Kremlin’s Next Moves: Decapitation, ‘De-NATO-fication,’ Regime Change

Analysis of Kremlin’s reactions to Crocus terror attack. Escalations will include decapitation strikes against GUR and SBU targets, but Zelensky is safe—for now. Strikes against NATO assets and the 12 CIA centers in Ukraine are likely. But strategy of the Russian Army and Kremlin—advancing to the Dnieper and regime change in Kiev—will not change.

Iran-Yemen SITREP

Three distinct but related reports of note from today. (1) US engaged in indirect talks with Iran through Omani mediator: (1) talks were on curbing Iran’s expanding nuclear program; (2) and US asked Iran to throttle Ansarallah’s activities; and (3) Ansarallah tested a hypersonic missile. The reports indicate that major escalation is likely in Red Sea/Gulf of Aden.

‘Coalition of the Sanctioned’: Iran–Russia–China ‘Tripartite Alliance’ (Part 1)

Essay evaluates the maturing ‘Tripartite Alliance’—Russia, China, Iran—at the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine War, which fused the Alliance. Anger at U.S. and NATO transformed hitherto wary allies into partners. Part 1, background; Part 2, cooperation—with emphasis on Iran-Russia military and intelligence exchanges. How will the Iran-Russia military relationship impact on U.S. and Israel?

Lebanon-Syria-Hezbollah SITREP

Iran is supplying its Khordad-15 air defense system to the Syrian and Lebanese armies. Since October 2023, Iranian cargo aircraft have been using Russia airbases in Syria. A report claims that Hezbollah sends its older weapons to Russia for the Ukraine War; while advanced Iranian weaponry is safely delivered to Hezbollah through Russian airbases in Syria.