Heart surgeon-turned-politician Masoud Pezeshkian will succeed the late Ebrahim Raisi | Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has won Iran's presidential election, securing 53.3% of the vote and defeating his conservative rival Saeed Jalili, the national election authority announced on Saturday. ● With all ballots counted, Pezeshkian secured 16.4 million votes, while Jalili received 13.5 million votes, Press TV reports. Turnout was 30.5 million, or 49.8% of the 61 million eligible voters, according to a final update at 6:45 am local time (3:15 GMT). ● The snap election was called after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province on May 19. According to Iranian law, a candidate needs to garner at least 50% plus one vote; thus, after no candidate achieved this in the first round on June 28, the election headed into a runoff between the top two candidates.

■ Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Wins Iran Presidential Election (South Front)

"Iran deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime’s propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon", the Iranian mission to the UN said | The Iranian mission to the UN issued a stern warning to Israel that a full-on attack on Lebanon would kick off a war of annihilation. ● "Albeit Iran deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime’s propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon, should it embark on full-scale military aggression, an obliterating war will ensue. All options, including the full involvement of all Resistance Fronts, are on the table," the mission said on X. ● In mid-June, the Israeli military approved an operational plan for an offensive in Lebanon. Following the ongoing operation against Hamas in Gaza, the military plans to the forces of Hezbollah, which, like Hamas, is acting against Israel, occasionally shelling the Jewish state from the north.

■ UK has sent 74 warplanes from Cyprus to Lebanon since March (MATT KENNARD)
■ Israeli Defense Minister Vows to Return Lebanon to ‘Stone Age’ (06/28/24)

Farah Hajj Hassan | Al Mayadeen English spoke to women in Iran to investigate where they stand on women's issues in the country as well as whether they are truly "celebrating" their president's demise. What they told us may shock you if you only follow Western media outlets. | As Iranians flooded the streets to mourn the loss of their late President Ebrahim Raisi, mainstream Western governments, and media sources attempted to massively downplay the great sadness that gripped Iran following the unfortunate event. ■ Raisi, alongside Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and others, tragically died in a helicopter crash on May 19 while en route to Tabriz. Following the accident, millions gathered for funeral processions all over Iran from Tabriz to Qom and Tehran. ■ The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, announced that the large turnout of Iranian people at funeral processions for the late President Ebrahim Raisi demonstrates the nation's unwavering loyalty to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

■ Iran Mourns, Western Media Distorts: The Martyrdom of President Raisi (Marwa Osman)

Maintenance, repair records examined, no problems found, says Iranian General Staff | According to the examinations made on the remains and parts of the helicopter, no evidence of sabotage or electronic warfare intervention was detected, the report said. ● It added that no emergency occurred in communication with the crew until 69 seconds before the accident. ● The weather conditions were suitable when the helicopter took off but in line with the documents obtained and the statements of the pilots and passengers of the other two helicopters, the effect of the weather conditions on the return route should be investigated in more detail.

The funeral procession of late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has kicked off in Tehran. | Besides the staff of the ministry, people from all walks of life have attended the event. Amirabdollahian’s body will be laid to rest at Shah Abdul Az in Shayr-e-Rey in southern Tehran later in the day. He passed away in an air crash on Sunday in northwestern Iran while accompanying President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage who all died in the tragic incident.

Abbas Juma | Disbelief enveloped the nation when the news broke | Throughout the night of May 19-20, Iranian rescue teams searched through dense fog for the wreckage of the helicopter carrying the president and the foreign minister. The search was hindered by the weather conditions and terrain, with the rain-soaked ground impeding both personnel and equipment. Meanwhile, Iranians across the country prayed, wept, and anxiously awaited news. ■ During the night, prominent and reputable regional and global media outlets, in a frenzy for sensational updates, disseminated inaccurate information about the search efforts. Some later hurriedly removed these reports. Social media was flooded with hastily fabricated falsehoods, fueled by opponents of the Iranian government. According to one widely spread rumor, mass celebrations erupted in Tehran, with claims that people were rejoicing over the president’s death and launching fireworks. ■ Refuting these blatant lies was not difficult, as I spent the night on Valiasr Street, one of Tehran’s main thoroughfares. Loudspeakers broadcasting prayers were promptly set up in the square, and journalists actively gathered the views of residents who had come out to support the president. ■ There is no panic in Iran, only pain. On the morning of May 20, the Islamic Republic donned black for five days of mourning. People, especially women, went to work with faces swollen from the night’s tears. The religious Iranians in the holy city of Qom, whom I spoke with, believe that everything is in the hands of the Almighty. They prepare themselves for death daily, thus experiencing neither panic nor surprise.

■ Pictures speak louder: Raisi funeral turnout debunks Western claims (Al Mayadeen)
■ Ebrahim Raisi: The president's death leaves Iran at a crossroads (Seyed Hossein Mousavian)

■ They have moved to the last stage | Tsargrad: The assassination was “organized at the highest level.” An “excruciating death” is a signal to Russia and China. “They are killing everyone who supports Russia and China.” [...] The US and UK have opened a new chapter of terror in their history. All pro-Russian and pro-China politicians in the West should double their caution and security, - writes Kolyasnikov. ● Chinese scholar Nikolai Vavilov holds a similar opinion: They have moved to the last stage - they are killing everyone who supports Russia and China, apparently, things are not good at all and the failure of the West’s strategy after Putin’s visit to China has become as obvious as possible.

■ Kremlin in disbelief at US ‘insult’ of late Iranian president (RT.com) + HERE
■ Tehran bid farewell to Raisi, companions; Sayyed Khamenei led prayer (Al Mayadeen)
■ US civil defense: Iranian intelligence chief in Lorestan was killed (AVA Today)
■ Member Of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Shot Dead Outside His Home (CIA/VOA)

تصاویری از انتقال پیکر شهدا توسط امدادگران هلال احمر و تکاوران نیروی زمینی ارتش به مناطق پایین دست pic.twitter.com/4frTVrqe9H

— خبرگزاری ایرنا (@IRNA_1313) May 20, 2024

Iran President Helicopter Crash News LIVE Updates: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian have died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, Iranian officials confirmed on Monday after search teams located the wreckage. “President Raisi’s helicopter was completely burned in the crash … unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead,” the official told news agency Reuters. Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed grief over his sudden death. “Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” he said.

■ They have moved to the last stage | Tsargrad: The assassination was “organized at the highest level.” An “excruciating death” is a signal to Russia and China. “They are killing everyone who supports Russia and China.” [...] The US and UK have opened a new chapter of terror in their history. All pro-Russian and pro-China politicians in the West should double their caution and security, - writes Kolyasnikov. ● Chinese scholar Nikolai Vavilov holds a similar opinion: They have moved to the last stage - they are killing everyone who supports Russia and China, apparently, things are not good at all and the failure of the West’s strategy after Putin’s visit to China has become as obvious as possible.

■ Iran President’s death: I won’t rule anything out – Fani-Kayode (Daily Post, Nigeria)
■ Iran president, FM killed in tragic helicopter crash (Tehran Times)
■ All passengers of crashed helicopter martyred (Mehr News)
■ ‘No Sign of Life’ Found at Helicopter Crash Site Carrying Iran’s President and Officials (Jakarta Globe)
■ 'No sign of life' as helicopter carrying Iran's president burned completely (The Star, Kenya)
■ Türkiye’s Akinci UAV identifies source of heat suspected to be crash site of Iranian president’s helicopter (Anadolu)
■ Who is departed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's potential successor? (Al Mayadeen)
■ Iran constitution says Vice President will take over in case of President’s death (Tehran Times)
■ Many world leaders died, few survived in aviation accidents since 1936 (Anadolu)
■ Helicopter carrying pres. Raisi involved in accident (05/19/24)

A helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi encountered an accident earlier on Sunday in the East Azerbaijan province. | According to initial reports, some of the President’s companions aboard the helicopter have managed to make contact with central authorities, raising hopes that the incident may end without any fatalities. ● The President’s convoy consisted of three helicopters. While two of these, carrying various ministers and officials, successfully reached their destination, the helicopter carrying President Raisi faced difficulties. ● Among those reported to be with President Raisi was Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. Rescue operations are currently underway, and further details on the condition of the passengers are awaited.

