Scope of Iran IRGC Quds Force meddling in Yemen

July 2016

In the news and reports I have read from Yemen there has not been a reference to the scope of the meddling by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Quds Force in this country. In this article I would like to assess the dimensions of the Quds Force’s meddling according to the news received from inside the Iranian regime.

Iran exporting bombs, weaponry to Middle East countries

July 2016

One of the most important exports Iran has been engaged in in the past few years has been sending arms, bombs and missiles to various countries across the region. It has been years since Iran boasts of exporting “Islamic revolution” to regional countries, which of course means exporting terrorism and supporting fundamentalism groups to take control over regional countries.

ISIS operative admits Iran & Syria have relations with terrorist group

July 2016

The al-Jarida daily of Kuwait wrote: An individual by the name of Ali Omar, aka Abu Torab, suspected of being associated to ISIS (Daesh), is currently detained in a Kuwaiti prison. He has admitted to close relations between ISIS (Daesh) with the regimes of Iran and Syria. Abu Torab has said he has personally participated in coordinating session held between ISIS (Daesh) and the Damascus regime representative and Iranian regime security forces. Regarding the structure of ISIS he said most of the group’s commanders in Syria are of Iraqi origin and their forces are from Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. Abu Torab was in charge of ISIS’ oil industry due to his expertise and speaking fluent English.

Hezbollah leader’s confessions renders difficult predicament for Iran

July 2016

Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on June 24^th said he is not concerned of U.S. banking sanctions, and the sanctions and banking/financial restrictions imposed by the U.S. have no impact on this group’s activities as all of Hezbollah’s budget is provided through Iran. This speech gained widespread coverage in a long slate of Arab media, and can lead to a major predicament for the Iranian regime.

The truth behind the bomb discoveries & terrorists arrested in Tehran

July 2016

Recently Iran on a number of occasions announced the discovery of ready-to-explode bombs in Tehran and arrested a number of individuals in this regard. These reports were provided in a very vague nature, saying the details would be delivered at a later time. However, no details were ever provided. On June 29^th an airplane was ground in Tehran airport and passengers were departed as authorities cited a possible bombing plot. The plane was allowed to take off after all the cargo was inspected.

Iran funneling sanctions relief money for terrorists

July 2016

In late May 2016, Adam Szubin, the acting US Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence said his country in cooperation with its allies and partners is attempting to limit Hezbollah financial relations. A bill was passed in the U.S. back in December 2015 imposing strict punishment on any international financial support to Hezbollah and any individual or entity that provides financial support for this group. This law sparked an unprecedented dispute between Hezbollah and Lebanese banks. The Lebanese Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist group by the U.S., has widespread political influence in Lebanon and its military branch plays an important role in the war in Syria. The Lebanese Central Bank and American officials have said this bill does not target ordinary Lebanese citizens or the Shiite community of this country that supports Hezbollah.

Iran dispatching Afghan mercenaries into Syria war quagmire

June 2016

As the Iranian people continue to oppose taking part in the Syria war, the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force has been forced to dispatch its most senior IRGC commanders to support the Levant dictator Bashar Assad. To this end, heavy casualties have been inflicted to senior IRGC commanders and these ranks no longer have any temptation to participate in the Syria war.

Iran’s Quds Force meddling in Bahrain

June 2016

Bahrain is a country of the Persian Gulf and Iran continues to argue it was once amongst its territories, and therefore claims sovereignty over this important island. Back in August 2008, Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of Keyhan – the known mouthpiece of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei – wrote an article declaring Bahrain an Iranian province. This raised major tension between in the bilateral relations between the two countries, and finally Manouchehr Mottaki, then foreign minister of Iran, was forced to visit Bahrain and resolve the matter.

Iran: Quds Force efforts in Iraq to reunite Shiite groups

June 2016

As recent developments have made it crystal clear in Iraq, the Shiite coalition formed through the efforts of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Quds Force following the toppling of the former Iraqi government (Saddam Hussein) by the United States is now crumbling from within and literally torn apart. Demonstrations and rallies in the past few months, staged by the Shiite majorities in Baghdad and southern Shiite provinces, witnessed a main slogan against the presence of the Iranian regime and the Quds Force in Iraq. This came as a heavy blow for Tehran in its efforts in Iraq.

Iran: Khamenei threatening to “set nuclear deal ablaze if U.S. tears it apart”

June 2016

On June 14^th the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei delivered a speech at the presence of the three government branch chiefs and a group of senior regime officials. The most important portion of his remarks that gained widespread coverage in Iranian media and the press included, “If the next U.S. president tears apart the nuclear deal, Iran will set it ablaze.”

Iran pushing for no-confidence vote against al-Abadi

June 2016

The occupation of the Iraqi Parliament and Prime Ministry Office afterwards by protesters proved Iran has lost control of the situation on the ground in Iran and this regime is no longer dictating its will to Shiite groups.

In most demonstrations despite the fact that the Iranian ambassador in Iraq would call on its associated elements to refrain from voicing anti-Iranian regime slogans, the protesters – infuriated over poverty and lack of security – were heard chanting “Iran, Out, Out.” This slogan disrupted all the Iranian regime’s calculations and in a senior Iranian regime official has reportedly said Tehran spent billions in Iraq and they still chant slogans against the Islamic republic of Iran in their demonstrations.

Iran arming Shiite militias in Iraq

June 2016

After Iran lost its political hegemony in Iraq with former Iraqi prime minister Nouri Maliki being set aside, and following the military defeats it suffered in operations targeting Salahadin and Tikrit, from late April of this year Iran has launched new military measures under the pretext of liberating the city of Fallujah in Anbar Province, west of Baghdad. Revolutionary Guards Quds Force chief Qassem Suleimani in his new round of military activities in Iraq attempted realize his objective through official and government channels, and by using Shiite military forces, parallel to equipping and arming these units with new weapons. Qassem Suleimani sought to enhance the Popular Mobilization Units (a conglomerate of Iran-backed Shiite militia groups) into a regional military power and downgrade the role played by the Iraqi Army. This Quds Force policy is in line with the same policy Iran sought to implement through the PMU from 2013 and integrating this unit into an entity similar to the IRGC. Arming the PMU with light and medium weapons, along with rockets/missiles through transferring the technology of this weaponry to Iraq are amongst the objectives of the IRGC Quds Force.

Iran-associated militias’ crimes in Fallujah operations

June 2016

The goals pursued by Shiite militia groups associated to Iran and the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force in their presence in the Fallujah operations is no longer a mystery for anyone. The sectarian nature of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and other Shiite militia groups and their approach vis-à-vis the residents of the towns of Garma, Saqlawiya and locals in Fallujah who were able to flee from ISIS control have made it crystal clear the objectives they are following in the Fallujah operations of seeking vengeance against the Sunni community. This has raised major protests and resulted in deep concerns amongst Arab and regional states over the role played by Iran-backed Shiite militia groups in the Fallujah operations. On the other hand, the public announcement made by Hadi al-Ameri and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in various press conferences of Fallujah being liberated by PMU forces showed that the PMU and Shiite militias are the main parties involved in the Fallujah operations. Al-Ameri had previously announced the PMU mission will finalize following the Fallujah operations. More recently, however, he has said, “After we have ensured that all non-civilians have exited Fallujah we will attack the city and no one will stop us. No one can liberate Fallujah without PMU participation.”

Iran’s attempts to resolve differences amongst Iraq Shiite coalition

May 2016

With the reform movement gaining momentum in the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, along with measures taken by Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr to achieve these reforms, a serious rift and divide inside the Shiite coalition has become visible more than ever before. Considering the fact that rooted reforms have been the demand of the senior Shiite clergy, various members of the Shiite coalition have publicly supported the reforms proposed by al-Abadi and Sadr, yet behind the scenes they continue to emphasize on the quota system of appointing ministers. This has caused major divides amongst the establishing currents of the National Alliance. Iran is extremely concerned of the Shiite coalition in Iraq crumbling, and therefore to this day Tehran has dispatched a significant number of delegations to resolve these disputes in Iraq. Significant is the fact that none of the Shiite coalition currents are willing to accept the requests raised by Iranian representatives.

