Home Blog Page 93

Iran discussed attack against Army base in Washington, DC: report

Iran reportedly threatened to attack Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., as well as the Army’s vice chief of staff, according to a report from The Associated Press published on Sunday.

Citing two unidentified senior U.S. intelligence officials, the AP reports that communications intercepted by the National Security Agency (NSA) showed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) discussed carrying out a “USS Cole-style attacks” on Fort McNair in January, referencing the 2000 suicide attack against the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer in Yemen’s Aden harbor that left 17 sailors dead.

The IRGC communications also revealed threats to kill Gen. Joseph M. Martin, the AP reports, who lives at Fort McNair.

Read the complete article at: The Hill

Iran reportedly threatened to attack Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., as well as the Army’s vice chief of staff, according to a report from The Associated Press published on Sunday. Iran reportedly threatened to attack Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., as well as the Army’s vice chief of staff, according to a report from The Associated Press published on Sunday. Citing two unidentified senior U.S. intelligence officials, the AP reports that communications intercepted by the National Security Agency (NSA) showed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) discussed carrying out a “USS Cole-style attacks” on Fort McNair in January, referencing the 2000 suicide attack against the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer in Yemen’s Aden harbor that left 17 sailors dead. The IRGC communications also revealed threats to kill Gen. Joseph M. Martin, the AP reports, who lives at Fort McNair. Citing two unidentified senior U.S. intelligence officials, the AP reports that communications intercepted by the National Security Agency (NSA) showed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) discussed carrying out a “USS Cole-style attacks” on Fort McNair in January, referencing the 2000 suicide attack against the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer in Yemen’s Aden harbor that left 17 sailors dead. The IRGC communications also revealed threats to kill Gen. Joseph M. Martin, the AP reports, who lives at Fort McNair. Army base Army base

Iran using Yemen’s Houthis to achieve its sinister goals

Not only is the Iranian regime showing no sign of backing down from its destabilizing behavior in Yemen and its support for the Houthi militia group, it is actually escalating the conflict through its proxy.

One prominent example is how the Houthis have ratcheted up their attacks on Saudi Arabia. Even US officials have acknowledged the escalation, with a senior defense official telling NBC News: “We’re certainly aware of a troubling increase in Houthi cross-border attacks from a variety of systems, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).” The US, along with France, Germany, Italy and the UK, also last week condemned the “major escalation of attacks the Houthis have conducted and claimed against Saudi Arabia.”

More than 40 drones and missiles were launched at Saudi Arabia by the Houthis in February alone. The sophisticated weapons the militia group is using have most likely come from the Iranian regime. Based on a UN report released in January, there are strong signs that Tehran is a provider of weapons to the Houthis. The UN panel of experts report stated: “An increasing body of evidence suggests that individuals or entities in Iran supply significant volumes of weapons and components to the Houthis.” Iran relies mostly on the sea route to smuggle weapons to the Houthis, although several shipments bound for war-torn Yemen have been seized.

Read the complete article at: Arab News





Yemen’s Houthis Yemen’s Houthis More than 40 drones and missiles were launched at Saudi Arabia by the Houthis in February alone. The sophisticated weapons the militia group is using have most likely come from the Iranian regime. Based on a UN report released in January, there are strong signs that Tehran is a provider of weapons to the Houthis. The UN panel of experts report stated: “An increasing body of evidence suggests that individuals or entities in Iran supply significant volumes of weapons and components to the Houthis.” Iran relies mostly on the sea route to smuggle weapons to the Houthis, although several shipments bound for war-torn Yemen have been seized.

Congress demands to see if Iran is paying Americans to help influence Biden policy

0

The U.S. government should investigate what is alleged to be a covert Iranian propaganda operation being run on American soil, according to a congressional request.

New Mexico Republican Rep. Yvette Herrell, and eight of her colleagues, sent a letter to the Department of Justice asking that it ferret out and prosecute any Americans who are secretly paid to parrot Tehran’s line to influence Biden administration policy and U.S. public opinion about the theocratic regime.

“Iran remains one of the biggest threats to the United States in the region. It is important we ensure they are not improperly using their money to influence politicians and thought leaders in our own government. Any influence used to soften America’s stands towards Iran threatens our national security. This is why I and my colleagues wrote this letter — to protect our national security and hold Iran accountable,” Herrell told Fox News.

Read the complete article at: Fox News

 

 

The U.S. government should investigate what is alleged to be a covert Iranian propaganda operation being run on American soil, according to a congressional request. New Mexico Republican Rep. Yvette Herrell, and eight of her colleagues, sent a letter to the Department of Justice asking that it ferret out and prosecute any Americans who are secretly paid to parrot Tehran’s line to influence Biden administration policy and U.S. public opinion about the theocratic regime. “Iran remains one of the biggest threats to the United States in the region. It is important we ensure they are not improperly using their money to influence politicians and thought leaders in our own government. Any influence used to soften America’s stands towards Iran threatens our national security. This is why I and my colleagues wrote this letter — to protect our national security and hold Iran accountable,” Herrell told Fox News. Any influence used to soften America’s stands towards Iran threatens our national security. This is why I and my colleagues wrote this letter — to protect our national security and hold Iran accountable,” Herrell told Fox News. Congress demands Congress demands

IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS TESTED COMBAT DRONES IN SYRIA’S HOMS – REPORT

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has tested combat drones in the central Syrian governorate of Homs, the Eye of the Euphrates news outlet reported on March 18.

According to the pro-opposition outlet, two Iranian drones took off from T4 Air Base in the eastern Homs countryside. Senior officers of the IRGC and the Syrian Arab Army attended the live-fire test.

The drone carried out a series of strikes on unidentified targets in the Homs desert, which lays between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor. ISIS cells are known to be active there.

Read the complete article at: South Front

 

 

 

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has tested combat drones in the central Syrian governorate of Homs, the Eye of the Euphrates news outlet reported on March 18. According to the pro-opposition outlet, two Iranian drones took off from T4 Air Base in the eastern Homs countryside. Senior officers of the IRGC and the Syrian Arab Army attended the live-fire test. The drone carried out a series of strikes on unidentified targets in the Homs desert, which lays between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor. ISIS cells are known to be active there. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has tested combat drones in the central Syrian governorate of Homs, the Eye of the Euphrates news outlet reported on March 18. According to the pro-opposition outlet, two Iranian drones took off from T4 Air Base in the eastern Homs countryside. Senior officers of the IRGC and the Syrian Arab Army attended the live-fire test. The drone carried out a series of strikes on unidentified targets in the Homs desert, which lays between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor. ISIS cells are known to be active there. According to the pro-opposition outlet, two Iranian drones took off from T4 Air Base in the eastern Homs countryside. Senior officers of the IRGC and the Syrian Arab Army attended the live-fire test. The drone carried out a series of strikes on unidentified targets in the Homs desert, which lays between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor. ISIS cells are known to be active there.

Israel-US to set up joint team to share intel on Iran’s nuclear program

Israeli and US officials agreed to set up a joint team for sharing intelligence about Iran’s nuclear program during recent strategic talks, according to a report Wednesday.

Last week’s talks were the first held by a bilateral group for cooperating in the effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. The meeting was led by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat

Citing three senior Israeli officials, the Axios news site reported that Israel’s initial objective was to get on the same page with the Biden administration concerning intelligence on Iran. The officials said they were satisfied by the first round of discussions.

“We are on the same page on the intelligence. There are small nuances but overall, they see data the same way. It was very positive, but it is only the beginning of a process. It will be a rollercoaster,” one of the officials was quoted saying.

Read the complete article at: Times of Israel

Israeli and US officials agreed to set up a joint team for sharing intelligence about Iran’s nuclear program during recent strategic talks, according to a report Wednesday. Last week’s talks were the first held by a bilateral group for cooperating in the effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. The meeting was led by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat Citing three senior Israeli officials, the Axios news site reported that Israel’s initial objective was to get on the same page with the Biden administration concerning intelligence on Iran. The officials said they were satisfied by the first round of discussions. “We are on the same page on the intelligence. There are small nuances but overall, they see data the same way. It was very positive, but it is only the beginning of a process. It will be a rollercoaster,” one of the officials was quoted saying. share intel share intel

Iran’s Supreme Leader Praises IRGC As U.S. Alleges Election Meddling

0

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has lauded the “good activities” of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), even as the U.S. released a new report accusing Tehran of meddling in the 2020 presidential election.