■ ‘Humanity is with Raeisi’: People worldwide pray for Iranian president’s safety (PressTV)
■ Official: Exact location of Iranian President’s helicopter crash identified (Iran Front Page)
■ BREAKING: Iranian president missing in helicopter crash on Azerbaijan border, presumed dead (BNE IntelliNews)
■ BREAKING: Iranian president feared dead after helicopter crash (Politics Nigeria)
■ DEVELOPING: Search underway after helicopter carrying Iran's leader crashes (TRT World)
■ Helicopter carrying pres. Raeisi crashes in East Azarbaijan (Mehr News)
■ What we know so far on Iranian President Raisi's helicopter that made a "hard landing" (The Star, Kenya)

A senior Iranian commander sounds a note of warning addressed to the UK, Germany, and France after the trio deployed their warplanes to defend the Israeli regime against a retaliatory operation staged by Iran last month.

💬 “All criminals should know [this] that their measures and crimes have been chalked up to their accounts,” Qa’ani said. ● “France, Germany, and the UK should not think that they deployed the planes that night and that the issue was over. Yes, that night was over, but they will be held accountable in due course,” he added.

According to Qa’ani, the United States and the entire Western military alliance of NATO contributed all of their military capabilities towards defending the occupying regime against the Iranian operation. “[Up to] seven to eight naval groups were deployed to the Black Sea to prevent the [Iranian] operation,” he said, adding that more than 200 aircraft were also scrambled across the region’s skies during the night of the operation. ● The commander described the aerial expanse, where the operation was conducted, as “the most condensed spot in the world as far as [the issue of] air defense is concerned,” billing the operation as “unprecedented and historically unachievable.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman described as shameful and heinous the attempts by US lawmakers to provide immunity for the Israeli regime’s officials sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over their war crimes.

💬 "“The goal of a group of representatives of the US Congress and the US Senate is to threaten and pressure the prosecutors and judges of the International Criminal Court, to provide immunity for war crimes and genocide by the officials and military commanders of the Zionist regime, and this is a shameful and worrying action,” Nasser Kan'ani wrote in a post on X. ● “This heinous intervention will create a dangerous procedure that is contrary to the goals and raison d'etre of the International Criminal Court in punishing war criminals, while global silence in the face of such threats hinders the implementation of justice and the continuation of crimes against the Palestinian nation,” he added."

■ Rep. senators to ICC chief over Israeli arrests: 'You've been warned' (05/07/24)

Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations has denounced Israel’s destabilizing activities in West Asia, urging the UN Security Council to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its atrocities in Gaza and elsewhere. |

💬 “Israel's ongoing destabilized and irresponsible actions and atrocities against the nations in the region are a real threat to regional and international peace and security,” Amir Saeid Iravani said as he addressed a UN Security Council session in New York on Thursday. ● “It is time for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and address the real threat to international peace and security. The Security Council must promptly fulfill its duty under Chapter 7 of the Charter in response to Israel's reckless defiance. ● “It must take urgent and punitive measures to compel this regime to stop its genocide and massacre against the people of Gaza and uphold its obligations especially fully implement the UNSC resolutions and legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice.”

He noted that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to expand and escalate the conflict in the region to stay in power, emphasizing that the members of the Security Council must not allow the body to be held hostage to the ambitions of such a "belligerent regime." [...] The Iranian UN ambassador finally stated that the Islamic Republic has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region; however, it will use its inherent right to respond proportionately if Washington initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests.

■ Iran to launch missiles anywhere in Israel if necessary (Mehr News)

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran has issued a stern warning to the Israeli regime in the event of any act of aggression against Iranian territory.

President Raisi has sent a pointed warning to West Jerusalem | Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has threatened Israel with annihilation if it attempts to attack Iran again. ● Raisi arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a three-day visit. He addressed the recent tensions between Tehran and West Jerusalem at an event in Punjab on Tuesday.

💬 “If the Zionist regime once again makes a mistake and attacks the sacred land of Iran, the situation will be different, and it is not clear whether anything will remain of this regime,” the state news agency IRNA quoted Raisi as saying.

■ Nothing will remain of Israeli regime if it attacks Iran: Raisi (IRNA)

■ Will have a serious update soon on the F-35/nuclear bomb/EMP over Iran mystery (Pepe Escobar/Telegram)

Robert Inlakesh | Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel was framed in the West as a reckless attempt to spark a major regional war, but in reality, Israel has been attacking Iran for decades. | As is routinely the case with Western-backed wars, the corporate media’s timeline begins at the moment that suits their narrative. We have seen this play out recently, with the attempt to rob the Gaza war of all contexts before October 7, 2023. Similarly, when it comes to Israel’s conflict with Iran, the two have been embroiled in what is referred to as a “shadow war,” the details of which are pretty shocking. ■ While the international media’s attention was riveted on Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel, drawing great focus to some 300 drones and missiles used in the attack, no major deal was made of Israel’s strike on April 1 against the consular segment of Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria, that killed a dozen people, including seven Iranian officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In this unprecedented act of aggression against Iranian soil, breaking international diplomatic norms, the Israelis were shielded by the U.S. government at the United Nations Security Council, blocking any condemnation of this act.

Video shows the moment Iran's air defense shot down several mini quadcopters near Isfahan. pic.twitter.com/93dwwtAzPz

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 19, 2024

Air defenses have reportedly been activated in several provinces of the Islamic Republic | Israel carried out a series of strikes on Iran in the early hours of Friday, multiple news outlets have reported. The news comes less than a week after the Islamic Republic fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel. ● Iranian news agency Mehr reported that several explosions were heard around 4 am local time in the skies over the central city of Isfahan. ● IRNA news agency said that air defenses have been activated in several parts of Iran, and that Israel also struck military airfields and a radar site in Syria and Iraq. ● Hossein Dalirian, spokesman for Iran’s civilian space program, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that several drones had been shot down over the city of Isfahan. Iranian TV later said that three drones had been destroyed over the city. ● According to Al Jazeera, Iran has suspended flights at several airports, including Tehran and Isfahan. [...] Reports of the explosions came hours after Iran’s Foreign Minister Houssein Amir-Abdollahian told CNN that Iran's response would be “immediate and at a maximum level,” if Israel takes any further military action against his country. “If the Israeli regime commits the grave error once again our response will be decisive, definitive and regretful for them,” he stated, explaining that warning was sent to the White House via the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.

■ Iran’s Air Defenses Shoot Down Drones in Isfahan and Tabriz, No External Aggression Occurred (Al Manar TV)
■ Iranians mock Israeli strike on Isfahan (Al Mayadeen)
■ Residents: Iranian cities of Tabriz, Isfahan completely calm following blasts sound (IFP News)
■ Israel launched an attack on Iran VIDEO (b92)
■ Israel Strikes Several Sites in Iran - Reports (Sputnik News)
■ Iran destroys several micro air vehicles over Isfahan (Mehr News)
■ Air defense system activated as blast heard in Iran’s Isfahan: Official (IRNA)
■ Oil steadies after surge following reported Israeli attack on Iran (Channel News Asia)
■ Israel Can't Afford Escalation With Iran and Gaza (Ekaterina Blinova)
■ Israel Quietly 'Retaliates' For Iran's Retaliation Attack (Moon of Alabama)

Israel has vowed to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack without saying when or how, leaving the region bracing for further escalation after months of unrest linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday his country would be the one to decide whether and how to respond to Iran’s major air assault earlier this week, brushing off calls for restraint from close allies. ● Israel has vowed to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack without saying when or how, leaving the region bracing for further escalation after months of unrest linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. ● Israel’s allies have been urging Israel since the attack to hold back on any response that could spiral. These calls were repeated on Wednesday during visits by the British and German foreign ministers.