Iran’s response after Jordan summoned its ambassador from Tehran

May 2016

Jordan summoned its ambassador from Tehran in protest to Iran’s meddling policies in Middle East countries. The Iranian regime, finding itself more and more isolated across the region, has resorted its old tactics and tricks by instigating fear and raising threats.

Iran’s actions aimed to disrupt a technocrat cabinet in Iraq

May 2016

Following popular demonstrations in late February across Baghdad’s Green Zone, the Iranian regime became extremely concerned of the Iraqi people’s demands for reform. Through its operatives in Iraq Tehran went to great limits divert the reform project. The issue of corruption under former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki and setting aside judiciary chief Mid’hat Mahmoud were the pillar concerns for Iran, leading the regime to continue its attempts to stonewall all measures to establish a technocrat cabinet, place the reform project before various dilemmas and buy time for its own conspiracies in Iraq. The goal pursued by Tehran was to kick the can down the road and prevent any formation of a technocrat cabinet – specifically demanded by the people – and return to the sectarian-polarized quota cabinet based on agreements made between ruling parties.

Iran dispatching regular army forces to Syria

May 2016

On April 4^th, 2016, the deputy coordinator of Iran’s regular army ground forces reported units of this force have been dispatched to Syria. In this regard, Iran army commanders described the deployment of their forces to Syria as advisory missions, denying any large unit deployment to the Levant. Below are a number of positions taken by Iran’s military commanders in this regard, shedding light on the depth of the army’s actual involvement in Syria.

Iran taking advantage of Afghans’ poverty to send them to Syria

May 2016

With a look at the escalating number of casualties suffered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in Syria, one can come to this conclusion that most definitely this volume of fatalities and injuries will lead to dissent amongst the IRGC lower ranks and general file. Even senior military and political officials in Iran have voiced their protests regarding the high number of casualties. To this end the IRGC has for some time now launched a new initiative. Although such a measure is nothing new and the IRGC has always resorted using foreign nationals, prisoners, the poor and deprived people to send them off to the battlefronts and filling the void in its forces. The IRGC has recruited Afghan mercenaries to be deployed to Syria.

Iran shocked of Russia pulling out of Syria

May2016

Russia launches military operations in Syria

The sidelines of the 2015 U.N. General Assembly in New York witnessed meetings held between U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the fate of Syria. The main subject was Russia’s military intervention in Syria, yet no particular conclusion was reached. Putin began his air campaign in Syria on September 30^th. Homs, then held by opposition forces, was the first city attacked by Russian warplanes.

Iran: Khamenei’s role in 9/11

April 2011

As you may have seen in the news in early March 2016 a New York criminal court judge cited obvious evidence accusing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as second in line after former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in the September 11^th terrorist attacks. This gained media attention and political analysts across the globe. However, the question is what developments have brought Khamenei’s role in the 9/11 attacks forward to center stage once again?

The Syria Perspective & Future “JCPOA”s

April 2016

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited Pakistan in late March. Arrangements were made beforehand to establish further economic relations and expand diplomatic ties, while knowing Pakistan is a member of the Islamic countries’ coalition spearheaded by Saudi Arabia. This alliance is specifically formed to prevent Iran’s terrorist measures in the region.

Factions Fighting Tooth and Nail in Iran

April 2016

Fierce political disputes have morphed in Iran these days. Senior regime officials have used their Persian New Year messages to further their feuds, clashing like wild animals. Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, unable to settle the score with the Rafsanjani-Rouhani camp, went to the city of Mashhad in northwest Iran to deliver a through message against his rivals.

Disputes Between Factions Inside Iran

April 2016

A very intense feud, before and after the February elections in Iran, has come to light over hegemony of different figures and camps inside the Iranian regime. Of course, one should not think those involved in this dispute are at all concerned about the higher interest of the Iranian people. In fact, they only seek to fill their own pockets. Various factions inside Iran are no different from each other. In fact they merely provide different methods to reach the regime’s desired objectives. Both factions know quite well that the as far as the Iranian people are concerned they care less about any of the regime’s factions, considering them all as one.

Why did Iran test fire ballistic missiles?

April 2016

Why does Iran test fire ballistic missiles at a time when the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) hasn’t been fully implemented? Why does Iran need to launch such a brouhaha and propaganda? If we take a look at the Iranian regime’s propaganda and media machine we will see a full scenery of saber-rattling and power-mongering through scenes of ballistic missile tests.

What are the consequences of Russia pulling out of Syria, for Iran?

March 2016

How was this decision made by Russia? Is it a strategically important decision or a mere modus vivendi? The reason we raise these questions is that Russia has announced it will maintain its two air and naval bases in Syria. By keeping its boots in the Middle East bases does Russia intend to continue its operations in Syria?

Iran terrified of Middle East developments

March 2016

As senior Iranian regime officials continue to complain about the Lebanese Hezbollah blacklisting, recent developments across the Middle East have placed Tehran before even further dilemmas. As mullah Ahmad Khatami, an ultraconservative figure very close to supreme leader Ali Khamenei, continued to moan for Hezbollah, various meetings were taking place between European leaders and Russia in France.

Arms smuggling by Iran IRGC Quds Force for Houthis in Yemen

 March 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said a ship carrying arms from Iran for the Houthis was recently confiscated, adding Tehran continues to support the Shiite rebels in Yemen. On the other hand Arab coalition forces in Yemen are attempting to stop and neutralize such arms smuggling from Iran to Yemen.

Iran’s demands from the Iraqi government

February 2016

Following the nuclear agreement sealed with the West the Iranian regime is in desperate need of international and regional support. Iran’s influence in Iraq has diminished significantly. In all their meetings with senior Iraqi officials the Iranian counterparts are seen focusing on three main issues: Iran is facing major economic problems and the lowering price of oil – led by Saudi Arabia – has placed severe repercussions on the regime’s economy. Therefore, Tehran is asking Baghdad to trek in line with Iran in their policy making decisions in OPEC. On foreign policy senior Iranian officials have time and again called on Iraqi officials to severe their relations with Saudi Arabia and downgrade their ties with the U.S. and other Arabic countries. Iraq’s positive response to two resolutions condemning Iran in the Cairo and Jeddah sessions was unexpected.

Iran terrified of Lebanese Hezbollah being blacklisted

March 2016

Why has Iran become terrified of the Lebanese Hezbollah being blacklisted as a terrorist organization? Even a quick glance at the reactions and remarks made by senior Iranian regime officials can provide us an answer to the political and military definition of this blacklisting.

Latest status of Shiite militias in Iraq

March 1, 2016

As the Popular Mobilization Force (PMF) was set aside from all ground assaults launched to liberate Ramadi from the control of Daesh (the Arabic acronym of the self-proclaimed Islamic State), and preventing the PMF’s participation in any operations planned for Mosul, the issue of dissolving or merging the PMF into the Ministry of Defense has gained more serious proportions. With 3 Americans begin abducted in Baghdad, Washington began increasing its pressures on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to further limit the PMF and Shiite militias. All efforts placed by the Iranian regime and senior PMF officials to maintain this entity have remained futile. Tehran uses the PMF as a lever of pressure against al-Abadi, yet the Iraqi PM, enjoying support from Washington, is further pursuing the policy of restricting the PMF.

Iran’s demands from the Iraqi government

February 2016

Following the nuclear agreement sealed with the West the Iranian regime is in desperate need of international and regional support. Iran’s influence in Iraq has diminished significantly. In all their meetings with senior Iraqi officials the Iranian counterparts are seen focusing on three main issues: Iran is facing major economic problems and the lowering price of oil – led by Saudi Arabia – has placed severe repercussions on the regime’s economy. Therefore, Tehran is asking Baghdad to trek in line with Iran in their policy making decisions in OPEC. On foreign policy senior Iranian officials have time and again called on Iraqi officials to severe their relations with Saudi Arabia and downgrade their ties with the U.S. and other Arabic countries. Iraq’s positive response to two resolutions condemning Iran in the Cairo and Jeddah sessions was unexpected.

