Iran’s strategy amid Israel-Hezbollah tensions
Dr. Yossi Mansharof of JISS argues that a reading of some Iranian press may hint at the regime’s complex policy during the tensions.
Hezbollah trying to save face, protect image in Lebanon
Dr. Yossi Mansharof in an interview for Israel Radio/Kan in English
Hitting Iran where it hurts
Dr. Yossi Mansharof: Nuclear weapons would boost Iran to superpower status. Diplomacy has failed to stop the regime.
“Qods Day” reflects Tehran’s determination to annihilate Israel, a pillar of Iranian foreign policy. It also is an important part of “exporting” the Islamic Revolution.
Under the pretext of separation between regime and people, Iran seeks $5 billion in IMF emergency funding to fight COVID-19. This would significantly undermine the pressure on Iran being applied by US sanctions, and therefore the loan should be denied.
Israel, Iran reportedly trade cyber-blows as part of ongoing tensions
Dr. Yossi Mansharof: Iran has invested a major effort in developing its cyber abilities.
PIJ is an important part of the Iranian strategy for fighting Israel. The regime in Tehran makes use of charities and other civilian organizations, such as money changers, to transfer funds to its allies in Gaza.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad is ideologically, financially and militarily dependent on Tehran, and it plays an important role in Iran’s war against Israel. The IRGC makes use of a range of institutions and charitable foundations that support PIJ. It is important that these be sanctioned by the US.
Iran is reverting to attacks on the US through non-Iranian organizations under its control.
Iranian authorities bulldozed grave of executed Christian pastor.
Fr. Yossi Mansharof: The Khamenei-led regime persecutes the Christians in Iran because more and more Muslim people chose to convert to this religion, as a result of their anger and disgust toward the Islamic Republic of Iran.
After the US took out Soleimani, Iran vowed retaliation. Was that it?
Dr. Yossi Mansharof: The chances of a direct war with Iran are very low, but the reliance of Tehran on proxy warfare will play a major role.
Israeli town knows conflict with Iran-linked militants, hopes more is not to come.
Dr. Yossi Mansharof: Hezbollah does not want to drag Lebanon into another war with Israel.
