U.S. believes Iran was ‘directly involved’ in killing of Iranian dissident in Turkey

(Adds quote from U.S. official, tweet by Secretary of State Pompeo, background) By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) – The United States believes Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) was directly involved in the killing of an Iranian dissident last November in Turkey, a senior administration official told Reuters on Wednesday. Masoud Molavi […]

Iran is ramping up threats to US in Iraq

What appears to be going on in Iraq is some jockeying for position before the war. This is like the so-called Phoney War that preceded the invasion of France in April 1940. SETH J. FRANTZMAN APRIL 1, 2020 21:23 Iran and its proxies are increasing their systematic and coordinated threats against the US in Iraq. […]

For Saudia Arabia and Oil, April May Be the Cruelest Month

The kingdom made a huge gamble in launching a price war in the face of plummeting demand and now faces a critical test. By Ellen R. Wald April 1, 2020, 4:00 AM EDT The impact of Saudi Arabia’s decision to increase oil production amidst the demand-killing coronavirus pandemic may not be over yet. Three weeks ago, […]

Battling the invisible enemy: All of Israel’s IDF statements and Ministry of Defense details amid coronavirus battle

March 31, 2020 By SETH J. FRANTZMAN Since the battle against the coronavirus began in Israel the government has sought out various methods to contain the virus. Many of these have blended initiatives  from the Ministry of Health with other ministries, including the army and Ministry of Defense. Here is a look at the articles […]

 IRGC chief in Baghdad to shape pro-Iran government

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief Brig. Gen. Esmail Ghaani has arrived in Baghdad to weigh in on negotiations for Iraq’s future government and prime minister and ascertain that they are in line with Tehran’s interests. He went into immediate talks with Iraq’s Shiite powerhouse Muqtada Sadr.