Methods of Iran’s meddling in African countries

March 2016

One of the region’s gaining Iran’s attention to expand its influence has been African countries. These countries have the adequate potential due to their economic poverty.

Background on Adnan Ibrahim Mohsen Mohseni(Abu Ali al-Basari)

Background on Adnan Ibrahim Mohsen Mohseni

(Abu Ali al-Basari)

A Senior Commander of Shiite Militias in Iraq

(Director of Intelligence in Iraqi Ministry of Interior)

Biography

Adnan Ibrahim Mohsen Mohseni, with an Iranian identity of Adnan Mohseni, aka Abu Ali al-Basari, was born in 1954 in a town near Basra, southern Iraq. He continued his studies until the fourth year of college. He is known to have lived in Iran for years, where he married and currently has five sons and daughters living there.

Iran’s plans of using Shiite militias to control al-Abadi

March 2016

The Shiite “Popular Mobilization Forces” being set aside from all ground assaults in Iraq and refusing to pay or decreasing their paychecks by the central government have resulted in an increasing number of defections in these units. Former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki’s expiration date has passed after 8 years sitting on the throne in Iraq and playing into Iran’s interests.

Shocking assassination of U.N. representative in Iraq’s Diyala Province

February 2016

Amer al-Kaissy, an Iraqi citizen and United Nations representative in Diyala Province, was abducted by a Shiite militia group on 26 February 2015 outside a governorate office in the city of Baquba. Their first motive was ransom money from the family, demanding $40,000. Amer’s brother was taking action to come up with the money. However, as the Quds Force entered the scene and the Shiite militia group was barred from doing such a deal.

Iran’s demands from the Iraqi government

February 2016

Following the nuclear agreement sealed with the West the Iranian regime is in desperate need of international and regional support. Iran’s influence in Iraq has diminished significantly. In all their meetings with senior Iraqi officials the Iranian counterparts are seen focusing on three main issues: Iran is facing major economic problems and the lowering price of oil – led by Saudi Arabia – has placed severe repercussions on the regime’s economy. Therefore, Tehran is asking Baghdad to trek in line with Iran in their policy making decisions in OPEC. On foreign policy senior Iranian officials have time and again called on Iraqi officials to severe their relations with Saudi Arabia and downgrade their ties with the U.S. and other Arabic countries. Iraq’s positive response to two resolutions condemning Iran in the Cairo and Jeddah sessions was unexpected.

Why Shiite militias in Iraq oppose launching of Mosul operations?

February 2016

Shiite militias in Iraq, terrified of measures aimed at dissolving the Popular Mobilization Forces, are delaying operations aimed at liberating Mosul in northern Iraq.

Iran Quds Force associated Shiite militias in Iraq

Date: February 2016

Attiar al-Resali Battalions

Secretary-General: Adnin Ramidh Kharnub Abid al-Shahmani (Adnan al-Shahmani), MP

Religious Leader: Kazem al-Haeri

Foundation: June 2014

Iran’s measures to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s North Thunder military drills

 February 2016

Saudi Arabia’s announcement to carry out the North Thunder military drills for a week in the King Khalid Military City of the country’s northeastern frontier has led to major concerns for Iran. In response Iran has resorted to various measures, including deploying Iraqi Shiite militias to the Saudi border. The military drills area is located in north Saudi Arabia, neighboring the Iraqi provinces of Basra and Ziqar.

Iran sending Afghan nationals to fight in Syria

February 2016

During the past few months Iran has significantly increased its deployment of Afghan elements to Syria in support of Bashar Assad’s troops. In 2015 their numbers reached 8,000. Considering the fact that these Afghan nationals have no other motive to fight in Syria but to receive permission to live in Iran and receive their money, they are worn out and lose their fighting abilities very quickly. On the other hand, old weapons and lack of adequate training has led to an increasing number of casualties amongst these forces, having a negative impact on their spirits.

