Podcasts about Iranians

China's Volt Typhoon snoops into US infrastructure, with special attention paid to Guam. Iranian cybercriminals are seen conducting ops against Israeli targets. A new ransomware gang uses recycled ransomware. A persistent Brazilian campaign targets Portuguese financial institutions. A new botnet targets the gaming industry. Phishing attempts impersonate OpenAI. Pro-Russian geolocation graffiti. Andrea Little Limbago from Interos addresses the policy implications of ChatGPT. Our guest is Jon Check from Raytheon Intelligence & Space, on cybersecurity and workforce strategy for the space community. And KillNet says no to slacker hackers. For links to all of today's stories check out our CyberWire daily news briefing: https://thecyberwire.com/newsletters/daily-briefing/12/101 Selected reading. People's Republic of China State-Sponsored Cyber Actor Living off the Land to Evade Detection (Joint Advisory) Volt Typhoon targets US critical infrastructure with living-off-the-land techniques (Microsoft) Chinese hackers spying on US critical infrastructure, Western intelligence says (Reuters) Agrius Deploys Moneybird in Targeted Attacks Against Israeli Organizations (Check Point) Iran-linked hackers Agrius deploying new ransomware against Israeli orgs (The Record) Iranian Hackers Set Sights On Israeli Shipping & Logistics Firms (Information Security Buzz) Fata Morgana: Watering hole attack on shipping and logistics websites (ClearSky Security) Iran suspect in cyberattack targeting Israeli shipping, financial firms (Al-Monitor) Buhti: New Ransomware Operation Relies on Repurposed Payloads (Symantec) Operation Magalenha | Long-Running Campaign Pursues Portuguese Credentials and PII (SentinelOne) The Dark Frost Enigma: An Unexpectedly Prevalent Botnet Author Profile (Akamai) Fresh Phish: ChatGPT Impersonation Fuels a Clever Phishing Scam (INKY)

DJ Dropdead takes a bizarre ride to the far side with spiritual jazz by Michael White, Iranian grooves by Sattar and a heavy dose of the L.A. beat scene from Dibia$e, Jillesque, Knxwledge and Elusive. Plus cosmic lovin' from The Diddys, filthy flips from DJ Goce and Deejay Irie, savage mic work from Bad Seed and James Brown lighting the funk fuse at the Apollo. View the full playlist for this show at https://www.wefunkradio.com/show/1161 Enjoying WEFUNK? Listen to all of our mixes at https://www.wefunkradio.com/shows/

A feature interview with Iranian virtuoso violinist, musician, composer, songwriter, and singer Bijan Mortazavi live in the Roqe Studio. Jian has an in depth and unfiltered 90 minute exchange with Bijan about his musical journey, rise to fame, migration from Iran, and so much more. Plus, Pegah and Jian are joined by Super P and Savvy Roham for the Roqe Roundup where Jian calls out Super P for her lack of “tarof” skills and the team discusses the latest news in Iran including the devastating prospect of more unjust executions, and the latest from the Iranian diaspora.

Today's episode is from our friends over at The Sporkful. Zahra Tabatabai's parents grew up in an Iran that would be unrecognizable today. “The pictures I see of my family in Iran in the sixties and seventies, they're in bikinis at the beach, drinking beer,” she says. Now, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women are legally required to wear hijabs and alcohol is banned. A few years ago, Zahra became interested in the long history of beer brewing in Iran — a tradition that included her own grandfather. She began brewing her own beer, experimenting with traditional Iranian ingredients like sumac, black lime, and barberries. Now she's using her company, Back Home Beer, to change the narrative about Iranian people and culture. And one day, she hopes to bring her beer to Iran without fear. Nowruz Mobarak!The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Nora Ritchie, Tracey Samuelson, and Jared O'Connell.

On today's episode, Dennis speaks with former NAVY Seal Officer and best-selling author, Jack Carr. Jack Carr led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper, to a junior officer leading assault and sniper teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a platoon commander practicing counterinsurgency in the southern Philippines, to commanding a Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces.Today, Dennis and Chris discuss his law enforcement career, how he transitioned into the FBI, the importance of communication and how to master negotiation, how to employ communication out in the streets and why it is so important in everyday life. Today, Dennis and Jack discuss his time getting into the SEAL teams, his passion for writing and how he transitioned out of the SEAL teams, his writing process, the importance of adapting and his time working with Chris Pratt on The Terminal List. Purchase Jack Carr's new book "Only The Dead" here: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/ If you like what you are hearing and want to stay in the loop with the latest in Street Cop Training, please follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StreetCopTraining Don't forget to subscribe and rate the podcast, it truly helps! Sign up for classes here: https://streetcoptraining.com/course-list/Follow our podcast here: https://streetcoptraining.com/street-cop-podcast/    or    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-cop-podcast/id1538474515

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MASTYORASTY and get on your way to being your best self. -------------------------Sayeh Sohrabi is a prominent Iranian painter based in Belgium. She was previously a guest of the show on episode 86 where she openly shared her personal journey and harrowing story of sexual abuse and the aftermath of being shunned by her own family. Sayeh comes back stronger than ever to inspire our minds and fill our hearts with love.***Masty o Rasty is not responsible for, or condone, the views and opinions expressed by our guests ******مستی و راستی هیچگونه مسولیتی در برابر نظرها و عقاید مهمان‌های برنامه ندارد.***-------------------------King Raam Tour:Zurich - Mary 20London - May 28Toronto - June 23Montreal - June 24Vancouver - July 1kingraam.com/tour-------------------------Social Media: @kingraam Voice Messages: www.t.me/mastyorasty Merch: www.kingraam.com/merch NFT: www.foundation.app/kingraam Donations: paypal.me/raamemami Venmo: @kingraam

Jack is a former Navy SEAL who led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander, and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare, he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper all the way to commanding a Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian-influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces. Jack retired from active duty in 2016 and lives with his wife and three children in Park City, Utah. He is the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil's Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead, his most recent novel available now wherever books are sold.Jack returns to the podcast to catch up with Fred Burton to discuss:Where his latest novel, Only the Dead, fits into the James Reece series and why it is hailed as his finest work yetQuestions from the audience ranging from how he approaches writing to the future of his series The best advice he's received in his writing career

Dr. Noshene Ranjbar joins us again. In this episode, Dr. Ranjbar draws on parallels between current events in Iran and her work with providing mental health care for Native Americans in the United States. We explore how a field, such as psychiatry, can meet a community's needs while also providing adequate care for those that need it. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Noshene Ranjbar, MD, Yasmine Dakhama, MS4 References: Learn more about the Farsi-speaking Empowerment and Trauma Relief Program for Iranians: https://cmbm.org/our-work/farsi-speaking-scholarships/ Learn more about Dr. Ranjbar's recent work: Ranjbar, MD. Noshene E., MD. Matt Erb, MD. Julie Mari Tomkins, MD. Krishna Taneja, and MD. Amelia Villagomez, Implementing a Mind-Body Skills Group in Psychiatric Residency Training, 2021. Ranjbar, N., M. Erb, O. Mohammad, and F. A. Moreno, "Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Humility in the Mental Health Care of People From Minoritized Communities.", Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ), vol. 18, issue 1, pp. 8-15, 2020 Jan. PMCID: PMC7011220 PMID:

Episode 267: On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants attacked the US embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 diplomats and staff members hostage. Remarkably, six diplomats managed to slip away unnoticed. These individuals were Robert Anders, Cora Lijek, Mark Lijek, Joseph Stafford, Kathleen Stafford, and Lee Schatz. Schatz sought refuge at the Swedish embassy, while the others went to the British embassy. However, upon nearing the embassy, they encountered a large crowd of protestors obstructing their path. Consequently, they decided to take shelter at Anders' residence and devise their next steps. After six harrowing days, the six American diplomats sought refuge at the Canadian embassy.  The Canadian Ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor, and his team provided shelter to the American diplomats and false Canadian passports. The Canadian government played a critical role in the mission to rescue them. The then-Canadian Prime Minister, Joe Clark, approved the operation and fully supported Ambassador Taylor and his team.  The rescue mission, known as the “Canadian Caper,” involved the creation of a fake movie production company called “Studio Six” and the production of a fake science fiction film called “Argo.” The Canadian embassy staff, along with the American diplomats, managed to escape from Iran using a combination of air travel and ground transportation. They were safely evacuated from Iran on January 28, 1980. The role played by Canada in the hostage crisis was highly appreciated by the US government and earned Canada international recognition for helping resolve the crisis. Sources: How the Shah's Cancer May Have Changed History The Iranian Revolution — A timeline of events Ken Taylor and the Canadian Caper Our Man In Tehran by Robert Wright — Ebook | Scribd The Canadian Caper — Pelletier, Jean | Internet Archive Ken Taylor and the “Canadian Caper” | The Canadian Encyclopedia Canada history: Jan 27, 1980 — The famous “Canadian Caper” rescue – RCI | English What you won't see in Argo — Macleans.ca Argo, F**k Yourself: Iran and the Oscars – The Diplomat ‘We lost a true hero': Ken Taylor, 1934-2015 - Macleans.ca Tony Mendez, former CIA officer and inspiration for ‘Argo,' dies at 78 - National | Globalnews.ca Ken Taylor satisfied with Affleck's shoutout to Canada during Oscar speech | Globalnews.ca Canada and Iran U.S. Relations With Iran - United States Department of State Iran - The CIA World Factbook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Masih Alinejad, Iranian American journalist, women's rights campaigner and a Time Woman of the Year 2023, is an outspoken critic of the Iranian government. She joins Anita to talk about her fight for women's rights in Iran. ‘Just Saying' is a memoir by the bestselling author Malorie Blackman, former Children's Laureate, best known for her Noughts & Crosses series for young adults. Malorie received eighty-two rejection letters before she finally found a publisher. Seventy published books later it is no exaggeration to say that Malorie Blackman has changed the face of British literature forever. Malorie joins Nuala to discuss her life and works. 650 years ago a woman we only know as Julian of Norwich produced a book which challenged the ideas of the time about sin and suffering. It presented a radical vision of love and hope that “All Shall Be Well and All Shall Be Well and All Manner of Things Shall be Well”. We hear from a listener, Sophie, about the words that she turns to for motivation and encouragement. Blended families are created for all sorts of reasons. Because of break-ups or the death of a parent, through fostering or adoption. Kate Ferdinand, previously Kate Wright of The Only Way is Essex fame, married the former footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2019, four years after his first wife Rebecca and mother of their three children, had died. As a new step mum she struggled partly because she felt very alone and that no-one understood what she was going through. But there was also very little out there to help someone in her situation – the step-parenting parts of books and websites were tiny, she says. Kate has now written her own book - How to Build a Family. She joins Anita to discuss her experiences. Most of us are familiar with the story of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis with her family, in Amsterdam during the Second World War. You are probably less familiar with the name of the woman who agreed to keep them safe in those secret attic rooms. Miep Gies was Otto's secretary, and when they were eventually located and sent to their deaths, it was Miep who found Anne's diary and kept it. A new TV series tells the whole story from Miep's perspective, and she is played by the British actor Bel Powley. Bel joins Nuala to talk about playing an ordinary woman who displayed extraordinary courage. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Hanna Ward

Dr. Hormoz Shariat joins Myles to discuss the rapid growth of faith in Iran. Hear the story of a self-described “nerd” [PhD. in Artificial Intelligence] whose life was transformed by the Gospel. You will be challenged and encouraged as you listen to the price being paid by the Iranian people as they courageously reach for truth and love, found in Yeshua Ha Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah.Topics include:The inseparable history and future of Persia [modern Iran] and IsraelCurrent state of evangelizing and discipleshipIranian government's crackdown on people of faithWays to build God's kingdom in IranOn the Web:www.IranAlive.org For their resources and to support the ministryOr Text the word IRAN to 85789 to download resourcesSupport the show

Masih Alinejad, Iranian American journalist, women's rights campaigner and a Time Woman of the Year 2023, is an outspoken critic of the Iranian government. She joins Anita to talk about her fight for women's rights in Iran. The winners of Race Across The World on BBC1, where travellers made it to a destination, choosing any route they liked, but with no flights or phones allowed. For this third series, those involved travelled from West to East Canada. Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail celebrate their triumph. For the first time, Interpol have released a list seeking information about 22 unidentified murdered women, whose names are a mystery. Anita is joined by BBC journalist Alice Cuddy to explain why this is happening, and forensic scientist Carina Van Leeuwen who is passionate about giving these women a name. Rosie and Chris Ramsey, top podcast couple, join Anita to talk about the perils of producing a podcast when you're married with children and you're airing your dirty laundry in public for laughs, and their remarkable success including a new BBC1 series, 'The Chris and Rosie Ramsey Show'. Presenter: Anita Rani Studio manager: Duncan Hannant

In a special breaking news edition, Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich, director of AJC Jerusalem, joins us to break down Israel's Operation Shield and Arrow and the threat posed by the Iranian-backed terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which has fired over 500 rockets towards Israel since Tuesday. Leibovich also provides an update on how Israelis are coping with the latest escalation and efforts being made towards a ceasefire.  *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  ___ Episode Lineup:  (0:40) Avital Leibovich ___ Show Notes: Take action: Urge Congress to Stand with Israel Against Terrorism Read: What to Know About the Gaza Strip, Terrorist Rocket Attacks, and More 5 Things You Need to Know About Israel's Iron Dome Defense System and Those Who Voted Against It Listen: Israel at 75: 7 Things You Should Know About Israel: Listen to these seven episodes of AJC's People of the Pod featuring leading Israeli and American scholars, experts, and influencers that will help you learn more about the complexities, triumphs, and challenges facing Israel today. AJC CEO Ted Deutch on the Importance of Jewish American Heritage Month: This May, AJC is proud to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and the countless contributions that Jewish Americans have made as patriotic citizens, creative artists, brilliant scientists, and star athletes. To kick things off, we're joined by AJC CEO Ted Deutch to hear his reflections on his first several months at AJC, what he's looking forward to at AJC Global Forum 2023 in Tel Aviv, and how he's marking Jewish American Heritage Month. Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us. __ Transcript of Interview with Avital Leibovich Manya Brachear Pashman:  Welcome to a special breaking news edition of People of the Pod to bring our listeners up to date on what's going on in Israel. Joining me is Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovich, Director of AJC Jerusalem. Avital, welcome, and I hope you are safe. But how are you doing? Tell me. Avital Leibovich:   Thank you. It's an opportunity for me to be here with you today and to share from the ground our experiences here in Israel. This is already the third day of the operation. There's tension in the air, but I think that our resilience as Israelis is quite strong. And I'm sure we will overcome this situation as we have in the past. Manya Brachear Pashman: So what is going on there–who is firing the rockets that are now falling on Israel? Avital Leibovich:    So the operation is directed towards the Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Islamic Jihad in Gaza is the smaller of two terror groups in Gaza. It's backed and funded and directed by Iran. And its charter is pretty clear, I would say. Basically, the organization believes that Israel has no right to exist. And in order to make sure that we will not exist, Iran is funding its military capabilities. They have managed to build an arsenal of rockets, of mortars, of drones. They have managed to train soldiers, militants in order to conduct anti-Israeli operations.  And Israel decided to initiate an operation, following two events. The first event was a week ago, where over 100 rockets were fired by this organization, the Islamic Jihad, within 24 hours, towards Israel. And the second event actually took place on Pesach, on Passover, in which 34 rockets were fired from Lebanon within 10 minutes by factions of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Lebanon. So this was an opportunity to make sure that Israel is preventing further escalation and basically defending its people. Manya Brachear Pashman: So where's Hamas in all of this? Avital Leibovich:    So Hamas has in the past, decided to actually sit quietly and not intervene. And this is common. We've seen this in the operation last year, we've seen this in the operation two years ago. And you may want to ask what the reason for Hamas sitting back and the reason is that Hamas has a lot to lose. Currently, Israel declared that it's only looking to target Islamic Jihad targets, namely not Hamas targets. And Hamas understands that if it will join the celebration of Islamic Jihad, then the price Hamas will pay will be very, very high, for one.  There are 18,000 Palestinian workers entering Israel from Gaza on a daily basis. These kinds of workers bringing salaries back home, actually move some sort of an economic cycle inside the Gaza Strip, and the shopping power is stronger and stronger by these workers. If Hamas will join the operation, then obviously, Israel will close the border and will not allow these workers to enter. And additionally, I'll remind our listeners that Hamas is still renovating Gaza from previous operations. So it would be quite serious from their perspective, to stop the renovation and then create further damage. Because as you know, Hamas and Islamic Jihads' arsenal of weapons are very much inside densely populated areas. Manya Brachear Pashman: So what are we seeing in terms of – is the Iron Dome doing its job of protecting Israelis? Avital Leibovich:    So I would say thank God for the Iron Dome, I would say thank God for the very strong and strategic partnership Israel has with the US, which is very highly valued here. The Iron Dome is basically saving their lives with a whopping success rate of 90%, the Israeli people know that there's something in the sky that will be able to protect them. There are thousands of people that have spent the last three days in shelters, their spirit is quite broken. Because sitting in a shelter, whether you're a four year old child or a 30 year old mum, and hearing constantly sounds of explosions and jets flying in the air, this is not a normal kind of atmosphere.  Manya Brachear Pashman: By the time this airs, perhaps a ceasefire will be reached, wouldn't that be a blessing? Are you optimistic that that will happen? Avital Leibovich:   You know, living in the Middle East, you have to be optimistic in routine times, in emergency times. Talks of a ceasefire began yesterday. But we have to keep in mind that there is a lot of fake news, a lot of false publications. And I don't see an end to the current situation, the next couple of hours, maybe in another 24 to 48 hours. And I'm just getting a report that there was a direct hit of a building in Rehovot, which is a city maybe half an hour from here, half an hour from Tel Aviv. So we're not there quite yet. I do want to mention, in this context, Egypt's role. Media has put a focus on Saudi Arabia's role in the region. But we must not forget that Egypt is a strong partner. And this is the partner who actually mediates between Israel and the different terror groups in Gaza. They have an important role. Israel respects this role. And we should not forget this very, very significant actor in our region. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well Avital, thank you for that addendum and thank you for joining us. I really hope that you're able to stay safe and that we are talking about a ceasefire very soon. Avital Leibovich:   Thank you for the opportunity.   

In this episode, panellist Clare Francis discusses the interplay of poetry and protest in the Iranian state with Dr. Fatemeh Shams, an activist, award-winning poet, and Persian literary scholar. They explore the boundaries of art and activism in Iran, where successive regimes have historically sought to enforce strict limitations around acceptable versus unacceptable forms of activism. Protest movements challenge these boundaries in myriad creative ways, but they are at constant risk of co-option by the state. By examining the intersection of poetry and protest in Iran's women-led uprising – known globally by the catch cry ‘Woman, Life, Freedom' – Dr. Shams gives voice to both the challenges and the revolutionary potential of women's activism in Iran.

Ukraine successfully shoots down 35 of Russia's Iranian-made drones aimed at Kyiv.USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson recaps final arguments in the Trump-Carroll lawsuit.Mass shootings are on the rise in 2023.Biden to meet McCarthy on debt ceiling.Driver who killed 8 at Texas shelter is charged.Audio: Associated PressUSA TODAY'S Mass Killing Database available hereEpisode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Journalist Caroline Glick reacts to last week's news when Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Iran has stockpiled sufficient quantities of uranium enriched to 20% and 60% purity to build five nuclear bombs. In response to Iran's nuclear advances, the Biden administration again moved its redline for backing Israeli military operations against Iran's nuclear weapons.Is this a time to despair Iran's strengths, or can Israel take advantage of its strengths and Iran's weaknesses to defeat the Iranian regime?

Hundreds of security forces line Tehranpars Street, where protesters have gathered for weeks. Despite the heavy police presence, young people continue to gather and chant slogans every night.

Hundreds of security forces line Tehranpars Street, where protesters have gathered for weeks. Despite the heavy police presence, young people continue to gather and chant slogans every night.

