Iran's economic relations with its neighbors

In recent years, the economic relationships between Iran and its neighboring countries have grown in both complexity and significance. This economic integration is crucial for the development of Iran’s non-oil sector and its broader economic strategy, especially considering the geopolitical challenges that the country faces.

In this article, an effort has been made to explore the current state and future prospects of Iran’s trade with its neighbors, examine key sectors, trade volumes, and strategic partnerships.

As of late 2024, Iran’s non-oil trade with its neighbors has seen a notable increase. Non-oil trade volumes reached US$55.3 billion in the first 11 months of the year, with exports constituting 67 million tons of goods valued at US$25.8 billion and imports amounting to 21.4 million tons valued at US$29.4 billion.

This represents a significant increase in trade flows, driven by an increase in exports of petrochemical products, minerals, and agricultural goods.

Iran’s primary trading partners in the region include Iraq, the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The UAE and Iraq are Iran’s two largest trade partners, especially in terms of exports.

For example, in the first seven months of 2024, Iran’s trade with Iraq was valued at US$7.6 billion, making it one of the most crucial destinations for Iranian goods. The major exports to Iraq include petrochemicals, cement, and agricultural products, while imports primarily consist of machinery and food items.

Turkey has also maintained its position as a key trading partner, with trade between the two countries amounting to US$9.9 billion in the same period. Iranian exports to Turkey largely consist of natural gas and petroleum products, while imports from Turkey are diverse, including electrical machinery and textiles.

Iran’s geopolitical location, bordered by 15 countries, gives it a strategic advantage in the trade of goods and services. This advantageous position allows Iran to serve as a key transit hub for goods moving between Central Asia, the Caucasus, and West Asia.

In particular, the development of international transport corridors, such as the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which links Iran with Russia, India, and Central Asia, is expected to enhance Iran’s role in regional trade.

Furthermore, the expansion of special economic zones, such as the Lamerd Free Trade Zone, has created new opportunities for businesses to engage in regional trade. This diversification of trade routes and infrastructure investment is expected to foster deeper economic ties with countries in the Persian Gulf and beyond.

Despite challenges, such as global sanctions and regional instability, Iran’s government has focused on expanding its non-oil exports, particularly to its neighbors. This strategy is part of a broader effort to reduce Iran’s dependency on oil revenues and diversify its economy.

The Iranian government’s push for stronger trade relations with Central Asia, Russia, and even countries like Oman and Turkmenistan, is driven by the need for economic diversification and the potential to access new markets. Iran’s trade with Russia, for example, has grown steadily, with recent figures showing a trade volume of US$1.5 billion in 2024.

The economic outlook for Iran’s trade with neighboring countries is promising. The country’s strategic location, combined with increased infrastructure investment and a strong focus on non-oil exports, positions Iran as a key player in the regional economy.

However, the ongoing challenges of sanctions and geopolitical tensions remain factors to consider as Iran continues to navigate its path toward economic diversification.

If these trade relationships continue to strengthen, Iran could significantly enhance its role as a regional economic hub, ensuring long-term stability and growth for its economy.

 

A prospective US war with Iran is pending

United States interference, at the behest of Netanyahu’s far-right Israel, has left the Middle East in ruins, with over a million dead and open wars raging in Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, and with Iran on the brink of a nuclear arsenal.

The story is simple, in stark violation of international law, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers claim the right to rule over seven million Palestinians. When Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands leads to militant resistance, Israel labels the resistance “terrorism” and calls on the US to overthrow the Middle East governments that back the “terrorists.” The US, under the sway of the Israel Lobby, goes to war on Israel’s behalf.

The fall of Syria this past week is the culmination of the US-Israel campaign against Syria that goes back to 1996 with Netanyahu’s arrival to office as Prime Minister. The US-Israel war on Syria escalated in 2011 and 2012, when Barack Obama covertly tasked the CIA with the overthrow of the Syrian Government in Operation Timber Sycamore. That effort finally came to “fruition” this week, after more than 300,000 deaths in the Syrian war since 2011.

Syria’s fall came swiftly because of more than a decade of crushing economic sanctions, the burdens of war, the US seizure of Syria’s oil, Russia’s priorities regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and most immediately, Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah, which was the key military backstop to the Syrian Government. No doubt Assad often misplayed his own hand and faced severe internal discontent, but his regime was targeted for collapse for decades by the US and Israel.

Since 2011, the US-Israel perpetual war on Syria, including bombing, jihadists, economic sanctions, US seizure of Syria’s oil fields, and more, has sunk the Syrian people into misery.

In the immediate two days following the collapse of the government, Israel conducted about 480 strikes across Syria, and completely destroyed the Syrian fleet in Latakia. Pursuing his expansionist agenda, Prime Minister Netanyahu illegally claimed control over the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights and declared that the Golan Heights will be a part of the State of Israel “for eternity.”

Netanyahu’s ambition to transform the region through war, which dates back almost three decades, is playing out in front of our eyes. In a press conference on December 09, 2024 the Israeli prime minister boasted of an “absolute victory,” justifying the on-going genocide in Gaza and escalating violence throughout the region.

The long history of Israel’s campaign to overthrow the Syrian Government is not widely understood, yet the documentary record is clear. Israel’s war on Syria began with US and Israeli neoconservatives in 1996, who fashioned a “Clean Break” strategy for the Middle East for Netanyahu as he came to office.

The core of the “clean break” strategy called for the Israel (and the US) to reject “land for peace,” the idea that Israel would withdraw from the occupied Palestinian lands in return for peace. Instead, Israel would retain the occupied Palestinian lands, rule over the Palestinian people in an Apartheid state, step-by-step ethnically cleanse the state, and enforce so-called “peace for peace” by overthrowing neighboring governments that resisted Israel’s land claims.

The Clean Break strategy asserts, “Our claim to the land—to which we have clung for hope for 2000 years—is legitimate and noble,” and goes on to state, “Syria challenges Israel on Lebanese soil. An effective approach, and one with which the US can sympathize, would be if Israel seized the strategic initiative along its northern borders by engaging Hizballah, Syria, and Iran, as the principal agents of aggression in Lebanon…”

In his 1996 book Fighting Terrorism, Netanyahu set out the new strategy. Israel would not fight the terrorists; it would fight the states that support the terrorists. More accurately, it would get the US to do Israel’s fighting for it.

 

As he elaborated in 2001, the first and most crucial thing to understand is this: There is no international terrorism without the support of sovereign states.… Take away all this state support, and the entire scaffolding of international terrorism will collapse into dust.

Netanyahu’s strategy was integrated into US foreign policy. Taking out Syria was always a key part of the plan. This was confirmed to General Wesley Clark after 9/11.

He was told, during a visit at the Pentagon, that “we’re going to attack and destroy the governments in seven countries in five years—we’re going to start with Iraq, and then we’re going to move to Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Iran.”

Iraq would be first, then Syria, and the rest. (Netanyahu’s campaign for the Iraq War is spelled out in detail in Dennis Fritz’s new book, Deadly Betrayal. The role of the Israel Lobby is spelled out in Ilan Pappé’s new book, Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic). The insurgency that hit US troops in Iraq set back the five-year timeline, but did not change the basic strategy.

The US has by now led or sponsored wars against Iraq (invasion in 2003), Lebanon (US funding and arming Israel), Libya (NATO bombing in 2011), Syria (CIA operation during 2010’s), Sudan (supporting rebels to break Sudan apart in 2011), and Somalia (backing Ethiopia’s invasion in 2006).

A prospective US war with Iran, ardently sought by Israel, is still pending.

Shia-Sunni Conflict in Syria to Get Louder

The current situation in Syria presents three significant implications. First, the recruitment of fighters, motivated by financial incentives or sectarian affiliations, is expected to rise. Second, the majority of these recruits are likely to come from the South Asian region. Videos circulating on social media already show individuals with Pashto or Hazara accents celebrating the withdrawal of Bashar al-Assad’s forces from key cities, leaving behind military-grade weapons, ammunition, and vehicles. Third, existing foot soldiers in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran may see new opportunities to leverage their combat experience, contributing to the rekindling of the Syrian conflict.

Shia militias, including the Zainabiyoun Brigade and other groups from Iraq, are also being drawn into the conflict. As a result, Syria is poised to become the site of escalating sectarian violence, with Sunni and Shia factions, supported by various regional and international actors, facing off.

What Impact Will This Have on the Gaza War?

How will these developments affect the ongoing conflict in Gaza? Will they weaken Hezbollah in Lebanon? And what strategic advantages might Israel and its regional or international allies gain?

Currently, Hamas is on the defensive, and the Syrian situation could demoralize its forces if Bashar al-Assad and his allies lose their grip on power, potentially drawing them into direct confrontation with rebel factions.

Iran and Russia are already evacuating some of their officials, but sectarian fighters loyal to the Assad regime will likely remain in Syria, continuing their resistance. Aerial support for Assad’s forces may still come from select countries, but unless a similar conflict arises in Iraq—where Sunni militias start pushing against Shia factions—a complete collapse of the Assad regime seems unlikely.

A Possible Escalation: Assad's Last Resort?

If Bashar al-Assad feels cornered and believes he must evacuate, he could resort to an extreme measure: launching a direct attack on Israel. What might such an assault look like?

First, a safe zone could be established for Iranian, Russian, or Syrian officials in the border region of Iraq, enabling them to continue strategizing and coordinating efforts in Syria and beyond.

Second, there would be a need for a large influx of Shia fighters into Syria and Lebanon to counteract new rebel offensives or Israeli airstrikes against Assad’s regime. These fighters could also act as conduits for weapons flowing into Lebanon, strengthening Hezbollah and other allies.

Coupled with aerial support, these forces could give Assad a better chance of reclaiming lost territories.

Wider Regional Implications: Yemen and Saudi Arabia

The sectarian tensions in Syria could also spill over into other parts of the region, particularly Yemen and Saudi Arabia, exacerbating existing conflicts there.

OPEC Plus extend production cuts

Saudi Arabia and seven other OPEC Plus countries have decided on Thursday to extend their oil production cuts for another three months, until the end of March 2025.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April 2023 and November 2023, held a virtual meeting on Thursday on the sideline of the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM).

These countries will extend their additional voluntary adjustments of 2.2 million barrels per day, that were announced in November 2023, until the end of March 2025 and then the 2.2 million barrels per day adjustments will be gradually phased out on a monthly basis until the end of September 2026 to support market stability. This monthly increase can be paused or reversed subject to market conditions," OPEC Plus said in a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency.

The virtual meeting was held to reinforce the precautionary efforts of OPEC Plus countries, aiming to support the stability and balance of oil markets. These countries decided, in addition to the latest decisions from the 38th ONOMM, to extend the additional voluntary adjustments of 1.65 million barrels per day that were announced in April 2023, until the end of December 2026.

"In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, the meeting welcomed the pledges made by the overproducing countries to achieve full conformity and resubmit their updated compensation schedule to the OPEC Secretariat for the overproduced volumes since Jan 2024 before the end of December 2024 as agreed in the 52nd Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee. The compensation period will be extended until the end of June 2026," the statement said.

  

Remembering the day Saddam invaded Iran

On September 22, 1980, months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the army of the Iraqi Ba’athist regime led by Saddam Hussein invaded the Iranian border towns in the southwestern province of Khuzestan and launched a massive aerial bombardment on Iran, igniting an eight-year conflict with Iran.

The Iranians fought back to expel the invaders from their occupied soil. The Saddam regime, which received all-out support from the big powers, imposed the war on Iran that lasted until the summer of 1988.

Since the beginning of the war, Iran demanded that Iraq be officially declared as the initiator of the war. However, neither the Iraqi Ba’athist regime nor any of the major powers were willing to officially declare that the Saddam regime initiated the war against Iran.

The UN Security Council which has the primary responsibility for international peace and security failed to take any action to declare the Saddam regime as the aggressor and initiator of the war.

The Ba’athist regime committed crimes against the Iranian nation, using chemical weapons, firing missiles at civilian targets, bombarding cities and villages during the war, and other vicious acts.

Influenced by big powers, who armed the Saddam regime to the teeth, the Security Council refused to adopt an impartial stance in that regard during the eight years of war.

When Saddam tore up the 1975 Algiers Agreement in front of cameras and then started the war, the Security Council refused to say who started the war and which side violated the principle of non-invasion.

The Iraqi Ba’athist regime used to refer to border skirmishes that preceded the invasion as its pretext for starting the war. The regime claimed that it took action after a long history of border disputes.

The reality was that Saddam couldn't wait to tear up the Algiers agreement amid political instability and fast pace of developments in the post-revolution Iran. He might also have been pushed by hostile Western states that were angered by the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

Instead of the UN Security Council, it was UN Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar who declared Iraq as the aggressor and the initiator of the war in his report to the UN body in December 1991.

This action of the UN Secretary General to officially declare Iraq the initiator of war endorsed Iran’s right to self-defense.

The UN report naturally required Iraq to pay compensation to Iran, which was estimated at about one trillion dollars.

This action of the United Nations took place after the continuous political efforts of the Iranian authorities. It is considered a great victory for Iran because it proved Iran's right to self-defense against the aggressor.

This action took place while the propaganda apparatus of the Saddam regime and its backers were trying to manipulate public opinion in the world that Iran was the initiator of the war.

At the start of the war, Saddam was Iraq's undisputed political and military ruler and Iraq's national interests were his personal interests.

There had been border disputes and skirmishes before the start of the invasion which Saddam's regime sought to present as a pretext for attacking Iran. Saddam must have thought that amid instability and nascent revolution, it was the right time to materialize his malicious goal of seizing part of the Iranian territory.

The Iraqi dictator’s likely goal was to annex some parts of the oil-rich Khuzestan, which has a sizeable ethnic Arab population.

Border skirmishes preceded the invasion. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein claimed that Iran's Islamic government was trying to destabilize his country and the whole Middle East. But the then UN chief rejected that argument.

In a letter to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar in December 1991 Iran blamed Iraq for starting the war.

He rejected the Iraqi regime’s argument that border skirmishes pushed Iraq to invade Iran.

"Even if before the outbreak of the conflict there had been some encroachment by Iran on Iraqi territory, such encroachment did not justify Iraq's aggression against Iran -- which was followed by Iraq's continuous occupation of Iranian territory during the conflict," Javier Perez de Cuellar said.

Iran has always criticized the double standards of western states in dealing with the Iraqi war on Iran, especially the Security Council and Western powers were quick to take action against the regime after it invaded Kuwait on August 02, 1990.

Courtesy: Tehran Times

How far can crude oil prices plunge?

We are of the view that crude oil price may fall below US$60 per barrel, if production in countries like Libya, Iraq, Iran and Venezuela rise to normal. Sanctions on Russia and Iran are also there to avoid glut. We have the convictions that unrest in some of the African countries is there to avoid fall of crude oil price below US$50 per barrel  

Brent crude futures fell below US$70 a barrel on Tuesday for the first time since December 2021, after OPEC Plus revised down its demand forecast for this year and 2025.

Brent crude futures were traded at US$69.51 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped to US$66.21. On Monday, both benchmarks had risen about 1%.

On Tuesday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in a monthly report said world oil demand will rise by 2.03 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, down from last month's forecast for growth of 2.11 million bpd. Until last month, OPEC had kept the forecast unchanged since it was first made in July 2023.

OPEC also cut its 2025 global demand growth estimate to 1.74 million bpd from 1.78 million bpd. Prices slid on the weakening global demand prospects and expectations of oil oversupply.

On Monday, Chinese data showed consumer inflation accelerated in August to its fastest in half a year, though domestic demand remained fragile, and producer price deflation worsened.

Data released on Tuesday showed China's exports grew in August at their fastest in nearly 1-1/2 years, yet imports disappointed with domestic demand depressed.

“If we lose China this market is going to have a problem because OPEC just cannot cut enough to offset the US and Brazilian position, and some of the other reservoirs at work,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital.

 

OPEC oil output increases in July

According to Reuters, OPEC oil output rose in July, as a rebound in Saudi Arabian supply and small increases elsewhere offsetting the impact of ongoing voluntary supply cuts by other members and the wider OPEC Plus alliance.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped 26.70 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, up 100,000 bpd from June.

The increase comes despite OPEC Plus keeping in place most of its output cuts until the end of 2025 to bolster the market in the face of tepid demand growth, high interest rates and rising US production.

A meeting of top OPEC Plus ministers on Thursday kept oil output policy unchanged including a plan to start unwinding one layer of output cuts from October, and repeating that the hike could be paused or reversed if needed.

Saudi Arabia provided the largest supply boost last month of 70,000 bpd, as exports rebounded from June when they were lower than expected. Production reached 9 million bpd in July, close to the kingdom's target.

Nigeria had the biggest decline of 30,000 bpd, with exports lower month on month.

Small increases came from Libya and Iran, two of the members not required to cut output, and from Iraq. Iranian output reached 3.22 million bpd, the highest since 2018.

Iran has been boosting exports in the last few years despite US sanctions remaining in place. Iraq's output edged higher with exports increasing month on month, flows data showed and a tanker-tracking source said.

OPEC pumped about 240,000 bpd more than the implied target for the nine members covered by supply cut agreements, with Iraq still accounting for the bulk of the excess, the survey found.

The Reuters aims to track supply to the market and is based on shipping data provided by external sources, LSEG flows data, information from companies that track flows - such as Petro-Logistics and Kpler - and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants.

US hates and destroys three types of countries

This a very complicated subject but we have tried to be brief, concise and to the point. Let us say point blank that United States just can’t stand three types of countries: 1) countries not willing to accept its hegemony, 2) countries rich in mineral resources, especially energy products and 3) countries having strong social and cultural bonding.

The first category is led by China and Russia, which has a long history on conflict/ wars called ‘Cold War Era’. The later addition is Iran, which has been facing US sanctions for more than four decades because it termed United States ‘The Biggest Satan’.

In the second category most prominent are the oil and gas producing countries. These are hostage of US hegemony because of restriction on energy trade in ‘petro-dollars’ only. The countries facing extreme US hostilities include, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Venezuela and Russia.

United States suffers from worst social evils that include distance from religion, drug/ alcohol addiction, extra marital relation, abortion etc. Therefore, the US hate Muslim countries, some of them rich in energy resources, on top of the list are Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Ironically, the US foreign policy is dictated by three groups: 1) military complexes, 2) oil exploration and production companies and 3) companies owned and operated by Zionists.

The name of the game is create conflict, supply funds and arms to rebel groups and weaken the states. Till yesterday Venezuela was friend and biggest partner in oil trade, but at present it faces sanctions.

United States follows hybrid war and always chose battle grounds thousands of miles away from its borders, which include Korean Peninsula, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East and North Africa. This time Ukraine has been chosen to fight a proxy war against Russia. Let no one forget United States dropped two atom bombs on Japan in the Second World War.

The logical conclusion is, “United States is merchant of death, the biggest war monger and the biggest arms supplier, which wants to establish its hegemony around the world. It has the capacity to find and feed the touts, install and topple the governments and eliminate the agents when they become redundant”.

