Iran Forced to Burn Off Oil Surplus as Blockade Chokes Exports | WATCH

Massive fireballs and thick black smoke have engulfed Iran's Khuzestan province as the regime is forced to flare off excess oil and gas. Itense oil and gas flares lit up Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province on Sunday, sending thick black smoke and heavy pollution into the sky, according to multiple videos and reports. Videos shared by Iran International show towering flames rising from flare stacks amid reports that blocked oil exports have filled storage tanks to near capacity. Under normal operations, associated gas is captured or reinjected. However, the current U.S. naval blockade has effectively severed Iran's export arteries, leading to a catastrophic backlog: 

* Tankers at a Standstill: With the Strait of Hormuz area under a tight blockade, Iranian tankers have nowhere to go. 

 
* Storage at the Brink: Analysts estimate that Iran’s land-based storage facilities have a maximum buffer of only 20-26 days. Multiple sources suggest those tanks are now nearly full.

* Operational Necessity: To prevent high-pressure wells from exploding or suffering permanent structural damage, operators must keep them flowing. With nowhere to store the oil, the excess gas and associated products are being burned off (flared) at record levels.

The scenes in Khuzestan coincide with a recent decree from Tehran halting all petrochemical exports "until further notice."

* The "Shut-In" Risk: If the blockade persists, Iran will be forced to "shut in" its wells, a move that can cause permanent geological damage to the oil fields, making it difficult to resume production in the future.

* The Environmental Toll: Residents of Khuzestan are reporting heavy pollution and "black rain" as the unrefined gas is incinerated in the open air.

The massive flares serve as a visible signal of the mounting economic strain on the Islamic Republic. As the U.S. maintains its maritime pressure, Tehran is burning billions of dollars in potential revenue simply to keep its infrastructure from collapsing under its own weight. (Ed note: Why is this area of Khuzestan important to watch? Modern Khuzestan is considered a core territory of ancient Elam. Historians and archeologists generally equate the lowlands of present-day Khuzestan with the heartland of the Elamite civilization. This area is fundamental to the prophecy of Jeremiah 49: 34-39.) (Source)

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US crackdown on Iran oil trade hits Chinese refinery, ‘shadow fleet’ vessels

The Trump administration sanctioned what it said are a major Chinese oil refinery and dozens of shipping firms and vessels linked to Iran’s “shadow fleet” as part of its efforts to suffocate Tehran’s biggest revenue source. This action cuts revenue streams that fund the regime’s destabilizing activities across the Middle East,” stated Tommy Pigott, State Department spokesman. “The administration’s maximum pressure campaign will hold Tehran accountable for its regional aggression and threats to American interests,” he stated.

One of Iran’s largest purchasers of oil, Hengli Petrochemical, is known as a “teapot” refinery, a designation that suggests independent facilities that specialize in buying discounted crude, including from sanctioned countries. The U.S. Treasury Department alleges that Hengli has received deliveries of Iranian oil since at least 2023 and that “shadow” fleet vessels, which employ deceptive practices such as false flags and doctored bills of lading to obscure their sources, ownership and cargo, have moved that oil. Hengli has also bought oil tied to Iran’s armed forces and sent hundreds of millions of dollars into the regime’s military coffers and those of its regional proxy terror groups, the U.S. government alleges. A Treasury Department statement called the shadow fleet operation a “financial lifeline to Iran’s unstable regime.”

Vessels owned and operated by companies in Hong Kong, the Marshall Islands, Vietnam, the British Virgin Islands, China, Panama, the Cayman Islands, the United Arab Emirates and Liberia were included in the shadow fleet sanctions. “These measures underscore the U.S. commitment to disrupting Iran’s ability to fund terrorism, support proxy forces and threaten regional stability,” Pigott stated. “The administration remains focused on ensuring the Iranian regime cannot use illicit oil revenues to advance its malign agenda while the Iranian people continue to suffer from economic mismanagement and repression,” he added.  (Source)

‘Dangerous norms’ observed as Egyptian drills held near Israel border

Security coordinators and residents along Israel’s border with Egypt voiced concern in recent days following an unusual notice that the Egyptian Army was expected to hold training exercises and live-fire drills about 100 meters (328 feet) from the border. They said the proximity was dangerous and was creating a new and troubling security reality. At the same time, Kibbutz Nahal Oz said that additional security incidents had taken place in recent days near the Gaza Strip border fence. The kibbutz warned of a lack of deterrence and a gap between official statements and the reality on the ground. Sources in the Gaza border communities said the proximity of the Egyptian training exercises to the border is unacceptable.

“It cannot be that the Egyptian Army is allowed to train at such a distance from the fence. This is creating a new reality that could be dangerous,” they said. They added that the move contributed to a growing sense of uncertainty among residents, especially after Egyptian pickup trucks were spotted near the border several weeks ago. The main call now is directed at the political echelon and the defense establishment to stop the training exercises and live-fire drills near the border. “The residents of the Gaza border communities are not the State of Israel’s trial balloon, and they are not a training ground for the Egyptian Army,” the local sources stressed.

The Otef Israel Forum warned against the creation of “dangerous norms” on Israel’s southern border, noting that before the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, unusual movements near the fence were also observed, but were not adequately addressed in real time. “This is a painful reminder of our enemies’ method of preparing and training along the fence,” the forum said. At the same time, Nahal Oz, one of the communities hit hardest on Oct. 7, warned that the security reality in the area was still far from stable. Over the past two weeks, two kites crossed from the Gaza Strip and landed inside the kibbutz. Residents view this incident as a troubling sign of insufficient deterrence and a possible trial run for a resumption of the launch by Gazan terrorists of incendiary kites into Israel, as was done many times in the past. (Ed note: New from JNS. Do keep an eye on this one. Is Egypt working up the nerve to attack Israel once again? Egypt has had a large tank force on the border of Israel for some time now.) (Read More)

‘Excessive demands’: Iran FM Araghchi blames US for Pakistan talks failure ahead of meeting with Putin

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday (Apr 27) blamed the United States for the failure of peace talks in Pakistan. He made the remarks after arriving in Saint Petersburg for the scheduled talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Araghchi also stressed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is an important issue as tensions continue to flare in West Asia, with the US and Iran ramping up their blockade in the world’s most strategic waterway.

“The US approaches caused the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, to fail to reach its goals because of the excessive demands,” Araghchi was quoted as saying by Iranian state media. He added that “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is an important global issue.” While an Iranian delegation arrived in Pakistan earlier to hold high-level Pakistani officials as part of their efforts in ongoing mediation of the war, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that no meeting was planned to take place between Iran and the US.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he had cancelled Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s trip to Pakistan for the peace talks after being unimpressed with Iran’s position. The tensions in West Asia continue to rise amid a fragile ceasefire, with uncertainty looming over peace negotiations. The Iranian foreign minister is set to hold talks with Putin. After arriving in Russia, he noted that Tehran and Moscow have always held consultations on various issues.

“As you see, we have always held close consultations with Russia on a wide range of issues, particularly regional ones, and also held constant bilateral talks,” he said in a video posted on his Telegram channel. Speaking about talks in Pakistan, Araghchi said, “We held good consultations with our friends in Pakistan… The trip was successful. We assessed the outcome of our recent [meetings] and discussed in what direction and under what conditions talks can move on.”

He also mentioned the talks held in Oman, saying that “Oman is a friendly country that is close to us; it has taken a very good stance in the war… We and Oman are the two coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz so we needed to hold consultations on the matter. The safe passage of ships through the strait is an important global issue and as the two countries that control the strait, we and Oman need to maintain close coordination to ensure our mutual interests.” (Article taken from WION)

Report: Iran submits new Hormuz-focused proposal to US

Iran has transmitted a revised diplomatic proposal to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, Axios reported on Sunday night. The proposal suggests that negotiations over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the current conflict be prioritized, while discussions on its nuclear program are postponed to a later stage, a US official and two sources familiar with the matter told Axios.

The proposal is viewed as an attempt to break the current deadlock in talks and manage internal divisions within Iran’s leadership regarding the level of nuclear concessions it is prepared to make in exchange for an agreement with the Trump administration. However, US officials note that addressing the Hormuz issue first, including lifting the American blockade, could significantly reduce Washington’s leverage in future negotiations. Without that leverage, the US would face greater difficulty in pressing Tehran to relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile or agree to a long-term halt in enrichment activities.

President Donald Trump has made resolving Iran’s nuclear capabilities a central objective of his administration’s approach to the conflict, whether through diplomacy or military pressure. Trump is expected to convene a Situation Room meeting on Monday with senior national security and foreign policy officials to assess the stalled negotiations and evaluate possible next steps, according to three US officials who spoke to Axios.

...Behind closed doors, sources familiar with the discussions say Araghchi and Pakistani officials explored a new phased approach aimed at bypassing the current impasse over Iran’s nuclear program. One source said Araghchi conveyed to mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar over the weekend that there is no internal consensus within Iran regarding US demands for a prolonged suspension of uranium enrichment and the removal of enriched material from the country. (Ed note: Iran only has one thought: always keep their enriched uranium stockpile to build that nuclear bomb and annihilate the "little Satan" the Jew, then the "infidel", Saudi Arabia, then the US, the "big Satan." This is not a policical war with Iran, this is a religious war.)  (Read More)

Unity or fracture? Tehran battles Trump’s narrative of disarray

Assertions by US President Donald Trump that Iran’s leadership is divided, and Tehran’s increasingly coordinated effort to deny it, have thrust the issue of unity to the center of the standoff between the two countries. Trump has repeatedly cast Iran’s leadership as fractured and disorganized. In one post, he wrote: “Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” describing “infighting” between “‘Hardliners,’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘Moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all.”

As speculation spread, President Masoud Masoud Pezeshkian sought to set the tone in a social media post declaring: “In Iran there are no ‘hardliners’ or ‘moderates.’ We are all Iranians and revolutionaries.” The message was reposted verbatim by senior officials across the political and military establishment, including judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref, senior advisers, and the Supreme National Security Council, underscoring the coordinated nature of the response.
Mohseni-Ejei went further in a separate post, directly attacking Trump and calling the labels “hardliner” and “moderate” “fabricated and hollow terms” borrowed from Western political literature.

The messaging blitz from Tehran followed the collapse of negotiations in Islamabad and reports that parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf—who led Tehran’s delegation there—may have stepped down from the negotiating team, fueling speculation over internal disagreements about talks with Washington. Reports first circulated by Israel’s Channel 12 claimed Ghalibaf resigned following interference by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Other reports suggested he was reprimanded for trying to include Iran’s nuclear program in discussions with the United States. (Read More)

Trump Sets 3-Day Deadline: Iran's Oil Infrastructure 'Will Explode From Within'

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning Sunday that Iran's oil infrastructure is approaching catastrophic failure within approximately 72 hours, revealing unprecedented details about the physical toll of America's naval blockade on the Islamic Republic's petroleum export system.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump described a dire scenario unfolding beneath Iranian soil, where massive pressure buildup in oil pipelines could trigger irreversible damage to the nation's energy infrastructure. "The line explodes from within, both mechanically and in the earth, something happens where it just explodes," the President stated, adding that experts have informed him Tehran has roughly three days before this occurs.

The President clarified that the U.S. maritime blockade has effectively prevented Iran from exporting petroleum, creating what he characterized as a deadly bottleneck in the regime's pipeline systems. "When enormous quantities of oil are flowing and there's nowhere to send it because there are no ships or storage tanks, the pipeline simply explodes from the inside," Trump explained. "Once it explodes, you can never rebuild it the way it was. Even if they reconstruct it, it will only function at 50% capacity." (Ed note: Restarting a "shut-in" oil well is complex and there is not a simple 'on/off' switch' or lever as in your kitchen sink. And President Trump is correct, the experts say that there may be losses in productivity of up to 50% in volume.)  (Read More)

Egyptian Military Drills 100 Meters From Border Spark Outrage in Southern Communities

IDF notifies security officers of unprecedented Egyptian exercises near fence • Residents warn of dangerous precedent reminiscent of pre-October 7 tactics | Growing concerns amid smuggling surge (Israel News) An unusual security notification delivered Sunday morning to security officers in southern Israeli communities has triggered widespread alarm: the Egyptian military is scheduled to conduct training exercises and firing drills this week at a distance of approximately 100 meters from the border fence with Israel.

The unprecedented proximity to the security barrier has raised significant concerns among defense officials and residents throughout the southern region, particularly given the heightened security sensitivity following the October 7 Hamas massacre. The exercises represent an exceptionally close approach to Israeli territory, prompting questions about coordination protocols and security implications.

Residents in communities adjacent to the Egyptian border expressed sharp criticism of the planned exercises. According to local officials, the drills could establish a dangerous precedent and intensify feelings of insecurity among those living near the frontier.

The Otef Yisrael forum issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the development: "It is unacceptable to permit the Egyptian military to conduct training exercises in such close proximity to the fence. This comes after numerous Egyptian vehicles approached the fence just weeks ago. It serves as a painful reminder of our enemies' methodology of conducting drills near the barrier prior to October 7." (Read More)

Hezbollah drone attack sends thousands to shelters in northern Israel

Air-raid sirens blared across the Western Galilee on Monday morning, sending thousands of civilians scrambling for bomb shelters as Iranian-backed Hezbollah launched a drone attack from Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it fired an interceptor missile toward a “target that was launched from Lebanon,” but said it subsequently lost contact with the UAV. “No injuries were reported,” the military stated, adding that additional missile alerts in the north were activated “due to concerns of falling interception debris.” 

On Sunday, an IDF soldier was killed and six others were wounded by a Hezbollah drone strike in Southern Lebanon. The fallen soldier was identified as Sgt. Idan Fooks, 19, of the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion, from Petach Tikvah. Fooks was the third Israeli soldier to be killed in Southern Lebanon since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect on April 17, and the first to be killed in a direct Hezbollah attack during the truce, according to the IDF.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused Hezbollah of “essentially disintegrating the ceasefire” through its incessant attacks. “Therefore, as far as we are concerned, what obligates us is the security of Israel, the security of our soldiers, and the security of our communities,” the premier said. “We are acting vigorously according to the rules we agreed upon with the United States, and incidentally, with Lebanon as well.” The IDF will maintain its freedom “not only to respond to attacks, which is obvious, but to thwart immediate threats and also to neutralize emerging threats,” he added. The prime minister, in an overnight letter to his Cabinet on Sunday, ordered the cancellation of traditional Lag B’Omer celebrations on Mount Meron in the Upper Galilee, scheduled for May 4–5, due to the Hezbollah threat.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs noted in the missive that “following several security assessments on the matter, and in light of the [IDF] Home Front Command’s updated defensive policy, limiting gatherings to up to 1,500 people, the celebrations of the hilula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai at Meron will not take place this year with large participation, but rather in a symbolic format only, in accordance with the defensive policy, which is not expected to change by the time of the hilula.” The letter cited fears of a mass-casualty event “due to the fragility of the ceasefire with Lebanon, the site’s proximity to the Lebanese border, rocket fire toward the area and the difficulty of conducting large-scale evacuations of participants.” (Ed note: The people of central and northern Israel are sick of Hezbollah firing rockets, missiles and drones into their homes and cities, and demand that PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF stop it.) (Read More)

Defiant Trump Addresses Nation After Surviving Third Assassination Attempt

President Donald Trump addressed the nation in a dramatic late-night press conference at the White House, just hours after surviving the third major assassination attempt against him in less than two years. The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner at the WashingtonHilton, where gunfire erupted near a security checkpoint around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday evening.

Opening his remarks, the President expressed gratitude to the security personnel who responded swiftly to neutralize the threat. "This was a very unexpected event, but the Secret Service and law enforcement acted incredibly," Trump stated. "This event was dedicated to free speech and was supposed to bring together friends from both parties along with members of the media. In a sense, it did happen, because the fact is that the event united us — the room was completely united, and that was a beautiful thing to see."

The President provided detailed information about the incident, explaining that authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California. "We saw an individual who rushed a security checkpoint while armed with multiple weapons, and he was subdued quickly by brave members of the Secret Service," Trump noted. He announced that video footage of the incident would be released "for transparency and clarity."

Addressing the condition of the wounded officer, Trump emphasized the critical role of advanced protective equipment. "One officer was shot, but survived thanks to a quality bulletproof vest. He was shot from very close range with a powerful weapon, and the vest did its job," the President clarified. "I spoke with him and he's in good condition and high spirits. He's a proud Secret Service agent and we love and respect him." (Read More)

Trump unharmed after security incident at White House correspondents’ dinner

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was uninjured and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night after an unspecified threat. There did not immediately appear to be any injuries, and one law-enforcement official said a shooter had opened fire.

Authorities said the incident occurred outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated. The event was scrapped and will be rescheduled. "We will do this again,” said Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Crrespondents’ Association. Shortly afterward, staff began breaking down table settings and the presidential lectern.

The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. Audible gasps echoed through the ballroom as guests realized something was happening. Hundreds of journalists got on phones to call in information. “Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. From one corner, a “God Bless America” chant began as Trump was escorted off stage. He fell briefly — he apparently tripped — and was helped up by Secret Service agents.

A law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter. A law enforcement officer was shot in the bullet-resistant vest but is expected to be OK, one law-enforcement officer told The Associated Press. Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s remarks — was immediately evacuated.

Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not immediately re-enter. Security outside was also extremely tight. Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and many other leaders of the Trump administration. (Read More)

Unusual and concerning Egyptian military exercise near Israeli border

Residents of communities near the Israel-Egypt border and security officials in the area received an unusual and concerning message from the Paran Regional Brigade, warning of intense military activity by the Egyptian armed forces close to the border. According to the message, this week, between April 26th and 30th, the Egyptian military will hold live-fire exercises in extensive areas from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The official notice stated: "For your information, between the dates April 26-30, there will be live fire by the 'red side' 100 meters west of the border. The announcement enraged residents, with the Israel Envelope Forum, which brings together communities near the country's borders, issuing a strongly worded statement. The forum claims that this is security negligence reminiscent of the eve of the October 7th attack.

"It can not be that they are allowing the Egyptian military to exercise so close to the fence," the forum stated. "This comes after many Egyptian pickup trucks drove near the fence a few weeks ago. This is a painful reminder of our enemy's methods of exercising near the fence before October 7th." (Source)

Saudi Arabia pushes back on US effort to broker Netanyahu-Aoun meeting

Despite White House efforts to arrange talks between the leaders, the Saudi envoy in Beirut conveyed reservations about the move and recommended making disarmament conditional on an IDF withdrawal. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun aligned: "I never intended to speak with Netanyahu."

The Lebanese newspaper Ad-Diyar reported that Saudi envoy to Lebanon Yazid bin Farhan expressed the kingdom's opposition to any direct contact with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his talks in the country. The report comes against the backdrop of the White House's desireto hold a call or meeting between Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. It was also noted that Aoun may visit Riyadh before his visit to Washington in the coming weeks, where he would meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to Lebanese media, bin Farhan conveyed a series of messages during his meetings in Beirut. At their center was the need to preserve Lebanese consensus and avoid internal division that could lead to violent clashes. In this context, he stressed that negotiations with Israel should be conducted cautiously, without haste, and that all positions should be unified before any move is made. The envoy also recommended maintaining the stability of the Lebanese government and suggested insisting, as a negotiating principle, that the disarmament process be made conditional on an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Opposition to direct dialogue with Netanyahu is, of course, shared by Amal Hezbollah, alongside a series of parties and politicians who are among Aoun's political allies. They include Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, Christian politicians Gebran Bassil and Suleiman Frangieh, and others. This issue could make it harder for Aoun to hold a meeting or dialogue with Netanyahu, as he tends not to deviate too far from the Lebanese consensus. (Read more)

PM instructs IDF to strike Hezbollah targets ‘with force’ after repeated truce violations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the IDF to go after Hezbollah targets “with force” on Saturday, as the terror group and the Israeli military continued to trade fire in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, despite the extension of the tenuous ceasefire between the warring sides by several more weeks. The premier’s order to “strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon by force” was published in a terse statement by his office after two rockets and a drone were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel on Saturday afternoon, activating sirens in several towns.

The Israel Defense Forces said it intercepted the drone and one of the rockets, while a second rocket struck an open area. No injuries were caused. The military also said it intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” over an area of southern Lebanon where Israeli troops are deployed. It said the target was suspected to be a Hezbollah drone. In another incident, Hezbollah launched several explosive-laden drones at Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon. The IDF said the drones exploded near the forces, but did not cause any injuries.

The terror group has made use of small first-person view (FPV) drones in its attacks on Israeli troops. Some of the drones are guided using a spool of fiber optic cable, which mitigates efforts to electronically jam their signal. “The Hezbollah terror organization has again blatantly violated the ceasefire agreement,” the military said in a statement. At the same time, the IDF said it struck and killed several Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon.

...The Israeli Air Force also struck Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon overnight, the military said. The launchers were struck in the towns of Deir ez-Zahrani, Kfar Reman, andThe Israeli Air Force also struck Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon overnight, the military said. The launchers were struck in the towns of Deir ez-Zahrani, Kfar Reman, and Sammaaiyeh, all north of the IDF-held security zone. The military said the launchers “posed a real threat to IDF troops and Israeli civilians.”, all north of the IDF-held security zone. The military said the launchers “posed a real threat to IDF troops and Israeli civilians.” (Ed note: The town of Sammaaiyeh is about 7 to 9 miles southeast of the city of TYRE. The town of Deir ez-Zahrani is about 14 miles south of the city of SIDON.)  (Read More)

Trump says he didn’t know about Lebanese law barring contact with Israel, calls for it to be scrapped

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump says Lebanon will have scrap legislation outlawing contact with Israel. Trump is asked about the Lebanese law while taking questions from reporters after presiding over the second round of ambassador-level negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Trump admits he’s never heard of the legislation before.