In our news wrap Monday, a federal employee union is suing President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen over the debt limit, Russia launched more Iranian-made drones targeting Ukrainian cities, the death toll from a flood disaster in eastern Congo has passed 400 people and two men were hanged in Iran amid a surge of executions after anti-government protests. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A feature interview with popular Iranian singer, songwriter, performer and recording artist, Farnaz Maleki, known as Satin. Satin joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio for her first major interview in English and tells the story of fighting the odds to be a female singer inside Iran, her rise to fame and a massive global following for her catchy pop songs, her contribution to the soundtrack of the widely popular Shahrzad TV series, and her actual predilection for sad songs and mournful melodies. Plus, Jian begins the show with a brief but important note on the most recent executions taking place in Iran.

Born and raised in Tehran, Iran until immigrating to the US in adolescence, Dr. Noshene Ranjbar is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona. As a faculty member with The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM), she created a Farsi-speaking Empowerment and Trauma Relief Program, which mentors Farsi-speaking individuals in an evidence-based small group model of self-care and trauma/stress relief. In this episode we discuss recent events in Iran, its impact at the individual and community level and what role psychiatrists can play in helping address subsequent trauma. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Al Guest: Noshene Ranjbar, MD, Yasmine Dakhama, MS4 References: Learn more about the Farsi-speaking Empowerment and Trauma Relief Program for Iranians: https://cmbm.org/our-work/farsi-speaking-scholarships/ Learn more about Dr. Ranjbar's recent work: Ranjbar, MD. Noshene E., MD. Matt Erb, MD. Julie Mari Tomkins, MD. Krishna Taneja, and MD. Amelia Villagomez, Implementing a Mind-Body Skills Group in Psychiatric Residency Training, 2021. Ranjbar, N., M. Erb, O. Mohammad, and F. A. Moreno, "Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Humility in the Mental Health Care of People From Minoritized Communities.", Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ), vol. 18, issue 1, pp. 8-15, 2020 Jan. PMCID: PMC7011220 PMID:

Saudi Arabia's embassy in Iran has looked abandoned for years. It was stormed by Iranian protesters back in 2016, and it closed – an extreme low point in the two countries' relations. A dramatic breakthrough in March led to a landmark agreement to restore ties, brokered in China. Now, both countries' embassies are set to reopen, turning a page on seven frosty years. So what does restoring relations mean for these two powerful neighbors whose historically fractious relationship has defined the region – and, at times, the globe? In this episode:  Dorsa Jabbari (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera correspondent Aziz Alghashian (@AzizAlghashian), Fellow, Project SEPAD Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters with Ashish Malhotra and our host, Malika Bilal. Khaled Soltan fact-checked this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.  Alexandra Locke is The Take's executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

In our news wrap Monday, a federal employee union is suing President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen over the debt limit, Russia launched more Iranian-made drones targeting Ukrainian cities, the death toll from a flood disaster in eastern Congo has passed 400 people and two men were hanged in Iran amid a surge of executions after anti-government protests. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Iran is a country that is hated by the Western establishment. Probably more than China and Russia. It's been like that for years. Decades, even. Admittedly, I fell into the trap and I blame myself for not questioning the propaganda I was told by the media. Like many others, I blindly believed the narrative. Setareh Sadeqi is an Iranian independent journalist living in Iran and busted some myths about the country. Full show description Support my work View my sponsors Subscribe to my War Report

Journalist and editor of ‘Ukrainian Freedom News' Joseph Lindsley joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Bob Sirott, from Ukraine to deliver the latest news on the Ukraine-Russia War, including Russia’s upcoming military holiday and and escalation of drones and missiles sent to Ukraine. You can find more updates on Joseph's website, ukrainianfreedomnews.com. To donate to Joseph […]

Today we talk about the shooting that took place in Atlanta, the disconnect with banking mergers, and trade from Mexico, and the Iranians taking ships in the Persian GulfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 4/4:  "The Axis of Resistance." 4/4: Iran is More Than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran Hardcover –  by  Brenda Shaffer  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Iran-More-Than-Persia-Politics/dp/311079621X Iran is More than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran analyses Iranian politics from a unique perspective, one that focuses on the relations between the Persian-dominated Iranian state and the country's ethnic minorities. The book explores the stability of the ruling regime in light of the challenges that multiethnicity brings. Persians comprise less than half of the population of Iran and more than 40 percent of Iranians lack fluency in the Persian language. An overwhelming majority of non-Persian groups inhabit most of Iran's border regions; as such the book explores Iran's foreign policy toward neighboring states that share co-ethnic populations. Iran's ethnic minorities inhabit the state's poorest provinces and the country's growing environmental and water supply challenges hit the ethnic minority provinces harder than the Persian center, adding an ominous ethnic character to what are often presented as purely environmental or economic challenges. The book further examines the potential impact of ethnic based unrest in Khuzestan on Iran's oil production, Iran's main oil producing region. Drawing on a rich assortment of primary data and interviews, this book offers unparalled insights into ethnic politics in Iran. It will be of interest to upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates, researchers and professionals interested in the Middle East, international relations, and ethnic studies

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 3/4:  "The Axis of Resistance." 3/4: Iran is More Than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran Hardcover –  by  Brenda Shaffer  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Iran-More-Than-Persia-Politics/dp/311079621X Iran is More than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran analyses Iranian politics from a unique perspective, one that focuses on the relations between the Persian-dominated Iranian state and the country's ethnic minorities. The book explores the stability of the ruling regime in light of the challenges that multiethnicity brings. Persians comprise less than half of the population of Iran and more than 40 percent of Iranians lack fluency in the Persian language. An overwhelming majority of non-Persian groups inhabit most of Iran's border regions; as such the book explores Iran's foreign policy toward neighboring states that share co-ethnic populations. Iran's ethnic minorities inhabit the state's poorest provinces and the country's growing environmental and water supply challenges hit the ethnic minority provinces harder than the Persian center, adding an ominous ethnic character to what are often presented as purely environmental or economic challenges. The book further examines the potential impact of ethnic based unrest in Khuzestan on Iran's oil production, Iran's main oil producing region. Drawing on a rich assortment of primary data and interviews, this book offers unparalled insights into ethnic politics in Iran. It will be of interest to upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates, researchers and professionals interested in the Middle East, international relations, and ethnic studies

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 2/4:  "The Axis of Resistance." 2/4: Iran is More Than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran Hardcover –  by  Brenda Shaffer  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Iran-More-Than-Persia-Politics/dp/311079621X Iran is More than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran analyses Iranian politics from a unique perspective, one that focuses on the relations between the Persian-dominated Iranian state and the country's ethnic minorities. The book explores the stability of the ruling regime in light of the challenges that multiethnicity brings. Persians comprise less than half of the population of Iran and more than 40 percent of Iranians lack fluency in the Persian language. An overwhelming majority of non-Persian groups inhabit most of Iran's border regions; as such the book explores Iran's foreign policy toward neighboring states that share co-ethnic populations. Iran's ethnic minorities inhabit the state's poorest provinces and the country's growing environmental and water supply challenges hit the ethnic minority provinces harder than the Persian center, adding an ominous ethnic character to what are often presented as purely environmental or economic challenges. The book further examines the potential impact of ethnic based unrest in Khuzestan on Iran's oil production, Iran's main oil producing region. Drawing on a rich assortment of primary data and interviews, this book offers unparalled insights into ethnic politics in Iran. It will be of interest to upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates, researchers and professionals interested in the Middle East, international relations, and ethnic studies

