Expanding Iranian influence in Africa: Trade, weapons, and chaos

Iran is seeking greater influence, via trade and weapons exports, in Africa, two new reports claim. The assertion, at the UAE-based Al-Ain media, describes how Iran is “is expanding its footprint in Africa, offering a recipe for weapons, trade partnerships and chaos to enhance its influence on the African continent.” It is using the … Read more

There is no verification that Iran is altering its posture in Syria

Iran may be recalculating its role in Syria, a recent report at Agence France-Presse has suggested. The report should be read with skepticism, because Iran and its proxies, as well as allies of the Syrian regime such as Russia, have spread these rumors in the past. According to the report a “series of strikes … Read more

Israel strikes Iran Air Force base with drones

Long-distance aircraft fired missiles that struck Iranian Air Force assets at Isfahan in central Iran early Friday morning, the Jerusalem Post has confirmed. Meanwhile, two Israeli defense officials and three Iranian officials confirmed to The New York Times that Israel was involved. The report came shortly after local sources reported explosions in Isfahan in … Read more

Five rockets fired from Iraq towards US military base in Syria

At least five rockets were launched from Iraq’s town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria on Sunday, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters. The attack against US forces is the first since early February when Iranian-backed groups in Iraq stopped their attacks against US troops. The attack comes on the … Read more

Bloomberg reveals more details regarding Iranian personnel killings

The Bloomberg television network revealed overnight into Saturday that in the attack attributed to Israel at the Iranian consulate in Syria, the entire command hierarchy responsible for the activities of the Revolutionary Guards in Syria and Lebanon was killed. According to the report, “the senior officers were pivotal for Hezbollah’s activities in the region.” … Read more

Ukraine backers blast ‘double standard’ after allies rush to Israel’s defense – POLITICO

“I am sure that Ukraine will raise an argument that if one non-NATO country has been provided with air defense when attacked by a hostile adversary, why should Ukraine be treated differently? Given the dire and urgent situation that Ukraine now faces, that argument is rather convincing,” he added. Asked why Britain couldn’t offer the same … Read more

France, Germany ask their citizens to quit Iran amid growing risk of military escalation in Mideast – POLITICO

It also restated that French citizens should “absolutely refrain from traveling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine.”  Meanwhile, German airline Lufthansa on Sunday announced it won’t be conducting any flights to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv until Tuesday and flights to Beirut and Tehran until Thursday at the soonest. The announcement comes after the airline … Read more

G7 leaders to meet over Iran attack on Israel – POLITICO

U.S. President Joe Biden called it ” an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel.” He added that G7 leaders will “coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.” U.S. officials “will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders,” he added.  Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones against Israel, but 99 percent of them … Read more

EU leaders condemn Iran’s revenge attack on Israel – POLITICO

European Council President Charles Michel said EU leaders “strongly condemn” the attack by Iran on Israel. “Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation,” he said in a post on X. “More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners,” Michel added. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell … Read more

Iranian paramilitaries seize container ship near Strait of Hormuz amid Israel tensions – POLITICO

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, released a one-minute video response to the Iranian capture of the ship. “Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further,” he said. “We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond.” … Read more