Pishtaz

Iran's proxies in Yemen have broadcast forced confessions to spread disinformation about detained international and local NGO staff.

2024-06-26 | Human Rights

Houthis' use of forced confessions mirrors Iranian regime's

Iran's proxies in Yemen have broadcast forced confessions to spread disinformation about detained international and local NGO staff.

Iran-aligned groups are forcing Iraqi elite forces to divert their attention away from their most essential task: preventing an ISIS resurgence.

2024-06-24 | Security

Iraqi elite forces secure Baghdad restaurants following Iran-linked attacks

Iran-aligned groups are forcing Iraqi elite forces to divert their attention away from their most essential task: preventing an ISIS resurgence.

An expansive support network facilitates the Iran-backed Houthis' illicit activities, which include hiding the origin of cargo and forging shipping documents.

2024-06-21 | Terrorism

Vessels, captains behind illicit Houthi shipments added to US blacklist

An expansive support network facilitates the Iran-backed Houthis' illicit activities, which include hiding the origin of cargo and forging shipping documents.

Top Houthi officials were in the front row at the event, which glorified Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution.

2024-06-19 | Politics

Houthis' subservience on display at Iranian embassy's Khomeini commemoration

Top Houthi officials were in the front row at the event, which glorified Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution.

2024-06-14 | Security

Anger in Baghdad at Iran-linked attacks on KFC, US brands

Perpetrators linked to Iran-backed militia Kataib Hizbullah put Iraqi lives and the country's reputation at risk, Baghdad residents say.

2024-06-10 | Security

Iran faces US, EU censure for supplying drones to Russia, proxies

2024-06-10 | Security

Iran highlights 'higher level' of military support to Houthis, 'axis'

2024-05-07 | Security

Bonyan Danesh Shargh's leadership, business network hit with US sanctions

The private company is involved in the Iran-backed drone factory in Russia and partners with the IRGC Aerospace Force Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization.

2024-05-06 | Security

US slaps sanctions on Iranian airline used to transport UAVs to Russia

2024-05-03 | Security

US sanctions target Sepehr Energy for helping Iran fuel Russia's war in Ukraine

Do you think Esmail Qaani has inherited a role that he is prepared for following the death of the Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani?

Yes. Qaani was listed by name in Soleimani's own will but he will present a new style of leadership to the IRGC based on his close affiliations with Lebanese Hizbullah, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and his advanced role in planning and staging the October 7 attack by Hamas.
– Not likely. Soleimani managed to rotate between proxy groups such that each proxy group believed that Soleimani had the best relationship with it only, thus developing a high level of coordination, confidence and dependence on the Quds Force leader. Yet, when Qaani took over, many of these groups had no prior connection with him and knew little about him. Qaani additionally did not have significant field knowledge of these groups given his experience focusing primarily on internal affairs.
– Maybe. Qaani is extremely worried about his safety and has only further retreated into isolation after an attack in Lebanon was close to his location. This attack deepened his fears of assassination and impacting his willingness to develop relationships through face-to-face meetings with proxy leadership. He has consequently become less active, further pushing Soleimani's previous tasks into the purview of other institutions at the detriment of his ability to manage the greater network.
– No. Qassem Soleimani acted like a spiritual father similar to a mafia head; although a large number of these networks do not fall under the ranks of the Quds Force. For instance, Unit 400 in the Quds Force is responsible for managing Iraqi groups, at the same time, Qassem Soleimani created a strong network of various individuals with separate budgets and objectives. As a result, various individuals and groups depended on Soleimani, thus enabling him to establish a cohesive organization without registering it in the Quds Force, which consisted of thousands of companies, individuals, and small groups.
– Somewhat likely. Qaani should be somewhat familiar with his new responsibilities due to his past role. Quds Force leadership council, which often holds sessions similar to cabinet meetings to discuss important issues such as policymaking in target countries, operations, budgets, forming new groups, evaluating activities, military industries, etc. Qaani was also present in this council as the deputy commander of the Quds Force.

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