 

 

Pezeshkian wants better ties with Iraq and Pakistan

Iran's president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, has emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with both Iraq and Pakistan in separate phone calls with the leaders of both countries. 

During his conversation with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Pezeshkian highlighted the strong bonds between Iran and Iraq, stating, "The extent of political, economic, cultural and religious ties between Iran and Iraq needs no explanation." He expressed hope that these relations "will be further deepened in the new era with the cooperation of the high officials of the two countries." 

President Rashid reciprocated these sentiments, congratulating Pezeshkian on his election victory and describing the relationship between the two countries as "deep, strong, and in line with the interests of the two nations." He added that Iraq is "interested in maintaining and promoting these relations and also creating a basis for further cooperation in the new era."

In his conversation with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations, stating, "I express my desire to further deepen relations between the two brotherly nations."

Sharif echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive momentum built during the late President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Pakistan, stating, "The agreements between the two countries... paved the way for a mutually beneficial partnership." He further emphasized Pakistan's commitment to "developing all-out ties with Iran" and discussed ways to enhance cooperation "particularly in trade, commerce & investment, and foster a stronger partnership for regional stability." He concluded by stating, "As brothers and neighbors, our two countries have a shared vision for building a better future together for our people."

Iran, which shares its longest borders with Iraq and Pakistan, has been adamant about advancing cooperation with the two countries, particularly in trade and security. It signed security pacts with both states during the Raisi administration in order to tackle terrorist groups funded by extra-regional forces. 

Pezeshkian has vowed to continue the late Raisi’s path, who emphasized the strengthening of ties with neighboring and regional countries. Additionally, the president-elect pledged to enhance cooperation with Russia and Turkey during separate phone calls on Monday.

The president-elect has also addressed Resistance forces in recent days, indicating that he plans to continue the previous administration’s support for freedom fighters in the region.

In his letter to Hezbollah’s secretary-general, Pezeshkian vowed Iran would continue to back the Resistance, dashing Zionist hopes for a diminished emphasis on resistance groups with a reformist Iranian government in office. 

 

World must know ten things about Pezeshkian

After Ebrahim Raisi, an arch-conservative elected to the presidency in 2021, was killed in a helicopter crash in May, Iran had to call a snap election. The winner is 69 year old Masoud Pezeshkian, labelled reformist. As tensions continue to increase across the Middle East, and with Iran-United States relations at a low point, following are 10 things you should know about the new president.

1. Pezeshkian was one of only six candidates approved to run for president by Iran’s Guardian Council, which supervises the country’s elections, and the only reformist candidate among them. In Friday’s run-off, he defeated conservative hardliner Saeed Jalili. Eighty people had tried to run for president but almost all of them were blocked by the Council, including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

2. While his late predecessor Raisi was a trained cleric, Pezeshkian is a medical doctor – a heart surgeon in fact. His political career began when he was appointed deputy health minister (1997-2001) and then health minister (2001-2005) in the government of the last reformist Iranian president Mohammad Khatami. He went on to become a five-term member of Iran’s parliament and a deputy speaker.

3. The new president takes a more liberal line on the enforcement of the compulsory headscarf in Iran. “If we want to ‘force’ hijab in the country,” he has said, “I don’t think we will get anywhere.” After the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, Pezeshkian wrote that it was “unacceptable in the Islamic Republic to arrest a girl for her hijab and then hand over her dead body to her family.”

4. Pezeshkian’s campaign slogan is “For Iran,” which is believed to be a not so subtle reference to the popular anthem supporting the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests called “Baraye”, or “For.” Shervin Hajipour, the Grammy Awarding-winning Iranian singer-songwriter behind “Baraye,” was sentenced to more than three years in prison in March for “propaganda against the system” and “encouraging people to protest.”

5. The new president says he wants better relations with the West and the United States, in particular, and seems to also want a return to the nuclear deal that Barack Obama signed, Donald Trump tore up, and Joe Biden has refused to resurrect. Pezeshkian even deployed former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, one of the architects of the deal, as a surrogate on the campaign trail.

6. Pezeshkian, nevertheless, like most Iranian politicians, has a long history of denouncing the United States “The Great Satan”. In 2019, when Iran shot down an American drone, Pezeshkian said “the real terrorist is America” and described the targeting of the drone as “a strong punch in the mouths of the leaders of criminal America.”

7. Pezeshkian, a reformist, isn’t shy about defending the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has huge power and influence inside Iran. It was controversially designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The Iran-Iraq War veteran even once wore an IRGC military uniform in parliament as a show of support for the organization, which he says is “different” to what it was in the past.

8. Persians are the ethnic majority in Iran, but Pezeshkian is the son of an Azeri father and a Kurdish mother, and fluent in both Azeri and Kurdish. “I am not voting for Dr Pezeshkian because I am a Turk,” one Azeri voter told IranWire, “but because if he is elected, he will be the president of the oppressed and discriminated minority of this country.”

9. Like President Joe Biden, who lost his wife and young daughter in a car crash in 1972, the new Iranian president also lost his wife and young daughter in a car crash in 1994. Unlike Biden, Pezeshkian “never remarried and raised his remaining two sons and a daughter alone.”

10. Pezeshkian may have won his race thanks to a late surge in voter turnout. The first round of the election saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic, just 40%. But on Friday, in the run-off, it bumped up to around 50%.

For some Iranians, reported the Washington Post, “refusing to vote is an act of opposition in a country that quells political protests with violent force.” Others have embraced political apathy because of the failure of multiple presidents from across the political spectrum to effect social or economic change.

Pezeshkian has acknowledged the challenge ahead. “I will do everything possible to look at those who were not seen by the powerful and whose voices are not heard,” he told supporters earlier this week.

But what does “everything possible” look like for an elected Iranian president inside of a political system where most of the power remains in the hands of an unelected Supreme Leader, Ayatullah Ali Khamenei?

Can the Islamic Republic’s first reformist president for 19 years offer real hope or change to almost 90 million Iranians, more than half of whom are under the age of 30? That remains to be seen.

And how will the United States respond to an Iranian leader who wants to mend ties with the West?

 

World leaders congratulate Pezeshkian

Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has received warm congratulatory messages from across the world, including the leaders of neighboring countries and prominent international organizations.

They have called for strengthening relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic on global and regional issues.

Putin praises “constructive” ties 

Russian leader Vladimir Putin congratulated Pezeshkian on his victory in the presidential runoff and attached significance to the improvement of ties with Iran. 

"I hope that your activity as president will facilitate the further boosting of constructive bilateral cooperation on all tracks to benefit our friendly peoples, in the interests of easing regional security and stability," he said in a statement published on the Kremlin website. 

The Russian president said Moscow and Tehran "efficiently coordinate efforts in resolving the pressing issues of the international agenda".

Addressing Pezeshkian, he said in the statement, "I wish you success, good health and prosperity."

Both Iran and Russia have been targeted by stiff Western sanctions. 

Xi commends strategic mutual trust

The Chinese president issued a similar message. 

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Iran relations and am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement," state news agency Xinhua cited Xi Jinping as saying.

Xi added that Iran and China "have a long history of friendly exchanges, and bilateral relations have maintained healthy and stable development... for over half a century."

He also highlighted strategic partnership between Tehran and Beijing. 

"Faced with complex regional and international situations, China and Iran have always supported each other, worked together and continued to consolidate strategic mutual trust. This has not only brought benefits to our two countries' peoples, but has also made active contributions to promoting regional and world peace and stability," the Chinese president said.

Saudi Arabia demands stronger ties  

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for promoting ties with Iran as he congratulated Pezeshkian after winning the presidential election run-off.

“I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations between our countries and people and serve our mutual interests,” Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA, quoted bin Salman as saying.

Last year, a China-brokered deal saw Riyadh and Tehran re-establish diplomatic relations after years of tensions. The two Persian Gulf countries have since increased regular contact in an effort to bolster ties.

Iraq seeks closer ties 

The Iraqi president wished Pezeshkian success in his duties and in “fulfilling the ambitions and aspirations or the Iranian people”.

“We affirm our keenness to strengthen relations between Iraq and Iran in a way that serves the interests of the two neighboring countries and peoples,” Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid said in a message to Iran’s president-elect. 

Senior Iraqi Shia leader Ammar al-Hakim, a former leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq and current head of the National Wisdom Movement, also sent congratulations and expressed hope that Pezeshkian can help resolve regional differences.

Other Persian Gulf Arab leaders, including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman and Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah of Kuwait also extended their congratulations to the Iranian president-elect. 

Pakistan pushes for closer relations 

The Pakistani prime minister called for efforts to “ensure a bright future” for the two neighbors. 

“Heartiest congratulations to my brother Dr. Massoud Pezeshkian on his victory in Iran's presidential elections! I look forward to working closely with President-elect Dr. Pezeshkian to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran bilateral ties & promote regional peace & stability. As neighboring countries, Pakistan & Iran enjoy a close & historic relationship.

We must ensure a bright future for our two peoples through mutually beneficial cooperation’” Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

The Pakistani president also hoped that Tehran-Islamabad relations will grow under the Pezeshkian presidency.

“Pakistan looks forward to working together with Iran for the peace and prosperity of the region,” Asif Ali Zardari said. 

India hails long-standing relationship 

The prime minister of India also extended his congratulations to the newly elected Iranian president.

“Congratulations @drpezeshkian on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region,” Narendra Modi said in a post on X. 

South Korea wishes Iran prosperity 

In East Asia, South Korea expressed hope for improving relations between Tehran and Seoul.  

“We wish Iran a path of prosperity and development under the new government, contributing constructively to regional stability. We look forward to further enhancing our friendly relations with Iran,” South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Malaysia urges fruitful collaboration 

The Malaysian prime minister said in a message to Pezeshkian that the outcome of Iran’s election reflects the vibrant spirit of Iranian democracy and heralds a promising future for the country.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said with its rich and ancient civilization, Iran occupies a unique and prominent place in world history, and the potential for Malaysia-Iran relations is immense and filled with promise.

“We look forward to strengthening our bilateral mechanisms to deepen and broaden cooperation between the two countries. We are committed to collaborating on international platforms such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Developing-8 (D8),” the Malaysian leader said. 

“I look forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to Malaysia at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

Syrian president hails strategic relationship 

In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad expressed hope in a message to Pezeshkian that Tehran and Damascus will cement their “strategic” ties. 

“We will work with you to boost the Syrian-Iranian strategic relationship and open new promising horizons for bilateral cooperation as resistance will remain the common approach that we follow in order to preserve the pride of our countries and defend the interests of their peoples,” al-Assad said.

The Syrian president added in his message, “Your country, which is impregnable as it has always been, is one of the most important countries with which we are keen to ensure that the relationship is at its peak because this relationship is based on roots established through decades of mutual respect, common understanding and firm principles to which Syria and Iran have always adhered.”

Aliyev invites Pezeshkian to visit Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s president extended an invitation to Pezeshkian to visit his country.  

“I heartily congratulate you on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I invite you to pay a visit to Azerbaijan to exchange views on the prospects for development of our bilateral cooperation,” Ilham Aliyev said in a letter to the Iranian newly elected president. 

He also threw a spotlight on friendly ties between Iran and Azerbaijan. 

“We attach great importance to the relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran built on solid foundations such as common religious and cultural roots, friendship and brotherhood. Today, the agreements reached on the future development areas of Azerbaijan-Iran relations based on mutual respect and good neighborliness and the implemented joint projects serve the well-being of our countries, the sustainable development and security of the region as a whole,” he said. 

Armenia PM hails warm, friendly ties 

The Armenian premier also called for deepening bilateral relations in a congratulatory message to Pezeshkian. 

"Relations with the brother country of the Islamic Republic of Iran are of special importance for the government and people of the Republic of Armenia, which has been continuously developing since the declaration of independence of Armenia," Nikol Pashinyan said.

"Continuous deepening of warm relations between Armenia and Iran in the field of bilateral cooperation and stability and prosperity of the region is of particular importance," he added.

"I am confident that with the joint efforts of our governments, the agreements reached between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran will be implemented and we will jointly implement a number of new programs for the welfare of the friendly people of Armenia and Iran," Armenia’s prime minister concluded. 

Venezuela calls for confronting hegemony 

Venezuela hailed Iran for its “commitment demonstrated to democracy” during the two rounds of elections.

“Venezuela expresses its conviction that the decision made by the Iranian people will contribute to the prosperity of this nation, as well as its consolidation as an emerging power in the nascent multipolar world,” Venezuela’s foreign minister said. 

Yvan Gil said Pezeshkian will have the “absolute support” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government with the aim of expanding relations and continuing to defeat “the hegemonic pretensions that threaten multilateralism and world peace”.

