THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 9:00 AM CEST
Ex-Trump Officials Say They Asked The Biden DOJ for Protection from Iranian Threats but Never Got an Answer
WASHINGTON — Three former Trump administration officials who say they were warned that Iran had targeted them wrote a letter to the Justice Department 18 months ago asking for help protecting them, but never received a response, according to the officials.
“It is clear there are specific, credible threats against us and our families by Iran and those inspired to act on Iran’s behalf,” the officials wrote in the letter, a copy of which they provided to NBC News. “This necessitates urgent steps to improve our physical and cyber security.”
The officials are former deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger and two top officials who focused on the Middle East at the National Security Council, Victoria Coates, and Robert Greenway.
UPDATE: 7:00 AM CEST
Sham Presidential Election Further Fractures Iran’s Regime
Before being appointed as the Iranian regime’s new president, Massoud Pezeshkisn repeatedly emphasized his loyalty to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the continuation of the deceased Ebrahim Raisi’s path. He visited Raisi’s home and described his disastrous presidency as a “valuable and unforgettable effort” and expressed his “appreciation” for it. Pezeshkian, in his congratulatory message to Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the terrorist Hezbollah group in Lebanon, expressed his full support for him, emphasizing that this support “is rooted in the fundamental policies of the system and the ideals of Khomeini and guidelines of Khamenei.”
These statements by Pezeshkian were praised by the regime’s Friday prayer leaders and state-run media.
Iran’s Subsidy Reforms Amidst Spiraling Poverty
In a bid to achieve “justice in payment,” the Iranian regime is set to implement sweeping changes to household tithing, aiming to make subsidies more targeted. This initiative, as reported by ISNA news agency, involves a comprehensive review of household data and per capita income, including individual and family salaries, vehicle ownership, bank accounts and transactions, ‘Satna’ and ‘Paya’ accounts, stock market activity, and more. Many experts believe that the regime’s plan is a double-edged sword: while it aims to increase subsidies for the most impoverished segments of society, it simultaneously seeks to exclude a significant number of recipients from the subsidy payment system. The state-run newspaper Donya-e Eghtesad highlighted that some individuals, due to their job conditions, exhibit high account turnover, placing them in the top decile in household economic analyses.
From Promising to Kill Trump to Denying It: The Iranian Regime’s Stance
“We are seeking to, God willing, kill Trump and Pompeo.” This statement was made by Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, on a TV program on February 24, 2023. Now, after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Iranian regime has backtracked, claiming it never intended to assassinate him. Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday, July 17: “Iran is pursuing legal action against Donald Trump but strongly denies any involvement in the recent armed attack on Trump or claims of intent to do so, considering such claims to have malicious political motives.”
Nikki Haley: The Iranian Regime Can Be Responsible for Any Problem in the Middle East
In her speech at the National Republican Convention, Nikki Haley stated that the Iranian regime could be held responsible for any problem in the Middle East. The former United States Ambassador to the United Nations said that the dictators who chant “Death to America” in Iran are the financial backers and weapons suppliers of Hamas and Hezbollah. In another part of her speech, Haley said that during Trump’s time, the Iranian regime was much weaker and incapable of starting any war because they knew Trump was serious and feared him.
Haley also pointed out that lifting sanctions and begging the regime to return to the nuclear deal has resulted in a greater threat from Tehran and its proxy forces in the region.
Iran-Linked Hackers Target Middle East Targets
A hacker group linked to the Iranian regime has targeted organizations active in various Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, in a new cyber campaign. According to research by the cybersecurity company Check Point, the hacker group known as MuddyWater has attacked Azerbaijan, Portugal, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and India, in addition to Israel, using a new proprietary malware. This malware allows hackers to remotely execute commands on systems and transfer files between infected devices and servers. According to cybersecurity researchers, despite its low technical quality, the MuddyWater malware is continually being developed and improved by hackers.
Maryam Mehrabi’s Hunger Strike in Solitary Confinement at Isfahan Prison
Maryam Mehrabi, Sister of Political Prisoner Sentenced to Execution, Mahmoud Mehrabi, Goes on Hunger Strike in Protest against Unlawful Detention and Deprivation of Prisoner Rights, including the Right to Communication and Visitation. Based on the reports received by Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM), Maryam Mehrabi has been on a hunger strike for over two weeks. She is currently held in solitary confinement in the women’s prison of Dolatabad in Isfahan. Mrs. Mehrabi has been hospitalized multiple times during her detention. The inability to have visitation and communication has caused increased concerns for her family.
Based on the reports received by Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM), Maryam Mehrabi has been on a hunger strike for over two weeks. She is currently held in solitary confinement in the women’s prison of Dolatabad in Isfahan. Mrs. Mehrabi has been hospitalized multiple times during her detention. The inability to have visitation and communication has caused increased concerns for her family.
Iranians Commemorated Ashoura in Numerous Cities and Villages Across The Nation
On July 16, 2024, Iranians observed Ashoura in numerous cities and villages across the nation. Streets, businesses, residences, and mosques were adorned with symbols of Shiite devotion and penitence. Red banners symbolized Hussein’s sacrifice, black mourning tents, and attire signified sorrow, and processions of men beating their chests and engaging in self-flagellation demonstrated fervor. Some people sprayed water over the participants in the intense heat.
Ashoura is a significant day of remembrance in Islam. More than 1,340 years after Hussein’s death, it is observed annually on the tenth of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. This day commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Shiite faith. Many Iranians also traveled to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is interred in a gold-domed shrine, to mourn.
MEK Supporters Rally in Toronto: Denouncing Sham Trial of MEK Members, Supporting the PMOI
Toronto, Canada—July 13, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a rally against the regime’s sham trial of MEK members. They expressed their full support for the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran against the regime’s criminal actions.
Zurich, Switzerland—July 15, 2024: MEK Supporters Exhibition in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Zurich, Switzerland—July 15, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran(PMOI/MEK) organized an exhibition to support the Iranian Revolution.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – July 17, 2024
