THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 3:30 PM
German Newspaper Reveals Iran Air’s Alleged Involvement in Terrorism
In a recent report, the German newspaper Die Welt has shed light on Iran Air’s purported involvement in terrorist activities, implicating the Iranian national airline in nefarious operations dating back to the 1990s.
According to information disclosed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Iran Air is reportedly under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Die Welt alleges that the Iranian regime exploits Iran Air to facilitate the transfer of funds, weapons, and equipment to its proxy forces across the Middle East, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Die Welt’s investigation further reveals that Swiss authorities have uncovered evidence linking Iran Air to terrorist activities in Europe. Notably, the airline is said to have played a role in the 1990 Genoa operation, during which Iranian human rights activist Kazem Rajavi was assassinated by agents of the Islamic Republic regime. Following Kazem Rajavi’s murder, Iran Air reportedly delayed a flight to facilitate the escape of the perpetrators from Italy to Iran.
Moreover, Die Welt asserts that Iran Air is systematically utilized by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence for orchestrating terrorist plots on European soil. The airline allegedly transports operatives and necessary equipment, as evidenced by a foiled terrorist attack targeting the NCRI annual gathering in Paris in 2018.
Iran’s Non-Oil Trade Shows $16.8 Billion Deficit in 1402 Fiscal Year
Recent statistics released by the Ebrahim Raisi administration have unveiled a concerning trend in the country’s non-oil trade, indicating a significant deficit of $16.8 billion during the fiscal year 1402 on the Iranian calendar (March 2023- March 2024).
According to customs data, Iran’s non-oil exports stood at approximately $49.4 billion last year, reflecting a notable seven percent decline compared to the previous year, 1401. In contrast, imports surged to $64.3 billion, marking a seven percent increase over the same period. Additionally, Iran imported standard gold worth $1.9 billion.
An interesting development in the customs data is the inclusion of oil, electricity, and services exports for the first time in recent months. However, these figures are not factored into import calculations.
In terms of oil exports, Iran recorded $35.9 billion in revenue, an increase of 8.6 percent from 1401. International sources, including data from companies like Kpler, report a significant rise in crude oil exports, reaching 1.3 million barrels per day—an astonishing 48 percent hike from the previous year. Despite a modest 17 percent drop in global oil prices, the discrepancy in the growth of Iran’s oil exports raises questions.
Moreover, Iran’s daily export of Mazut reached 220,000 barrels, amounting to approximately $44 billion in oil exports. However, customs statistics report this figure as $35.9 billion. While Iran also imported diesel and gasoline, these imports were not factored into customs calculations.
UPDATE: 10:00 AM
Iran’s Regime Faces Serious Challenges In Wake Of Regional Setbacks
In a period characterized by escalating tensions and geopolitical maneuvers, Iran finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a growing popular resistance movement at home and the repercussions of setbacks in the region. The latest attack on Iranian regime targets in Syria has not only intensified scrutiny of Tehran’s strategic choices but has also exposed the deep chasm within the Iranian regime.
Since the popular uprisings of 2017 and 2019, and especially in 2022, regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has found himself beleaguered by the growing discontent of the Iranian people and a resistance movement that is gaining traction and becoming more organized.
In an attempt to divert attention from his regime’s domestic conflicts, Khamenei has historically resorted to warmongering in the region and across the globe, a tactic he learned from his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini.
The Iranian Regime’s Multifaceted Crisis and Unrealistic Optimism
As the new year dawns, all signs point to the Iranian regime’s continued struggle with a multitude of crises. Honeymoon periods, as some regime experts suggest, are simply out of the question. The regime is currently grappling with four interconnected crises: economic woes, social unrest, a worsening internal situation, and the blowback from its warmongering policies.
There’s no need to delve into the entirety of the regime’s economic troubles. It suffices to mention the pronouncements of some economic experts within the regime, who now entertain the possibility of an exchange rate reaching 90,000 to 100,000 tomans.
In his New Year’s address, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei promised economic progress, increased domestic production, and greater public participation in the economy. However, the prediction of a 100,000-toman exchange rate paints a different picture.
War Clouds Gather, Reasons Why Iran Trembles Amidst Gaza Strife in 2024
Two days after the attacks attributed to Israel on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the pieces and media outlets of the Iranian government expressed fear and concern about the escalation of the Gaza war to Iran.
From the beginning, the war was a proxy, but it was clear that it was between the Iranian government and Israel. Hamas initiated this war. Later, the Houthi rebels in Yemen were called upon by Khamenei to join this war. Subsequently, Iraqi paramilitaries and limited Hezbollah forces were drawn into the fray. But as time went on, Khamenei’s escalation of contradictions and warmongering, albeit covertly, added fuel to the fire.
To the point where Israel and, by extension, America saw no alternative but to send clear messages to Khamenei. Initially, these messages aimed to restrain proxy forces like the Houthis and Khamenei’s paramilitary bases. However, due to Khamenei’s lack of restraint and escalation, the scope of the war expanded further and further.
Freedom-Loving Iranians and MEK Supporters in Paris Rally for Freedom and Democracy through Exhibitions
Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have organized an exhibition and book table in Paris for a long time to show solidarity with the ongoing Iranian Revolution. The exhibition has featured photos and materials highlighting the struggle for freedom and democracy in Iran.
Geneva—April 4, 2024: Freedom-Loving Iranians Rally Coinciding With the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Geneva, Switzerland—April 4, 2024: April 4, 2024: A gathering of freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the Iranian Resistance coincided with the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the approval of extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, and the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Human Rights Violations during the September 2022 uprising in Iran. The gathering was held in front of the United Nations Headquarters.