The US State Department has reportedly been leaning on Lebanon in recent days to annul the law. “I never heard of that, but… I’m pretty sure that’ll be ended very quickly,” Trump says before turning around to seek affirmation from Rubio. “Yup,” the secretary responds.

“I know Lebanon doesn’t want that… That’s crazy,” Trump adds. The Lebanese ambassador standing behind him isn’t given an opportunity to respond. (Ed note: Doesn't our US government realize that this is a "religious war" not a "political war"?) (Source)

Netanyahu says Hezbollah ‘dismantling’ ceasefire with Lebanon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hezbollah’s actions are threatening the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, as he pledges to “vigorously” target the Iran-backed terror group. “It must be understood that Hezbollah’s violations are, in practice, dismantling the ceasefire,” Netanyahu says during the weekly cabinet meeting.

Under the terms of the truce, which was extended last week, Israel reserves the right to respond to threats from the terror group. “We are acting vigorously in accordance with arrangements agreed with the United States and, incidentally, also with Lebanon,” Netanyahu says. “This means freedom of action not only to respond to attacks, which is obvious, but also to preempt immediate threats and even emerging threats.” (Source)

Pezeshkian says Iran won’t negotiate with US under threats

Iran’s president says Tehran will not enter talks with the US under pressure, demanding hostile actions and blockades end first.     

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday night that Tehran will not engage in “forced negotiations" with the United States while facing threats and pressure, according to Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). During a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian said current US policies were damaging trust and making any diplomatic progress more difficult.    

He said movement toward dialogue would remain unlikely unless “hostile actions and operational pressures" by Washington are brought to an end. Pezeshkian added that the United States must first remove “operational obstacles, including the blockade" of vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports in order to create conditions for resolving disputes. According to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif told Pezeshkian that Islamabad “would continue its sincere and honest endeavors to promote regional peace and security."    

In a post on social media, Sharif also thanked Iran for sending a senior delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the war. The Iranian delegation departed Islamabad on Saturday and later arrived in Muscat, Oman, for additional regional discussions. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner had been expected to travel to Islamabad on Saturday, but Trump canceled the visit at the last moment.      

...“They came to us, and they said, 'We will agree to open the Strait,' and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens," continued Trump. The President also said he could make a deal with Iran “right now," but he wants it to be “everlasting" rather than temporary.   (Read More)

What Tehran calls “humiliation" is the collapse of its playbook

The truth is that Iran's usual approach to managing pressure, raising tensions to extract concessions, no longer produces the same outcomes. Opinion.

A recent Bloomberg report suggests that officials in Tehran perceive renewed threats from Donald Trump as “humiliating," reducing their willingness to engage in negotiations. Yet framing the current moment in terms of humiliation obscures a more consequential reality. What the regime is experiencing is not primarily a matter of wounded pride, but the exposure of structural limits within a strategy that has defined its behavior for decades.

The Islamic Republic has long operated according to a calibrated model of confrontation that balances escalation with restraint. It raises tensions sufficiently to extract concessions, while avoiding direct risks that could threaten regime survival. This approach has been sustained through a combination of ideological positioning, proxy warfare, and controlled diplomatic engagement. It is not a reactive posture but an embedded governing logic, one that has enabled Tehran to convert pressure into leverage over time.

That logic, however, depends on a predictable environment-one in which external pressure remains incremental, negotiable, and ultimately reversible. When that environment shifts, the effectiveness of the model begins to erode. The current challenge facing Tehran is not the absence of dialogue, but the weakening of a framework in which dialogue could reliably be instrumentalized for strategic gain. When pressure is applied in more direct and material ways, particularly against economic infrastructure and coercive capacity, the regime’s room for maneuver becomes significantly constrained.

This helps explain why the language of “humiliation" has emerged in official discourse. For over four decades, the Islamic Republic has maintained a narrative of defiance, projecting strength through ideological slogans and regional posture. That narrative has remained sustainable largely because it has not been consistently tested under conditions that expose the gap between stated position and operational capability. When confronted with a negotiating environment defined by clearer demands and fewer opportunities for incremental concession, that gap becomes more difficult to manage. (Ed note: This is a very informative analysis of the situation with Iran.) (Read More)

Trump cancels Witkoff and Kushner’s trip to Islamabad for ‘time-wasting’ Iran talks

US President Donald Trump canceled a trip to Islamabad by two envoys to meet Iran war mediator Pakistan on Saturday after Iran’s foreign minister flew out of the Pakistani capital following talks, dealing a new setback to peace prospects. Trump said in a social media post that he had called off the planned visit by his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, citing what he said was tremendous confusion in the Iranian leadership.

“Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership,'” he wrote on Truth Social. “Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”Speaking to Fox News, Trump said: “I’ve told my people… ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18-hour flight to go there… We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.”

Trump further told the Axios news site that this didn’t necessarily mean the war was restarting. “It doesn’t mean that,” he said in response to a question from the outlet. “We haven’t thought about it yet.” Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi laid out Iran’s demands and its reservations about US positions in Islamabad, as Pakistan made a new push to end a war that has killed thousands and shaken global energy markets.

After holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials, Araghchi and his delegation departed Pakistan’s capital with a military jet escort, government sources said. Details of the talks were scant. Araghchi said it remained to be seen whether the United States was “truly serious” about diplomacy. In a post on X, he said he had “shared Iran’s position concerning [a] workable framework to permanently end the war.”  (Ed note: While Iran wants the US to get  “truly serious” about the negotiations, they will not give up their right to "peaceful nuclear technology"  which are "non-negotiable rights" to annihilate Israel.)  (Read More)

No meeting planned with US, Iran will talk to Pakistan, Iran's Foreign Ministry says

US President Donald Trump is sending special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, Pakistan, to participate in talks with Araghchi, two US officials told CNN.

"No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a post on X/Twitter early Saturday morning. "Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," added Baqaei. The White House announced on Friday that Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be engaging in direct talks with Iranian negotiators this weekend.

US President Donald Trump is sending Witkoff and Kushner to Islamabad, Pakistan, to participate in talks with Araghchi, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt later confirmed." I can confirm @SEPeaceMissions and @jaredkushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks," announces @PressSec.

The Iranians reached out, as the president called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation," she said. "We're hopeful that it will be a productive conversation that will hopefully move the ball forward to a deal." Trump, she said, "is always willing to give diplomacy a chance... We hope progress will be made." Leavitt later confirmed that VP JD Vance would be on standby in case the talks trended positively. (Read more)

Trump says Iran to make offer aimed at meeting US demands, as Iranian FM arrives in Pakistan

US President Donald Trump tells Reuters that Iran plans to make an offer aimed at resolving US demands, “They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see,” Trump says during a phone interview. His comments come as Pakistan’s foreign ministry says an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad.

Araghchi was received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior officials upon arrival.

In a statement, it says that during the visit Araghchi is expected to meet Pakistan’s senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments and ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and stability. (Ed note: This should be fun. Didn't FM Araghchi say that both Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner stabbed him the back, and hasn't he been running those two around like a pack of chickens?)   (Source)

US envoys Witkoff, Kushner to depart Saturday for Iran talks in Pakistan — White House

US President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will depart on Saturday for Pakistan where they will hold direct talks with Iranian negotiators, the White House announced on Friday. “Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks intermediated by the Pakistanis… with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Fox interview.

“The Iranians reached out… and asked for this in-person conversation. The President is dispatching Steve and Jared to go hear what they have to say, and we’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward towards a deal,” Leavitt added. Leavitt didn’t specify with whom the US envoys would meet, but she appeared to be referring to Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Islamabad on Friday evening. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a post on X that there were no plans for a meeting, and that Tehran’s “observations” would be conveyed to Pakistani officials.

While US Vice President JD Vance headed the US negotiating team during the first round of talks with Iran in Pakistan earlier this month, he was not slated to join Witkoff and Kushner. Vance’s counterpart in the talks was Iran parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, who did not make the trip with Araghchi. CNN reported that Vance would be on standby to travel to Islamabad if negotiations progress. Araghchi was set to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the United States while in Islamabad.  (Ed note: Lets see, Iran reached out, but Araghchi won't be there, Steve and Jared arrive late Saturday night to pick up a note, and everyone's hoping for peace? Any guesses on what's going to happen?)      (Read More)

Israel, US believe Mojtaba Khamenei not functioning as leader, IRGC commanders make choices for him

Some Israeli and American officials believe Mojtaba Khamenei is not functioning as the Iranian supreme leader and is not in control, two people familiar with the matter have told The Jerusalem Post. One source said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its commander, Ahmad Vahidi, were essentially in control of Iran. Vahidi was appointed to replace Mohammad Pakpour, who was assassinated at the beginning of operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury.

“Members of the IRGC, and Vahidi in particular, are not figures who are willing to make concessions or be perceived as conceding,” Iran expert Nati Tuvian told the Post. “A week after the signing of the nuclear agreement with the Obama administration, the IRGC staged a show of force and launched ballistic missiles during a drill, writing on them in Hebrew that Israel should disappear from the face of the earth.”

US President Donald Trump has recently stopped referring to Khamenei. On Thursday, he told MS NOW: “Iran has no idea who its leader is. They are completely confused... We have effectively eliminated three levels of leadership, and anyone who was even close to the leadership, so it’s hard for them to understand who the hell can speak on behalf of the country. They simply don’t know.”

This contradicts the prevailing view that despite suffering serious wounds to his legs and face, Khamenei remains functional and continues to make decisions, including on negotiations with the US. Khamenei “remains sharp and involved in running the country, which is being managed like a board of directors, together with IRGC commanders,” The New York Times reported, citing Iranian sources. Despite these claims, however, Khamenei has not been seen publicly nor has he released any audio recording since ostensibly assuming the position of supreme leader after his father was assassinated at the start of the war. (Read More)

IDF strikes in Lebanon after Hezbollah ceasefire violation

Israel struck Hezbollah targets in two locales in Southern Lebanon hours after terrorists had fired rockets into Israel from the area in violation of the April 16 ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces said on Friday. The IDF strikes were on Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Kherbet Selem and Touline, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit wrote on X. On Thursday night, air-raid sirens sounded in Moshav Shtula following launches from Lebanon. The IDF intercepted the rockets and struck the launcher used to fire them, along with an additional ready-to-launch launcher, the IDF said. Three Hezbollah terrorists were eliminated after an unsuccessful attempt to launch a surface-to-air missile toward an IAF aircraft, the statement said.

