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Memri
a day ago
- Politics
- Memri
Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Weekly: June 14-21, 2025
The following are some of this week's reports from the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Project, which translates and analyzes content from sources monitored around the clock, among them the most important jihadi websites and blogs. (To view these reports in full, you must be a paying member of the JTTM; for membership information, send an email to jttmsubs@ with "Membership" in the subject line.) Note to media and government: For a full copy of these reports, send an email with the title of the report in the subject line to media@ Please include your name, title, and organization in your email. EXCLUSIVE: Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq: We Will Attack U.S. Interests In The Middle East If U.S. Helps Israel In Its War Against Iran; The 'Embassy Of Evil' Must Be Closed, The American 'Occupation Forces' Must Be Banished Between June 15 and 16, 2025, against the backdrop of the war between Israel and Iran and speculation in Arab and Western media over whether the U.S. will join the fighting, Iran-backed militias in Iraq threatened to attack American forces and interests in the Middle East, if the U.S. should help Israel in the war or should violate the sovereignty of Iraq or the bases of the local militias on its territory. EXCLUSIVE: Iranian IRGC-Linked Telegram Outlet Threatens To Target U.S. Bases In Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait On June 17, 2025, a Telegram channel associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a provocative statement highlighting the vulnerability of U.S. military bases in the Middle East to Iranian missile strikes. EXCLUSIVE: Media Outlet Affiliated With Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq: U.S. Intervention In The Fight Against Iran Will Activate The Entire Axis Of Resistance, Exacting A 'Heavy Price' Of American Forces in the Middle East and Around the World On June 17, 2025—against the backdrop of growing coverage in Arab and Western media of the possibility of a U.S. intervention alongside Israel in its war with Iran—a Telegram channel affiliated with Iran-backed militias in Iraq, published a list of American targets, including dozens of naval and air bases across the Middle East. EXCLUSIVE: As Tension Mounts Between Iran And The U.S. And Israel, Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq Threaten To Activate Hundreds Of Suicide Bombers Against The U.S. And Its Allies In The Middle East, Attack Israel's Nuclear Facility In mid-June 2025 tension mounted between Iran and the U.S. and Israel, among other reasons due to an apparent impasse in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding a nuclear agreement, exchanges of threats and accusations between the two countries, and numerous reports in Arab and Western media about the evacuation of American diplomatic and military staff from the Middle East region following what American officials have described as "heightened security risks." EXCLUSIVE: Iran-Backed Iraqi Militias Condemn Violation Of Iraqi Airspace During Israeli Operation 'Rising Lion,' Call For Expulsion Of U.S. Forces From Iraq, Threaten 'Decisive Punishment' On Friday 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would last "as long as it takes." EXCLUSIVE: 'Axis Of Resistance' Responds To Israeli Strike On Iran With Unified Condemnations And Calls For Escalation On June 12, 2025, Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. EXCLUSIVE: IRGC-Affiliated Telegram Outlet: IRGC's Aerospace Force Issued Emergency, Exceptional Instructions For Unprecedented Retaliation Against Israel On June 12, 2025, Israel launched a preemptive strike targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, including sites in Natanz and Fordow, late Thursday night, escalating tensions in the region. EXCLUSIVE: Telegram Channels Aligned With Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Amplify Mossad Arrest Claims, Promote Graphic Narratives Of Espionage And Retaliation Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict, Alleging Intelligence Breaches Across Iranian Cities Over the past few days, amid the ongoing escalation of violence between Iran and Israel, Telegram channels affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and allied Shiite factions have increased their propaganda, portraying an aggressive internal crackdown on alleged Mossad agents operating within Iranian borders. EXCLUSIVE: In First Since Start Of War With Iran, Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Claims Missile Attack On Israel In Coordination With Iran; Houthi Leader: Opportunity To Inflict 'Great Defeats' On Israel, To Renew 'Equation Of Deterrence' On June 