Iran and Venezuela signed a 20-year strategic cooperation plan in 2022 in Tehran.

Both countries have been under US sanctions.

Lukashenko urges strategic partnership 

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in a congratulatory message to Pezeshkian that he is convinced the two countries will promote ties.  

“The dialogue between Minsk and Tehran at all levels is steadily expanding. I am convinced that in the near future we will be able to implement all the agreements reached, including those on raising the level of the Belarusian-Iranian relations to a strategic partnership,” Lukashenko said. 

Serbia sends message of hope 

The Serbian President also congratulated Iran’s president-elect.

“Sincere congratulations to Iranian President 

@drpezeshkian. Your victory reflects citizens' trust in your vision for the future, dedication to peace, and desire for your country's progress. I am confident that your leadership will bring prosperity and well-being to your people,” Aleksandar Vucic said in a post on X. 

SCO “committed to working with Iran” 

 The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is among international organization that congratulated Pezeshkian on his election as Iran’s president. 

“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is committed to working with Iran to jointly achieve sustainable development as the main guarantor of global stability, ensuring regional security and a mechanism for equality,” Zhang Ming, the organization’s secretary general, said in his congratulatory message. 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an intergovernmental entity formed in 1996 by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, aims to foster multilateral security, economic, and political cooperation. 

Iran's membership was initially agreed upon during late President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, 2021, and later ratified by the Iranian parliament on November 27, 2022. The formal announcement of Iran's membership occurred during a virtual summit of SCO heads of state on July 4, 2023.

 

United States losing grip over Middle East

The events of October 07, 2023, marked a significant turning point for both Israel and the Arab world. The attack by Hamas has initiated a new era in regional dynamics. In the years leading up to this, four Arab League members—Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates—had begun normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel. As of late 2023, Saudi Arabia was also considering a similar move.

However, the attack by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military action in Gaza has halted progress toward normalization. Saudi Arabia announced it would not proceed with normalization until Israel takes steps toward establishing a Palestinian state. Additionally, Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel, and a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Morocco was canceled.

Arab leaders are increasingly concerned as public opposition to the war in Gaza grows. Protests have erupted in many Arab countries, with demonstrators in Jordan and Morocco demanding the end of their countries' peace treaties with Israel. This public sentiment highlights frustration over perceived government inaction.

October 07 may also prove pivotal for the United States. The Gaza conflict has significantly damaged Arab public opinion of the US, complicating its efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis, manage Iran, and counter China's influence in the Middle East.

Arab Barometer’s surveys reveal a significant drop in favorable views of the US across the Arab world, reversing a trend of improved opinions seen up to 2022. In contrast, views of China have improved, driven by dissatisfaction with US policies rather than specific approval of Chinese actions regarding Gaza.

For US leaders, resolving the Gaza conflict and fostering a permanent Israeli-Palestinian settlement are crucial. Additionally, securing the Red Sea and building a regional alliance to counter Iran and limit China’s influence are key objectives. However, achieving these goals requires the cooperation of Arab states, which is difficult with the current level of public skepticism toward the US.

The belief that Arab leaders are indifferent to public opinion is a misconception. The Arab Spring and subsequent protests have shown that public sentiment can influence leadership changes. Hence, US policymakers must consider Arab public opinion to effectively engage with the region.

Surveys indicate that Arab skepticism towards the US can be reversed through policy changes. Measures such as advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, increasing humanitarian aid, and supporting a two-state solution could improve perceptions of the US. Ultimately, demonstrating concern for Palestinian suffering as much as for Israeli suffering is crucial for the US to regain trust among Arab citizens.

US Memorial Day: Remembering Cost of War

Memorial Day in the United States is traditionally a time to honor the men and women who have died in military service. However, it is crucial to use this day to acknowledge the broader and often overlooked consequences of war. We must amplify the voices that expose the true and complete cost of conflict, recommit to peace, and call for an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

What is the point of Memorial Day if not to remember all those who suffer in wars and to renew our commitment to peace?

It is imperative to draw the attention of US citizens to the fact that soldiers are far from the only ones who pay the ultimate sacrifice. The horrifying and unforgettable images emerging from Rafah demand our attention and compassion.

Modern wars have resulted in far more civilian casualties than military deaths. The current situation in Gaza is not merely a war; it is a genocide carried out by an apartheid state, funded and supplied by the United States.

Since the latest Israeli assault on Gaza began, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 15,000 children. These numbers are staggering and must not be forgotten.

We must also remember the estimated 300,000 to 500,000 Iraqi civilians who lost their lives during the US invasion and occupation that began 21 years ago.

Similarly, over 70,000 Afghans were killed during America's so-called war on terrorism. The uncounted and unknown casualties of US imperialism through the ages add to this grim toll.

The losses suffered in wars cannot be measured merely in numbers. Each life taken represents shattered dreams, unfulfilled promises, and untapped human potential. War devastates families, communities, and entire nations. But perhaps the greatest loss is our humanity, which is eroded every time we allow such violence to continue.

Three months ago, Aaron Bushnell performed an extreme act of resistance, sacrificing his life to protest the genocide in Gaza, stating that "this is what our ruling class has decided will be normal." We must reject this normalization of violence and refuse to let it become our reality.

Let this Memorial Day be a reminder of all who suffer and die in conflicts worldwide. Let it inspire us to seek peace, justice, and humanity in our actions and policies.

Iraq:: Chinese to explore oil and gas

According to Reuters, Chinese companies won bids to explore five Iraqi oil and gas fields on Saturday in a licensing round for hydrocarbon exploration that was primarily aimed at ramping up gas production for domestic use.

An Iraqi Kurdish company also took two of the 29 projects up for grabs in the three-day licensing round across central, southern and western Iraq, which for the first time includes an offshore exploration block in the country's Arab Gulf waters.

Iraq aims to lure billions of dollars of investments to develop its oil and gas sector as it looks to ramp up local petrochemicals production and end imports of gas from neighbouring Iran that are currently key to producing power.

More than 20 companies pre-qualified for the licensing round, including European, Chinese, Arab and Iraqi groups.

Notably, there was no US oil majors involved, even after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia met with representatives of US oil firms during an official visit to the United States last month.

Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC) took the northern extension of the Eastern Baghdad field, in Baghdad, and the Middle Euphrates field that straddles the southern Najaf and Karbala provinces, the oil ministry said.