■ Mediators urge Israel for a face-saving response, while Israel outlines 3 scenarios (albawaba.com)
■ Israel 'will make own decisions' in response to Iran attack, says Netanyahu after meeting with Cameron (LBC News)
■ Israel: "The Decision has been made" - Timing is now the issue for Iran Attack (Hal Turner)
■ US and UK Put Air Refueling Tankers up - Middle East . . . For Israel to Attack Iran (Hal Turner)
■ Jordan opened airspace for Israeli jets to counter Iran (The Cradle)
■ Iran warns Israel it knows where its nukes are hidden (RT.com)
■ IRGC warns of 'tit-for-tat' retaliation if Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities (PressTV)
■ Iran readies 1000 ballistic missiles, declaring, "We're crazier than you think" (albawaba.com)

Israeli officials say they didn’t see a strike on a high-level Iranian target in Syria as a provocation, and did not give Washington a heads-up about it until right before it happened. | [...] The Israelis had badly miscalculated, thinking that Iran would not react strongly, according to multiple American officials who were involved in high-level discussions after the attack, a view shared by a senior Israeli official. On Saturday, Iran launched a retaliatory barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, an unexpectedly large-scale response, if one that did minimal damage. ● Even after it became clear that Iran would retaliate, U.S. and Israeli officials initially thought the scale of the response would be fairly limited, before scrambling to revise their assessment again and again. Now the focus is on what Israel will do next — and how Iran might respond.

■ IRGC warns of 'tit-for-tat' retaliation if Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities (PressTV)
■ Iran readies 1000 ballistic missiles, declaring, "We're crazier than you think" (albawaba.com)

Iran's deputy foreign minister has warned that the Islamic Republic would respond to any fresh Israeli "mistake" against the country “within seconds.” | Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy foreign minister for political affairs, made the remarks in a televised interview on Monday. 💬 “In case of repetition of another mistake, they should expect a harsher, faster, and more immediate response,” he said. “This time, the Zionists should know this that they will not have a 12-day-long timespace,” the official noted, adding, “The response that they are going to receive [this time around] cannot be measured by [such time standards as] days or hours, but [will come in a matter of] seconds.” On April 1, the Israeli regime committed a terrorist attack against Iran’s diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital Damascus.

■ Israel prepares air force to hit Iran ‘clearly and forcefully’ in response to missile barrage: report (New York Post)
■ Smallest action against Iran to be met with severe response (Mehr News)
■ Iran ready to use weapon never used before (Mehr News)
■ Israeli media: Israel ‘totally defeated’ – and terrified of Iran (Skwawk Box)
■ Another Meeting of Israeli War Cabinet Has Begun - Response to Iran Strike (Hal Turner)
■ Iran's Strikes on Israeli Bases Establish Deterrence (Scott Ritter)

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel cost up to 5 billion shekels ($1.35 billion) to intercept the Iranian missile attack on Saturday night. | The Israeli newspaper cited Brig. Gen. Ram Aminach, the former financial advisor to the Israeli chief of staff, on Sunday, who confirmed that "the cost of defense last night was estimated at between 4-5 billion shekels ($1.08-1.35B)." ● “One ‘Arrow’ missile used to intercept an Iranian ballistic missile costs $3.5 million, while the cost of one ‘Magic Wand’ missile is $1 million, in addition to the sorties of aircraft that participated in intercepting the Iranian drones,” the financial advisor further noted.

■ Israel's debt borrowing doubles in 2023 due to its war on Gaza (TRT World)
■ Iran Hit Secret Israeli Intel Base at Golan Heights! Smashed by Missile Attack (Hal Turner)

Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani has warned the United States against initiating military action against the country in the aftermath of the Islamic Republic’s recent legitimate retaliatory operation against the “Israeli” entity, Washington’s most treasured regional ally. 💬 “Iran has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region,” Iravani to the United Nations, told a UN Security Council meeting on Sunday. ● “However, if the US initiates military operations against Iran, its citizens, or its security and interests, Iran will use its inherent right to respond proportionately,” he added.

