TOP STORIES
Iranians Worried, Elated, Wary In Mixed Reaction To Trump Win | Reuters
Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election drew mixed reactions among ordinary Iranians, with some fearing a heightened risk of war and economic hardship but others hoping his hardline stance might bring political change in Iran. "I am so glad Trump won. I hope he continues his maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic and that it leads to the collapse of this regime," housewife Zohre, 42, told Reuters by phone from Tehran. Some Iranians like retired teacher Hamidreza feared further economic pressure with Trumpin the White House if he continues the same tough policy he adopted in his 2017-2021 first term.
Iran’s currency fell on Wednesday to an all-time low as former President Donald Trump was on the verge of clinching the U.S. presidency again, signaling new challenges ahead for Tehran as it remains locked in the wars raging in the Middle East. The rial traded at 703,000 rials to the dollar, traders in Tehran said. The rate could still change throughout the day. Iran’s Central Bank could flood the market with more hard currencies as an attempt to improve the rate, as it has done in the past. The slide comes as the rial already faces considerable woes over its sharp slide in value — and as the mood on the streets of Tehran among some darkened.
The Houthi rebels couldn't have amassed their dangerous arsenal of weapons without extensive help from Iran and its proxy forces in the Middle East, according to a new report for the United Nations. In the lengthy report, which was delivered to the UN Security Council last month, a panel of experts concluded that the Yemen-based Houthis have been receiving training, weapons, technical assistance, and financial support from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and armed Iraqi groups.
UANI IN THE NEWS
U.S. Presidential Race: Results Pour In | World Is One News
The 2024 US Election results could affect things beyond borders. Let us get to know the implications on the foreign policies in a Harris or Trump presidency. Sehgal Rahesha and Jyontsna Kumar are joined by Daniel Roth, Research Director, UANI for perspective.
NUCLEAR DEAL & NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Iranian Officials And Politicians Send Mixed Signals On Nukes | Iran International
At the end of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's November 2 speech to a handpicked audience, a young man described by media as "a student" urged him to equip Iran with nuclear weapons. Khamenei replied, "Iran will be armed with whatever we need to confront the enemies." State-controlled media interpreted Khamenei’s response as a positive answer to the young man's question. However, within hours, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, who had previously stated, “The nature of the Islamic Republic is peaceful, but we will be armed with anything needed to defend Iran,” backtracked, clarifying, “We rule out weapons of mass destruction, but we will be armed with whatever is necessary.”
PROTESTS & HUMAN RIGHTS
Concern Grows For Iran Woman Detained Over Underwear Protest | Al-Monitor
Concern grew Tuesday for an Iranian student arrested after stripping to her underwear in protest at alleged harassment over her dress, with activists worried authorities could confine her in a psychiatric institution. In videos shared on social media, the woman, a student at Tehran's prestigious Islamic Azad University, was seen protesting outside the campus on Saturday dressed only in her bra and underpants. Persian-language media outside Iran have reported university security guards harassed her over what she was wearing, ripping her headscarf and clothes. She then took most of them off in protest. Other footage showed her defiantly walking down the street before plainclothes agents bundled her into an unmarked car and drove her away. It remains unclear where she is being held.
Teenage Girl Commits Suicide After Jeans Dispute With School, Father Says | Iran International
16-year-old girl in Tehran took her own life following a confrontation with a school principal over wearing jeans instead of a required uniform during a field trip, her grieving father told a local news outlet. In an interview with Tehran-based Rokna News, the father said the school told him that his daughter, Arezou, had left the premises without permission. Later, he learned she had jumped from the sixth floor of a friend's residential building.
U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS & NEGOTIATIONS
Iran Plays Down Importance Of US Election, Voices Readiness For Confrontation | Reuters
Iranians' livelihoods will not be affected by the U.S. elections, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani was reported as saying on Wednesday after Donald Trump claimed victory in the presidential vote. Arab and Western officials have told Reuters Trump may reimpose his "maximum pressure policy" through heightened sanctions on Iran's oil industry and empower Israel to strike its nuclear sites and conduct assassinations. "The U.S. elections are not really our business. Our policies are steady and don't change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before and there will not be change in people's livelihoods," Mohajerani said, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The Revolutionary Guards did not directly react to Trump's claimed electoral victory but said Tehran and its allied armed groups in the region are ready for confrontation with Israel.
As Trump Celebrates Victory, Iran Says US Election Outcome Won’t Affect Country | Iran International
As Donald Trump declared his victory in the US presidential election, an Iranian government spokesperson said Wednesday that the result would have little impact on Iran. "The outcome of the US presidential election will not bring about significant change and all necessary preparations and forecasts have been proactively planned. The livelihood of the people will remain unaffected," government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told domestic media. Iranian state media has remained largely silent on the election, while many Iranians turned to social media to share celebratory messages.
MILITARY/INTELLIGENCE MATTERS & PROXY WARS
Israel’s Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister Gallant | The Wall Street Journal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, at a time when the country continues to fight wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and is increasingly in direct confrontation with Iran. The move on Tuesday came after months of public disagreement between the two over the course of the war. Netanyahu said he was firing Gallant due to a breakdown in trust and gaps in positions between them. Gallant has publicly challenged Netanyahu’s failure to decide on a plan for Gaza’s long-term governance and for not prioritizing a deal to release Israeli and other hostages held in Gaza.
RUSSIA, SYRIA, ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH, LEBANON & IRAN
Iran FM: Tehran Determined To Respond To Israel's Attack At 'Appropriate Time' | Voice of America
Iran's chief diplomat said Tuesday that Tehran opposes military escalation in the region but "will certainly respond" to the deadly Oct. 26 strike by Israel against his country. During an official visit to neighboring Pakistan, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the Israeli attack on Iranian military bases and other installations, resulting in the deaths of at least five people, mostly security personnel. "Unlike the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek escalation. However, we reserve our inherent right to legitimate defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter," he told a joint news conference in Islamabad with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar.
Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Attacks Haifa, Israel With Drones | Fox News
An Iran-backed Iraqi militia launched a drone attack in northern Israel early Tuesday, according to Iranian state media. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed several of its drones targeted Haifa, a port city in northern Israel, in response to Israeli military action in Gaza and Lebanon, the state media said. Israel Defense Forces said it shot down one drone that entered Israeli airspace from the direction of Syria overnight, the Times of Israel reported.
CHINA & IRAN
China's Cheap Iranian Oil Supply At Risk From Tighter Trump Sanctions | Reuters
China faces a squeeze on supplies of cheap Iranian crude, which make up about 13% of imports by the world's biggest buyer of oil, if Donald Trump ramps up enforcement of sanctions on Tehran after his return as U.S. president in January. Trump, who won Tuesday's election, Edison Research projected, is expected during his second term to re-impose his "maximum pressure policy" of heightened sanctions on Iran's oil industry over concerns about its nuclear programme, say Iranian, Arab and Western officials.
IRAQ & IRAN
U.S. Warns Iraq: Don't Let Iran Attack From Your Soil Or Israel Could Retaliate | Axios
The Biden administration warned the Iraqi government that if it doesn't prevent an Iranian attack from its soil, it could face an Israeli attack on its territory, two U.S. officials told Axios. Why it matters: The U.S. is trying to deter Iran from attacking Israel and is concerned that if it does strike Israel from Iraqi soil it would further escalate the regional war. Driving the news: Israeli and U.S. intelligence indicates Iran is planning a significant attack against Israel from Iraqi soil in the coming days as a retaliation for Israel's Oct. 25 strike in Iran, U.S. and Israeli officials said.
AFGHANISTAN & IRAN
Iran Executes Afghan National In Mashhad Amid Surge In Death Penalties | Amu TV
Iran has executed at least six prisoners, including one Afghan citizen, in the northeastern city of Mashhad, according to a report from Hal Vash, a human rights organization. The executions, which reportedly involved detainees from Sistan and Baluchestan Province and one Afghan national, were carried out over charges related to drug offenses and other alleged crimes. The human rights organization identified four of those executed: Mahmoud Shahraki and Mohammad Reza Davar, both from Zabol in Sistan and Baluchestan; Zahir Safari, the Afghan national; and Majid Ghadiri, a resident of Mashhad. Iran’s use of the death penalty against Afghan nationals has raised significant concerns, with data from the Iran Human Rights Organization indicating that at least 49 Afghan citizens have been executed in Iran over the past ten months.