Iran stations warship in Red Sea as US aircraft carrier leaves

Iran's Alborz warship has passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and entered the Red Sea, the country's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Monday. Iranian warships have been operating in the region to secure shipping lanes since 2009, Tasnim said.

Iranian-backed groups have not reduced their attacks in the Middle East. On the opposite, pro-Iranian media sought to highlight how the attacks are increasing. Al-Mayadeen media, which is pro-Iran, claimed that there were attacks targeting Al-Asad based in Iraq and Shaddadi in Syria, two places where US forces are located. The US is in Syria and Iraq to help defeat ISIS.

Reports on December 31, 2023 said that the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier is heading out of the Mediterranean is also raising eyebrows in Iran and the region. While Gaza fighting appears to be reduced slightly, Iran continues to want to manage the conflict against Israel. Iranian Tasnim ran a long interview about the role of Qasem Soleimani in the region. Although the interview is ostensibly about Soleimani, who was killed in January 2020 by the US, the report examines recent details about the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen targeting ships and Palestinian terror groups targeting Israel.

The article raises questions about presence of US aircraft carriers in the region. There were two carriers in the region, the Eisenhower and Ford.

The US had sent the second carrier after the October 07, 2023 attack to deter Hezbollah and others from escalating attacks.

The Iranian regime's view is that these naval assets have not been able to prevent the Houthis in Yemen from continuing attacks on ships. However, a US helicopter destroyed three small Houthi boats over the weekend, indicating that the Houthis are taking losses.

The story about the US carrier leaving the region was covered in Al-Mayadeen media, which is pro-Iran, showing that pro-Iran figures in the region are watching this development closely.

Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia join BRICS

South Africa’s representative in the BRICS group of emerging economies, Anil Sooklal, has stated that Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia join the bloc on January 01, 2024.

At the recent BRICS meeting, which took place in Durban, South Africa, early in December, Sooklal underlined —referring to the attendance of high-ranking representatives of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia— that the number of BRICS members will double with the addition of these nations.

He went on to add that the next conference of the economic group is scheduled for January 30, 2024 in Moscow, and it is expected that representatives of the new BRICS members will be there.

In a recent interview with Sputnik, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, emphasized Iran's commitment, alongside other BRICS members, to actively pursue de-dollarization across various economic sectors.

Bagheri Kani highlighted the focus on trade, economic collaborations, and financial exchanges within this influential coalition of major economies. 

He emphasized ongoing initiatives and expressed optimism about reinforcing these efforts to swiftly achieve their objectives.

Bagheri Kani underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, signaling a unified commitment within BRICS to reducing dependency on the dollar.

He clarified that the initiatives aim to establish a framework fostering economic autonomy and resilience among member nations.

The BRICS group, initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, established in 2009, has emerged as a significant force shaping global economic discussions. 

Iran, alongside Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, has received an invitation to join this influential bloc. Their anticipated full membership, official from January 01, 2024, marks a substantial shift in the geopolitical landscape.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, provided insights into BRICS countries accelerating the transition to national currencies. 

This strategic shift aligns with the shared vision of establishing a more balanced and resilient global economic framework, reducing vulnerabilities associated with a singular currency.

BRICS has announced plans to introduce a gold-backed currency for settling international trade payments, challenging the global reserve status of the US dollar. This decision adds momentum to the ongoing de-dollarization trend unfolding in the global economy.

Iran's active involvement in the BRICS initiative toward de-dollarization aligns with a broader trend among influential nations reshaping the global economic landscape.

As BRICS evolves, its concerted efforts toward economic autonomy become increasingly significant in shaping the future of international trade and finance.

Netanyahu popularity falling sharply

According to a Reuters report, only 15% of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stay in office after the war on Hamas in Gaza ends, though many more still support his strategy of crushing the militants in the Palestinian enclave.

Netanyahu promised to crush Hamas after its October 07, 2023 rampage in southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 240 abducted. Israeli forces have laid much of Gaza to waste in their nearly three-month retaliatory offensive.

Netanyahu has said such intense military pressure is also vital to ensure that the remaining 129 hostages still held in Gaza are returned after around 100 were freed in late November in a swap deal also involving hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In the poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), 56% of those questioned said continuing the military offensive was the best way to recover the hostages.

24% thought a swap deal including the release of thousands more Palestinian prisoners from Israel's jails would be best.

More than 22,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to Gaza health officials, and most of the population displaced. Israel says it has killed some 8,000 Palestinian fighters and has vowed to hunt down Hamas leaders.

But a mere 15% want Netanyahu to be prime minister once the war is over, the poll showed. His political rival and present war cabinet partner, centrist Benny Gantz, garnered support from 23% of interviewees. Around 30% named no preferred leader.

The poll was conducted among 746 respondents between December 25-28, with a 95% confidence level, the IDI said. A previous IDI poll in December found that 69% of Israelis thought that elections should be held as soon as the war ends.

Netanyahu said on Saturday it would be months before victory is achieved. Successive surveys have found his popularity has fallen sharply since the surprise October attack by Hamas that led to the deadliest day in Israel's 75 years.

 

War in Gaza to continue throughout 2024

The Israeli military has said it expects the conflict in Gaza to continue throughout 2024. In a new year's message, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said troop deployments were being adjusted to prepare for prolonged fighting.

He said some troops -- especially reservists -- would be withdrawn to allow them to regroup.

"These adaptations are intended to ensure the planning and preparation for continuing the war in 2024," he said.

"The IDF must plan ahead out of an understanding that there will be additional missions and the fighting will continue the rest of the year."

He said that some reservists would leave Gaza "as soon as this week" to allow them to "re-energise ahead of the coming operations".

More than 21,800 people have been killed in Gaza - mostly children and women - during 11 weeks of fighting, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

At least 48 Palestinians were killed in overnight bombing in Gaza City on Sunday, the health ministry in Gaza said, with many still buried under the rubble.

Another strike killed 20 people sheltering at Al-Aqsa University in the west of Gaza City, witnesses told the AFP news agency.

The UN says 85% of Gaza's 2.4 million people - almost 2 million people - have now been displaced.

"Tonight the sky in world countries will be lit by firecrackers, and joyful laughs will fill the air.

"In Gaza our skies are now filled with Israeli missiles and tank shells that land on innocent, homeless civilians," Zainab Khalil, 57, a resident from northern Gaza now in Rafah, told Reuters.

Netanyahu said on Saturday that "the war is at its height". "We are fighting on all of the fronts," he said. "We have huge success but we also have painful cases. Achieving victory will require time.

Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Palestinians to leave Gaza and make way for Israelis who could "make the desert bloom".

Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and southern Israel as it saw in the new year, with Israeli missile defence systems intercepting rockets fired from Gaza, AFP reported.

Hamas's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for both attacks in a video posted on social media.

They said they used M90 rockets in "response to the massacres of civilians" perpetrated by Israel. 

Saudi Arabia A Year of Strategic Alliances

In 2023, Saudi Arabia emerged as a pivotal diplomatic player on the world stage, marking a year of strategic alignments and hosting a series of significant global summits.

This remarkable ascendancy in international diplomacy was not only a testament to the Kingdom's growing geopolitical influence but also signaled a new era in its foreign policy approach.

The year saw Saudi Arabia navigate complex regional and international terrains with adeptness and agility, showcasing its capacity to manage crises and foster dialogue across a spectrum of global issues.

From orchestrating large-scale evacuations in conflict zones to brokering historic diplomatic reconciliations, the actions of Kingdom were marked by a combination of strategic foresight and diplomatic finesse.

Amidst a landscape of shifting alliances and emerging challenges, Saudi Arabia's role as a convener of critical discussions and a mediator in international disputes underscored its commitment to stability and cooperation.

As the world witnessed the unfolding of these diplomatic endeavors, the Kingdom solidified its position as a central player in shaping the global agenda.