15, 2025, for the first time since the start of the war between Israel and Iran which broke out on June 14, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel that it said was coordinated with operations carried out by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, against Israel. EXCLUSIVE: Palestinian Factions Condemn Israeli Strikes On Iran, Rally In Solidarity With Tehran Following Israel's preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 12, 2025, several Palestinian factions released statements denouncing the operation and voicing unwavering support for Iran. EXCLUSIVE: Jihadi Clerics In West Celebrate Israel-Iran Conflict, Pray For Destruction Of Both Countries, Assert Iran's Defeat Would Benefit Sunnis On June 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would last "as long as it takes." EXCLUSIVE: Following Israeli Strikes On Iran, Jihadis Call On Syrians To Exploit Israel's Preoccupation With Iran To 'Liberate Syria'; Warn Of Iraqi Militia Crossing Into Syria: Iran Is Not 'A Shield Of Islam' On Friday 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would last "as long as it takes." EXCLUSIVE: Pro-Syrian Popular Resistance Telegram Channel Publishes Posters, Videos Celebrating Iranian Attacks On Israel, Predicting Israel's Destruction Following Israel's preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 12, 2025, a Telegram channel affiliated with the Syrian Popular Resistance shared posters and videos predicting the destruction of Israel and celebrating Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Jihadis Eagerly Anticipate Iran's Imminent Destruction: 'No Iran After Today'; Some Warn Against Empowered Israel On June 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed would last "as long as it takes." EXCLUSIVE: Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Online Celebrate Israeli-Iranian Escalation, Pray For Conflict To Devastate Both Countries, Lead To ISIS Conquests Following the escalation between Israel and Iran, which involved Israeli airstrikes around Iran and retaliatory ballistic missile attacks on Israel, Islamic State (ISIS) supporters online celebrated the exchange of blows, wishing for the destruction of both Israel and Shi'ite Iran. EXCLUSIVE: Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Declare Israel-Iran Conflict 'Divine Plot' To Cause ISIS Comeback By Weakening, Eliminating Its Enemies; Initially Claim Iran Fired 'Empty Pipes' At Israel On June 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed would last "as long as it takes." EXCLUSIVE: Al-Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) Releases Issue Of Its Magazine Glorifying D.C. Capital Jewish Museum Shooter Elias Rodriguez And Calling On U.S. Muslims To Follow His Example: 'In Washington, A Door Long Untouched By Muslims Has Been Flung Open' The latest issue of the Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) magazine Inspire glorifies Elias Rodriguez, the perpetrator of the May 21 attack on the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. EXCLUSIVE: In Recruitment Poster, Pro-Hamas Outlet Depicts Colorado Firebomber And DC Shooter Alongside Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar: 'Who Will Answer The Call Of The Heroes?' A pro-Hamas Telegram channel released a poster glorifying Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Colorado firebomber, and Elias Rodriguez, who opened fire near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. Telegram Outlets Linked To Iraqi Militias Threaten To Attack U.S. Embassy In Baghdad On June 14, 2025, Telegram channels affiliated with Iran-backed militia in Iraq marked Al-Ghadeer Eid, a significant Shi'ite religious event commemorating Prophet Muhammad's designation of his cousin Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor, by escalating threats against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Telegram Outlet Linked To Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Publishes Posters Highlighting Iran's Psychological Warfare Against Israel On June 17, 2025, a Telegram channel linked to Iran-backed Iraqi militias published a series of infographic posters highlighting an Iranian psychological warfare campaign against Israel. Iran-Backed Telegram Channels Intensify Propaganda Campaign With Religious Symbolism, Anti-Israel Messaging, And Calls For Resistance Between June 15-17, 2025, Iran-backed Telegram channels released a series of propaganda materials in Arabic, English, and Farsi promoting ideological resistance, religious symbolism, and anti-Israel messages. Iran-Backed Nigerian Shi'ite Cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, Condemns Israel's 'Violation Of Iran's Sovereignty,' Praises Yemen's Houthis' 'Unwavering' Support For Palestinians Prominent Nigerian Shi'ite leader Ibrahim Zakzaky, who leads