BICOM

According to a Maariv report, quoting unnamed Israeli officials, the US intends to further its sanctions against Iran to include 100 new firms, institutions and banks. This will also include banks that channel the majority of transactions to Iran, like the German EIH. The steps taken by the US, according to the report, include close European cooperation, particularly with France and the UK.

 

In a separate development, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are set to commence a major military exercise today, which is to include the firing of a number of ballistic missiles. The exercise is entitled the ‘Great Prophet Muhammad Wargames’. The Revolutionary Guard in the Gulf region carries out similar exercises yearly. According to a statement by the official Iranian state news agency IRNA, “Short, medium and long-range missiles will be fired” during the exercise. The statement mentioned that these would include the Shahab-1 and 2 missile systems, which place Israel within range of Iranian ordnance.

 

The 125,000 strong Revolutionary Guard (Sepah e-Pasdaran) is one of the most powerful organisations in Iran. In addition to its military role, it controls a multi-billion dollar business empire. It also controls the Basij militia, which played a central role in suppressing civil protests after the disputed presidential elections of 2009. The Qods Force, which is the elite external wing of the Guard, maintains Iran’s relations with proxy groups and insurgent movements across the region, including with Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad.