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Stories about Iran | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

60 Minutes・39 minutes read

Iran is using proxy fighters and hitmen to attack and intimidate perceived enemies globally, including former American officials like President Trump, leading to increased security measures. The US and Iran have been engaged in high-stakes negotiations, including the release of American detainees and an agreement involving $6 billion in Iranian funds for humanitarian goods, amidst tensions and continued aggression between the two nations.

Insights

  • Iran has been using proxy fighters and hitmen globally to intimidate, assassinate, and target perceived enemies, including former American government officials like President Trump, former Defense Secretary Mark S., former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton.
  • Despite the global pattern of Iranian aggression, including foiled kidnapping and assassination attempts in the UK, Iran managed to secure the release of five Americans, including detainee Imad Shi, through negotiations involving $6 billion in Iranian funds for humanitarian goods, showcasing the complex dynamics of international diplomacy and hostage situations.

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Recent questions

  • What are Iranian-backed militias doing in Syria and Iraq?

    Attacking US bases weekly since Israel-Hamas war.

  • Who has Iran targeted for assassination?

    Former American government officials, including President Trump.

  • How has Iran targeted vocal activists living abroad?

    Frequently for assassination or kidnapping to silence dissent.

  • How has Iran recruited individuals for assassination attempts?

    Using criminals like drug dealers to carry out tasks.

  • What was the impact of the US-Iran negotiations on American detainees?

    Led to the release of five Americans, including Shi.

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Summary

00:00

Iran's Global Assassination and Kidnapping Campaign

  • Iranian-backed militias have been attacking US bases in Syria and Iraq weekly since the Israel-Hamas war began.
  • Iran is utilizing proxy fighters like Hezbollah and Hamas, along with hiring hitmen globally to intimidate and assassinate perceived enemies.
  • Former American government officials, including President Trump, have been targeted for assassination by Iran, leading to round-the-clock protection for some officials.
  • Iran reportedly offered a hitman a million dollars to kill former Defense Secretary Mark S. and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
  • The FBI has an arrest warrant for an Iranian officer who hired a hitman to target former National Security Adviser John Bolton.
  • Vocal Iranian activists living abroad are frequently targeted by Iran for assassination or kidnapping to silence dissent.
  • Iranian dissidents in the US, like MSI Alinad in Brooklyn, have faced kidnapping plots, with Iran paying individuals to carry out assassinations.
  • Iran has used non-Iranian criminals to carry out assassination attempts in the US and Europe, aiming to avoid direct links to state-sponsored terrorism.
  • In the UK, 15 Iranian kidnapping and assassination attempts have been foiled, showing a global pattern of Iranian aggression.
  • Iran recruits criminals, like drug dealers, to carry out assassinations and kidnappings, as shown in a video where an Iranian smuggler was approached by the Revolutionary Guard for such tasks.

19:15

American Detainee Released After Lengthy Interrogation

  • Imad Shi's Facebook was hacked, leading to his interrogation and eventual release on bail in December 2018 after 8 months of questioning.
  • Shi's file was sent to the Revolutionary court, where Judge Salavati, known as the hanging judge, sentenced him to 10 years in prison in November 2020.
  • Shi attempted to escape but was caught near the border, leading to another 8 months of interrogation.
  • Shi's wife and daughters campaigned for his release, seeking help from the State Department, which reviewed his case and determined his wrongful detention.
  • The Biden administration aimed to secure the release of American detainees and renew the Iran nuclear deal, but talks stalled in 2022.
  • After negotiations, the US and Iran reached an agreement involving $6 billion in Iranian funds for humanitarian goods, leading to the release of five Americans, including Shi.
  • Shi reflected on his time in captivity, emphasizing the impact on his family and the political nature of his detention.
  • Iran's President Raisi discussed the nuclear deal negotiations, expressing distrust towards the US and emphasizing the need for guarantees in any agreement.
  • Raisi addressed the issue of American citizens detained in Iran, suggesting separate negotiations for their release from the nuclear talks.
  • Raisi highlighted the impact of US sanctions on Iran's economy, leading to a severe recession and inflation, despite efforts to promote a self-sufficient economy.

38:43

"US-Iran Tensions: Assassination Plot, Missile Attacks"

  • The US Department of Justice charges a member of Iran's revolutionary guard with plotting to assassinate John Bolton, President Trump's former National Security adviser.
  • President RI of Iran remains defiant, stating no concessions will be made in the nuclear deal, asserting Iran can withstand the sanctions.
  • Tensions between the US and Iran have been high since President Biden took office, with a history of confrontations, including a near-war situation in January 2020.
  • A drone video reveals the largest ballistic missile attack against Americans, with troops at al-Assad Airbase in Iraq facing Iranian missiles.
  • Major Allan Johnson records a message to his son before Iranian missiles strike al-Assad Airbase, causing chaos and destruction.
  • General Frank McKenzie monitored the attack from Tampa, Florida, preparing for potential retaliation from Iran after the US drone strike that killed Iran's General Soleimani.
  • Iran retaliates with a ballistic missile attack on al-Assad Airbase, aiming to level the base, but miraculously, no Americans are killed.
  • Military doctors diagnose over 100 cases of traumatic brain injury among soldiers at al-Assad Airbase, with Major Allan Johnson and others receiving Purple Hearts.
  • President Trump's premature tweet of "all is well" after the attack is followed by the revelation of over 100 traumatic brain injuries and the tragic downing of a Ukrainian airliner by Iran, mistaking it for an American bomber.
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