Why Iran-backed Shiite militias are hindering effort to save Mosul Dam in Iraq

February 2016

The Mosul Dam was built on the Tigris River in Iraq, standing with a height of 131 meters and width of 3,400 meters. The maximum water reserving capacity of this dam is 12 billion cubic meters and it cost $1.5 billion at the time and was inaugurated in 1985. Local and international reports have time and again in the past years warned on the possibility of the Mosul Dam crumbling. What is the truth of these warnings and why have such possibilities been raised of the dam crumbling: the first reason is the Mosul Dam was essentially constructed on unstable grounds, and is in need of constant strengthening efforts by injecting cement into its foundation to prevent a possible crumbling. The U.S. Army has described this as the most dangerous dam in the world.

Accelerating developments in the Middle East against Iran’s adventurisms

February 2016

Developments in the Middle East have been accelerating at an unprecedented pace, gaining the attention of all analysts and monitors. The presence of two senior American officials in the region, Vice President Joe Biden in Turkey and Secretary of State John Kerry in Saudi Arabia raised many eyebrows.

Iran’s venom remains in Khartoum

February 2016

Despite the fact that Sudan has severed all diplomatic ties and relations with Iran, closed down Tehran’s embassy in Khartoum and expelled all of this regime’s diplomat-terrorists from it soil, there remain thousands of people influenced by Iran’s Shiite propaganda in Sudan. Iran enjoyed close ideological relations with Islamist leaders in Sudan who had diverted to Shiite Islam and remained in that country. They can act as a deadly poison left in Sudan by the Iranian regime.

Are there actually two factions of reformists and hardliners in Iran?

February 2016

Recently Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in his remarks made at the presence of Iranian regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei, “December 30^th was the day the Iranian people defended this regime, the laws and the supreme leader.”

Iran’s Quds Force forms “Nimr al-Nimr Brigade” in Iraq

January 2016

Iran is now facing complete isolation following the reactions and solidarity seen from Arab and regional countries on the attack staged against the Saudi embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad. Iran attempted to use Quds Force-associated Shiite militias in Iraq to place pressure on the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and force Baghdad to support Tehran.

Iran’s further isolation in the Middle East

January 2016

The Foreign Ministers Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was held at Saudi Arabia’s request on January 21^st in Jeddah. In the past the Iranian regime considered itself in complete control of the OIC and took advantage of this summit to cloak its terrorist objectives and meddling activities.

This summit was in one word a new step for even more isolation for Tehran in the Middle East, with the noose tightening around Iran’s neck more than ever before.

Iraqi Shiite militias in dire conditions & Quds Force policy

January 2016

The scope of internal disputes amongst the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq is increasing by the day. Up to a few months ago these differences were limited to their salaries and supplies. However, currently in addition to the previous problems these matters are being raised at the top brass of the PMF, leading to more troops defecting. Shiite militias in Salahadin are literally in a limbo. The salaries they received once in a while from their commanders is now no more and they are facing serious financial problems. Any budget received by deputy PMF commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as salary for the Shiite militias he has divided amongst in his inner circle, spent on arms and ammunition for his own special militia groups, all due to his differences with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and PMF commander Hadi al-Ameri. The Quds Force is intensely involved in Syria and due to high casualties has conditioned any salary pay for the Shiite militia groups on their taking part in the war in Syria.

Dispatching IRGC, Shiite militias from Iraq to Syria

January 2016

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) elements supporting Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) – formed of armed Shiite groups in Iraq – have begun withdrawing its ranks and files from Iraq and heading to Syria, according to reports received from inside Iran.

Biography and terrorist background of Qasem al-Araji

January 2016

Qasem al-Araji is a commander of the Quds Force installed in the Iraqi “9^th Badr Corps”, and he is currently an Iraqi MP.