the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), delivered a speech before a crowd of followers at his residence in Abuja, Nigeria, on June 15, 2025, marking the of Eid Al-Ghadeer, a significant Shi'ite religious event commemorating Prophet Muhammad's designation of his cousin Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. Following Israeli Interception Of Gaza Aid Ship, Media Outlets Affiliated With Hamas, Houthis, Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq Condemn 'Silence' Of World, And Arab Impotence Regarding 'Oppression' Of Palestinians In Gaza On June 10, 2025, the Israeli Navy intercepted the Madleen aid ship that was on its way to the Gaza Strip carrying 12 international human rights activists, including world-famous Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Syria Media Outlet: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Leads New Cross-Border Strategy To Destabilize Syria, Weapons Transfers, And Proxy Coordination Along Iraqi-Syrian Border On June 16, 2025, a Syrian website published a report citing "informed sources" saying that senior commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had held a secret meeting with individuals from Syria's Deir Al-Zour governorate in the Iraqi city of Al-Qa'em. After Syrian Government Uses Former Regime Commander Fadi Saqr As Intermediary To Achieve 'Civil Peace,' Jihadis Warn Such Policies Will Cause Government's Downfall, Declare: 'This State Is Not Ours;' Resistance Supporters Accuse Saqr Of Betraying Assad On June 8, 2025, Syrian Telegram channels reported that 125 former Assad regime soldiers and officers, mostly Alawites from Latakia, Tartus, and Jablah on the Syrian coast, had been released from prison in honor of the Eid Al-Adha holiday. Syrian Jihadi Cleric Endorses Convoy Planning To Travel Through Syria To 'Break Siege On Gaza,' Which Predicts Israel's Destruction By Muslims Entering In Jihad On June 10, 2025, a new "Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous ["Solid Structure," a reference to Quran 61:4] Convoy" announced it would attempt to travel across Syria and enter Israel to "break the siege" on Gaza. Syrian Jihadi Cleric: Iran Serves As America's Arm To Extort Protection Money From Gulf States; U.S. Will Not Give Up 'Mullahs' Rule' Of Iran On June 14-15, 2025, a Syrian jihadi cleric published several posts on his Telegram channel about the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran. Syria-Based Egyptian Jihadi Cleric Predicts Israel's Defeat By Muslims Who Implement Shari'a, Rejects Scenario Of Iranian Victory On June 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed would last "as long as it takes." Syria-Based Egyptian Salafi Jihadi Cleric Recommends Reading Che Guevara's Memoirs As Model Of Steadfastness In Principles And Opposition To America In a June 7, 2025 post on Telegram, a Syria-based Egyptian jihadi Salafi cleric who was the religious official of Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), praised the memoirs of Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. In Meeting With Iranian President In Tehran, Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine (PFLP) Calls For 'Mobilizing Energies, Efforts, And Capabilities To Confront Israel At The Arab, Islamic, And International Levels' The deputy secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) led a delegation to Tehran, Iran, where they met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Samidoun Slams U.S. Treasury Sanctions On Sham Overseas Charity Networks Funding Hamas And The PFLP As 'Genocide And Economic Warfare,' Likening Sanctions To 'Repression' Of L.A. Protests On June 10, 2025, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five individuals and five sham charities for funding Hamas's Military Wing and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) under the guise of humanitarian work. Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Senior Official Calls For Embassies In Tel Aviv To Be Moved Away From Houthi 'Legitimate Targets,' Or 'Close And Leave' On June 10, 2025, the Houthi Supreme Political Council Chairman threatened that the Houthi Armed Forces' response to Israeli airstrikes will be multifaceted, and warned diplomatic embassies in Tel Aviv located near Houthi "legitimate targets." President Of The Houthi Supreme Political Council Affirms Yemen's Support For Iran, Calls On World To 'Engage In Efforts To Halt The Zionist Aggression' The President of the Houthi Supreme Political Council affirmed that the Houthis would "stand beside" Iran amid hostilities with Israel. Poster By Iran-Backed Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Depicts President Trump Serving Palestinian Children On A Plate To Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: U.S. Abets Israel's Crimes, 'Genocide' Of