Author: Steven Sahiounie

Following the recent explosions in Lebanon, which reportedly targeted communication devices used by Hezbollah, U.S. and French foreign ministers urged all parties to “de-escalate tensions in the Middle East” on Thursday. Both expressed “deep concern” over the potential for further escalation linked to Israel’s involvement in the attacks. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated, “We have coordinated efforts to send de-escalation messages,” while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Paris, added, “We do not want to see any escalation from any side that worsens the situation.” Blinken acknowledged that “there is a real issue that needs to be…

Japanese electronics company Icom has announced an investigation into reports that its branded two-way radios exploded in Lebanon. In a statement, the company said, “We will provide updated information on our website as the investigation progresses.” On Wednesday, handheld communication devices used by Hezbollah fighters exploded in southern Lebanon, marking the deadliest day since cross-border tensions between Hezbollah and Israel began almost a year ago. This incident occurred just a day after similar explosions targeted wireless communication devices, known as pagers, used by Hezbollah. The explosions have raised concerns about the safety of these communication devices. According to Lebanon’s Ministry…

U.S. agencies revealed on Wednesday that Iranian hackers sent emails over the summer to individuals involved in President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. These emails contained stolen materials from the campaign of Republican candidate Donald Trump, as part of efforts to influence the November 5 elections. In a joint statement, the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Office of the Director of National Intelligence said, “Since June, Iranian cyber actors have continued attempts to send stolen, non-public materials linked to former President Trump’s campaign to U.S. media outlets.” Tehran has previously denied interfering in U.S. elections, and the Iranian…

Gold prices hit an all-time high on Wednesday following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points. Price Movements Spot gold rose by 0.9% to $2,592.39 per ounce at 18:17 GMT. The U.S. central bank initiated what is expected to be a steady easing of monetary policy by reducing borrowing costs by half a percentage point. Fed’s Future Rate Projections Policymakers anticipate an additional 0.5% rate cut by the Federal Reserve by the end of the year and a full percentage point reduction by 2025. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding…

The death toll from the wireless device explosions in Lebanon on Wednesday has risen to 20, with over 450 people injured, according to an updated statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Ministry Confirms New Casualties The Ministry reported, “The number of martyrs has increased to 20, with more than 450 wounded,” following the latest wave of coordinated attacks targeting wireless devices on Wednesday afternoon. Hezbollah issued multiple statements mourning its members killed in the attacks, confirming that 12 of its fighters were among the dead. Explosions Hit Beirut and Other Areas Hezbollah officials and state media reported explosions across…

A second wave of Israeli cyberattacks has struck Lebanon, resulting in 14 deaths and more than 450 injuries, according to early estimates. The explosions targeted wireless communication devices used by Hezbollah members, along with pagers, in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Explosions Target Wireless Devices Hezbollah officials and Lebanese state media reported explosions in Beirut and other areas across the country, indicating a second round of detonations involving electronic devices. The wireless communication devices and even solar-powered equipment were targeted a day after hundreds of pagers exploded. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that at least 14 people…

Despite Israel’s silence on the intelligence operation that triggered simultaneous explosions in thousands of wireless communication devices (pagers) used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, the attack highlights the role of Unit 8200, Israel’s secretive cyber warfare division. What is Unit 8200? Unit 8200, or “Shmone Mataim” in Hebrew, is Israel’s elite cyber intelligence unit within the military’s Intelligence Corps. Often compared to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) or the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), it is the largest military unit in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The unit’s roots date back to early cryptography and intelligence groups formed when…

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that Israel has entered a new phase in its conflict with Lebanon, with a shift in focus toward the northern front. Shift of Focus to the North Speaking at an Israeli Air Force base, Gallant said, “The center of gravity is moving north as we allocate more resources and forces to that region.” He emphasized that Israel is opening a new chapter in the war, which will require courage, determination, and perseverance. Collaboration Across All Levels Gallant stressed the importance of close cooperation between all organizations and levels of command during this…

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is created. He also condemned Israel for its “crimes” against the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Palestine Speaking on behalf of King Salman at the opening of the first session of the 9th Shura Council, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. He expressed the kingdom’s strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation’s actions against Palestinians. “The Palestinian issue remains a top priority for your country,” the Crown Prince said. “We…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On Tuesday afternoon, thousands of pagers exploded in Lebanon killing at least nine and injuring 2,800, including Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. More details will emerge in time, but it appears Israel, through their intelligence services, had planted explosives in the hand held communication devices used by the Lebanon resistance group Hezbollah. Some experts feel this may be Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s attack on August 25, which targeted the elite ‘cyber-spy’ unit 8200 in Glilot, which killed 22 operatives and wounded 74, according to a Lebanese news agency, which was confirmed by European…