■ Israel's War Cabinet Favors Retaliating to Iranian Attack: Report (NewsMax)
■ Iran Warns “Israel” of Ten Times Harsher Response if Evil Actions Continue (Alahed News)

A regional war in the Middle East will be unavoidable if Israel continues strikes against Iran, former Iranian Ambassador to Germany Seyed Hossein Mousavian told Sputnik.

💬 "The current Iranian retaliation should be the end," former Iranian Ambassador to Germany Seyed Hossein Mousavian told Sputnik. "If Israel repeats attacking Iran and/or the US joins Israel; a regional war would be unavoidable."

■ Iran says concluded retaliatory strikes on occupied territories, warns against Israeli response (04/14/24)
■ Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the attack on Israeli territory

The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, says Iran has concluded its retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories, warning of a “stronger” reaction if the Israeli regime responds. | "The operation is over from our point of view, but the armed forces are ready and we will act if necessary,” Baqeri said Sunday morning. ● His remarks came hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to Israel’s deadly attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria early this month. ● Baqeri downplayed the extent of the operation compared to what Iran is capable of, saying that it was merely a punishment and the country’s response to any further military action by the Israeli regime “will be much greater.”

■ Iran Forcefully Retaliates, Subjects Entire Zionist Entity to Attack (Al Manar TV)
■ Russia Expresses 'Utmost Concern' About Potential Escalation in Wake of Iran's Self-Defense Strikes (Sputnik News)
■ Iranian response to be tougher if 'Israel' makes any move: Ghalibaf (Al Mayadeen)
■ IRGC chief: Much harsher response awaits Israel should it attack Iran (PressTV)
■ US worried about 'Israel's' response to Iran's attack: NBC News (Al Mayadeen)
■ Biden tells Netanyahu US will not take part in Israel's counterattack on Iran (PressTV)
■ Tel Aviv confirms key airbase damaged by Iranian strikes (The Cradle)
■ Confirmed Hit: Footage captures moment Iranian missiles strike Ben Gurion airport (albawaba.com)
■ Iran's Retaliatory Attack 'Reestablished Deterrence' to Hold Israel, US in Check (Scott Ritter)
■ Ex-Shin Bet Chief: Bibi Unfit for Office, Leading ‘Israel’ to its Doom (Alahed News)(Nadav Argaman)
■ Iran starts offensive against Israel, dozens of missiles launched (04/13/24)

The special naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have seized Israel-linked MSC Aries container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, official news agency IRNA reports. | The ship was impounded by the Sepah Navy Special Force (SNSF) in a heliborne operation and rappelling of forces on the ship's deck, the agency said Saturday. The ship has now been directed towards the territorial waters of our country," IRNA said. The Portuguese-flagged ship, operated by Zodiac Maritime, is owned by Israeli real estate, energy, technology and shipping magnate Eyal Ofer, it added. Zodiac Maritime is part of the Israeli billionaire's Zodiac Group.

■ IRGC seizes Israel-linked ship near Strait of Hormuz (IRNA)

American ships and troops in the Middle East prepared for a likely Iranian attack on Israel on Friday, as US President Joe Biden urged Tehran to think twice. | Iranian leaders have vowed to “punish” Israel for the April 1 airstrike on the consulate in Damascus, Syria that killed seven officers of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, including two of its generals. [...] The Pentagon is moving additional troops and equipment to sites in the Middle East, to “bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection,” an anonymous official said in a background briefing.

■ Russia trolls U.S and Israel with new Ballistic Missile test (The Times of India)
■ Turkey DENIES U.S. Permission To Use Airspace to Attack Iran (Hal Turner)
■ Qatar and Kuwait Forbid US From Using their Bases to Attack Iran (Hal Turner) (12 April 2024)
■ Iran readies '100+ cruise missiles' for possible retaliation against Israel (TRT World)
■ Iran Warns It Will Attack US Forces in Mideast If It Helps Defend Israel (Sputnik News)
■ US Moving More Assets to Mideast to Bolster Deterrence Ahead of Iran Retaliation (Sputnik News)
■ Iran: UN condemnation of Israeli airstrike could have 'obviated' retaliation (04/12/24)

Iran’s mission to the UN has said that the UN Security Council condemnation of Israel’s attack on its consular section in Syrian capital could have prevented the need for retaliation. |

💬 "Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," it said on the social media platform X Thursday. Iran has pledged retaliation for the Israeli airstrike that killed seven Iranian military advisors at its diplomatic annex in Damascus along with six Syrians on April 1. [...] "Russia had drafted a press statement condemning the Israeli attack on the diplomatic premises in Syria but was stopped by the insistence of our Anglo-Saxon colleagues," Moscow's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told reporters.

■ US missile ship anchors off Israeli coast: Report (Anadolu)
■ US Moving More Assets to Mideast to Bolster Deterrence Ahead of Iran Retaliation (Sputnik News)
■ Qatar and Kuwait Forbid US From Using their Bases to Attack Iran (Hal Turner)
■ France Evacuates Families of Diplomats from Israel; UK Tells Citizens to Leave Israel (Hal Turner)
■ ‘Islamic world will celebrate the destruction of Israel’: Is war inevitable between Tehran and West Jerusalem?

Muslims in Iran and many other countries are celebrating Eid al-Fitr at the conclusion of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, after the new moon of the lunar month of Shawwal was sighted the previous night. | Naqareh drums were played at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, in Iran's northeastern city of Mashhad on Wednesday morning, and Muslim worshippers who had fasted for a month took part in Eid prayers there and across the country early in the morning of the occasion of the festive event, which marks the end of Ramadan – the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. ● In the capital, Tehran, people gathered at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla (Congregational Prayers Site) to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei led the prayers.

■ Palestinians commemorate Eid al-Fitr amid oppression, genocide (Al Mayadeen)

The Israeli air force is reportedly training to strike “sensitive sites” | Israel will launch strikes against Iran’s nuclear program in the event that Tehran retaliates for the recent attack on its embassy in Damascus, a London-based Arabic outlet has reported, citing an anonymous Western security official. ● Two generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and several other officers were killed in the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed that Israel will “receive a slap in the face” in return.

■ Israel Threatens To Strike Iran Directly If Iran Launches an Attack From Its Territory (HuffPo)

Several intelligence sources are confirming "significant activity" at Iran long-range missile sites in the west and north of the country. Retaliation against Israel for bombing an Embassy in Damascus, is pending. | Yesterday, Israel violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations when it bombed a building in Damascus, Syria, directly next to the Iran Embassy! It was the Ambassador's Official residence situated ON the Embassy compound; Iran sovereign territory! ● Several high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in the attack, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi - a commander in the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards. He is the highest-ranking Iranian official killed in an Israeli attack. ● If Iran plans retaliation, it's likely to occur tonight, as it marks the 23rd night of Ramadan, a significant occasion for Shia Muslims. Tonight, however, may prove too soon. Should retaliation not occur tonight, it may coincide with a funeral, a common time for Iranian retaliation. ● Expectations are high regarding Iran's response this time. Iran's Parliament Vice-Speaker Mojtaba Zonnouri cautioned Israel to anticipate retaliation within its borders, stressing that diplomatic missions are considered part of sovereign territory. ● The Israeli Defense Force, after making the attack, was placed on high alert. The U.S. military has started recalling veteran retirees and is ordering them to report for active duty, citing Executive Order 13223 from the Bush administration in 2001.

■ Israel’s war on Gaza live: Troops denied leave as Iran threatens revenge (Al Jazeera)
■ Iranian hardliners demand military response to Israel's attack on diplomatic mission in Syria (The New Arab)
■ Israel Bombs Iranian Ambassador's Residence on Embassy Grounds in Damascus (Hal Turner)(01 April 2024)