraq, which shares a long border with Jordan.

Jordan also shares a large border with Saudi Arabia, which impacts not just the Saudis but the Kuwaitis and the UAE.

“That passage or that chunk of Jordan is really very important strategically,” he said, a possible means for terrorist groups and militias to use, should there a wider regional war occur between Iran and Israel.

“If Jordan is destabilized or [was to] fall entirely or partially, either to the Iran backed militias or to the Muslim Brotherhood, we are in deep trouble internationally,” said Phares, who served as a national security advisor to US Presidential nominees.

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