The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence said Tehran “carried out a multi-pronged covert influence campaign intended to undercut former President Trump’s re-election prospects—though without directly promoting his rival.”

Other nations accused of meddling to try and influence the result—whether for or against Trump—and divide American society were Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, as well as non-state actors like Lebanese Hezbollah; a close ally of the regime in Tehran.

U.S. intelligence officials have long warned of Iranian influence and hacking operations, including around major elections. The IRGC—a powerful guarantor of the theocratic regime—is believed to be at the forefront of such efforts, wielding its significant funds and know-how to undermine the U.S. in cyberspace.

In October, for example, Trump’s administration put new sanctions on the IRGC, the organization’s covert Quds Force, and the IRGC-aligned Bayan Rasaneh Gostar Institute “for having directly or indirectly engaged in, sponsored, concealed, or otherwise been complicit in foreign interference” in the presidential race.

Iran’s Supreme Leader on Wednesday celebrated the Guard Corps’ national day. “Greetings to all the guards,” the supreme leader wrote in a message as reported by the state-run Fars News Agency. “God willing, you will always be victorious. Continue your good activities with power.”

The IRGC has great influence within Iran, with a footprint in almost every sector of the country’s economy. Its income has been estimated to be more than $12 billion each year.

The IRGC also holds significant sway over Iran’s foreign policy. The Quds force is particularly influential, creating and organizing Tehran’s broad network of militia forces across the region.

Read the complete article at: Newsweek
Also read: 16-year-old boy killed by IRGC forces in southeast Iran

Israel Concerned as Iran Provides Its Mideast Proxies With Better Weapons

Iran has recently made significant advances in the development of its weapons industry, including precision-guided rockets and missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Israeli intelligence has observed a leap in Iranian capabilities, which are now being extensively distributed to other parts of the radical axis led by Tehran in the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime in Syria, the Shi’ite militias in Iraq and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Intelligence officials say that for the first time, the Iranian arms industry has become an industry encompassing the entire radical axis. One unit from the Revolutionary Guards, Unit 340 of the Quds Force, is responsible for the research and development that serves all the terrorist and guerilla organizations operating with Tehran’s patronage and financing. The knowhow gained by the Iranians is quickly and effectively relayed to their proxies throughout the region.

Tehran’s aim is to enable these organizations to achieve independent production capability in their respective countries, without being dependent upon Iranian smuggling operations, so they will be less vulnerable to Israeli strikes against the various smuggling channels. Last week, Iran accused Israel of responsibility for a blast on an Iranian ship in the Mediterranean. This was apparently a smuggling operation that was thwarted on the way to Lebanon.

Read the complete article at: Haaretz

 

 

 

Iran has recently made significant advances in the development of its weapons industry, including precision-guided rockets and missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Israeli intelligence has observed a leap in Iranian capabilities, which are now being extensively distributed to other parts of the radical axis led by Tehran in the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime in Syria, the Shi’ite militias in Iraq and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Intelligence officials say that for the first time, the Iranian arms industry has become an industry encompassing the entire radical axis. One unit from the Revolutionary Guards, Unit 340 of the Quds Force, is responsible for the research and development that serves all the terrorist and guerilla organizations operating with Tehran’s patronage and financing. The knowhow gained by the Iranians is quickly and effectively relayed to their proxies throughout the region. Mideast Proxies Mideast Proxies

Iran’s final report on Flight 752 blames shootdown on ‘human error’

0

Iran’s civil aviation authority is blaming “human error” as the reason why a passenger jet was shot down by the Iranian military in January 2020, outlining its findings in a report the Canadian federal government rejected Wednesday as insufficient.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired two missiles at Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shortly after it took off from Tehran on Jan. 8 last year, when “the aircraft was misidentified as a hostile target by an air defense unit,” says the agency’s final report into the crash.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra largely dismissed the 145-page document, which was posted to the website of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.

