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Iran and Russia Begin Joint Naval Drills in Caspian Sea: So, the news is out that Iran and Russia have kicked off joint naval drills in the Caspian Sea, and, well, it’s stirring up quite a bit of discussion. You’ve got folks joking about the “world’s most incompetent navies,” and even tossing around the idea of the exercises being target practice for Ukrainian drone boats or Storm Shadows. Honestly, the image of those two navies together just conjures up some pretty wild mental scenarios, doesn’t it? Some are envisioning Francis playing with those warships in his enormous indoor-pool-bathtub.
Considering the players involved, there’s speculation swirling around the actual purpose of these drills.… Continue reading
Following recent strikes by the IDF and the U.S., Iran appears to be rapidly rearming its terror proxies in the Middle East. Despite Tehran’s denials, a growing body of evidence suggests that Iran is actively supplying these groups with military aid. This activity underscores Iran’s dedication to maintaining its influence over its militia allies. Protests in support of Palestinian and Hezbollah groups have also occurred as a result.
Scientists have constructed a 37,000-year timeline of human infections by analyzing ancient DNA from 1,313 individuals, revealing 214 pathogens. This research, led by Eske Willerslev, shows that the transition to farming around 6,500 years ago coincided with the emergence of zoonotic diseases. The study highlights how pathogens, like the plague bacterium, emerged and evolved, shaping human history and genetic variations through waves of infections linked to migrations and the domestication of animals. Furthermore, this ancient data provides valuable insights for modern medicine, aiding in the understanding of vaccine development and anticipating future mutations.
Since the onset of the recent conflict, the Houthi faction from Yemen has significantly escalated its hostility towards Israel, despite the vast distance between them. Through advanced weaponry and naval blockades, they have targeted Israeli interests, including the port of Eilat and global shipping routes. A senior Houthi official revealed that their actions are driven by deep-seated ideological opposition to Israel’s existence, viewing it as an “illegitimate” entity and vowing to continue attacks until their goal of “erasing” Israel is achieved. Furthermore, they aim to expand operations, supported by Iran, to disrupt and weaken Israel, emphasizing their commitment to a Quran-based state and the destruction of the “Zionist entity.”
Since the end of the conflict with Israel, over half a million Afghans have been expelled from Iran in a significant population displacement, representing one of the largest forced movements this decade. These deportations, part of a program initiated in March, have accelerated due to unsubstantiated claims of Afghan involvement in spying for Israel. Returnees face harsh conditions at the Afghanistan border, including scorching temperatures, with reports of detention, extortion, and abuse during the process. The international community has widely condemned these actions, citing discrimination and violence against Afghans.
An Iranian cleric has reportedly offered a reward for the assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump, adding to a growing number of threats from Iranian figures. This follows U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump claims “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear program. Additionally, a senior aide to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made threatening comments, indicating a potential targeting of Trump. These actions come amidst heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and after reports of Iranian plots against Trump.
A new report from the UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee reveals a significant increase in Iranian efforts to intimidate, kidnap, or kill individuals on British soil, with at least 15 plots uncovered since 2022. The report highlights that the UK government has narrowly focused on Iran’s nuclear program while overlooking other aggressive behaviors, such as cyberattacks and assassination attempts. The ISC warns that Iran’s intelligence services are well-resourced, and Tehran has a “high appetite for risk,” which now puts the country on par with threats posed by Russia. British officials are likely to respond to these findings within the next two months and may also prompt greater collaboration with the U.S. and NATO to counter Iran’s expanding global influence.
As a deadline set by the Iranian government approached, millions of Afghan migrants and refugees in Iran were facing potential arrest and deportation, raising concerns about the destabilization of Afghanistan. Humanitarian organizations warned of the humanitarian consequences, as the government began expelling Afghans who lacked the right to remain, citing national security concerns. The deportations, which increased significantly during the recent conflict with Israel, have already resulted in hundreds of thousands of Afghans leaving Iran, with many reporting family separation and displacement. Furthermore, Afghans are being blamed for economic hardships and other social issues, and have even been accused of spying, fueling anti-Afghan sentiment.
Once proponents of “America First” isolationism, MAGA influencers are now supporting potential military action in Iran, revealing a shift away from their prior anti-war stance. This is likely due to the group’s prioritization of fealty to Donald Trump, as demonstrated by the actions of prominent influencer Laura Loomer. Loomer’s influence within the administration is exemplified by her direct access to Trump and ability to influence personnel decisions, even going so far as to provide a list of names to the president resulting in firings. While her influence may be waning, Loomer continues to maintain strong ties to Trump, and her primary focus remains on maintaining his support, even if it means supporting actions that contradict prior stated principles.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood