LONG THREAD
1)
Why did #Iran’s Mahan Air flight make headlines on July 23?
Why did the pilot nosedive the plane in such fashion?
Why did Tehran’s state media launch a propaganda frenzy?
There are speculations about who or what was on board.
Let’s dig in.
1)
Why did #Iran’s Mahan Air flight make headlines on July 23?
Why did the pilot nosedive the plane in such fashion?
Why did Tehran’s state media launch a propaganda frenzy?
There are speculations about who or what was on board.
Let’s dig in.
2)
On Thursday, July 23, Iran’s state media claimed Israeli warplanes intercepted a Mahan Air W51152 heading from Tehran to Beirut. Other state media networks described the warplanes as American.
To me, this signaled the beginning of a propaganda effort by Iran.
But why?
On Thursday, July 23, Iran’s state media claimed Israeli warplanes intercepted a Mahan Air W51152 heading from Tehran to Beirut. Other state media networks described the warplanes as American.
To me, this signaled the beginning of a propaganda effort by Iran.
But why?
3)
The Mahan Air passenger flight was flying over Al Tanf, a U.S. military base in SE Syria.
A senior U.S. CENTCOM spox said an F-15 “conducted a standard visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner at a safe distance of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from the airliner.”
The Mahan Air passenger flight was flying over Al Tanf, a U.S. military base in SE Syria.
A senior U.S. CENTCOM spox said an F-15 “conducted a standard visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner at a safe distance of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from the airliner.”
4)
Why did the U.S. warplane need to do an interception?
“A U.S. official told ABC News that the F-15 approached the airliner to visually inspect it after it did not respond to their radio communications to identify itself.”
abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-co…
Why did the U.S. warplane need to do an interception?
“A U.S. official told ABC News that the F-15 approached the airliner to visually inspect it after it did not respond to their radio communications to identify itself.”
abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-co…
5)
“The same applies to Russian and Syrian aircrafts -- and any aircraft flying through that airspace -- which must identify themselves via radio.”
Me: Why did the Mahan Air pilot refuse to respond?
“The same applies to Russian and Syrian aircrafts -- and any aircraft flying through that airspace -- which must identify themselves via radio.”
Me: Why did the Mahan Air pilot refuse to respond?
6)
And as @Gerjon_ points out this flight path has been used before, such as February 20. Iran's own reporters are saying it is a recognized international corridor.
However, the July 23 incident is significant due to the pilot’s decision to make significant altitude changes.
And as @Gerjon_ points out this flight path has been used before, such as February 20. Iran's own reporters are saying it is a recognized international corridor.
However, the July 23 incident is significant due to the pilot’s decision to make significant altitude changes.
7)
I’m no expert, but I’ve heard that since passenger planes can’t outrun warplanes, pilots do sudden nosedives to gain speed quickly. Similar action was seen from the Mahan Air pilot.
@flightradar reports a 600 ft climb followed by a 600 ft decent, all in 1 minute & 36 seconds.
I’m no expert, but I’ve heard that since passenger planes can’t outrun warplanes, pilots do sudden nosedives to gain speed quickly. Similar action was seen from the Mahan Air pilot.
@flightradar reports a 600 ft climb followed by a 600 ft decent, all in 1 minute & 36 seconds.
8)
In May 2015, Saudi warplanes intercepted a Mahan Air Airbus 310 over Oman en-route to Yemen. Iran claimed the aircraft was delivering humanitarian aid, but the Saudis accused Tehran of delivering arms to support Houthi militias.
Me: Why didn’t this pilot nosedive?
In May 2015, Saudi warplanes intercepted a Mahan Air Airbus 310 over Oman en-route to Yemen. Iran claimed the aircraft was delivering humanitarian aid, but the Saudis accused Tehran of delivering arms to support Houthi militias.
Me: Why didn’t this pilot nosedive?
9)
Iranian netizens accuse Tehran of using passenger flights as shields to deliver weapons or transfer important figures, such as sanctioned senior military officials.
Unconfirmed reports claim IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Ghaani was on the flight with a military delegation.
Iranian netizens accuse Tehran of using passenger flights as shields to deliver weapons or transfer important figures, such as sanctioned senior military officials.
Unconfirmed reports claim IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Ghaani was on the flight with a military delegation.
10)
This issue became so important for Iran that its semi-official Tasnim news agency had to emphasize:
“There were no political or military dignitaries on board the Mahan Air plane”
Me: Tasnim is associated to the IRGC Quds Force. This makes me even more suspicious.
This issue became so important for Iran that its semi-official Tasnim news agency had to emphasize:
“There were no political or military dignitaries on board the Mahan Air plane”
Me: Tasnim is associated to the IRGC Quds Force. This makes me even more suspicious.
11)
Going back one day prior to the encounter
July 22—Deputy Speaker of Iran’s parliament:
Apparently, the U.S. green-lighted the killing of other “Resistance Front” (read Iran-backed militia) commanders, especially Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
(Keep this in mind)
Going back one day prior to the encounter
July 22—Deputy Speaker of Iran’s parliament:
Apparently, the U.S. green-lighted the killing of other “Resistance Front” (read Iran-backed militia) commanders, especially Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
(Keep this in mind)
12)
Following yesterday's encounter, the Mahan Air flight landed in Beirut and quickly returned to Tehran at 8:13 pm the same night, which many have found strange in nature.
Could this be a sign of the plane transferring important political/military officials, or cargo?
Following yesterday's encounter, the Mahan Air flight landed in Beirut and quickly returned to Tehran at 8:13 pm the same night, which many have found strange in nature.
Could this be a sign of the plane transferring important political/military officials, or cargo?
13)
Interesting:
Iran’s state-run Hamshahri daily
-denied any arrests
-says the pilot & crew of the plane were summoned by authorities to “explain” about their communications with U.S. warplanes.
Me: Arrests?!
Why the summoning? Was their special cargo or individual on board?
Interesting:
Iran’s state-run Hamshahri daily
-denied any arrests
-says the pilot & crew of the plane were summoned by authorities to “explain” about their communications with U.S. warplanes.
Me: Arrests?!
Why the summoning? Was their special cargo or individual on board?
14)
And tweets from this Iranian state media reporter to me indicate a dire need to divert attention away & place all blames on the U.S.
The language used is quite telling.
Rest assured these tweets were prepared by a senior government body in Iran to send a message.
And tweets from this Iranian state media reporter to me indicate a dire need to divert attention away & place all blames on the U.S.
The language used is quite telling.
Rest assured these tweets were prepared by a senior government body in Iran to send a message.
15)
And regarding the 1988 incident involving Iran Air flight 655, please listen to this former Iranian military officer has says Iran’s regime is to blame.
And regarding the 1988 incident involving Iran Air flight 655, please listen to this former Iranian military officer has says Iran’s regime is to blame.
16)
Back to the main topic
Reminder:
Pilot says Soleimani personally oversaw transfer of “7 tons of banned cargo,” likely arms, to Syria in 2013 w/ a passenger plane
Pilot: Soleimani sat next to me in the cockpit during the flight w/ almost 200 passengers
irannewswire.org/pilot-says-sol…
Back to the main topic
Reminder:
Pilot says Soleimani personally oversaw transfer of “7 tons of banned cargo,” likely arms, to Syria in 2013 w/ a passenger plane
Pilot: Soleimani sat next to me in the cockpit during the flight w/ almost 200 passengers
irannewswire.org/pilot-says-sol…
17)
The pilot’s memoirs were published in the state-run YJC website. The piece has, of course, been taken down since, saying it “does not exist.”
yjc.ir/fa/news/739334…
The pilot’s memoirs were published in the state-run YJC website. The piece has, of course, been taken down since, saying it “does not exist.”
yjc.ir/fa/news/739334…
18)
According to the pilot, while flying over Iraq, the plane was ordered to land at Baghdad Int’l Airport.
The pilot then claimed that in fear of U.S. forces stationed at the airport, he asked Soleimani to exchange clothes with the flight engineer and hide in the cockpit.
According to the pilot, while flying over Iraq, the plane was ordered to land at Baghdad Int’l Airport.
The pilot then claimed that in fear of U.S. forces stationed at the airport, he asked Soleimani to exchange clothes with the flight engineer and hide in the cockpit.
19)
U.S. & Iraqi forces “scanned all the passengers’ faces” & did not find Soleimani.
The pilot bragged that he bribed the Iraqi forces not to search the plane’s cargo.
The pilot added Soleimani praised him & said “if I was President, I would give you a medal of honor.”
U.S. & Iraqi forces “scanned all the passengers’ faces” & did not find Soleimani.
The pilot bragged that he bribed the Iraqi forces not to search the plane’s cargo.
The pilot added Soleimani praised him & said “if I was President, I would give you a medal of honor.”
20)
The US Treasury designated Mahan Air in 2011 for its support to the IRGC and secretly transferring arms cargo/militias to Syria.
Using a passenger airliner to carry military cargo is tantamount to using a human shield and is banned, according to international regulations.
The US Treasury designated Mahan Air in 2011 for its support to the IRGC and secretly transferring arms cargo/militias to Syria.
Using a passenger airliner to carry military cargo is tantamount to using a human shield and is banned, according to international regulations.
21)
Dec 11, 2019
New sanctions were also imposed on Mahan Air and three of its general sales agents by the U.S. State & Treasury departments over its role in weapons of mass destruction proliferation.
reuters.com/article/us-usa…
Dec 11, 2019
New sanctions were also imposed on Mahan Air and three of its general sales agents by the U.S. State & Treasury departments over its role in weapons of mass destruction proliferation.
reuters.com/article/us-usa…
22)
Quoted on Mahan Air back in 2017:
“In short, Mahan Air is the pseudo name for ‘IRGC Air.’ This front carrier is a primary asset in the IRGC’s fueling of Iran’s belligerence across the region."
foxnews.com/world/terror-a…
Quoted on Mahan Air back in 2017:
“In short, Mahan Air is the pseudo name for ‘IRGC Air.’ This front carrier is a primary asset in the IRGC’s fueling of Iran’s belligerence across the region."
foxnews.com/world/terror-a…
23)
Mahan Air—China
"Who transmitted coronavirus to Iran?
Mahan Air, associated to Iran's terrorist designated Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), continued flights to China despite troubling news about the coronavirus epidemic.
Mahan Air—China
"Who transmitted coronavirus to Iran?
Mahan Air, associated to Iran's terrorist designated Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), continued flights to China despite troubling news about the coronavirus epidemic.
24)
Mahan Air—Venezuela
April 29, 2020
“… multiple aircraft belonging to Mahan Air have transferred unknown support to the Maduro regime,” Sec. Pompeo said. “This is the same terrorist airline that Iran used to move arms & fighters around the Mid-East.”
reuters.com/article/us-usa…
Mahan Air—Venezuela
April 29, 2020
“… multiple aircraft belonging to Mahan Air have transferred unknown support to the Maduro regime,” Sec. Pompeo said. “This is the same terrorist airline that Iran used to move arms & fighters around the Mid-East.”
reuters.com/article/us-usa…
25)
By the way, @JZarif’s audacity on this topic is disgusting.
Iran still has not answered why they deliberately shot the Ukrainian airliner, lied for three days & refused to hand over the black boxes for six months.
Why?
Must read exclusive report👇
medium.com/@heshmatalavi2…
By the way, @JZarif’s audacity on this topic is disgusting.
Iran still has not answered why they deliberately shot the Ukrainian airliner, lied for three days & refused to hand over the black boxes for six months.
Why?
Must read exclusive report👇
medium.com/@heshmatalavi2…
26)
As I begin to finalize my thoughts, this question comes to mind that wasn’t it convenient for the regime to have a state TV reporter on board?
Isn't it interesting how Tehran jumped onto the incident as a propaganda tool against the U.S.?
As I begin to finalize my thoughts, this question comes to mind that wasn’t it convenient for the regime to have a state TV reporter on board?
Isn't it interesting how Tehran jumped onto the incident as a propaganda tool against the U.S.?
27)
It is quite obvious that Iran’s Mahan Air is involved in malign activities across the globe.
Reports indicate Mahan Air flights transferred sensitive technology/equipment from China to Iran, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
It is quite obvious that Iran’s Mahan Air is involved in malign activities across the globe.
Reports indicate Mahan Air flights transferred sensitive technology/equipment from China to Iran, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
28)
This latest encounter between U.S. warplanes & a Mahan Air flight over Syria could be a message from Washington (and maybe even Jerusalem) to Tehran:
We remind you that the Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus-Beirut is not safe for you.
Time will tell.
This latest encounter between U.S. warplanes & a Mahan Air flight over Syria could be a message from Washington (and maybe even Jerusalem) to Tehran:
We remind you that the Tehran-Baghdad-Damascus-Beirut is not safe for you.
Time will tell.
29)
As always, thank you for reading this thread and I welcome any and all constructive feedback to add/correct any of the above mentioned subjects.
Best!
As always, thank you for reading this thread and I welcome any and all constructive feedback to add/correct any of the above mentioned subjects.
Best!
30)
ADDENDUM
Mohsen Rezaie, former IRGC chief & current Secretary of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council:
"No action remains unanswered. Be it America or the Zionist regime."
Farsi hashtag: "Expel America from the region"
ADDENDUM
Mohsen Rezaie, former IRGC chief & current Secretary of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council:
"No action remains unanswered. Be it America or the Zionist regime."
Farsi hashtag: "Expel America from the region"
31)
ADDENDUM
Plane ticket website:
"Until further notice Mahan Air conducts no flights to/from Beirut."
Now the question who, how, from where & for what reason did the nearly 200 passengers board this Mahan Air flight to Beirut?
ADDENDUM
Plane ticket website:
"Until further notice Mahan Air conducts no flights to/from Beirut."
Now the question who, how, from where & for what reason did the nearly 200 passengers board this Mahan Air flight to Beirut?
