THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 1:30 PM
Wall Street Journal Reports on Recent Terror Threats in European Countries Linked to Iranian Proxy Forces
In a report published on Tuesday, March 12, the Wall Street Journal delved into the origins of recent terrorist threats in European countries attributed to proxy forces of the Iranian regime resulting from the Gaza conflict.
Citing Italian security officials and their latest security report, the journal disclosed the arrest of three Palestinians suspected of planning terrorist attacks in one of the European nations. Similarly, Austrian and Bosnian police had previously apprehended separate groups of Afghan and Syrian refugees along with arms and ammunition, some of whom possessed images of Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on their mobile phones, indicating their motivation linked to the Gaza conflict.
The report highlights that in the current circumstances, terrorist threats linked to Iranian proxy forces such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas are on the rise. Additionally, it mentions the imprisonment of an Iranian-German citizen associated with the clerical regime for attempting to bomb or set fire to a church in the city of Bochum, resulting in a three-year prison sentence.
Furthermore, the report discusses Iran’s track record of terrorist attacks against its opponents in European countries, particularly targeting Jews residing on the continent. It underscores the warning issued by Sweden’s Foreign Minister to Iran’s Amir-Abdollahian regarding the impact of plots to murder Jews in Sweden on bilateral relations.
The Wall Street Journal also raises concerns about the recent arrests of several Tajik nationals in Germany, suggesting that the clerical regime and its proxy groups might exploit the influx of refugees to Europe once again to further their agendas.
Quoting security officials, the report concludes that these incidents underscore the increasing terrorist threats against European countries, originating from new sources, and complicating the work of security agencies.
US President Biden Extends National Emergency Status on Iran Regime for Another Year
Washington D.C. – In an official statement released from the White House on March 12, US President Joe Biden announced the extension of the national emergency status regarding the Iranian regime for another year.
The White House cited Tehran’s actions and policies, including the proliferation and development of ballistic missiles and other unconventional and asymmetrical weapons capabilities, the regime’s aggressive network and campaigns of regional aggression, support for terrorist groups, and hostile activities by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxy forces as ongoing threats to national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the United States.
The statement referred to Executive Order 12957, issued on March 15, 1995, by then-President Bill Clinton, aimed at countering the extraordinary and exceptional threat posed by the Iranian regime against the United States. Following this order, extensive sanctions were imposed on Iran within six months of the same year to counter these threats.
UPDATE: 8:30 AM
PMOI Resistance Units Amplify Calls for Freedom as Persian New Year Nears
As the Persian New Year, Nowruz, approaches, heralding a season of renewal and hope, Resistance Units affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have intensified their efforts across Iran, challenging the theocratic regime’s grip on power. In a daring display of defiance, these units have taken to the streets in various cities, posting banners and creating graffiti that embody the spirit of rebellion, all while advocating for the overthrow of Iran’s oppressive government apparatus.
In the face of the clerical regime’s heightened state of alert, as it marshals both propaganda and repressive measures to counteract the Resistance Units’ activities, the resolve of these activists cuts through the atmosphere of fear. Their courageous actions signal a beacon of hope amidst the regime’s attempts to maintain control.
Iran Faces Land Subsidence Crisis Due to Water Mismanagement
Morteza Sediqi, a deputy director with Iran’s Mapping Organization, recently announced alarming land subsidence rates across the country. Water scarcity and drought are major contributors.
In Kerman province, subsidence reaches over 42 cm per year, while Alborz and Tehran provinces experience subsidence of 30 cm and 24 cm annually, respectively.
Sediqi highlighted the severity of the crisis. “An area equivalent to 5% of Iran, encompassing 360 regions, suffers from subsidence,” he stated. “Seven provinces are in critical condition, with subsidence exceeding the global average fivefold.”
He emphasized the danger to populated areas, noting, “Over 200 Iranian cities, roughly 15% of the total, are either subsiding or located near subsiding zones.”
Iran’s Oil Export Figures: A Web of Contradictions
Iran’s recent customs report on crude oil exports has further muddied the waters surrounding oil production and revenue statistics.
On March 9th, the regime’s Customs Administration released details of the country’s foreign trade, stating that oil exports reached $32.59 billion over the past eleven months. However, in December 2023, Mohammad Rezvanifar, Deputy Economy Minister and Director General of Iranian Customs, announced oil export figures of $26.46 billion for the entire year ending December.
Critics point out that a mere $6 billion increase in oil sales during January and February falls far short of the target set in the regime’s 2023-2024 budget plan. Additionally, concerns remain regarding the ambiguity surrounding sales transactions and the repatriation of earned funds.
Unveiled And Improperly Veiled Women To Be Fined 3 Million Tomans In The New Iranian Year
Intensified repression of women under the pretext of hijab; 30 million Iranian women face charges for non-compliance and improper veiling.
In the upcoming Persian year, individuals caught not wearing a veil in public spaces will face a fine of 3 million tomans, as announced by a member of the regime’s parliament from Isfahan. This penalty will be enforced through a system directly linked to individuals’ bank accounts, triggered by surveillance from CCTV cameras or online monitoring. (The state-run eghtesadnews.com, March 11, 2024)
The imposition of this fine was reportedly approved by the Legal Committee of the mullahs’ Parliament as part of the Hijab Bill, following multiple reviews by the Guardian Council. Consequently, the judiciary will not have jurisdiction over this matter; instead, it will be the responsibility of the police to enforce fines. Under this system, police officers will identify violations and, upon confirmation, deduct the specified amount from the offender’s bank account using their national code and personal information. (The state-run Tabnak.ir website, March 11, 2024)
Migration Crisis: 3,000 Nurses Left Iran Last Year
Abolghasem Aboutalebi, a member of the Supreme Nursing Council in Iran, has described the situation of nurses’ migration from the country as a “near crisis” and called for finding solutions.
According to Aboutalebi, while approximately 10,000 nursing personnel are trained in the country annually, nearly 3,000 nurses migrated last year.
Officials from the regime’s Ministry of Health state that the destination of nurse migration includes a wide range of countries, from neighboring nations and the Persian Gulf region to Western and European countries, as well as South Africa.
Long Food Queues and Empty Tables in Iran at the Beginning of Ramadan
The release of various videos depicting long queues for “government-subsidized meat” in Iran during the month of Ramadan has sparked significant reactions. Now, the regime’s media outlets report insufficient meat supply for distribution to the applicants, stating that people, despite hours of waiting, return home empty-handed.
The state-run Khabaronline website has announced that these long queues reflect a bitter reality that has been witnessed for months. With reference to economic indicators and statistics presented by the Statistical Center, it is predicted to persist.
The report emphasizes that while officials claim economic improvement, the reality is that “people’s purchasing power has sharply decreased, and their food basket has shrunk.”