An Iranian news agency close to the hardline Revolutionary Guards suggested on Wednesday that Iran should target the Albania-based Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) exiled opposition group with drones and missiles.

"(Using) Iran's offensive drones and ballistic missiles to hit the MEK headquarters in Albania faces no legal prohibition, and Tehran's authorities should put military action on the agenda after issuing the necessary warning to the Albanian government," Fars news agency said.

Another memory in this regard: I came to US via IAF 747 transport plane in Nov 1977 at the age of 16. IAF personnel and retirees could buy tickets to US for 700 toman ($100). My dad bought me the tickets. The plane’s upper deck was the same as an airliner’s first class with a large living room arrangement to mingle. The lower level was for transporting (spare parts and equipment). This flight was weekly with one night stop in Madrid. I was in the galley chatting with the Homafars who were also acting as flight attendants and Mrs. Jahanbani came and sat with us and we had a very pleasant one on one conversation. She was visiting her daughter and younger son. Very nice and down to earth lady.

It was fun as all of the Homafars were young (18-22) and took me with them around Madrid.

Another memory in this regard: I came to US via IAF 747 transport plane in Nov 1977 at the age of 16. IAF personnel and retirees could buy tickets to US for 700 toman ($100). My dad bought me the tickets. The plane’s upper deck was the same as an airliner’s first class with a large living room arrangement to mingle. The lower level was for transporting (spare parts and equipment). This flight was weekly with one night stop in Madrid. I was in the galley chatting with the Homafars who were also acting as flight attendants and Mrs. Jahanbani came and sat with us and we had a very pleasant one on one conversation. She was visiting her daughter and younger son. Very nice and down to earth lady.

It was fun as all of the Homafars were young (18-22) and took me with them around Madrid.

Rahgozar, I am from an Air Force family. My father was a senior officer on the technical side. He used to interview pilots after their flights to assess flight performance of the aircraft and noting any anomalies that needed follow up. He was always the one interviewing Jahanbani. He admired the guy and was devastated when he heard the news of his execution. In fact, at the time of the revolution, my father was retired and was working for Iranian Aircraft Industry - IAI (originally co-owned by Northrop and Iran; after revolution 100% by Iran) for several years. After this incident and his own experience with “uneducated Pasdaran” taking over the operations (which was technical) he quit IAI. He came back and worked for free during the war and left after war was over. The pile of aircraft junk in the Newsweek article posted is exactly where IAI is (a part of Mehrabad complex and AF base #1).

Now about Jahanbani. We lived in Vahdati AFB for almost 6 years. For the latter part of that Jahanbani (NJ) was deputy commander of that base and would fly in with his Taj Talaie jet F-86 at the time and F -5 later). My dad was player/coach of the base’s football team and NJ would provide the facilities and equipment they needed. He enjoyed football and horse riding. He would show up to practices or matches sometimes as spectator. I would always go with my dad and sit on the grass at the half line. Sometimes he would show up in uniform after work with his driver (a private) in tow. He would come and sit next to me and tell his driver to be at ease and sit next to him. Very pleasant and friendly and chit-chatting with 11 year old me. He was not stuck up.

He was very disciplined, driven, brave and a technocrat that was trying to serve his nation. My dad was telling me (before the revolution) that NJ deserved to be the head of IAF, but Shah was wary of his Russian connection (mother side and his trainings there) and his popularity.

Thanks for posting the article.

P.S. My dad’s involvement with Vahdati AFB football team took us many local tournaments where he saw Hossein Kazerani in Andimeshk Shahrbani Team recommending him to be looked at to then IFF (my dad was a lifetime member since he used to play for Niroo under Oghab FC structure). In a short span they took him to Pass and then TM.

Faramarz, it is England’s first game.  And that is the only thing working in our advantage.  England will start cold. Remember in 2018 their first game was against Tunisia and they struggled, they had to score in 92nd minute to beat Tunisia. This World Cup is not about coaching.  This is when the best 11 go in the field and do their best. 

so that is my first prediction.  I think we will lose to Wales. And tie or beat USA.

my only comment for Keefer was that based on his pro Russian and pro Islamic republic stance in general he did sometimes got defensive on couple of my posts.  But absolutely no deleting posts. There is one thing Keefer and I have in common and that is Chomsky. 

The only thing we differ on Chomsky is Covid. 

Shahryar khan, i did not say posts get deleted here.  The other site deletes posts especially non football.  

I am all in for prediction.  

Shahryar khan, I said it first, Iran - England 0-0