Throughout the months of the year, the Kingdom hosted several significant international summits.

In August, Jeddah hosted a meeting concerning the Ukrainian crisis, attended by national security advisors from around 40 countries.

Then in October, a historic first summit took place between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In response to the developments in Gaza, an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit was convened in Riyadh in November to address the Israeli aggression.

This was followed by a Saudi-African summit and the year concluded with a Saudi-Russian summit after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Riyadh.

Saudi-Iranian Relations Resumed

On March 10, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the resumption of diplomatic ties, with a plan to reopen embassies and diplomatic missions within 60 days, following Chinese-brokered talks.

The tripartite statement stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in internal matters.

The embassies were officially reopened later in the year, and in November, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Saudi Arabia for the first time since the resumption of relations to participate in the Arab-Islamic summit about Gaza.

Saudi Evacuation Efforts in Sudan

In April, as the situation in Sudan abruptly escalated, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mobilized its naval fleet in a globally lauded initiative.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the evacuation of over 5,000 people from 100 countries, including 184 Saudis, amid clashes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces. This was described as one of the largest successful evacuation operations globally.

Gulf and Central Asia Summit

In a continuation of strategic and political dialogues, Jeddah hosted a summit in July for leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the five Central Asian countries.

The summit emphasized enhancing strategic dialogue and political cooperation between the two sides, fostering partnerships in various fields including political and security dialogue, economic and investment cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Jeddah Meeting on the Ukrainian Crisis

Jeddah hosted peace talks concerning the Ukrainian crisis in August. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, a member of the Saudi Cabinet and National Security Advisor, was attended by national security advisors from about 30 countries.

Gulf and ASEAN Summit

In a historic first, leaders of 16 Gulf and Asian countries met in Riyadh in October. A joint action plan for 2024-2028 was initiated to map a clear road map and enhance cooperation and partnership in various fields, serving the shared interests of both regions.

Saudi-African Summit

Continuing its active foreign policy, Saudi Arabia hosted a Saudi-African summit in Riyadh in November.

The summit concluded with both sides committing to developing cooperation and partnership in development and laying foundations for continental integration for a sustainable future.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced the launch of the King Salman Development Initiative in Africa during the summit, aiming to establish developmental projects and programs across the continent valued at over one billion dollars over ten years.

Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit

Due to the severity of the situation following Israeli aggression on Gaza, Saudi Arabia called for an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh in November.

More than 57 countries participated in the summit, which concluded with significant decisions, including breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza and emphasizing the need to stop the war and end the occupation.

Saudi-Caribbean Summit

Riyadh also hosted its first summit with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in November. The summit aimed to enhance partnerships in economics, investment, trade, energy, tourism, and other areas in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

A joint Saudi-Caribbean statement was issued, emphasizing mutual interests and friendly relations, exploring ways to expand and develop partnerships, including in education, health, maritime cooperation, communications, logistics, food security, energy security, and the tourism economy.

Saudi-Russian Summit

Before the end of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Saudi Arabia, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The talks focused on mutual interests and issues concerning both countries, the Middle East, and the world.

The two countries emphasized the necessity of halting military operations in Palestinian territories and agreed that security and stability in Palestine could only be achieved through the implementation of international resolutions pertaining to a two-state solution.

They also agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation and commended the close cooperation within OPEC for stabilizing global oil markets.

Courtesy: Saudi Gazette

Who could be Israel’s next likely targets?

After an Israeli airstrike killed senior IRGC commander Sayyed Razi Mousavi, The Jerusalem Post published names of those who could be Israel's next targets?

Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech on Saturday night, in which he warned Iran and stated he would not detail any Israeli actions against it, Iran International has reported further Israeli elimination targets.

This comes after an airstrike in Syria attributed to Israel killed Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) official in Syria. 

Mousavi was killed during an attack that occurred on November 25 near Damascus. He was the commander of the logistics bureau of the Lebanon Corps within the IRGC.

