Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent NJN's views and policy positions.

Revolution in Iran, then and now

Q. You were Israel’s chief intelligence analyst for Iran nearly 50 years ago when Ayatollah Khomeini toppled the Shah’s regime. Déjà vu?

A. The comparisons and contrasts are both constructive and challenging. Certainly it seems fair to say that, like in 1978-79, Iran is once again in a ‘revolutionary situation.’ That means great uncertainty and a cast of actors whose decisions and actions cannot easily be anticipated by outside observers. Indeed, even the primary actors, from Supreme Leader Khamenei on down, probably do not know for certain what their next move will be.

Under these circumstances, the best an intelligence analyst can do is try to accurately understand and describe what is happening, but not to predict what may or may not happen next. That is my admonition to today’s pundits and experts.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

None.

2. Letters

(INVESTIGATE WITKOFF) 1/8/25: Meeks, Amo, Garcia Demand Investigation into Trump Despot-Whisperer Witkoff’s Sketchy Business Dealings [letter text]. Excerpt: “We urge you to investigate the potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations of Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Public reporting has suggested that Mr. Witkoff used his role to financially benefit himself and his family, including through his continued connections to World Liberty Financial.“

(ISRAELI CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS) 12/22/25: Pocan, Dean Lead Letter to Trump on Violations of the Ceasefire in Gaza [note: link to letter in the press release does not work]. Also see: Pocan (D-WI) X-post 12/22/25: “Today, @RepDean and I led a letter with 47 of our colleagues to President Trump expressing serious concerns regarding Israeli actions in Gaza that threaten the ceasefire, including continued bombardment against civilians, destruction of property, and insufficient delivery of humanitarian aid. We call on the administration to exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government, including by leveraging US assistance, to ensure full compliance with the terms of the ceasefire framework and an end to the continued acts of violence and destruction that undermine this fragile agreement and threaten the prospect of lasting peace in the region.” Media: House Dems Call Out Israel’s ‘Near-Daily Violations’ of Gaza Ceasefire (Common Dreams 12/22/25); Nearly 50 House Dems tell Trump to pressure Israel over alleged ceasefire violations (Jewish News Syndicate 12/23/25); Nearly 50 US lawmakers call on Trump to address Israeli Gaza ceasefire violations (Middle East Eye 12/23/25)

(MEDIA ACCESS TO GAZA) 12/22/25: Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press for Media Access to Gaza [letter text]