In two separate incidents, Hezbollah terrorists launched rockets and an explosive UAV toward Israeli soldiers operating south of the IDF’s forward defense line in Southern Lebanon, the statement added. “These actions constitute blatant violations of the ceasefire understandings,” the IDF said. Also on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the ceasefire between the two countries for three weeks. The announcement followed a meeting at the White House between Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad.

“The meeting went very well,” Trump wrote on social media. “The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah.” U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters in the Oval Office that the truce would be under the same terms as the 10-day ceasefire which the two countries agreed to on April 16. Hezbollah ended a previous ceasefire, reached in November 2024, on March 2, when it fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Iran. Israel and the U.S. launched a military operation in Iran on Feb. 28, which they suspended on April 8 pending talks between Iran and the U.S. (Ed note: The areas of Kherbet Selem and Touline are located about 15 to 19 miles east of the city of TYRE in southern Lebanon.) (Source)

Israeli 'violations' of Temple Mount spark backlash from Muslim, Arab states

Eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries condemned what they called Israel's "repeated violations" of the status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites in a joint statement on Thursday. The respective foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt expressed their condemnation of "repeated violations and legal status quo in Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian holy sites by Israeli occupation authorities."

The eight ministers highlighted what they called "the continued incursions by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers into al-Aqsa Mosque/al-Haram al-Sharif [Temple Mount] under Israeli police protection, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards." They also called these "provocative actions" a "flagrant violation of international law," adding that they represent "an unacceptable provocation to Muslims around the world, and a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the holy city."

The ministers stressed the importance of "preserving the status quo," and "recognizing the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship in this regard."Additionally, the statement denounced the "accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel's decision to approve over 30 new settlements."

It also "condemned the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians." Earlier this week, most of the ministers were also signatories in a joint statement, along with other countries, reproaching Israel's announcement that it is set to send a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland. (Ed note: "provocative actions" and "flagrant violations?" But I thought that one King David took the city of Jerusalem from some Jebusites over 3000 years ago. Where were the Muslims at that time?) (Source)

Farm Association 2026

The Farm Initiative: Today’s Zionism safeguarding tomorrow’s land:

A new video about the Farm Initiative has recently been released, aiming to present to what is happening out there on the farms, day in and day out. While in Israel the story is more familiar and resonates through a natural cultural connection to the land, international audiences require a clearer framework: an explanation of how land is actively protected, and what sustained agricultural presence in open areas truly means. 

The video offers a vivid look into life on these farms: grazing livestock, cultivating fields, and raising families, while emphasizing a simple but powerful principle: *land is preserved through presence*. This distinction also shapes the campaign itself. In Hebrew, the message speaks from in a shared sense of belonging and lived experience; in English, it takes a step back to outline the fundamentals, present the broader picture, and invite viewers to connect with a mission that may be geographically distant, yet deeply aligned with their values. Behind the video lies a much broader reality.

More than 100 farms are spread across Judea and Samaria, collectively safeguarding approximately 250,000 acres of state land, an area five times larger than the total built-up footprint of all of the settlements in Judea and Samaria combined. These farms are not merely isolated outposts; they form a dynamic and continuous system of land stewardship, sustained through daily presence and agricultural work.

The work itself is straightforward but consistent: grazing cattle and sheep, cultivating crops, and maintaining the land. Through these ongoing activities, a tangible connection to the land is established, not only in principle, but in practice. Here, agriculture is not just a source of livelihood; it is a strategic and enduring means of preserving open spaces and securing the future of settlement. (Ed note: Do take the four minutes to watch this great video.)  (Read More)

The Great Exodus: Nations Issue Urgent "Leave Iran Now" Orders

From China to Germany, global powers are ordering an immediate evacuation of their citizens from Iran. With airspace closing and U.S. tensions exploding, the window to escape the 2026 Hormuz crisis is slamming shut. Several nations have issued urgent travel advisories and evacuation calls for their citizens in Iran, citing heightened security risks, potential disruptions, and regional instability linked to U.S.-Iran tensions. Countries including China, India, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Canada, Poland, and others have advised their nationals to depart “as soon as possible” or immediately via available commercial routes or land borders while options remain open. 

*  India strongly urged all citizens, including students and business travelers, to leave by any means. China called on its citizens to evacuate promptly and avoid non-essential travel.South Korea and several European nations echoed similar warnings, with some noting risks of sudden airspace closures.

The United States maintains its highest-level “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iran. U.S. citizens are urged to leave immediately, with recent alerts (as of April 21) noting partial reopening of Iranian airspace but continuing to recommend departure by commercial flights or land routes to neighboring countries like Türkiye, Armenia, or Turkmenistan. The U.S. State Department has also advised Americans to depart from more than a dozen other Middle Eastern countries due to broader risks. 

 No strict 24-hour deadlines have been formally imposed by most governments; advisories generally emphasize leaving “immediately” or “as soon as possible” while commercial options and land borders are still viable. The calls come against the backdrop of the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis and related escalations, which have caused flight disruptions and raised concerns over rapid deterioration in the region. Citizens are advised to monitor official embassy channels, register with their governments’ consular services, and prepare contingency plans. (Source)

Inflation spikes, basic goods slip out of reach for Iranians, citizens say

Food prices surged and basic goods slipped out of reach across Iran, citizens told Iran International in recent days, describing shortages and daily price jumps following a ceasefire that has coincided with worsening economic conditions. “Prices here have increased tenfold and rice and cooking oil are hard to find,” one resident wrote from Zahedan in southeastern Iran, pointing to worsening access to staple goods. Other citizens described the rapid erosion of purchasing power. “We go to sleep and wake up to everything being twice as expensive,” one message said, reflecting widespread concern over accelerating inflation.

Messages from multiple cities highlighted steep increases in the cost of everyday items. Citizens said even the most basic foods were becoming unaffordable, with eggs, rice and cooking oil among the hardest hit.“Eggs have become so expensive they are being removed from our tables,” one citizen wrote, describing the shrinking range of affordable protein options. Restaurant prices were also cited as an indicator of inflation. Citizens said a single serving of kebab now costs between 5,000,000 and 6,000,000 rials (about $3.10 to $3.75), while a plate of chicken with rice ranges from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 rials (about $1.90 to $2.50). Soft drinks were reported to exceed 1,000,000 rials (about $0.60). 

Based on an exchange rate of around 1,600,000 rials per dollar, the new minimum monthly wage of 162,550,000 rials is equivalent to roughly $104. This comes as annual inflation had already exceeded 70 percent before the start war on February 28, reaching its highest level since World War II. As of late 2025/early 2026, average Iranian incomes have contracted to roughly $200 per month. Shortages compounded the problem. Messages described difficulty finding chicken in distribution centers and limits on purchasing cooking oil in shops.

Others pointed to disruptions in supply chains linked to industrial slowdowns and rising production costs. Economic journalist Arash Azarmi said the surge in food prices was hitting lower-income households hardest. “Eggs priced at 200,000 rials ($0.12) each are shocking. This is a basic food item, especially for lower-income households, and it is effectively being pushed out of their consumption basket,” Azarmi said. Official data, he added, already showed food inflation exceeding 112 percent, with some categories such as cooking oil rising by more than 200 percent. (Source)

Iranian FM expected to arrive in Islamabad tonight, enabling new round of peace talks, Pakistani source says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad tonight with a small team, and peace talks with US are likely to take place, a Pakistani government source says.

The United States logistics and security team is already in Islamabad for the talks, the source adds. (Source)

Regime in Shambles: Parliament Speaker Resigns as IRGC Tightens Its Grip

The Iranian government is grappling with a profound crisis as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announces his resignation from diplomatic roles, citing uncontrollable interference from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Iranian regime is currently embroiled in an internal crisis described by observers as the most severe in years, following the dramatic resignation of Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from his diplomatic duties. Ghalibaf, who had been the primary figure leading quiet negotiations with the United States and managing talks in Pakistan, officially withdrew from these roles on Thursday. This decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between the civilian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as high ranking generals like Ahmad Vahidi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian have increasingly obstructed decision-making processes. Ghalibaf reportedly concluded that he no longer possessed the necessary autonomy to conduct sensitive negotiations due to this military encroachment.

The catalyst for this collapse was the failure of a Qatari-mediated initiative, often referred to as the 20 for 20 deal. The proposal sought a compromise where the United States would allow the free passage of 20 Iranian merchant ships in exchange for Iran guaranteeing the safe transit of 20 vessels from Arab Gulf states through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the potential for regional de-escalation, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, previously a close ally of Ghalibaf, chose to align with the IRGC’s hardline stance, effectively torpedoing the initiative. This rejection has left the regime in a state of total paralysis, with no single authority capable of making binding decisions. While the regime's leadership, including Ghalibaf himself in later statements, publicly claims unity under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, the reality on the ground points to a deeply divided and dysfunctional government struggling to maintain control amidst the ongoing war. (Source)

The HERE to ETERNITY 5 Book Bundle

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Trump says he ordered US Navy to ‘shoot and kill’ boats mining the Strait of Hormuz

US president claims Iran rudderless due to ‘infighting,’ as NYT report says IRGC in control and Khamenei ‘gravely injured’; Katz: Israel awaiting ‘green light’ from US to attack nuclear sites, new supreme leader.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the US Navy would “shoot and kill” any boat mining the Strait of Hormuz, and claimed “infighting” has hobbled Iran’s ability to respond to peace proposals, even as The New York Times reported that hard-line generals had consolidated power under the new supreme leader. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel was ready to renew the fighting with Iran and was awaiting a “green light” from the US to target Iranian energy sites and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose father and predecessor Ali Khamenei was killed at the start of the war.

Israel and the US launched the bombing campaign on Iran on February 28 in a bid to destabilize the regime and destroy its ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities. The fighting entered a truce on April 8. The ceasefire was originally conditioned on Iran reopening the Strait, and set to last two weeks, but Trump extended it hours before the early Wednesday deadline, while maintaining a US blockade that he imposed on Iran-linked shipping in the key waterway on April 13.

...The later Truth Social post also reveled in what Trump claimed were internal divisions that prevented Iran from submitting a response in ceasefire talks with the US. “Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” he wrote. “The infighting is between the ‘hardliners’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!),” said Trump, calling the situation “CRAZY!”

...Amid Trump’s threats, Israel’s defense minister said in a security assessment that “Israel is prepared to renew the war against Iran.”“The IDF is ready in defense and offense, and the targets are marked,” Katz said. He added that Israel was “awaiting a green light from the United States, first and foremost to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty, the initiator of the extermination plan against Israel, and the successors of the successors of the leadership of the Iranian terror regime, and, in addition, to return Iran to the age of darkness and stone by blowing up central energy and electricity facilities and crushing national economic infrastructure.” (Read More)