Iran & The Gulf

Former Revolutionary Guard Navy commander calls for complete restructuring of Tehran's intelligence apparatus after Israeli strikes exposed critical vulnerabilities.

Speaking with academics, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced deep frustration, saying, “I don’t know what to do, please don’t curse me.” He blamed Iran’s problems on corruption and what he described as the “crazy” conduct of state institutions, rather than on the US or Israel. Referring to Operation Rising Lion, Pezeshkian acknowledged Israel’s military edge, saying, “Israel had better missiles, more accurate missiles and more of them.”

Network chief Peyman Jebelli told students the false claims about downed stealth fighters devastated credibility during Israel strikes.

Iranian media reported that operatives from the “Handala” organization left a threatening message in the car of a senior Israeli scientist. A note left at the scene read: “Yesterday, you received our bouquet. A harmless object, at first glance. But you noticed its weight, didn’t you?”

Iran’s worsening water crisis is making life increasingly difficult in Tehran, after the Amir Kabir Dam north of the capital stopped generating electricity because water levels in its reservoir have dropped too low to operate the turbines.

Regime-backed platform enables child marriage arrangements in impoverished regions, Saudi media investigation uncovers.

The Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Washington’s approval to negotiate with Iran on a new nuclear agreement. According to the report, bin Salman convinced President Donald Trump that such an initiative is necessary for regional stability.

New documents reveal covert trips by Iranian scientists to Russia seeking laser tech, triggering snapback sanctions amid 2025 nuclear tensions. Financial Times reports.

"Many officials, including within the Sepah [IRGC], are doing everything they can to convince the system that they haven't done anything wrong, since it's obvious to everyone now that the Israelis have massively infiltrated several agencies."

The possibility that the regime cannot provide water to its residents raises the question: Can a regime that cannot provide a basic existential need survive?