Brief Notes

FM Says Missile ‘Weaknesses Have Been Remedied’ Since 12-Day War: In a speech to university students in Hamadan Province this morning, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Our strength lay in our powerful missiles, which took control of the Zionist regime’s airspace…. For the first time, our missiles were used in an actual war and proved themselves, and their weaknesses have been remedied. In an international system where the law of the jungle still prevails, one must be strong in every arena.” Araghchi continued, “Of course, we must not fear war or fighting. If we do, war will be imposed on us. The best way to confront war is to be prepared for it.” Araghchi also stated, “We do not trust any country. However, we have strategic relations and partnerships with some countries, and specifically we have signed strategic partnership documents with China and Russia.” President Says Tehran Water Rationing, Potential Evacuation Imminent If No Rainfall: In a meeting held in Sanandaj, the capital of Iran’s Kurdistan Province, President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “If it does not rain, water will need to be rationed in Tehran starting in the month of Azar (in two weeks). If it still does not rain, we will have to evacuate Tehran.” IRGC Spokesperson Says Israel Planned to Topple Regime ‘Within Three Days’: During a speech in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, IRGC spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naeini claimed, “About two months before the 12-Day War, Netanyahu met with Trump and claimed that he would overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran within three days, and Israel’s Channel 13 also aired part of this conversation,” calling it proof of ongoing foreign plots to overthrow the Islamic Republic. He added that attempts to destabilize the Islamic Republic date back to its founding, citing U.S. support for Iraq during the 1980–88 war and what he called Western plots to divide Iran. Naeini said the 12-Day War demonstrated the regime’s resilience against “arrogant powers” seeking regime change. State Department Rejects Iraqi PM Remarks on Pro-Tehran Militias: The U.S. Department of State rejected Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani’s November 3 statement that the disarming of Shia militias may only move forward upon the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces. An unnamed “State Department spokesperson” responded by saying that efforts towards the disarmament of “terrorist militias remains an Iraqi sovereign duty that is not linked to the presence” of foreign troops in Iraq, “as they have no role in protecting Iraq's security but rather harm its sovereignty.” He emphasized that U.S. forces are not withdrawing but transitioning to “a more traditional bilateral relationship” focused on security and diplomacy. Treasury Sanctions Hezbollah Operatives Funneling Money From Tehran: The U.S. Treasury Department’s OFAC has sanctioned individuals who funneled tens of millions of dollars from the Islamic Republic to Hezbollah in 2025, using Lebanese exchange houses to exploit the country’s cash-based economy. These funds were used to finance Hezbollah’s paramilitary operations and rebuild its terrorist infrastructure. Regarding this tranche of sanctions, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley said, “Lebanon has an opportunity to be free, prosperous, and secure, but that can only happen if Hizballah is fully disarmed and cut off from Iran’s funding and control.”

Domestic Media Continues to Celebrate Mamdani’s Election

The frontpages of daily newspapers in Iran were dominated by images of Zohran Mamdani today, as yesterday’s papers had primarily gone to print prior to his officially winning the New York City mayoral election. Across the political spectrum, dailies’ coverage of Mamdani’s election focused on his victory as a rejection of Trump and a symbolic blow to Israel. The ultra-conservative Supreme Leader-controlled Keyhan framed it as the first “no vote” for Trump to manifest in a U.S. election, while the state broadcaster's Jaam-e Jam declared that the “gambler” (referring to Trump) was the primary “loser” in this election. The Pezeshkian admin-controlled newspaper, Iran Daily, echoed this tone but additionally focused on Mamdani's “youth, working class, and minority” supporters, calling his win “left-wing leadership in the heart of capitalism.” IRGC-linked Javan led with the headline “Gaza's loud voice heard in New York election,” while Hamshahri, another hardline daily, ran the headline “America Against America,” asserting that Mamdani won the election despite a strong campaign against him by Trump and the “Zionist lobby.”

On the Radar

Australia’s Parliament has passed Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025, allowing the government to designate foreign state entities that have “engaged in, or otherwise supported or advocated for, the doing of terrorist acts targeted at Australia,” such as the IRGC, as sponsors of terrorism, following intelligence linking the IRGC to antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
Social media reports claim that Samad Pourseh, a former political prisoner, has been forced into hiding after his home was raided in Yasuj, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The raid was reportedly carried out after he posted a video burning a photo of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Just hours after posting the video, Pourseh’s Instagram account became inaccessible. In a follow-up clip posted before his account was removed, he warned, “Whatever happens to me, the Islamic Republic is responsible.” After Omid Sarlak's suspicious death, a trend of burning Khamenei’s photos has emerged among Iranians.
The IRGC Intelligence Organization has denied reports that several judiciary officials were arrested on corruption charges, calling them baseless rumors. The IRGC said it will take legal action against those spreading false information that threatens public trust.
Yesterday, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met with Majles (Parliament) Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, congratulating Tehran for “repelling Israel’s aggression.” Sadiq noted that Pakistan’s parliament was the first to condemn the Israeli attack, while Ghalibaf praised Pakistan as a “true friend” and thanked Islamabad for its consistent support in international forums.