TOP STORIES
Iran Smuggles Arms to West Bank, Officials Say, to Foment Unrest With Israel | The New York Times
Iran is operating a clandestine smuggling route across the Middle East, employing intelligence operatives, militants and criminal gangs, to deliver weapons to Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to officials from the United States, Israel and Iran. The goal, as described by three Iranian officials, is to foment unrest against Israel by flooding the enclave with as many weapons as it can. The covert operation is now heightening concerns that Tehran is seeking to turn the West Bank into the next flashpoint in the long-simmering shadow war between Israel and Iran. That conflict has taken on new urgency this month, risking a broader conflict in the Middle East, as Iran vowed to retaliate for an Israeli strike on an embassy compound that killed seven Iranian armed forces commanders.
Iran’s Better, Stealthier Drones Are Remaking Global Warfare | Bloomberg
In January, rebels fighting the Sudanese army shot down a drone near Khartoum. As jubilant gunmen posted video of the wreckage on social media, they offered a fresh data point on how Iranian technology is remaking the global weapons trade. The drone in the video, which is clearly modeled after Iran’s Ababil model — the workhorse of paramilitaries across the Middle East since it was developed in the 1990s — reflected a design tweak: Its two front tires, instead of the usual one, provided actual battlefield evidence that Sudan is modifying the Iranian drone into its own weapon, which it calls the Zagel-3. That revelation follows the emergence in the last two years of ramped-up Iranian drone production in at least five other countries, from South America to Central Asia. Most recently, Russia has started making Iranian drones for its war in Ukraine, bringing the number of countries using Iranian technology, assistance, or parts to at least a dozen. Iran’s mastery of relatively low-tech drone warfare poses urgent new risks to Middle East stability; its leaders threatened last week to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike on its embassy in Syria that killed officers of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran Experiences Country-Wide Internet Disruption, Watchdog Group Says | Jerusalem Post
A "moderate disruption" was recorded in internet connectivity in Iran on Monday, according to the NetBlocks internet watchdog. The head of Iran's Communications Regulatory Authority, Amir Lajevardi, stated that one of the internet providers in Iran was experiencing difficulties on Monday and needed to inform and compensate users. Lajevardi added, "Despite the increased level of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in the last week, the country's communication network is stable." The incident comes as tensions rise in the region, with Iran threatening to respond after several senior IRGC commanders were killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike in Damascus last week. Internet outages are reported periodically in Iran, occasionally due to infrastructure issues but sometimes also due to cyber attacks or restrictions implemented by the Islamic regime.
UANI IN THE NEWS
…The Islamic Republic’s “bark is worse than its bite,” the policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran, Jason Brodsky, tells the Sun. Any retaliation, if there is one at all, “won’t be this cataclysmic clash that people think it would be,” he adds. Meanwhile, Jerusalem officials are expressing cautious optimism over hostage negotiations following the Israel Defense Force’s withdrawal from Khan Yunis. While negotiations at Cairo center on even more Israeli concessions, Prime Minister Netanyahu vows nevertheless to complete Israel’s victory over Hamas. “A date is set” to enter Rafah and finish off the terrorist group’s remnants there, he said Monday.
…Kasra Aarabi, the director of IRGC research at United Against Nuclear Iran, said: “The fact that Israel was able to gather intelligence of a meeting between the highest levels of IRGC commanders in Syria … sends a very, very powerful signal to the Islamic Republic of Iran. “It can strike wherever they may be.” Israel is believed to have carried out dozens of strikes on Iranian targets in Syria since Hamas, a terrorist group backed by Tehran, launched its brutal attack on Oct 7. But this was by far the most significant – both in terms of where the strike took place and who it killed.
NUCLEAR DEAL & NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Iran Reiterates Plans To Develop Nuclear Power Plants | Iran International
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, has said the country is entering a new phase in its nuclear development. Speaking on the occasion of National Nuclear Technology Day, Eslami emphasized ongoing progress in the development of nuclear reactors, particularly highlighting the current stage of concrete pouring. "We will witness the first concrete pouring at Phase 3 of Bushehr Power Plant in the month of May," stated Eslami. Earlier statements from Eslami outlined Iran's ambitious plans, including a $50 billion investment for constructing new nuclear power plants capable of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity. However, this capacity remains insufficient to meet the country's total energy needs. Iran's heavy reliance on nuclear energy stems from decades of neglecting investment in alternative power sources, particularly renewables.
SANCTIONS, BUSINESS RISKS, & OTHER ECONOMIC NEWS
Iranian Rial Collapses, 'Loses 30% Of Value' – Reports | Jerusalem Post
A sharp crash in the value of the Iranian rial was reported yesterday, with some sources reporting that one US dollar would now be worth over 660,000 Iranian rials in some unofficial markets, while others stressed the fact that the already weak currency suffered a blow leading to the loss of 30% of its worth overnight; despite the regime’s official digits showing no major changes. One member of the Majles (the Iranian parliament) demanded to know from chair Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf what steps the authorities are going to take, calling on the parliament to meet with the governor of the country’s central bank, and wondering, “if we don’t have money – why are we printing more? And if we do have money – why is it so costly?” Qalibaf answered they are “aware of the situation and will hold meetings inshallah (Arabic: God willing),” sparking a wave of disappointed and sarcastic comments.
Iran Gas Pipeline: A Solution To Pakistan's Energy Woes? | DW
Pakistan announced at the end of March that it was planning to ask the United States to relax possible sanctions around a natural gas pipeline project from neighboring Iran. Islamabad wants to soon start work on the long-planned project, known as the "Peace Pipeline." Both sides agreed to build the pipeline in 2009, but it has since faced delays and funding challenges. Iran is now threatening Pakistan with legal action if it fails to build the Pakistani section of the pipeline. "Pakistan wants to avoid a possible legal dispute with Iran in international courts and a fine of $18 billion (€16.6 billion)," Sabena Siddiqi, a Pakistani journalist specializing in foreign policy issues, told DW. "Tehran has set September 2024 as a deadline for Islamabad to finish the construction of the pipeline on the Pakistani side," she said. "The Pakistani section of the pipeline is about 780 kilometers long [484 miles]."
TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
Iran Smuggles Arms To West Bank, Officials Say, To Foment Unrest With Israel | New York Times
Iran is operating a clandestine smuggling route across the Middle East, employing intelligence operatives, militants and criminal gangs, to deliver weapons to Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to officials from the United States, Israel and Iran. The goal, as described by three Iranian officials, is to foment unrest against Israel by flooding the enclave with as many weapons as it can. The covert operation is now heightening concerns that Tehran is seeking to turn the West Bank into the next flashpoint in the long-simmering shadow war between Israel and Iran. That conflict has taken on new urgency this month, risking a broader conflict in the Middle East, as Iran vowed to retaliate for an Israeli strike on an embassy compound that killed seven Iranian armed forces commanders.
U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS & NEGOTIATIONS
Iran’s foreign minister Monday accused the United States of giving Israel the “green light” for a strike on its consulate building in Syria that killed seven Iranian military officials including two generals. Hossein Amirabdollahian reiterated Tehran’s vows that it will respond to the attack, widely blamed on Israel, that appeared to signify an escalation of Israel’s targeting of military officials from Iran, which supports militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza, and along its border with Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an address Monday reiterated the Iran-backed group’s support for a Tehran military response to the attack that killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior military official in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, and worsened fears of the war spiraling into the rest of the Middle East. Since the war in Gaza began six months ago, clashes have increased between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Hamas, which rules Gaza and attacked Israel on Oct. 7, is also backed by Iran, as well as an umbrella group of Iraqi militias targeting U.S. military bases and positions in Syria and Iraq.
PROTESTS & HUMAN RIGHTS
Iran Summons 12 Baha'i Citizens To Revolutionary Court | Iran Wire
In an escalation of harassment against Baha'i citizens, a Revolutionary Court has summoned 12 members of the persecuted religious minority to face charges. Branch One of the Revolutionary Court in northern Sari has called them separately to hear their charges. According to Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, the charges center on alleged "deviant educational and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law." As per reports, the 12 Baha'is summoned are Sohrab Laqaei, Zahra Golabian, Fawad Laqaei, Emilia Fanaian, Hossein Fanaian, Nasim Samimi, Sohail Haqdoost, Rakuel Ataian, Banafsheh Asadian, Kyomars Akbari, Anahita Koshkabaghi, and Melodi Samimi. Baha'is have been systematically persecuted in Iran for 44 years because of their faith and are often accused of being spies or opposed to the Iranian government.
MILITARY/INTELLIGENCE MATTERS & PROXY WARS
Iran will hold off from retaliating to the Israeli airstrike on its consulate in the Syrian capital if a ceasefire agreement is reached in Gaza, an Iranian media report said on Sunday. "If America succeeds in containing the situation, it will be a great success for the Biden administration and we can build on that," wrote Jadeh Iran journalist Ali Hashem on Saturday, citing an anonymous Arab diplomatic source. No further information was given, and it was not clear if this Arab source was from Oman where Iran's top diplomat was on Sunday as part of a regional tour. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, along with Iran's National Security Council chief Ali Akbar Ahmadian, headed to Damascus on Monday in the wake of last week's airstrike on the Syrian capital.
Israel Threatens To Bomb Nuke Sites As Iran Backs Down From Direct Attack – Report | Times Of Israel
Following last week’s strike in Damascus and threats of retaliation from Iranian officials, Israel has signaled that it will attack targets in Iran if it were to launch a direct attack, according to an Arab report Monday. Citing an anonymous “Western security official,” the London-based Elaph News reported that Israel has been conducting air force drills in recent days that include preparing to target Iranian nuclear facilities and other key infrastructure. Unnamed US intelligence sources told CNN, however, that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly out of fear of American and Israeli reprisal, and will instead urge its various proxies in the region to launch attacks on its behalf in the coming days. Published on Monday night, the report cast doubt on previous assessments by both Washington and Jerusalem that an attack by Iran was “inevitable.”
IRANIAN INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS
Iran's Judiciary Chief Calls For Stronger Hijab Enforcement | Iran International
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran's judiciary has called for stronger implementation of hijab laws amid ever rising oppression in Iran. Speaking on Sunday, Ejei emphasized the need for better utilization of existing laws by law enforcement, the Ministry of Interior, and the judiciary to enforce hijab, suggesting that more than “70% of the problems could be resolved through proper enforcement.” The remarks come shortly after a speech by Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, to officials where he reiterated the importance of compulsory hijab for women. The legislative efforts surrounding hijab have been contentious. A bill, initially drafted by the government and later revised by hardline factions in parliament, proposed penalties including heavy fines for women not adhering to the prescribed Islamic dress code. Amirhossein Bankipour, an MP supporting the compulsory hijab law, announced adjustments to address shortcomings in the bill, signaling its progression for final approval.
Iranian Football Fans Defy Minute Silence For Slain Commanders | Iran International
Iranian football fans disregarded a regime directive calling for a minute of silence for top Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commanders killed by Israel in Damascus. During a match in Tehran, fans turned the moment into a minute of boos and jeers by blowing horns and shouting, a gesture captured on video that swiftly spread across social media platforms. Last week’s airstrike saw a top commander and six IRGC forces killed in the brazen strike to Iran’s personnel abroad. The incident echoes a similar occurrence in October, when hundreds of Iranian fans at another football match in Tehran protested against the presence of Palestinian flags on the pitch.
IRANIAN REGIONAL AGGRESSION
Iran Launches Offensive To Dominate Jordan: Experts | Iran International
The Islamic Republic of Iran is stoking violent discontent against the Hashemite Kingdom, with a view toward gaining control over Jordan as part of an expanded “Shiite Crescent.” A new April analysis by the US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) of the pro-Hamas demonstrations on the streets of Amman sounded the alarm bells about the role of Iran’s revolutionary Islamic ambitions in Jordan. According to the report authored by Ayelet Savyon, the Director of the MEMRI Iran studies project, “In recent days, the grand Iranian plan is emerging – the plan with which the Islamic revolutionary regime is continuing despite the killing, in Israeli air strikes, the senior command of its IRGC Qods Force in Syria and Lebanon. The upcoming stage of this plan involves bringing down the regime in Jordan, attacking Israel from the east while Israel is kept busy by Iran-backed resistance forces in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. The political aim of this plan is to thwart the Saudi-American project of normalization with Israel.” She added that “Next in Iran’s sights is the expulsion of American forces from Iraq, and the undermining of the Saudi Kingdom and the Egyptian regime, as Iran actualizes the vision of Islamic Revolution.
RUSSIA, SYRIA, ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH, LEBANON & IRAN
Iran's Foreign Minister Inaugurates New Site For Consular Services In Damascus | Reuters
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian inaugurated a new site for Iranian consular services in the Syrian capital on Monday, Syrian state media reported, in a building near the previous consulate flattened in an Israeli airstrike last week. The strike, which flattened the consular building adjacent to Iran's embassy and killed seven Iranian military officers including two senior commanders, was an escalation of Israeli attacks on Iranian interests in Syria alongside the Gaza war. It drew condemnations from the United Nations and European Union for striking diplomatic premises, and Iran has vowed revenge. Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad attended the opening of the new consular building, alongside Amirabdollahian who is concluding a regional tour in Syria, according to Syria's state news agency SANA. The pair then visited one of those wounded in the strike who was still in the hospital being treated.
Hezbollah Commander Killed In Strike On Southern Lebanon, Israel Says | The National
The Israeli military on Monday said a field commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force was among three members of the Lebanese group killed in a strike on southern Lebanon. Ali Ahmad Hussein was responsible for the planning and execution of several attacks on Israel, the military added. Iran-backed Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militia and political party, announced his death in a statement without indicating his rank or where he died. Israeli forces released footage of fighter jets bombing a building where the three Hezbollah members were believed to have been. Several people were injured in the strike, which caused “severe damage to property and homes adjacent to the targeted house, which is located in a residential area”, Lebanon's state-owned news agency reported.