Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Weekly: June 14-21, 2025
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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 Archive.Org
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.
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China-Russia Cooperation In Confronting The West Increased Significantly Even during U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign, China and U.S. experts speculated about his desire to sever close ties between Russia and Beijing. Trump's China and Russia policies are often compared to a "reverse Kissinger" or "reverse Nixon." This means an attempt to reverse the strategy used by Henry Kissinger during Richard Nixon's presidency — that is, a strategy of rapprochement with China to counter the Soviet Union. In Trump's case, it is a potential rapprochement with Russia to counter China. However, unlike in mathematics, where rearranging the terms does not change the sum, in geopolitics, such changes can have dramatic consequences. The historical parallels between today's China and the Soviet Union of the 1970s that supporters of Trump's policies cite are only partially true. The main problem with this analogy is that it ignores the significant differences between the two countries and their international positions. The Soviet Union of the 1970s, despite its ideological status, already had internal contradictions and economic problems, which made it vulnerable to strategic maneuvers. Modern China, on the contrary, demonstrates significant economic power and a rapidly developing technological sector, making it more resilient and less predictable in its actions than the USSR in the 1970s. The success of Nixon and Kissinger lay in their ability to exploit the discord between China and the Soviet Union that arose after the split in the communist movement. They were able to offer China an advantageous alliance against a common enemy, relying on existing frictions. In the case of Trump, the situation is much more complicated. Despite the existence of contradictions between Russia and China in certain areas, their cooperation in confronting the West has increased significantly. This is due to the coincidence of strategic interests in weakening the influence of the United States and NATO. Therefore, simply "switching" partners, as Trump tried to do, does not take into account the deep geopolitical nuances. Moreover, Donald Trump's policy faced internal opposition. In the Republican Party, despite growing anti-Chinese sentiment, there were other points of view on relations with Russia and China. There was a fear that rapprochement with Russia, especially given its authoritarian regime and history of interference in the internal affairs of other countries, could be too costly in the long term and harm the interests of the United States. There is another fork in the road. According to Sinologists, a bipartisan consensus has emerged in the United States that Beijing and Russia need to be cut off from becoming global leaders of the 21st century. Supporters of this argument are most likely not very wrong. America's strength is that in addition to high technology, the size of its economy, the power of its army, and the presence of a large number of friends and allies, people are friends with America not so much out of coercion or forced position, but because of common interests and values. Until recently, China, for example, did not have such allies, although a military alliance with North Korea was formally looming. February 2022 gave China the opportunity to strengthen foreign policy alliances, and such that you do not have to go far. Russia is right next door. And if Moscow suddenly decides to become a pro-Western country, a country that supports American policy towards China, China will find itself in a strategic encirclement. Therefore, completely abandoning support for Russia becomes completely unacceptable for China. On the other hand, realizing that sooner or later relations with the West will tend toward confrontation, China values Europe and the United States as a valuable resource, and if a conflict is inevitable, then China has the power to delay this conflict as much as possible in time, using those years when relations are deteriorating, but not deteriorating rapidly. During this time, the West can gain access to global markets, investments, and to the global financial system as a whole, so it is not advantageous for China to violate the red lines that the U.S. has voiced regarding the Ukrainian crisis. And the situation is much more complicated than simply "crossing red lines." China Acts Exclusively In Its Own Interests Over the past two years, China has demonstrated a certain delicacy in balancing on the edge. Despite the Western establishment's claims about the supply of components for Russian weapons, it is important to note several key nuances. First, many of these Chinese suppliers are already under U.S. sanctions. Second, trade is conducted primarily in the yuan, bypassing dollar transactions, which makes it less vulnerable to Western pressure. Third, payments and deliveries are made across the land border, which makes it much more difficult for the West to control and suppress these supplies. In fact, China uses the "gray zones" of international sanctions, getting as close as possible to the "red lines" without openly crossing them. Balancing this, China is actively developing economic relations with Russia, ignoring Western sanctions where possible. Trade turnover between Beijing and Moscow over the past year reached a whopping $240 billion, showing an increase of 35 percent compared to 2022. At the same time, a huge part of these transactions (90 percent) are carried out in rubles and yuan, minimizing dependence on the U.S. dollar and the euro. The predominance of the yuan (70 percent) in these settlements indicates China's desire to strengthen its currency and reduce the influence of Western financial systems. But Russia's dependence on China, at least in economic terms, is colossal. China provides about 30 percent of Russia's exports and 40 percent of imports, including the military sphere. If China stopped its cooperation with Russia, this would cause extremely serious damage to the Russian economy, calling into question Russia's ability to continue military action in Ukraine. All of the above are key factors that make the West fear a complete turn from China towards Russia. Yes, China plays a key role in supporting Moscow, but at the same time it acts exclusively in its own interests. It cunningly and evasively profits from the current situation, reducing dependence on the West. Attempts by Western lobbyists to force China to exert greater pressure on Russia have not yet been successful and I believe this will not happen. The integration of the Chinese way of life in Russian cities alone is worth something, integration as a tribute to support from Beijing (from the introduction of compulsory Chinese language in schools to everyday needs and currency). The West does not offer China sufficiently advantageous alternatives. Beijing, counting on a long-term resource, has already found fertile ground by settling on Russian territory and this strategy is bringing it real results. A Weather Phenomenon From the very beginning of the Russian special operation in Ukraine, everything that turned out to be advantageous for China, as well as everything that turned out to be disadvantageous for it, happened essentially without its active participation. The statement about a comprehensive partnership without restrictions (probably made for beautiful headlines) became fateful. At the turn of 2025, everything that is happening is perceived by China as a weather phenomenon to which it is necessary to adapt while sitting on that very "Great Chinese Wall." And they are succeeding so far. On the one hand, China has received a Russia that is much more dependent on it, and has received more opportunities to reduce the costs of resources that it receives from Russia. Plus, China got the U.S., which is stuck in resolving several conflicts, but has slightly less strength to confront China. On the other hand, along with this, China got an economic crisis, global inflation, and increased chaos in the world while it is already difficult to predict anything and plan some strategy. Nevertheless, for China, turbulence in the world, outside of Beijing, is nothing more than "weather" that you can neither like or dislike: You must adapt to it. Well, for Russia, Beijing is that very umbrella in that very "bad weather" – an umbrella under which you can hide which is strong enough for now. *Elvira Vikhareva is a renowned Russian opposition politician based in Russia. In 2023, she was poisoned with heavy metal salts.
Rudaw Net
4 hours ago
- Rudaw Net
Who is behind recent rocket, drone attacks in Kurdistan Region, disputed territories?
Also in Iraq Car accident kills four in Diyala province Turkey approves increased water flow to aid Iraq amid growing crisis Unfinished Stories: End of Mesopotamia Iraq urges Turkey to increase water flow amid severe crisis A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran-aligned groups have denied involvement in recent rocket and drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region and territories disputed between Baghdad and Erbil. Several of their leaders and affiliated politicians have publicly denied any involvement, blaming either Islamic State (ISIS) remnants or political scapegoating ahead of Iraq's November elections. A string of unclaimed drone and rocket attacks have hit the Kurdistan Region and several disputed territories between Erbil and Baghdad since the start of the week, with no group claiming responsibility. The incidents come amid heightened tensions and diminished air defense capabilities following the Iran-Israel conflict in June, which left much of Iraq's radar infrastructure inoperable. A source from Iraq's defense ministry told Rudaw on condition of anonymity that the radar systems remain severely compromised. 'Out of three radars, two have been taken out of service during the Iran-Israel war. One was in Baghdad and the other in Nasiriyah. Now, only the western sector radar is working, and that's not enough to track these objects,' the source said. Intelligence units in the Defense Ministry and other security agencies have launched investigations, but the source warned that the lack of functioning radar is delaying tracking and response efforts. The renewed drone activity follows a US-brokered ceasefire that ended a 12-day war between Iran and Israel. During the conflict, numerous drones and missiles flew through Iraqi airspace, including the Kurdistan Region, where several drones fell or were intercepted, and a renewed series of similar incidents began again on Sunday. Recent drone and rocket attacks On Tuesday, two explosive-laden drones were intercepted over Sulaimani province, with one crashing in the Tasluja area. No casualties were reported, according to local officials. That same day, a drone struck the Darkar camp housing displaced Yazidis about 36 kilometers northwest of Duhok. The Kurdistan Region's Directorate General of Counter Terrorism (CTD) said the drone was laden with explosives and caused material damage. Civil defense teams from Zakho reported that three cabins at the camp caught fire as a result of the crash. No injuries were reported. In Kirkuk, Governor Rebwar Taha said three Katyusha rockets struck the city overnight. One hit a residential home, while two others landed between the civilian and military zones of Kirkuk International Airport. No fatalities were reported. In Salahaddin province, three people were injured on Sunday when an explosion hit the Baiji oil refinery. While some media outlets claimed the site was targeted by 12 drones, Saif Muhannad, head of the Salahaddin provincial council's media office, said only two drones were confirmed, and there is no evidence of a coordinated 12-drone attack. 'This isn't the first time the base has been targeted, but there are some armed groups that are dominant in that area,' he said. Militia groups deny involvement, blame ISIS Mahdi al-Kaabi, a political committee member of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, an Iran-aligned Iraqi militia group, denied responsibility for the recent attacks. 'We, as the Nujaba movement, are not participating in any way in these recent attacks carried out with missiles and drones,' he told Rudaw, adding that there is coordination between the resistance groups and the Iraqi government to prevent military escalations. Kaabi suggested the accusations against militias are politically motivated. 'Pointing fingers at us and other resistance front groups is somewhat related to the approaching elections,' he said, referring to Iraq's upcoming parliamentary vote set for November. Mohammed al-Bayati, a senior Badr Organization official in Kirkuk, also denied involvement. 'Never do the Popular Mobilization Forces [PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi] and Badr attempt to carry out attacks in that manner, especially at this sensitive time,' he said, suggesting that ISIS militants, who remain active in some regions, may be behind the attacks. ISIS, which seized large parts of Iraq in 2014 before being territorially defeated in 2017, continues to carry out hit-and-run attacks from remote mountain and desert areas. In Diyala, Turki al-Attabi, a member of the provincial council, said that no evidence has emerged linking the government-affiliated and Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to any of the drone or rocket attacks. 'If any necessary evidence is obtained, we will inform the public,' he said. Malik Mohammed contributed to this report.