China's United Energy Group Ltd won a bid to develop the Al-Faw field in southern Basra, while ZhenHua won a bid to develop Iraq's Qurnain field in the Iraqi-Saudi border region and Geo-Jade won a bid to develop Iraq's Zurbatiya field in the Wasit.

Two oil and gas fields were taken by Iraq's KAR Group - the Dimah field in eastern Maysan province, and the Sasan & Alan fields in Iraq's northwestern Nineveh province - the ministry said.

Around 20 more projects are open for bidding on Sunday and Monday.

Falah Al-amri, the Iraqi prime minister's advisor for oil and gas issues, said the government hoped the new projects would raise oil production to 6 million barrels per day by 2030 from around 5 million now.

The government also wants the projects to produce enough natural gas so that, along with plans to all-but eliminate gas flaring by 2030, Iraq could end imports.

"It is too early to talk about (gas) exports. We want to get self-sufficient," Al-amri told Reuters.

Iraq, OPEC's second-largest oil producer after Saudi Arabia, at one time had targeted becoming a rival to the Gulf Arab kingdom with output of over a tenth of global demand.

But its oil sector development has been hampered by contract terms viewed as unfavourable by many major oil companies as well as recurring conflict and political paralysis.

Growing investor focus in recent years on environmental, social and governance criteria have also had an effect.

Western oil giants such as Exxon Mobil Corp and Royal Dutch Shell Plc have departed from a number of projects in Iraq while Chinese companies have steadily expanded their footprint.

 

 

 

Iraq: Khor Mor gas facilities attacked

Iraqi Kurdish ministries of electricity and natural resources said on Saturday that they were working with their partners to restore operations at the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region after output was suspended due to a deadly drone attack.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least four Yemeni workers were killed and two other workers injured in the attack late on Friday, the Kurdish regional government said on X. It said gas supplies to power plants were also halted, resulting in a reduction of approximately 2,500 MW of power generation.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani both condemned the attack.

"Our security services must investigate the incident without delay and hold the perpetrators accountable. Preventative measures must also be taken immediately," Rashid said in a post on Saturday.

"Attacks on energy hubs that power millions of homes in the Kurdistan Region and Iraqi provinces are indefensible. These attacks also sabotage efforts by Erbil and Baghdad to develop the energy sector. They happen with disturbing frequency and amount to war crimes," Barzani said on Friday.

The US State Department said in a statement, "Attacks like this are an affront to Iraq's sovereignty".

Pearl Petroleum, a five-company consortium that includes two major independent United Arab Emirates oil and gas companies - Dana Gas, opens new tab and Crescent Petroleum, has the rights to exploit Khor Mor and Chemchemal, two of Iraq's biggest gas fields.

The UAE's foreign ministry described the attack as a "blatant violation of international law".

"The Ministry expressed the UAE's solidarity with all measures undertaken by Iraq to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability, stressing the UAE's support for its endeavors in combating terrorism, while underscoring the UAE's commitment to reinforcing security and stability in Iraq," it said in a statement.

Iraq has witnessed drone and rocket attacks since Israel's war in Gaza began in October, mostly targeting bases housing troops belonging to a US-led military coalition. They have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of hard line pro-Iran militias.

The attack on Friday also underscores security concerns for the oil-rich nation.

The Khor Mor gas field lies near territories under Iraqi control and Kirkuk province, one of the disputed territories between the Iraqi capital Baghdad and Erbil, the provincial capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

US not to support Israeli attack on Iran

President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran, according to reports on Sunday by CNN and the Wall Street Journal.

Speaking with Netanyahu late on Saturday, Biden suggested further response was unnecessary. Senior officials told their counterparts that the US would not participate in an offensive response against Iran, CNN and the Wall Street Journal reported

John Kirby, the White House's top national security spokesperson, told ABC's "This Week" program on Sunday that the United States will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran.

"We don't seek escalated tensions in the region. We don't seek a wider conflict," Kirby said.

On Saturday night Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Israeli military and intelligence targets in response to the Zionist regime’s air raid on the consular building of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 01 that killed seven Iranian military advisors.

Hossein Salami, the chief of the IRGC, says the initial assessment is that the operation achieved a level of success that exceeded our expectations. However, he said, Iran is still receiving more information.

“Naturally, people living in occupied lands, Zionist officials and the terrorist and occupying armies of the Zionist regime and the US have a better understanding of the pummeling effects of these attacks at this moment,” Salami stated.

Salami said the US and France provided air cover for Israel in Iraq, Jordan and even parts of Syria, but tens of drones and cruise and ballistic missiles managed to punch through the layers of defensive capabilities.

“We could have launched a much larger attack, but we limited it to the capabilities that the Zionist regime had used to attack the Iranian consulate and martyr our dear commanders.”

Iran has warned Israel against reacting to the drone and missile attacks that targeted occupied territories on Saturday night. In a post on X, Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations said the country's attacks against Israeli positions were legal, adding that it can now see the situation as resolved.

"Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe," the statement said. 

Further information shows that for the first time in the past six months, the regime has stopped its attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip to deal with the barrage of drones and missiles coming from the Iranian territory.

 

 

OPEC oil output falls in March

According to Reuters, OPEC oil output declined in March 2024, reflecting lower exports from Iraq and Nigeria against a backdrop of ongoing voluntary supply cuts by some members agreed with the wider OPEC Plus alliance.

OPEC Plus is scheduled to hold an online joint ministerial monitoring committee meeting on April 03 to review the market and members' implementation of output cuts they have already agreed to extend. However, the panel is unlikely to recommend any oil output policy changes.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped 26.42 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 2024, down 50,000 bpd from February 2024, based on shipping data and information from industry sources.

Several members of OPEC Plus, which includes OPEC, Russia and other allies, made new cuts in January 2024 to counter economic weakness and increased supply outside the group. Producers agreed last month to keep them in place until the end of June.

An OPEC Plus panel of key ministers meets on Wednesday to review the market and members' production, and is not expected to recommend any policy changes ahead of the group's next full meeting set for June 01, 2024.

The biggest output reductions in March came from Iraq and Nigeria. Iraq promised to lower exports to make up for pumping above its OPEC target, a pledge that would cut shipments by 130,000 bpd from February.

OPEC fell about 190,000 bpd short of its targeted cuts in March, largely because of Iraq, Nigeria and Gabon pumping more than they had aimed for.

Gulf producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates each kept output close to their voluntary targets, as did Algeria.

Output in Iran, exempt from quotas, edged lower. Iran is still pumping near a five-year high reached in November after posting one of OPEC's biggest output increases in 2023 despite US sanctions still in place.