“The report makes no attempt to answer critical questions about what truly happened. It appears incomplete and has no hard facts or evidence,” the ministers said in a statement.

Read the complete article at: Delta Optimist

Iran’s civil aviation authority is blaming “human error” as the reason why a passenger jet was shot down by the Iranian military in January 2020, outlining its findings in a report the Canadian federal government rejected Wednesday as insufficient. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired two missiles at Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shortly after it took off from Tehran on Jan. 8 last year, when “the aircraft was misidentified as a hostile target by an air defence unit,” says the agency’s final report into the crash. Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra largely dismissed the 145-page document, which was posted to the website of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization. “The report makes no attempt to answer critical questions about what truly happened. It appears incomplete and has no hard facts or evidence,” the ministers said in a statement. Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra largely dismissed the 145-page document, which was posted to the website of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization. “The report makes no attempt to answer critical questions about what truly happened. It appears incomplete and has no hard facts or evidence,” the ministers said in a statement.

Lawyer: Iran charges detained French tourist with spying

Iran has charged a French tourist with spying and “spreading propaganda against the system,” his lawyer said Monday, the latest in a series of cases against foreigners at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West.

Benjamin Berier was arrested some 10 months ago after taking pictures in a desert area where photography is prohibited and asking questions on social media about Iran’s obligatory Islamic headscarf for women, said his lawyer Saeed Dehghan.

Dehghan told The Associated Press the charges came in a Sunday hearing in the justice department in the northeastern city of Mashahd. He said Berier was in good health.

However, “he is angry because of the charges” and length of detention, Dehghan said. He said the city’s senior prosecutor was expected to decide in the coming days whether to send the case before a judge.

“If the prosecutor endorses the charge, his case will go to a judge to decide,” said Dehghan.

Read the complete article at: The Titusville Herald

Iran has charged a French tourist with spying and “spreading propaganda against the system,” his lawyer said Monday, the latest in a series of cases against foreigners at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West. Benjamin Berier was arrested some 10 months ago after taking pictures in a desert area where photography is prohibited and asking questions on social media about Iran’s obligatory Islamic headscarf for women, said his lawyer Saeed Dehghan. Dehghan told The Associated Press the charges came in a Sunday hearing in the justice department in the northeastern city of Mashahd. He said Berier was in good health. However, “he is angry because of the charges” and length of detention, Dehghan said. He said the city’s senior prosecutor was expected to decide in the coming days whether to send the case before a judge. “If the prosecutor endorses the charge, his case will go to a judge to decide,” said Dehghan.

Russia and Iran tried to interfere with 2020 election, U.S. intelligence agencies say

Russia and Iran both carried out operations to try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, according to a U.S. intelligence report released Tuesday.

The U.S. intelligence community also determined that China did not try to change the outcome of the 2020 races, and said there are no indications that foreign actors attempted to alter U.S. ballots or vote tabulation, the report says.

The assessment was released as the Biden administration works to bolster relationships with key U.S. allies in order to mount pressure on Russia and Iran.

Tehran and Moscow have previously denied any involvement in attempting to influence U.S. elections.

But the report said that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized “influence operations aimed at denigrating President Biden’s candidacy and the Democratic Party, supporting former President Trump, undermining public confidence in the electoral process, and exacerbating sociopolitical divisions in the US.”

Read the complete article at: CNBC

Russia and Iran both carried out operations to try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, according to a U.S. intelligence report released Tuesday. The U.S. intelligence community also determined that China did not try to change the outcome of the 2020 races, and said there are no indications that foreign actors attempted to alter U.S. ballots or vote tabulation, the report says. The assessment was released as the Biden administration works to bolster relationships with key U.S. allies in order to mount pressure on Russia and Iran. Tehran and Moscow have previously denied any involvement in attempting to influence U.S. elections. But the report said that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized “influence operations aimed at denigrating President Biden’s candidacy and the Democratic Party, supporting former President Trump, undermining public confidence in the electoral process, and exacerbating sociopolitical divisions in the US.” divisions in the US