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US Forces Destroy Houthi Drone, Ballistic Missiles in Red Sea
US forces on Saturday destroyed one Iran-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system in the southern Red Sea and saw two others crash into the sea, US Central Command said.
The Central Command forces also destroyed two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles fired in the direction of the USS Gravely, it said. No injuries or damage were reported by US, coalition, or commercial ships, it added.
The Houthi militias have attacked ships off Yemen’s coast for months, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.
How The Corruption of Iran’s Regime Is Coming Back to Bite Them
The Iranian regime’s insatiable thirst to acquire a nuclear bomb has led to Iran’s economy being subjected to sanctions. It should be emphasized that the regime needs the nuclear bomb to ensure its survival as it has minimal social support. However, Khamenei has inflicted the effects and consequences of these sanctions on the Iranian people. Over the past ten years, housing prices have increased nearly 15 times, the dollar exchange rate has risen nearly 18 times, and food prices have increased similarly. From March 2022 to April 2024, the price of the dollar in the Iranian market increased by 245 percent, which means it nearly tripled. Since the prices of all goods and services are influenced by the dollar rate, over the two-year period, prices have increased by at least 3.5 times. These numbers have created such terrifying inflation that over 80 percent of the Iranian people are now living below the poverty line.
Report on the Imminent Executions in Iran and the Broader Implications
Iran’s judiciary has transferred six men to pre-execution solitary cells in Shiraz Central Prison, indicating that their executions are imminent. Among the convicts is Aref Rasouli, who was only 17 when he allegedly committed the murder.
Three of the other detainees have also been charged with murder, while the remaining two face charges related to drug offenses. It is important to note that death sentences in Iran often follow trials that lack due process and basic rights for the accused.
This development comes shortly after Iran postponed the execution of Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani, a 20-year-old Jewish man. Charged with murder two years ago, Ghahremani claimed that the killing was in self-defense, a defense the Iranian courts dismissed.
Iran’s Secret Uranium Deal with Niger: A Global Security Concern
In a troubling development with significant implications for global security, Iran has been engaged in covert negotiations with Niger’s ruling junta for the acquisition of 300 tonnes of uranium concentrate, commonly known as yellowcake.
This clandestine deal, first reported by Africa Intelligence on April 30, 2024, and corroborated by a Le Monde article on May 10, 2024, has drawn intense scrutiny and concern from international observers, particularly the United States and France.
Tehran’s interest in Niger’s uranium is not new, but the recent negotiations with Niamey have brought this issue to the forefront of international diplomatic and security discussions.
U.S. Welcomes New EU Sanctions Against Iranian Regime
Abram Pili, Deputy Special Representative for Iran Affairs, welcomed the new European Union sanctions against individuals and entities within the Iranian regime on Friday, May 31, stating that the United States will continue to counter Iran’s range of threats.
In a post on the social media platform X, Abram Pili wrote: “We welcome today’s sanctions by the EU against several Iranian individuals and entities involved in developing missiles and drones and proliferating them to militant proxies and terrorists.”
On Friday, May 31, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in a statement the sanctioning of four entities and one individual involved in the Iranian regime’s drone program.
Will Iran’s Energy Crisis in Iran Be Contained by the Fourteenth Government?
The crash of the helicopter carrying Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, followed by the change of head of government, signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the Iranian regime’s domestic policy, foreign affairs, and energy diplomacy.
Iran’s energy industry faced numerous challenges during Raisi’s administration, but after his helicopter crash, regime media frequently talked about the increase in Iran’s oil exports in recent years despite ongoing U.S. sanctions and the successful diplomacy of Raisi’s government.
According to the International Energy Agency, Iran spent $100 billion on energy subsidies last year, which could undermine the government’s efforts to reduce the budget deficit. Ultimately, the financial burden of these subsidies will fall on the people, who often face inflation and reduced purchasing power due to government borrowing.
Paris, France—May 31, 2024: Exhibition by MEK Supporters in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Paris, France—May 31, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized an exhibition and book display. This exhibition was held in solidarity with the Iranian Revolution and as a protest against the increasing wave of executions carried out by the Iranian regime.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – June 1, 2024