There was no significant rise in output from any OPEC country. Libya, also exempt from quotas, pumped an extra 20,000 bpd as the country's output returned to normal after disruption in February.

Reuters aims to track supply to the market and is based on shipping data provided by external sources, LSEG flows data, information from companies that track flows - such as Petro-Logistics and Kpler - and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants.

 

 

 

 

US targets Iran-backed militia official in Iraq

The US said Wednesday it killed a senior commander in Iraq with the Iranian-backed militia group Kata’ib Hezbollah who was involved in planning attacks on American troops.

The commander was killed during a strike that took place around 9:30 pm local time, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

“The United States will continue to take necessary action to protect our people,” CENTCOM said in a statement. “We will not hesitate to hold responsible all those who threaten our forces’ safety.”

CENTCOM said there were no civilian casualties or collateral damage from the strike.

The strike hit a car in a busy section of eastern Baghdad, killing the commander and two other Kataib Hezbollah officials, according to The Associated Press.

Pro-Iranian statements on Telegram and on state-run media channels named the slain commander as Abu Bakr al-Saadi, a high-ranking Kata'ib Hezbollah official.

The strike is the latest US military action against Iranian-backed militia groups, and the first attack in Iraq since Washington hit more than 85 targets last week across Iraq and Syria in response to attacks that killed three American troops in Jordan in late January, which the Biden administration said was carried out by Iranian proxies.

Last week’s strikes, conducted by B-1 bomber planes, targeted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militia groups. While the US action was meant to deter more aggression, the Iranian proxies have continued attacking American and allied bases in the region. 

The US officially blamed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq for the deadly attack in Jordan. But the Pentagon also suggested Kata'ib Hezbollah may have been behind the attack, with deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh saying the attack had the footprints of the militia group.

After the Jordan attack, Kata'ib Hezbollah said it was suspending military operations against American forces in Iraq, to avoid embarrassment to the Iraqi government.

The US has continued to carry out strikes in Iraq despite repeated condemnation from the Iraqi government, which is engaged in ongoing talks with Washington on the future of the American military presence in the country.

 

We don’t know’ if Iran was involved in Jordan drone attack, says Austin

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday admitted the US does not know if Iran was operationally involved in the drone attack in Jordan that killed three American soldiers. On the same day, US officials told CBS News that plans have been approved for strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria.

When asked by a reporter how much Iran knew about the Jordan drone attack or if it was operationally involved, Austin said, “You know, we believe that this was done by an element of what is known as the Axis of Resistance, and these are Iranian proxy groups. And how much Iran knew or didn’t know, we — we don’t know, but it really doesn’t matter because Iran sponsors these groups.”

The US has said it believes the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iraqi militias, was responsible for the attack.

Kataib Hezbollah announced Tuesday it was suspending attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria, which was the result of pressure from the Iraqi government and Iran, making it clear Tehran does not seek more escalations in the region.

On Thursday, Reuters reported that Iran was reducing its presence in Syria after Israeli airstrikes on Damascus killed five members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on January 20. In December, Israel killed a senior IRGC officer who was based in Syria.

However, sources told Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen that it was not true that Iran scaled back its deployment of IRGC officers in Syria. But the sources indicated Iran was taking some steps for protection, with one saying that Iranian advisors have been asked to remain in Syria, but without their families.

Iran has vowed it would respond to any US attacks, whether they’re inside Iran or against Iranians elsewhere in the region. The US officials speaking to CBS said the plans to strike Iranians would be carried out over a number of days.

Austin told reporters that the US was planning a “multitiered response” but did not publicly say what the targets will be. We have the ability to respond a number of times depending on what the situation is, he said.

 

US attacks targets in Iraq and Syria

Ever since we started posting these blogs in 2012, it has been highlighted that the United States initiates proxy wars, mainly to sell its arms. After the commencement of killing of Gazans by Israel, also supported by the Biden administration, the US hegemony in the Middle East seems to be ending, but the super power remains adamant at keeping its military complexes operating at full capacities.

It was anticipated that sooner than later the US, in the name of retaliations, would start attacking sites in Iraq and Syria, alleging that these belong to Iran-supported militants.

On February 01, we had posted a blog titled, “Are United States and Iran already at war?” Today, Reuters has reported that the US military launched airstrikes on Friday in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets, spanning seven locations, four in Syria and three in Iraq, in retaliation for last weekend's attack in Jordan that killed three US troops.

The strikes targeted the Quds Force - the foreign espionage and paramilitary arm of the IRGC that heavily influences its allied militia across the Middle East, from Lebanon to Iraq and Yemen to Syria.

US Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, the director of the Joint Staff, said the attacks appeared to be successful, triggering large secondary explosions as the bombs hit militant weaponry, though it was not clear if any militants were killed.

The strikes, which included the use of long-range B-1 bombers flown from the US, are the first in a multi-tiered response by President Joe Biden's administration, and more US military operations are expected in the coming days.

While the US strikes did not target sites inside Iran, they signal a further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East from Israel's more than three-month-old war with Hamas in Gaza.

The US military said in a statement that the strikes hit targets including command and control centers, rockets, missiles and drone storage facilities, as well as logistics and munition supply chain facilities.

Syrian state media said on Friday that an American aggression on sites in its desert areas and at the Syrian-Iraqi border resulted in a number of casualties and injuries.

The Iraqi military said the strikes were in the Iraqi border area and warned they could ignite instability in the region.

"These airstrikes constitute a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government, and pose a threat that could lead Iraq and the region into dire consequences," Iraqi military spokesman Yahya Rasool said in a statement.

The United States has assessed that the drone that killed the three soldiers and wounded more than 40 other people was made by Iran.

"Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing," Biden said in a statement. Earlier on Friday, Biden and Pentagon leaders had attended the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware as the remains of the three soldiers were returned.

Pentagon said it does not want war with Iran and does not believe Tehran wants war either, even as Republican pressure has increased on Biden to deal a blow directly.

The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Roger Wicker, criticized Biden for failing to impose a high enough cost on Iran, and taking too long to respond.

Before the retaliatory strikes on Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that Iran would not start a war but would respond strongly to anyone who tried to bully it.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the Biden administration had not communicated with Iran since the Jordan attack.

Baghdad and Washington, meanwhile, have agreed to set up a committee to start talks on the future of the US-led military coalition in Iraq, with the aim of setting a timetable for a phased withdrawal of troops and the end of the US-led coalition against Islamic State.