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 1/4:  "The Axis of Resistance." 1/4: Iran is More Than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran Hardcover –  by  Brenda Shaffer  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Iran-More-Than-Persia-Politics/dp/311079621X Iran is More than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran analyses Iranian politics from a unique perspective, one that focuses on the relations between the Persian-dominated Iranian state and the country's ethnic minorities. The book explores the stability of the ruling regime in light of the challenges that multiethnicity brings. Persians comprise less than half of the population of Iran and more than 40 percent of Iranians lack fluency in the Persian language. An overwhelming majority of non-Persian groups inhabit most of Iran's border regions; as such the book explores Iran's foreign policy toward neighboring states that share co-ethnic populations. Iran's ethnic minorities inhabit the state's poorest provinces and the country's growing environmental and water supply challenges hit the ethnic minority provinces harder than the Persian center, adding an ominous ethnic character to what are often presented as purely environmental or economic challenges. The book further examines the potential impact of ethnic based unrest in Khuzestan on Iran's oil production, Iran's main oil producing region. Drawing on a rich assortment of primary data and interviews, this book offers unparalled insights into ethnic politics in Iran. It will be of interest to upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates, researchers and professionals interested in the Middle East, international relations, and ethnic studies

Andrew "FifthGod" Askaripour join us for Season 1 (2021) of Birdsong. Andrew is the host of the newly published podcast, Masters of Ceremony, where he focuses on the topics of Hip-Hop, Photography, Shamanism, Self-Development, Ancestral Wisdom, Health + Wellness, and more. Andrew, also known as Fifth, is born of Jamaican and Iranian descent, and he is a creative artist from Long Island, New York who sheds light on his experiences in the world through varying mediums of expression. He has a strong passion for photography, record production, cinematography, plant medicine ceremonies, ancient wisdom, and various spiritual practices, and he's all about documenting and creating genuine art that inspires others to walk a “Path of Remembrance” towards re-discovering their life's purpose and inner calling.   TIMESTAMPS:   [0:20] Caiyu tells a brief story about his connection with Andrew through drinking the plant medicine Huachuma [6:20] Caiyu and Andrew begin the conversation [6:54] Andrew opens up the space with a short prayer of gratitude [9:46] The theme of finding one's voice [11:26] Andrew's origin story beginning in Long Island, NY [15:13] Becoming entrenched within hip-hop, skateboarding and NY culture [21:30] Growing up on the Traditional American Diet [23:38] Andrew's 10 day fast as a catalyst for spiritual awakening [26:28] Exchanging Eastern philosophies for Shamanism and Earth-based cultures [27:09] Initiation into Ayahuasca + Huachuma in Ecuador [28:10] “When I was in ceremony, I felt like I returned home…” [29:33] The parallels between Andrew and Caiyu's journey [30:36] Exploring Hip-Hop with derogatory vs uplifting language [32:30] The essence of Hip-Hop [34:10] Many people are superficially exposed to Hip-Hop [34:33] The Golden Era of Hip-Hop: Music of education + a culture that transcends music [37:40] Trailing the similarities between Hip-Hop, Ceremony, Sacred Circles & Honouring the Sacred [37:57] The ancient symbology of the Sacred Circle [40:32] The original meaning of the “Cypher” in Hip-Hop context [41:30] “Hip-Hop exposed me to my first psychedelic experiences…” [43:57] The Sacred Plant Medicine Huachuma [46:52] Andrew's relationship to Huachuma [47:41] Initiations into the Andean traditions of working with San Pedro Cactus [49:20] “A sensation of feeling such a deep sense of ancient wisdom that there was no experience of time…” [55:03] Articulating an overarching difference between Ayahuasca + Huachuma [58:00] Finding one's voice during Huachuma ceremonies [1:01:01] Becoming a mouthpiece for other energies that can't speak in the same way humans do [1:03:29] Preparing for poetry [1:04:05] The number one thing most people fear aside from death… [1:05:40] An Offering to the East: A Poem by Andrew [1:07:57] Becoming a hollow bone for nature to speak through us [1:12:36] Everyone is a poet [1:15:25] Our words, prayers and offerings carry frequencies that have an affect on all of nature [1:15:40] Our words and poetry as an evolutionary life form [1:18:06] Learnings and teachings from being the host of a podcast [1:24:20] What is your mythopoetic title? (Andrew detailing his mission and message) [1:27:26] How do we know which voice is ours? [1:29:48] Letting go of the notion of possession [1:33:00] Pausing before speaking: the deep reservoirs of stillness [1:35:46] You must be patient with yourself [1:37:19] Presence precedes patience [1:38:53] Rapid fire questions [1:39:30] Balancing between how much to share and how much to keep private. [1:41:21] Bringing elements of the sacred into the digital world [1:42:20] What would you like to do more of that you're not currently doing? [1:43:13] Singing as a deep and sacred communion [1:45:57] Andrew's sacred morning water prayer [1:50:55] Closing up the conversation with a powerful and deep prayer: communing with our ancestors

In Iranian Literature After the Islamic Revolution: Production and Circulation in Iran and the World (Edinburgh UP, 2021), Dr. Laetitia Nanquette explores how Iranian literature has functioned and circulated from the 1979 revolution to the present. She looks at prose productions in particular, analyzing several genres and media. Taking Iran as a starting point, Nanquette explores the forms, structures and functions of Iranian literature within Iranian society. She then turns to the diaspora – with a focus on North America, Western Europe and Australia – and the world beyond Iranians to examine the current dynamics of literary production and circulation between Iranian diasporic spaces and the homeland. Laetitia Nanquette is Senior Lecturer in the School of the Arts and Media at the University of New South Wales. Between 2015 and 2019, she was an Australia Research Council DECRA Fellow at UNSW and worked on the project "A Global Comparative Study of Contemporary Iranian Literature". Connor Christensen is a graduate student at the University of Chicago, pursuing both an MPP at the Harris School of Public Policy and an MA at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. He welcomes collaboration, so feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or at his email, ctchristensen@uchicago.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Friday, May 5th, 2023. Watch out for the revenge of the 5th if you’re into that… or cinco de mayo, take your pick. https://tvpworld.com/69620835/us-navy-deployed-drag-queen-influencer-to-boost-youth-recruitment As part of a recruitment drive aimed at the country’s youth, the U.S. Navy deployed a "drag queen influencer" to assist in boosting lagging numbers in the military. In November of last year Joshua Kelley aka “Harpy Daniels”, who has over 1,300,000 likes on TikTok, revealed that he was to be the Navy’s ‘Digital Ambassador’. Whilst the U.S. Navy only recently revealed about approaching Kelley, the drag queen claims to have danced in drag in front of an audience of service officers on a number of occasions, even sharing one video from 2018 on his Instagram. Kelley was part of a Digital Ambassador initiative that lasted from October 2022 to March 2023, “designed to explore the digital environment to reach a wide range of potential candidates,” a Navy spokesperson told Fox News. The spokesperson also said that the Navy is navigating “the most challenging recruiting environment it has faced since the start of the all-volunteer force.” “The Navy did not compensate YN2 Kelley or any others for being Navy Digital Ambassadors. The pilot has concluded and we are now evaluating the program and how it will exist in the future," the spokesperson added. Regarding his role as Digital Ambassador, Kelley wrote on his Instagram page: “Thank you to the Navy for giving me this opportunity! I don't speak for the Navy but simply sharing my experience in the Navy! Hoorah, and let's go Slay!”. Not only the Navy but more broadly the U.S. military face big problems in convincing young people to join. Only 13 pct of 18-29-year-olds are “highly willing” to join the military, whilst 25 pct declared themselves “somewhat willing” and 26 pct are “not willing at all.” Gender ideology has become a hot topic in the Navy and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. In March, a group of House Democrats proposed legislation to prevent the Department of Defense from standing in the way of transgender people who want to serve in the military. Some critics have argued that the purpose of the U.S. military is to provide security for the country, not to be a tool for gender ideology politics. Whilst others have suggested that in an unstable world, where a lot of military strategy is played out through bravado, such as with military drills, it is perhaps surprising that the U.S. would do the opposite of striking fear into their enemies. It’s a good thing we have Joshua to scare off said enemies, which ties in nicely for this next story! https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-05-03/second-oil-tanker-in-a-week-seized-by-iran-in-gulf-u-s-navy Iran Seizes Second Oil Tanker in a Week in Gulf -U.S. Navy Iran seized a second oil tanker in a week on Wednesday in Gulf waters, and the U.S. State Department called for its release, in the latest escalation in a series of seizures or attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf waters since 2019. The Baa-rain-based Fifth Fleet of the U.S. Navy said the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) at 6:20 a.m. (0220 GMT) while passing through the Strait of Hor-mooz. In Iran's first response, Tehran's prosecutor announced the oil tanker was seized on a judicial order following a complaint by a plaintiff, the judiciary's Mizan news agency said. No further details were provided. The incident comes after Iran on Thursday seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman called the Advantage Sweet. That tanker is being held by Iranian authorities in Bandar Abbas, the Marshall Islands flag registry said on Tuesday. Maritime security firm Ambrey has said it believed the Advantage Sweet's seizure was in response to a recent seizure via a court order by the United States of an oil cargo aboard the Marshall Islands tanker Suez Rajan. The Niovi oil tanker seized on Wednesday had been travelling from Dubai toward the UAE's Fujairah port when it was forced by IRGCN boats to change course towards Iranian territorial waters, the Navy said. The Niovi last reported its position at 0231 GMT on Wednesday off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz with the UAE as its destination, Refinitiv ship tracking data showed. According to the International Maritime Organization shipping database,, the Niovi's owner is Grand Financing Co, and the ship is managed by Greece-based Smart Tankers, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vedant Patel, a deputy spokesperson at the U.S. State Department, told reporters the Biden administration and the "international community" call on Iran and its Navy to release the ships and their crews. "Iran's harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional and international waters are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional stability and security," Patel said. About a fifth of the world's crude oil and oil products passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point between Iran and Oman, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa. Since 2019, there have been a series of attacks on shipping in the strategic Gulf waters at times of tension between the United States and Iran. Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to revive Iran's 2015 nuclear pact with world powers have stalled since September over a range of issues, including the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown on popular protests, Tehran's sale of drones to Russia and acceleration of its nuclear program. https://justthenews.com/nation/crime/alleged-texas-killer-captured-following-manhunt Fugitive illegal alien accused of mass killing in Texas captured Authorities on Tuesday apprehended an individual suspected of killing five people in Cleveland, Texas, following a Friday evening altercation. Authorities arrested Francisco Oropesa without incident on Tuesday evening, NBC News reported, citing the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. His arrest marks an end to the manhunt that had baffled law enforcement for days. Authorities indicated earlier this week that they had "zero leads" as to his whereabouts. As of Monday, it was believed that Oropesa had slipped past a network of roadblocks in the Cleveland area, despite extensive efforts by law enforcement to contain him within a set perimeter. During the manhunt, reports emerged that the fugitive had been deported four times, twice in 2009, and again in 2012 and 2016. The manhunt ensued following Oropesa's alleged killing of five of his neighbors after reportedly being asked to stop shooting his firearm. Authorities indicated that four adults were found dead at the scene while one child died at the hospital later. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-05-03/gun-rights-advocates-renew-legal-fight-over-californias-10-day-wait-on-firearm-purchases Gun rights advocates renew legal fight over California’s 10-day wait for firearm buyers Renewing a legal battle that some had considered settled, gun rights advocates filed a federal lawsuit this week challenging a California law that places a 10-day waiting period on most firearm purchases. The law, which requires people to wait the prescribed “cooling off” period even if they’ve passed a more immediate background check, is aimed in part at deterring people from rushing to harm themselves or others with newly purchased weapons during periods of sudden distress or anger. Gun control advocates and state officials say the law reduces gun violence, including suicides, and the law has been upheld in the face of legal challenges before — including by the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2018 declined to hear an appeal to a lower court decision upholding it. However, things have changed since the high court ruled last year — in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs. Bruen — that restrictions on firearms violate the 2nd Amendment if they aren’t deeply rooted in the nation’s history or analogous to some historical rule. According to the San Diego gun owners and advocacy groups suing the state, the high court’s 2018 decision allowing the waiting period law to stand was “abrogated,” or undone, by its more recent Bruen decision, and, therefore, the law is unconstitutional under the court’s newer historical standard. The plaintiffs argue enforcement of the law “prevents law-abiding people from taking possession of lawfully acquired firearms for immediate self-defense and other lawful purposes — even after [state officials] know the individual is eligible to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms.” The office of California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said it was reviewing the lawsuit Tuesday but could not otherwise comment. Bonta is the lead defendant in the lawsuit. According to legal experts, the revived challenge reflects how massively the legal landscape around gun laws has changed since President Trump shifted the Supreme Court to the right and the court issued its Bruen decision. It also reflects the increased confidence among gun rights advocates that the high court is ready and willing to overturn more gun laws, the experts said — even those it may have allowed to stand in the past. Jake Charles, an associate professor at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and an expert in firearms law, said he was “surprised it took until May of this year” for the waiting period law to be challenged again under Bruen — in part because it is obviously vulnerable. Prior to Bruen, federal courts across the country judged gun laws not only through a historical lens, but by assessing whether they served a well-reasoned purpose of modern government. When the California-based U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s 10-day waiting period law in 2016, it did so based on such a review. Writing for the court, Circuit Judge Mary Schroeder found that the 10-day waiting period was “a reasonable safety precaution,” and therefore constitutional. Now, however, Bruen has changed the relevant legal analysis and Schroeder’s reasoning is now irrelevant, the plaintiffs argue. The law rvive, they argue, because waiting period laws were not enacted in the country until 1923 — making them too recent to be considered part of the nation’s tradition under Bruen. Gun law experts said it’s a strong argument. Attorneys for California may still argue the law is similar enough to some historical law that didn’t institute a waiting period for purchased weapons but restricted the purchase of them in some other way. The state has already argued that other modern gun laws being challenged — including its bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines — are similar enough to other historical laws to survive Bruen’s test, even if they aren’t exactly the same.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow USS Saratoga 1932 Iran: Behnam ben Taleblu- Behnam Ben Taleblu is a senior fellow at FDD where he focuses on Iranian security and political issues.Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1 https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2023/04/30/focus-on-asia-tehrans-drone-technology/

As we continue our series on how to effectively engage with the global church through praying, giving, going, and staying, this second episode focuses on the personal and wider impact of obedient giving.Today, Dara Lynn and Jennifer are joined by Mark Howard, a non-profit development director with a pastor's heart. He shares with us the impact obedient giving can have in the life of a believer as well as in the life of the global church. Mark also talks about his personal experience with the Persian-speaking church and how the ministry God has currently called him to is very different than the one he envisioned.For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church please visit elam.com/iran-story.For more information about our organization, please visit elam.com.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Friday, May 5th, 2023. Watch out for the revenge of the 5th if you’re into that… or cinco de mayo, take your pick. https://tvpworld.com/69620835/us-navy-deployed-drag-queen-influencer-to-boost-youth-recruitment As part of a recruitment drive aimed at the country’s youth, the U.S. Navy deployed a "drag queen influencer" to assist in boosting lagging numbers in the military. In November of last year Joshua Kelley aka “Harpy Daniels”, who has over 1,300,000 likes on TikTok, revealed that he was to be the Navy’s ‘Digital Ambassador’. Whilst the U.S. Navy only recently revealed about approaching Kelley, the drag queen claims to have danced in drag in front of an audience of service officers on a number of occasions, even sharing one video from 2018 on his Instagram. Kelley was part of a Digital Ambassador initiative that lasted from October 2022 to March 2023, “designed to explore the digital environment to reach a wide range of potential candidates,” a Navy spokesperson told Fox News. The spokesperson also said that the Navy is navigating “the most challenging recruiting environment it has faced since the start of the all-volunteer force.” “The Navy did not compensate YN2 Kelley or any others for being Navy Digital Ambassadors. The pilot has concluded and we are now evaluating the program and how it will exist in the future," the spokesperson added. Regarding his role as Digital Ambassador, Kelley wrote on his Instagram page: “Thank you to the Navy for giving me this opportunity! I don't speak for the Navy but simply sharing my experience in the Navy! Hoorah, and let's go Slay!”. Not only the Navy but more broadly the U.S. military face big problems in convincing young people to join. Only 13 pct of 18-29-year-olds are “highly willing” to join the military, whilst 25 pct declared themselves “somewhat willing” and 26 pct are “not willing at all.” Gender ideology has become a hot topic in the Navy and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. In March, a group of House Democrats proposed legislation to prevent the Department of Defense from standing in the way of transgender people who want to serve in the military. Some critics have argued that the purpose of the U.S. military is to provide security for the country, not to be a tool for gender ideology politics. Whilst others have suggested that in an unstable world, where a lot of military strategy is played out through bravado, such as with military drills, it is perhaps surprising that the U.S. would do the opposite of striking fear into their enemies. It’s a good thing we have Joshua to scare off said enemies, which ties in nicely for this next story! https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-05-03/second-oil-tanker-in-a-week-seized-by-iran-in-gulf-u-s-navy Iran Seizes Second Oil Tanker in a Week in Gulf -U.S. Navy Iran seized a second oil tanker in a week on Wednesday in Gulf waters, and the U.S. State Department called for its release, in the latest escalation in a series of seizures or attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf waters since 2019. The Baa-rain-based Fifth Fleet of the U.S. Navy said the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) at 6:20 a.m. (0220 GMT) while passing through the Strait of Hor-mooz. In Iran's first response, Tehran's prosecutor announced the oil tanker was seized on a judicial order following a complaint by a plaintiff, the judiciary's Mizan news agency said. No further details were provided. The incident comes after Iran on Thursday seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman called the Advantage Sweet. That tanker is being held by Iranian authorities in Bandar Abbas, the Marshall Islands flag registry said on Tuesday. Maritime security firm Ambrey has said it believed the Advantage Sweet's seizure was in response to a recent seizure via a court order by the United States of an oil cargo aboard the Marshall Islands tanker Suez Rajan. The Niovi oil tanker seized on Wednesday had been travelling from Dubai toward the UAE's Fujairah port when it was forced by IRGCN boats to change course towards Iranian territorial waters, the Navy said. The Niovi last reported its position at 0231 GMT on Wednesday off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz with the UAE as its destination, Refinitiv ship tracking data showed. According to the International Maritime Organization shipping database,, the Niovi's owner is Grand Financing Co, and the ship is managed by Greece-based Smart Tankers, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vedant Patel, a deputy spokesperson at the U.S. State Department, told reporters the Biden administration and the "international community" call on Iran and its Navy to release the ships and their crews. "Iran's harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional and international waters are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional stability and security," Patel said. About a fifth of the world's crude oil and oil products passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point between Iran and Oman, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa. Since 2019, there have been a series of attacks on shipping in the strategic Gulf waters at times of tension between the United States and Iran. Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to revive Iran's 2015 nuclear pact with world powers have stalled since September over a range of issues, including the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown on popular protests, Tehran's sale of drones to Russia and acceleration of its nuclear program. https://justthenews.com/nation/crime/alleged-texas-killer-captured-following-manhunt Fugitive illegal alien accused of mass killing in Texas captured Authorities on Tuesday apprehended an individual suspected of killing five people in Cleveland, Texas, following a Friday evening altercation. Authorities arrested Francisco Oropesa without incident on Tuesday evening, NBC News reported, citing the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. His arrest marks an end to the manhunt that had baffled law enforcement for days. Authorities indicated earlier this week that they had "zero leads" as to his whereabouts. As of Monday, it was believed that Oropesa had slipped past a network of roadblocks in the Cleveland area, despite extensive efforts by law enforcement to contain him within a set perimeter. During the manhunt, reports emerged that the fugitive had been deported four times, twice in 2009, and again in 2012 and 2016. The manhunt ensued following Oropesa's alleged killing of five of his neighbors after reportedly being asked to stop shooting his firearm. Authorities indicated that four adults were found dead at the scene while one child died at the hospital later. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-05-03/gun-rights-advocates-renew-legal-fight-over-californias-10-day-wait-on-firearm-purchases Gun rights advocates renew legal fight over California’s 10-day wait for firearm buyers Renewing a legal battle that some had considered settled, gun rights advocates filed a federal lawsuit this week challenging a California law that places a 10-day waiting period on most firearm purchases. The law, which requires people to wait the prescribed “cooling off” period even if they’ve passed a more immediate background check, is aimed in part at deterring people from rushing to harm themselves or others with newly purchased weapons during periods of sudden distress or anger. Gun control advocates and state officials say the law reduces gun violence, including suicides, and the law has been upheld in the face of legal challenges before — including by the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2018 declined to hear an appeal to a lower court decision upholding it. However, things have changed since the high court ruled last year — in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs. Bruen — that restrictions on firearms violate the 2nd Amendment if they aren’t deeply rooted in the nation’s history or analogous to some historical rule. According to the San Diego gun owners and advocacy groups suing the state, the high court’s 2018 decision allowing the waiting period law to stand was “abrogated,” or undone, by its more recent Bruen decision, and, therefore, the law is unconstitutional under the court’s newer historical standard. The plaintiffs argue enforcement of the law “prevents law-abiding people from taking possession of lawfully acquired firearms for immediate self-defense and other lawful purposes — even after [state officials] know the individual is eligible to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms.” The office of California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said it was reviewing the lawsuit Tuesday but could not otherwise comment. Bonta is the lead defendant in the lawsuit. According to legal experts, the revived challenge reflects how massively the legal landscape around gun laws has changed since President Trump shifted the Supreme Court to the right and the court issued its Bruen decision. It also reflects the increased confidence among gun rights advocates that the high court is ready and willing to overturn more gun laws, the experts said — even those it may have allowed to stand in the past. Jake Charles, an associate professor at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and an expert in firearms law, said he was “surprised it took until May of this year” for the waiting period law to be challenged again under Bruen — in part because it is obviously vulnerable. Prior to Bruen, federal courts across the country judged gun laws not only through a historical lens, but by assessing whether they served a well-reasoned purpose of modern government. When the California-based U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s 10-day waiting period law in 2016, it did so based on such a review. Writing for the court, Circuit Judge Mary Schroeder found that the 10-day waiting period was “a reasonable safety precaution,” and therefore constitutional. Now, however, Bruen has changed the relevant legal analysis and Schroeder’s reasoning is now irrelevant, the plaintiffs argue. The law rvive, they argue, because waiting period laws were not enacted in the country until 1923 — making them too recent to be considered part of the nation’s tradition under Bruen. Gun law experts said it’s a strong argument. Attorneys for California may still argue the law is similar enough to some historical law that didn’t institute a waiting period for purchased weapons but restricted the purchase of them in some other way. The state has already argued that other modern gun laws being challenged — including its bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines — are similar enough to other historical laws to survive Bruen’s test, even if they aren’t exactly the same.

About three weeks ago, Yaakov Amidror, Israel's former national security advisor and a retired IDF major general, remarked during a radio interview that Israel must prepare for war. “It's possible,” he said, “that we will reach a point where we have to attack Iran even without American assistance.” Why? Iran, he explained, is relatively confident in  its regional power in light of a recent agreement with its erstwhile rival Saudi Arabia and the fact that America is reducing its involvement in the Middle East. Amidror's view, therefore, is that Israel must be ready to take independent action to strike Iranian nuclear targets and safeguard its citizens. To explain that assessment, Amidror joins Mosaic editor Jonathan Silver in conversation here. Musical selections in this podcast are drawn from the Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, op. 31a, composed by Paul Ben-Haim and performed by the ARC Ensemble.

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down stunning comments by Israel's Defense Minister that Iran now has enough enriched uranium to build five nuclear bombs, if it so chooses. How long can Israel wait before taking action against Iran's nuclear program? Plus, Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi is visiting Damascus, where he met today with officials from the terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and vowed that Israel's end is “very close.” Has internal discord inside Israel helped make Iran and its proxies more emboldened? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An APT41 subgroup uses new techniques to bypass security products. Iranian cyberespionage group MuddyWater is using Managed Service Provider tools. Wipers reappear in Ukrainian networks. Meta observes and disrupts the new NodeStealer malware campaign. The City of Dallas is moderately affected by a ransomware attack. My conversation with Karin Voodla, part of the US State Department's Cyber fellowship program. Lesley Carhart from Dragos shares Real World Stories of Incident Response and Threat Intelligence. And there's been an indictment and a takedown in a major dark web carder case. For links to all of today's stories check out our CyberWire daily news briefing: https://thecyberwire.com/newsletters/daily-briefing/12/86 Selected reading. Attack on Security Titans: Earth Longzhi Returns With New Tricks (Trend Micro) APT groups muddying the waters for MSPs (ESET) Russian hackers use WinRAR to wipe Ukraine state agency's data (BleepingComputer) WinRAR as a "cyberweapon". Destructive cyberattack UAC-0165 (probably Sandworm) on the public sector of Ukraine using RoarBat (CERT-UA#6550) (CERT-UA)  The malware threat landscape: NodeStealer, DuckTail, and more (Engineering at Meta)  Facebook disrupts new NodeStealer information-stealing malware (BleepingComputer) NodeStealer Malware Targets Gmail, Outlook, Facebook Credentials (Decipher) City of Dallas likely targeted in ransomware attack, city official says (Dallas News)  Cybercriminal Network Fueling the Global Stolen Credit Card Trade is Dismantled (US Department of Justice) Secret Service, State Department Offer Up To $10 Million Dollar Reward For Information On Wanted International Fugitive (US Secret Service) Police dismantles Try2Check credit card verifier used by dark web markets (BleepingComputer)

Interviews with outstanding young Iranian-German singer, songwriter, pianist and Voice Persia finalist, Ayda Rastgoo, and returning guest, life coach and stress recovery specialist, Solmaz Barghgir. Ayda joins Jian from Hamburg to tell her personal story of pursuing her passions and becoming a rising star across the Iranian world despite being only 17. Then, Solmaz is in the Roqe Studio to talk about the dysfunction of the diaspora and her ideas around a new more empathetic approach to supporting the freedom movement in Iran. Plus, Pegah joins Jian to discuss fake Prada shoes, the news of 3 Iranian female journalists winning the UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize, Raisi and Assad meeting in Syria, Vahid Beheshti's hunger strike, and a vibrant Persian film festival taking place in Sydney.