Mousavi was instrumental in establishing the Iranian presence in Syria, a key factor in the relationship between Iran, Syria and Hezbollah, and the advancement of weaponry to Israel's northern front.

Mousavi communicated directly with the Syrian regime and, through it, promoted Iranian interest in Syrian territory. He was a central factor and initiator, with much experience and extensive connections in the arena.

He was entrusted with the execution of most of the transfers of weaponry by land, air, and sea. For example, he would personally oversee the unloading of Iranian passenger flights carrying sensitive weapons for Iranian emissaries in Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

He was the head of the logistics bureau of the Lebanon Corps (Unit 2250) within the IRGC, which was established in order to carry out and facilitate transfers of weapons and Iranian equipment to Lebanon through Syria.

The unit is given special authorizations by the Syrian regime that includes transit permits throughout the country and access to Syrian airports.

The Iranian terminal at Damascus International Airport, for example, allows the reception of Iranian passengers together with weapons without the direct supervision of the security forces.

Oftentimes, the unit uses these authorizations in order to transfer weapons while the Syrian regime turns a blind eye and uses the authorizations they themselves have issued.

In addition, the logistics bureau is responsible for unloading the cargo intended for the forces at the port of Latakia, in December 2021, containers carrying weapons were attacked while they were being unloaded by these parties in Syria.

Unit 2250 has many logistical capabilities and assets throughout Syria that allow for the transfer of weapons, whose final destination is often Hezbollah in Lebanon. In light of the repeated Israeli attacks, there is no doubt that the unit's transferring capabilities have been significantly weakened; however, it still attempts to advance transfers in Syrian territory under the risk of being attacked.

Unit 2250 has many logistical capabilities and assets throughout Syria that allow for the transfer of weapons, whose final destination is often Hezbollah in Lebanon. In light of the repeated Israeli attacks, there is no doubt that the unit's transferring capabilities have been significantly weakened; however, it still attempts to advance transfers in Syrian territory under the risk of being attacked.

Unit 2250 works in close cooperation with Unit 4400, Hezbollah's strengthening and cooperation unit led by Haj Fadi, which is responsible for transporting sensitive equipment from Syria to Lebanon.

The Syrian regime allows these transfers of equipment and dangerous weapons to be carried out through the country and gives the unit full freedom of action. It is evident that Israel usually carries out many attacks against these transferal units, and as a result, Syria continues to pay the price for this time and time again.

Additional heads of the logistics bureau include Abdullah Abadi, Mousavi's right-hand man; Zin Shams Abu Andan, a key figure in the bureau and a close associate of Mousavi; Hadi Feiz-Abadi, a senior logistics commander and representative of Unit 190, the weapon-transfer unit in the Quds force headed by Behnam Shahriyari.

Feiz-Abadi recently replaced Meitham Catabi, who coordinated the transfer of weapons together with Unit 190.

Naftali Bennett openly inviting the US and others to attack Iran

It’s time for the peoples of the West to wake up to the reality that Israel is not their friend. In fact, Israel is their enemy.

For the West, Israel is now a strategic liability. Israel’s leaders would readily sacrifice their interests to achieve its goals of ethnically cleansing Palestine and dominating the Middle East.

Israel’s former PM and unrepentant war criminal Naftali Bennett is now openly demanding that the United States and its allies to attack Iran. Not only would a war with Iran cause devastating death and destruction, it would also result in massive damage to the global economy and consume huge amounts of public money that could be used to better the lives of the citizens of Western nations.

Bennett and other Israeli leaders want the world to fight their war because 1) they cannot defeat Iran by means of conventional warfare and 2) they could not care less about the lives of soldiers and citizens from other countries.

The simplest and most humane way to bring peace to the Middle East is for Israel to agree to the creation of a viable and truly sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders - which is what the United Nations has demanded for decades. These racist lunatics would rather plunge the West into another catastrophic war than respect the will of the international community and the human rights of the Palestinian people.