Palestinians On June 10, 2025, Yemen's Iran-backed Ansar Allah (Houthi) Movement published a poster showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu feasting on Palestinian babies served on a tray by U.S. President Trump. Telegram Channel Affiliated With Hizbullah Claims Iran Maintains 'Giant' Tunnel System Which Contains 'Hundreds Of Thousands' Of Missiles, Tactical Vehicles And Drones A Telegram channel affiliated with Lebanese Hizbullah boasted about Iran's "massive tunnel system," which, it claimed, contains "hundreds of thousands" of missiles, tactical vehicles, drones, and military command centers. Recently-Formed Salafi-Jihadi Organization In Lebanon Calls On Iranian Sunnis To Wage Jihad Against Iranian Regime: 'Now Is The Time For Jihad Against The Head Of Trouble, Khamenei' A new Salafi jihadi organization in Lebanon incited Iranian Sunnis to revolt against the country's Shi'ite regime but warned against supporting what it called "the Zionist-American project in Iran." Islamic State's (ISIS) Affiliate In Somalia: From Marginal Group To Key Player In Financing, Exporting Global Terrorism The Islamic State (ISIS) Somalia Province has emerged in recent years as one of the most strategically important branches of ISIS, playing a central role in the organization's global operations. Lebanese Daily Warns Rise Of Islamic State (ISIS) Ideology In Tripoli Jeopardizes Security Of Lebanon; Infiltration Of Sunni Families, And Exploitation Of Border Gaps, All Benefit ISIS In Syria On June 17, 2025, the website of a Lebanese daily featured an article discussing reports that a Sunni jihadi group affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) had seized control over the Al-Qadiriyah Mosque in the old market of Tripoli, Lebanon, and turned it into a platform to deliver inflammatory speeches against the Lebanese state and communities, as well as neighboring Syria, including criticism of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, accusing him of desertion of shari'a and "alliance with the unbelieving Jews and Christians." Islamic State (ISIS) Somalia Province Claims Four Attacks Against Puntland Security Forces (PSF) Within One Week, Killing Several Soldiers, Including One By Beheading On June 11, 2025, Islamic State (ISIS) Somalia Province claimed that on June 5, the group's operatives captured a soldier of the Puntland Security Forces (PSF), near Wadi Jaceyl. Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly Editorial Advocates Security Education As Jihadi Imperative To Counter The Global 'War On Islam' On June 12, 2025, the weekly newsletter of the Islamic State (ISIS), issue 499, featured a fervent editorial underscoring the urgent need for "security education" among Muslims, particularly those engaged in jihad. Newest Issue Of ISKP-Linked English Magazine, 'Voice Of Khurasan,' Continues To Solicit Donations In Cryptocurrency, Adds Bitcoin To Habitual Monero On June 14, 2025, a media outlet linked to Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) released Issue 46 of its English-language magazine. Pro-Islamic State ISIS Media Group Releases Violent Nasheed Video Threatening Jewish Communities Worldwide On June 12, 2025, a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media group released a provocative nasheed (Islamic anthem) video titled, "Wherever the Jews Might Be," distributed across Telegram channels. Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Media Outlets Portray Failed Puntland Attack Against ISIS As Symbol Of U.S. Weakness, Praise Somali Fighters' Resilience, Ridicule Iran's Military 'Inaction And Fragility' After Israeli Strikes On June 15, 2025, a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) news agency reported on its Telegram channel that the spokesman of the Puntland Security Forces (PSF) had declared the launch of an offensive against Islamic State Somalia Province (ISSP). Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Channel Mocks Jordan's Arrest Of Pro-Al-Qaeda Ideologue, Framing It As Proof Of Government's Alliance With 'Apostate Sahwa' And Betrayal Of Islam On June 11, 2025, a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media outlet claimed that Jordanian authorities had detained a prominent Jordan-based pro-Al-Qaeda ideologue a few days earlier. New Website For Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Michigan-Based Preacher Launched, Hosted In Bahamas; Material Uploaded On San-Francisco Based On June 16, 2025, the official Telegram channel of Michigan-based pro-ISIS preacher Musa Abdullah Jibril declared that a new Arabic-language website devoted to the cleric's sermons has been launched. Fundraising Campaign For Gazans, Promoted By Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Outlet, Continues Using Identical Cryptocurrency Wallet On June 16, 2025, a pro-ISIS Telegram channel forwarded a previous-day post by the channel raising funds for Muslims in Gaza. Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Channel Highlights Telegram Data Sharing With U.S. Authorities On June 12, 2025, a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Telegram channel shared a screenshot, spotlighting an excerpt from a recent transparency report by Telegram. Pro-ISKP Outlet Releases Poster Cites Muhammad In Calling For Jihad: 'Conduct Jihad With Your Wealth, Your Lives, And Your Tongues Against The Idolaters' On May 28, 2025, a media outlet linked to the Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) released an Urdu-language poster on Facebook calling on Muslims to wage jihad against idolaters. Al-Qaeda Affiliate In Somalia Al-Shabab Claims Series Of Attacks In Somalia And Kenya, Reporting Over 32 Soldiers Killed From June 5-12, 2025, the media arm of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), claimed responsibility for 11 attacks across Somalia and Kenya. Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Warns Against The 'Covert' Chinese Influence In Somalia On June 17, 2025, the official outlet of Al-Qaeda in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), published an investigative report on its website titled, "The Covert Chinese Influence in the Horn of Africa – Somalia as a Model." Al-Qaeda Affiliate GSIM Claims Series Of Attacks Across Mali, Burkina Faso, And Benin: 11 Soldiers Killed, Military Sites Overrun From June 9 - 12, 2025, Al-Qaeda's affiliate in the African Sahel, Jama'at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal-Muslimeen (the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims – GSIM), claimed responsibility for 10 attacks across Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin, reportedly killing 11 Burkinabe soldiers and seizing four military outposts, together with weapons, vehicles, and other spoils. The State Of Al-Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula's Campaign Of Attacks Against UAE-Backed Forces In Southern Yemen In 2025 On August 16, 2024, an operative of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) drove a booby-trapped vehicle into a military base in the Mudiyah district of Yemen's Abyan Governorate, reportedly killing dozens of Yemeni security personnel. Al-Qaeda's Newly Released Newsletter Highlights Role Of Telegram Bots In Enhancing Security For Supporters' Groups And Channels Published on June 6, 2025, Al-Qaeda's Global Islamic Media Front (GIMF) released the first issue of its magazine. Canada-Based Pro-Al-Qaeda Cleric: World War Between 'East' And 'West' 'Rapidly Approaching'; 'East' To Emerge Victorious On June 8, 2025, Canada-based pro-Al-Qaeda (AQ) cleric Tariq Abdelhaleem published a post on his Telegram channel arguing that the world is "moving rapidly" toward a world war between "East" and "West," defined as North America, Europe and Japan. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Says The Pakistani Military 'Cannot Even Perform Its Own Job Properly, Has Never Won A War, Lost Half The Country's Territory' On May 26, 2025, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issued an Urdu-language statement condemning remarks made by Pakistani military spokesman, who described Baloch nationalist fighters as "Fitnat-ul-Hindustan" and TTP as "Fitnat-ul-Khawarij," meaning Indian mischief and Kharijite mischief, respectively. Afghan Taliban Emir Mullah Hibbatullah Akhundzada To Officials: Ensure 'Strict Observance Of Shari'a, Obedience To Leadership, Fulfilling The Goals Of Jihad' Speaking at a seminar, Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Hibbatullah Akhundzada told Taliban officials that the task before them was to fulfil the goals of jihad, obedience to leadership, and strict enforcement of shari'a. Dari-Language Media Report Reveals Deepening Relations Between Iranian Intelligence Agencies And Afghan Taliban Aimed At Sunni Terror Group Jaish Al-Adl On May 28, 2025, a Dari-language media report revealed deepening cooperation between the intelligence agencies of the Afghan Taliban and Iran aimed at countering Jaish Al-Adl, a jihadi terror group active against Iranian security forces, especially in the Sistan Wa Balochistan province of Iran, but has operational bases in western Afghanistan. Eid Al-Adha Message Of Ansar Al-Furqan Leader Amir Hamza Baloch: 'We Hope That Next Year, The Clerical Dictatorship [In Tehran] Will Also Cease To Exist' On June 7, 2025, the official Telegram channel of an Iranian jihadi organization released a message from the group's emir Amir Hamza Baloch, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, which in 2025 happened on June 7-9, in which he said that jihad against the theocratic regime in Tehran has reached its peak and would overthrow the Iranian regime by next year.
Memri
a day ago
- Politics
- Memri
Hizbullah Secretary-General Naim Qassim: 'We In Hizbullah Will Not Remain Neutral In The War Against Iran'
The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here. On June 19, 2025, in a statement, Sheikh Naim Qassim, Secretary-General of Hizbullah, denounced the "Israeli-American aggression" against Iran, framing it as an attack on global resistance and freedom.[1] 'Beacon Of Resistance And Independence' Qassim portrayed Iran as a global symbol of support for the oppressed and resistance movements, particularly in Palestine. He stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran represents a prominent global light in supporting the oppressed, backing the resistance, and providing full support for the liberation of Palestine and Al-Quds. It is a faith-based, ethical, and independent experience of dignity." He highlighted Iran's 46-year "resilience against aggression and blockades," crediting its gains to self-reliance and the leadership of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and noting Iran's role in "inspiring resistance" in Palestine, Lebanon, and beyond. Rejecting Pretexts For War On Iran Qassim dismissed the justification for the strikes on Iran's nuclear program as baseless, emphasizing Iran's peaceful nature and alignment with international law. "What is the flimsy pretext for the Israeli aggression, decided by America and supported by it and the world's tyrants? The pretext is uranium enrichment and its nuclear program for peaceful purposes, which Iran pursues to serve its people and their progress, a right guaranteed by international laws and the International Atomic Energy Agency." He argued that this program poses no threat but contributes to scientific advancement in Iran and in the region. "U.S.-Led Aggression Is Threat To Global Stability" The statement depicted the U.S. and Israeli actions as destabilizing, accusing the two countries of dragging the region into chaos. Qassim warned, "The U.S. threat against the Supreme Leader and Jurist, Imam Khamenei, and the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, is an aggression against all the peoples of the region and the free people of the world." He added that such actions "take the region into chaos and instability, and the world to open-ended crises," predicting failure and disgrace for the aggressors. Hizbullah's Solidarity With Iran Qassim affirmed Hizbullah's unwavering support for Iran, rejecting neutrality in the face of what he called global injustice. He stated: "We in Hizbullah and the Islamic Resistance are not neutral between Iran's legitimate rights and independence and the falsehood of America's aggression, along with the cancerous tumor Israel and the arrogant powers. We stand by Iran against this global injustice because we stand for our independence, the liberation of our land, and the freedom of our decisions and choices." He pledged to act as Hizbullah deems appropriate to counter the aggression. Call For Unified Resistance Urging global solidarity, Qassim called on free people, resistance fighters, and scholars to rally around Iran and its leadership. "We call on all free people, the oppressed, the resistance, scholars, and those with sound opinions to raise their voices loudly, display strength and courage, and support by rallying around the most honorable and noble leadership of Imam Khamenei (may his shadow endure), and with the brave and generous Iranian people." He stressed that unity is essential to thwart imperialist projects and to achieve the goals of resistance. 'Iran's Resilience and Israel's Failures' Qassim underscored Iran's unbreakable spirit and Israel's recent setbacks, citing the latter's reliance on U.S. support. "America and criminal Israel will not be able to subdue the Iranian people and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. This is a people that cannot be defeated, as proven by the days of past Israeli aggression, which showed the resilience of this people and their defiance of all pressures." "It also revealed Israel's failure and heavy losses, inflicted for the first time in 77 years since the occupation of Palestine," he said, reinforcing the need for continual support for Iran. The statement concluded with a Quranic verse, reinforcing Iran's steadfastness: "Those to whom the people said, 'Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But it only increased their faith, and they said, 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.'"
Memri
3 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Pro-Hizbullah Daily: U.S. Interests In Middle East To Become Tehran Target Bank If U.S. Intervenes In Israel-Iran War; Iran Has 'Surprises' To 'Embarrass Washington'
The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here. On June 18, 2025, while Arab and Western media increasingly debated whether the U.S. would join the Israel-Iran war to assist Israel, the pro-Hizbullah Lebanese Al-Akhbar daily published two wide-ranging articles that detail the threat posed by Iran to American forces in the Middle East. The articles also relate to harsh consequences they claim the U.S. will face on land and at sea, if it interferes in the fighting. One article reviews the deployment of American forces in the Middle East and suggests that these forces will become "a bank of strategic targets" for Iran, if the U.S. joins the war. A second article states that the Iranian missile arsenal comprises types of missiles that have yet to be revealed, and hints at additional "tactical surprises" in the hands of the Iranians which, according to Al-Akhbar, would "embarrass Washington."[1] The above illustrative photograph appeared with the first article referred to below. The following are the main points raised in the Al-Akhbar articles that appeared on June 18, 2025: One of the articles titled "Washington's Assets in the Region: Valuable Target Bank for Tehran," details the deployment of American forces in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa and states that the U.S. army has more than 50 bases in countries that are allies of the U.S., from the area of the Persian Gulf to Turkey and the Horn of Africa, including "an undeclared presence" of American forces on Israeli territory. The article provides the names of the bases, their locations, and the scope of the deployment of the forces stationed there. According to the article there are 2,500 American soldiers stationed at seven bases across Iraq; 1,500 in Syria, also stationed at seven bases; 2,000 stationed at one base in Turkey; 3,000 across four bases in Jordan; 3,000 across five bases in Saudi Arabia; 9,000 across three bases in Bahrain; 13,000 at one base in Qatar; 5,000 on three bases in the Emirates; and in Oman it says that there are 600 American soldiers stationed at six bases. These numbers don't include the soldiers on several aircraft carriers and destroyers that are already in the region or en route to the Middle East, as well as additional forces on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The article implies that the network of American bases in the Middle East "will become a bank of strategic targets for Iran." A second article titled "Iranian Surprises that Await the Americans: This is What Iran Has Up Its Sleeve" claims that the Iranian missile arsenal contains missiles of a range that has not yet been disclosed, as well as "tactical surprises which are likely to embarrass Washington." It lists the main types of missiles that Iran has, and among other things mentions that Iran has extended the range of its missiles and improved their accuracy so that they can hit a target with an accuracy of seven to 50 meters. The article also claims that Iran has enlarged its missiles' warheads to a weight of two tons, and improved their ability to maneuver and their resistance to the electronic warfare employed by the enemy. It further states that Iran has developed hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles with a range of up to 300 km., and various types of drones with a range of 2,000 km. The article states that Iran focused on developing missiles that will enable it to go to war with the U.S., to attack its bases, and to wear down its forces in the region. It claims that Iran has a large supply of long-range missiles to enable it to wage an open-ended war against Israel, and that to this end it built "missile cities" across the country that can store great quantities of missiles. According to the article, to date Iran has only revealed that it has missiles with a 2,000 km. range, although it is believed that it actually possesses missiles with a range of 4,000 km, whose existence it chose not to disclose so as not to arouse the concern of countries in Europe. The above photograph, published with the second article referred to in this report, shows the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on northern Israel. These articles in the Al-Akhbar daily follow similar reports published on June 17 by media outlets affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-backed militias in Iraq, which highlight the vulnerability of U.S. military bases in the Middle East to Iranian missile strikes,[2] and warn that American interference in the war against Iran will activate the regional axis of resistance and claim "a heavy price" from the U.S. in the Middle East and across the world.[3]
Memri
4 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Visit The New MEMRI Webpage Featuring The Latest Research On The Iran-Israel War
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 17, 2025 – The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has launched a new webpage dedicated to covering the Iran-Israel War, including reactions from around the Middle East as well as worldwide. new webpage presents, in one convenient place, all the latest MEMRI research about the ongoing conflict with statements from Iranian military leaders, reactions from jihadi groups and other relevant actors, and updated on-the-ground developments, and more. The research is from MEMRI's Iran Studies Project, MEMRI TV Project, Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM), and Lantos Archives on Antisemitism, and other projects. Since Israel first struck Iran in the early morning hours of June 13, nearly 50 translations, analysis pieces, and clips have been posted on the page, and more are being added constantly every day. The MEMRI Iran Studies Project, led by native-born Iranians, operates 24/7/365, monitoring, translating, and analyzing content from Iranian TV, social media, websites, blogs, online forums, and more. At the same time, the MEMRI Trending page is continuing to highlight the most important news and trends in the Middle East and beyond, with tailored content on a broad range of issues, such as the "Iran-Israel War" section that also links to the new webpage. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to MEMRI so that we can continue this vital work. ABOUT MEMRI Exploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends. Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish, and Hebrew. MEMRI – Middle East Media Research Institute: MEMRI TV – Jihad & Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) – Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL) – MEMRI Twitter: MEMRI YouTube: MEMRI Instagram: Contact Information: MEMRI media@ 202-955-9070
Memri
6 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
In First Since Start Of War With Iran, Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Claims Missile Attack On Israel In Coordination With Iran; Houthi Leader: Opportunity To Inflict 'Great Defeats' On Israel, To Renew
The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here. On June 15, 2025, for the first time since the start of the war between Israel and Iran which broke out on June 14, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel that it said was coordinated with operations carried out by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, against Israel. Houthi military spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yahya Sare'e urged the Arab and Islamic countries to join the jihad against Israel, while Houthi leader, Abd Al-Malik Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi said that the current confrontation with Iran necessitates the renewal of "the equation of deterrence" against Israel, and provides an opportunity to inflict "great defeats" on the enemy. Also notable are remarks by additional senior Houthi officials which have described the Israeli attack as a strategic error and a potential turning point in the struggle between Israel and the axis of resistance.[1] In a statement posted on June 15, 2025, on his social media accounts in both Arabic and in English, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sare'e claimed responsibility for firing several "Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missiles" at "sensitive targets of the Israeli enemy in the area of occupied Yaffa [Jaffa]." Sare'e wrote that the missiles were launched at different times during the previous 24 hours and in coordination with operations carried out by the IRGC and the Iranian army against Israel. He praised Iran for its "firm" stance against Israel and for the blows it was dealing to it and declared that the Houthi forces would continue to assist the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip until the end of the Israeli "aggression" against them and the lifting of the siege it has imposed on them. In his statement Sare'e addressed all the Arab and Islamic states and peoples and declared: "Jihad is one of the gates of Paradise, opened by Allah for His distinctive servants. Take the initiative to stop the Israeli crimes against your people in Gaza, for what befalls them today will befall you tomorrow."[2] It should be noted that on June 10, 2025, Sare'e claimed responsibility for the launch of two ballistic missiles, one of them "hypersonic" at the Ben Gurion International Airport in central Israel.[3] On June 14, 2025, Houthi leader Al-Houthi delivered a pre-recorded, approximately 90-minute speech to mark the Day of Wilayah, which according to Shi'ite tradition is the anniversary of the day that the Prophet Muhammad appointed Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. In his speech, Al-Houthi stated that the Israeli attack on Iran is part of "a Western attack" against the Islamic Republic which is perceived by the West as "an independent model that supports the Palestinian issue." He further contended that the Israeli "aggression" against Iran endangers the entire region, and so an Iranian victory is in the interest of all the countries in the area, firstly the Arab countries, due to the direct threat Israel poses to them. He called on the Arab and Islamic regimes to hold fast to their resistance to this aggression, not to surrender to "the dictates of the U.S. and the West" and to renew "the equation of deterrence" against Israel. He declared that the current confrontation is "an opportunity to inflict great defeats on the enemy… and to refurbish the image of Iran and the entire Islamic nation in the face of the arrogance and the crimes of the Israeli enemy." Al-Houthi also asserted that the Houthis are partners to the Iranian position "with all their capabilities," and will continue "their limitless war" against Israel, "in the framework of their jihadi mission for the sake of Allah."[4]
