Iran state television’s confirmation of the death of IRGC chief Hossein Salami in an alleged Israeli strike has sent shockwaves through the region. The swiftness of the admission is itself noteworthy, suggesting a level of certainty about the event and perhaps even a calculated decision to acknowledge the loss quickly.
The killing of Salami is not an isolated incident. Reports quickly surfaced indicating the simultaneous deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri. The deputy commander in chief of armed forces and a nuclear scientist were also reportedly among the casualties.… Continue reading
Iranian generals are urging Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to overturn his longstanding fatwa prohibiting the development of nuclear weapons, arguing that it’s essential for the regime’s survival. They believe that acquiring nuclear capabilities is the only way to counter what they perceive as existential threats from the West, a sentiment amplified by recent geopolitical shifts.
The generals’ plea represents a significant shift in their stance. For years, the fatwa served as a public declaration of Iran’s commitment to non-proliferation. However, recent events, potentially including the election of Donald Trump, appear to have dramatically altered their calculus. The feeling of increased vulnerability seems to have convinced these high-ranking military officials that pursuing nuclear weapons is no longer a moral or strategic gamble, but a necessity for self-preservation.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood