2018 News








“Iranians Protest Rising Food Prices,” AP, New York Times, December 28, 2017

“Minister Says Protests Are Not A Threat To Iran’s Government,” Radio Farda, December 27, 2018






“Iran Says its ‘Advisors’ Have Departed Iraq,” Asharq Al-Awsat, December 26, 2018


“Iran Holds Talks With Afghan Taliban, Says Official,” Agence France-Presse, NDTV, December 26, 2018


“British-Iranian professor returns to UK after detention in Iran,” Nada Bashir, Maya Yang, Mahatir Pasha, CNN, December 26, 2018

“Trump Delivers a Victory to Iran,” Reuel Marc Gerecht, Mark Dubowitz, The Atlantic, December 24, 2018

“Zarif: We never said Israel should be destroyed,” Israel National News, Elad Benari, December 24, 2018

Dec. 23, 2018.  Pres. Trump has been more successful when he confers with the persons he has appointed in his cabinet or his staff, such as when considering whom to nominate for the Supreme Court.  But his snap decision while talking to Erdogan to pull all US troops out of Syria and to reduce those in Afghanistan without consulting his national security team or Middle East allies greatly empowers Iran, and undercuts Trump’s earlier decision to back out of the JCPOA and devalues all the U.S. casualties in Afghanistan.  Failure to talk to our Sec.s of Def and State and the NSC on other issues will further imperil our country’s important role in the Middle East and will hurt his re-election chances.  Another way to consider this is that Pres. Trump wants to build a Wall, to protect the U.S. southern border.  Pulling troops out of the Middle East willy-nilly without a plan and without working with our allies (including Israel and Saudi Arabia) who live there not only imperils them but also the U.S. who has suffered so much loss of blood and treasure from those who want to hurt America.  Pres. Trump should instead want to keep the Wall in the Middle East that we’ve built there since the early 1990s in the form of allied relationships and bases.  See 
“Trump call with Turkey’s Erdogan led to U.S. pullout from Syria,” NBC News, AP, December 21, 2018; “Iran expected to expand its reach across the Middle East amid US exit plan,” Liz Sly, Loveday Morris, The Washington Post, Stars and Stripes, December 22, 2018; and “Israel Sees Iran Moving Closer as Trump Clears the Way in Syria,” Michael Arnold, Jonathan Ferziger, Bloomberg, December 20, 2018.
“Iran denies report of Germany’s ban on Mahan Air in 2019,” Press TV, December 23, 2018


“A Dangerous Christmas for Iran’s Christians,” Lela Gilbert, Jerusalem Post, December 22, 2018


“Iran expected to expand its reach across the Middle East amid US exit plan,” Liz Sly, Loveday Morris, The Washington Post, Stars and Stripes, December 22, 2018


“Iran Under Fire for Delayed Release of Ailing Baha’i Leader,” Michael Lipin, Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, December 21, 2018

“Russia, China, Iran sought to influence U.S. 2018 elections: U.S. spy chief,” Jonathan Landay, Mark Hosenball, Reuters, December 21, 2018

“Iran Under Fire for Delayed Release of Ailing Baha’i Leader,” Michael Lipin, Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, December 21, 2018



“Here’s How Protests and Strikes Are Leading Change in Iran,” Arash Azizi, Atlantic Council, December 20, 2018



“Israel Sees Iran Moving Closer as Trump Clears the Way in Syria,” Michael Arnold, Jonathan Ferziger, Bloomberg, December 20, 2018




“Iran Claims It Holds The Most Oil, Gas Reserves In The World,” Tsvetana Paraskova, Oil Price. Com, December 18, 2018

“Russia, Iran, Turkey back new Syria constitution body but fail to agree makeup,” Stephanie Nebehay, Ali Kucukgocmen, Reuters, December 18, 2018







“Manufacturing spies: Iran’s campaign against ‘infiltration,” Maysam Behravesh, Al Jazeera, December 16, 2018



December 15, 2018

“What Will Iran’s Looming Civil War Look Like?,” Michael Rubin, The National Interest, December 14, 2018



“Fatah slams Iran for funding Gaza Strip while skirting PA,” Ahmad Melhem, Al Monitor, December 13, 2018

“CNPC Deals a Blow to Iran,” Asharq Al-Awsat, December 13, 2018








“Iran, Russia-led bloc move toward free trade,” Al Monitor, Mohsen Shariatinia, December 12, 2018













“Iran’s Continuing Misinformation Campaign,” Wes Martin, Townhall, December 10, 2018


“State Department names and shames Iran on global ‘Anti-Corruption Day’,” Dan Boylan, The Washington Times, December 10, 2018







“Zayani: Iran Should Abide by International Law,” Abdulhadi Habtor, Asharq Al-Awsat, December 8, 2018

“Iran gives green light to Opec oil output cut plan,” Rania El Gamal, Irish Examiner, December 8, 2018

“Iran: Mass Execution Of 12 Inmates In Kerman Central Prison,” Iran Human Rights Monitor, December 6, 2018


“Iran’s Budget Troubles: Favoring The Privileged Insiders,” Ahmad Alavi, Radio Farda, December 07, 2018



“‘Deep concern’ for Melbourne University academic detained in Iran,” Anthony Colangelo, Sydney Morning Herald, December 6, 2018


  

“Iran to increase missile range despite US criticism,” Elad Benari, Israel National News, December 5, 2018






“Why Iran’s latest missile test is such a big deal,” Tom Rogan, Washington Examiner, December 3, 2018


“Iran tests medium-range ballistic missile, Pompeo says,” Sophie Tatum, Barbara Starr, and Mike Conte, CNN, December 2, 2018










“Iran says it has added 2 mini submarines to its naval fleet,” Nasser Karami, KCBD11, AP, November 29, 2018





“Iranian jet carrying arms flies directly to Beirut,” Itay Blumenthal, YNet News, November 29, 2018


“US, allies face cyber threats from Iran,” Naushad Cherrayil, Gulf News, November 29, 2018



“‘We are desperate’: economic crisis hits ordinary Iranians,” Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, November 28, 2018

“2 Iranian hackers charged in US ransomware scheme,” Micael Balsamo, Seattle Times, November 28, 2018


 “Iran to export homegrown aircraft in near future,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2018







“How Iran’s institutional politics is about to become more complex,” Rohollah Faghihi, Al Monitor, November 26, 2018

“Iran judicial chief warns over worker unrest,” The Daily Star, November 26, 2018



“Report:  Syrian Regime Grants Citizenship to Iranians, Hezbollah Fighters,” Seth Frantzman and Juliane Helmhold, Jerusalem Post, November 25, 2018


Nov. 24, 2019.  An excellent interview, right in line with the purpose of this blog.  “If Iran Changes Course, America Will Open Its Arms,” Fair Observer, Interview by Kourosh Ziabari of Matthew Kroenig, November 20, 2018.  Kroenig is Associate Professor in the Department of Government and the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a Senior Fellow in the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security at The Atlantic Council.







“Iran may flog or jail fans of ‘extreme’ cosmetic surgery,” Ahmed Vahdat, The Telegraph, November 14, 2018


“US Treasury Identifies Channels Iran Has Used to Circumvent Sanctions,” Shahir Shahidsaless, Atlantic Council, November 14, 2018

“EU plan unraveling for non-dollar Iran trade, oil sales: diplomats,” John Irish, Francois Murphy, and Robin Emmott, Reuters, November 14, 2018


“Iran: Police Arrest Dozens in Dollar Crackdown,” Asharq Al-Awsat, November 14, 2018






“Tale of Two Economies: IMF Tallies Up Sanctions Wreckage in Iran,” Ladane Nasseri  and Filipe Pacheco, Bloomberg, November 12, 2018










“Iran president warns of ‘war situation’ as sanctions resume,” Nasser Karimi and Amir Vahdat, AP, November 5, 2018






“Iran Accused of Plot to Assassinate Dissident in Denmark,” Martin Selsoe Sorensen, New York Times, November 1, 2018




“Iran turns to tourism to earn hard currency, create jobs,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Monitor, October 29, 2018


“Israel says Iran is behind rocket barrage from Gaza,” Oren Liebermann and Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, October 27, 2018






“Iran and Russia’s campaign to get Corbyn into No 10,” Daniel Sugarman, The CJ, October 25, 2018




“European visas don’t come cheap on Iran’s latest black market,” Rohollah Faghihi, Middle East Eye, October 25, 2018

“Iran Moves to Shelter Millions as U.S. Sanctions Bite,” Aresu Eqbali and Asa Fitch, Wall Street Journal, October 25, 2018



“Iran charges five wildlife activists with capital offences,” Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian, October 24, 2018








“Iranian terrorists lurk abroad in guise of diplomats, dissidents report,” Rowan Scarborough, The Washington Times, October 21, 2018

"Industry and roads ministers resign amid economic crisis fallout,” Middle East Eye, October 20, 2018

Iran’s medical tourism industry is booming,” Omid Khazani, Channel News Agency, October 20, 2018

“Why Does Hezbollah Want Lebanon’s Health Ministry?,” Hanin Ghaddar, Washington Institute, October 19, 2018





“Iranian-backed pages spread fake news of a Saudi coup,” Jamie Prentis, The National, October 18, 2018

“Iran’s Navy-Killer Missiles Now Have Double the Range,” Jared Keller, The National Interest, October 18, 2018 




“Here’s How Iran Hides Its Secret Oil Trade,” Ellen Wald, Forbes, October 11, 2018

“Iran maneuvers to win back public trust in the rial,” Maziar Motamedi, Al-Monitor, October 11, 2018

“Iran: Environmentalists Languish in Jail,” Human Rights Watch, October 11, 2018


“Iran Announces Cutting off Iraq's Water Supply,” Asharq Al-Awsat, October 11, 2018


“Iran Admits Senior Official Requested Political Asylum in Switzerland,” Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, October 10, 2018

“Turkey steps in as Iran cuts off water supplies to Iraq,” Mina Aldroubi, The National, October 10, 2018

“Iran: As economy stumbles, tension grows between rich and poor,” Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, October 10, 2018





“Czech counterintelligence helps uncover Hezbollah hacking scheme,” Tom McEnchroe, Radio Praha,  October 9, 2018









“France Ties Iran to Bomb Plot, and Freezes Spy Agency Assets,” Alissa Rubin, New York Times, October 2, 2018


“Iran Strikes Syria, Targets Parade Attack Ringleaders,” Abbas Al Lawati, Bloomberg, October 1, 2018

“Iranian Groups Press for Rights—and Tehran Hits Back,” Isabel Coles and Ali Nabhan, Wall Street Journal, October 1, 2018



“Iran boasts of fastest missile launchpads ‘in the world’,” Toi Staff, Times of Israel, September 29, 2018


“Iran plans to use other currencies to get around U.S.sanctions,” Carol Morello, Washington Post, September 29, 2018





“Russia: No proof that Iran backs terrorism,” Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner, September 28, 2018



“Iran’s influence continues to shape new Iraqi government,” Fazel Hawramy, Al-Monitor, September 25, 2018

“Iran, major powers labor to keep nuclear deal afloat,” Parisa Hafezi, John Irish, Reuters, September 24, 2018

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Humiliated by Attack, Vow to Retaliate,” Rod Nordland, New York Times, September 24, 2018

“Russia and Iran, Military Allies, Are Fast Becoming Economic Rivals,” Sune Engel Rasmussen and Benoit Faucon, Wall Street Journal, September 23, 2018





“US names Iran as top terror sponsor; global attacks fall,” Susannah George, AP, September 22, 2018



“Satellite images show a missile launcher following Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei,” Tim Fernholz and Daniel Wolfe, Quartz, September 20, 2018


“U.S. seeking to negotiate a treaty with Iran,” Lesley Wroughton, Reuters, September 19, 2018


“Kurdish Militants Vow ‘New Resistance’ Against Iran Following Missile Attacks,” Rikar Hussein and Mehdi Jedinia, VOA, September 18, 2018



“Iran claims Saudi Arabia, Russia are taking advantage of upcoming U.S. sanctions on oil,” Allison Elyse Gualtieri, Washington Examiner, September 15, 2018



“Top Rouhani adviser says government failed US resident jailed in Iran,” Jon Gambrell, Times of Israel, September 14, 2018



“Iran claims successful ballistic missile intercept test,” Jeremy Binnie, Jane’s Defence Weekly, September 12, 2018

“Iran eyes major role in post-war Syria via reconstruction,” Hamidreza Azizi, Al-Monitor, September 11, 2018


“Iran Resorts to Storing Oil in Fleet of Supertankers. Again,” By Anthony Dipaola , Julian Lee , and Alex Longley, Bloomberg, September 11, 2018


“U.N. Presses Iran to Free Princeton Scholar,” Rick Gladstone, New York Times, September 10, 2018


“Turkey, Russia, Iran to trade using local currencies: report,” David O’Byrne, S&P Global, September 10, 2018

“Iran Vows Strikes Outside Borders, ‘Beyond the Seas’,” Adam Kred, Washington Free Beacon, September 10, 2018






“Iran Executes 3 Kurdish Activists, Sources Say,” Michael Lipin, Shahram Bahraminejad, VOA, September 8, 2018



“Iraqi Protesters Torch Iranian Consulate,” Isabel Coles, Ali Nabhan, Wall Street Journal, September 7, 2018




“The Man Who Actually Runs Iran’s Foreign Policy,” Rohollah Faghihi, Foreign Policy, September 4, 2018








“Iran doubts Europeans can save nuclear deal,” Tehran Times, September 1, 2018

“Exclusive: Iran moves missiles to Iraq in warning to enemies,” John Irish, Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters, August 31, 2018






“Iran: Over 200 Dervishes Convicted,” Human Rights Watch, August 29, 2018

“For Foreigners Imprisoned by Iran, an Uncertain Plight,” Rick Gladstone, New York Times, August 29, 2018

“Exclusive: Iran-based political influence operation - bigger, persistent, global,” Jack Stubbs and Christopher Bing, Reuters, August 28, 2018

“Iran’s Citizens Rely on the U.S. Dollar to Stay Afloat—Energy Journal,” Neanda Salvaterra, Wall Street Journal, August 28, 2018

“Iran’s Parliament Gives President a Rare Rebuke,” Richard Pérez-Pena, New York Times, August 28, 2018


“Iran’s Zarif Draws Ire for Saying Iranians ‘Chose’ to Live with Pressures,” Michael Lipin and Behrooz Samadbeygi, VOA, August 28, 2018




“Iran Showcases New Defense Cooperation in Blow to U.S., Israel,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 27, 2018





“World Court hears Iran lawsuit to have U.S. sanctions lifted,” Stephanie van den Berg, Toby Sterling, Reuters, August 26, 2018





“Thousands left stateless in Iran amid ID card limbo,” Fazel Hawramy, Al-Monitor, August 23, 2018




“Analysis: Iran’s oil exports down sharply in first-half August,” Eklavya Gupte and Jack Jordan, S&P Global, August 22, 2018















“Long Prison Terms for Editors of Dervish News Outlet in Iran,” Michael Lipin and Shahram Bahraminejad, VOA, August 17, 2018

“Iran’s Passive Defense Organization: Another Target for Sanctions,” Farzin Nadimi, Washington Institute, August 16, 2018




“Khamenei Attacks Moderates as Source of Iran’s Problems,” Mehdi Khalaji, Washington Institute, August 15, 2018




“Iran Oil Minister To Press OPEC On Production Quotas,” Irina Slav, Oil Price, August 15, 2018


“10 Reasons Why Rouhani Signed a Bad Russian Document,” Amir Taheri, Asharq Al-Awsat, August 14, 2018






“Iran’s Supreme Leader: No war or talks with US over sanctions,” Nada Altaher and Sheena McKenzie, CNN, August 13, 2018



“How Iran is countering Trump’s new sanctions,” Andrew Potter, Vice News, August 13, 2018

“Iran said to cancel visit by Iraq's prime minister,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Fox News, AP, August 12, 2018
“Lebanon hits political logjam after election,” Tom Perry, Laila Bassam, Reuters, August 12, 2018
“The Reincarnation of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,” Rohollah Faghihi, Foreign Policy, August 10, 2018
“Iran’s Judiciary Threatens Executions for Economic ‘Crimes’,” Tara Sepehri Far, Human Rights Watch, August 10, 2018
“Iran fired ballistic missile as part of naval exercise,” Luis Martinez, ABC News, August 10, 2018
“Iran aide doesn't see ‘any reason’ for Trump-Rouhani talks,” AP, August 10, 2018
“Why Iran won’t talk to Trump, explained in one paragraph:  Expert Vali Nasr details why domestic Iranian politics hinders the government’s ability to accept President Trump’s offer to talk,” Alex Ward, Vox, August 9, 2018.  Here’s my one paragraph explanation—The 1979 Revolution is based on a martyrdom complex that relies on having an enemy, whether Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United States, etc. It is difficult to have normal relations with other countries when the Ayatollah and his IRGC control a corrupted system of governance. You can’t say “Great Satan” and also trade and sign agreements and have exchange at the same time.
Why Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Don't Care About Sanctions,” Al Bawaba, August 9, 2018                                         
“After Sanctions, Iran’s Economy Is Nearing a Crisis,” Ladene Nasseri, Golnar Motevalli, and Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, August 8, 2018
“Iran’s Reliance on Own Oil Tankers Grows Even as Flows Slump,” Julian Lee and Ellen Milligan, Bloomberg, August 8, 2018
“US general criticizes leader of Iran’s Quds Force,” Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne, CNN, August 8, 2018
“Journalists’ Day in Iran is a joke that isn’t funny,” Jason Rezaian, Washington Post, August 8, 2018
“Iranian Hackers Turn to Ransomware, Bitcoin as Economy Stalls,” Robert McMillan, Wall Street Journal, August 7, 2018
“Protests Pop Up Across Iran, Fueled by Daily Dissatisfaction,” Thomas Erdbrink, New York Times, August 4, 2018
“How Syria, Russia, and Iran will slaughter Idlib province,” Tom Rogan, Washington Examiner, August 02, 2018
“Iran’s Deadly Diplomats,” Matthew Levitt, The Washington Institute, August 1, 2018
“Iran’s Gold Demand at Four-Year High Days Before Sanctions,” Mohammed Sergie and Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, August 1, 2018
“Iran MPs summon Rouhani as U.S. pressure squeezes economy,” Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Reuters, August 1, 2018
“America’s unending hostage crisis with Iran,” Yeganeh Torbati and Joel Schectman, Reuters Special Report, August 1, 2018
“Iran’s Rial Gains After Trump Dials Back EscalatedRhetoric,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, July 31, 2018
“My Sister Disowned Me on State TV,” Masih Alinejad, New York Times, July 31, 2018
“Iran and America: A forgotten friendship,” Daniel Thomas Potts, The Conversation, July 31, 2018





“Iranian Kurdish party warns of extensive plans by Iran to attack Kurds,” Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Kurdistan 24, July 30, 2018



“Report:  Iran Using German Companies To Finance War In Yemen,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, July 27, 2018






“Sri Lanka to pay Iran oil debt in tea as trade partners look for creative ways to avoid Trump sanctions,” Adam Withnall, The Independent, July 23, 2018


“Supporting Iranian Voices,” Michael Pompeo, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, July 22, 2018





“‘Desperate to find a way out’: Iran edges towards precipice,” Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian, July 20, 2018

“Iran to Sign Friendship Agreement With Asean, Singapore Says,” Jason Koutsoukis, Bloomberg, July 20, 2018

“Iran-Armenia Rail Link Still Long Way Off, Says Minister,” Sargis Harutyunyan, Radio Farda, July 19, 2018











“Iran accused of encroaching Saudi waters,” Layelle Saad, Gulf News, July 11, 2018


“Woman arrested in Iran over Instagram video of her dancing,” Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian, July 9, 2018


“Iran calls for EU help as shipping giant pulls out for fear of U.S. sanctions,” Leigh Thomas and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Reuters, July 7, 2018

“Iran executes eight men over last year’s terror attacks in Tehran,” Hilary Clarke and Shirzad Bozorgmehr, CNN, July 7, 2018








“In Iran, There Is Little to Smile About,” Kourosh Ziabari, Fair Observor, July 2, 2018




“As sanctions bit, Iranian executives bought African passports,” Bozorgmehr Sharafedin and David Lewis, Reuters, June 29, 2018


“UN Criticizes Iranian Missiles: Nuclear Deal at Crossroads,” Ali Barada, Asharq Al-Awsat, June 29, 2018

“Sorry, Iran, China Isn’t Going to Save You,” Geneive Abdo, Bloomberg, June 28, 2018


“AP Explains: Iran reopens uranium plant in its latest gamble,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, June 28, 2018



“Call Trump’s travel ban what it is: An Iran ban,” Jason Rezaian, Washington Post, June 26, 2018

“Iran: Economic Crisis Deepens Amid Calls for Rouhani to Resign,” Amir Taheri, Asharq Al-Awsat, June 26, 2018




“In Iran, revolution is starting in the bazaar,” Michael Rubin, Washington Examiner, June 25, 2018

“Will Iran’s economy collapse?," Bijan Khajehpour, Al Monitor, June 25, 2018


“Iran Is Changing, but Not in Ways Trump Thinks,” Thomas Erdbrink, New York Times, June 25, 2018








“In about-face, Iraq’s maverick al-Sadr moves closer to Iran,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Sinan Salaheddin, AP, ABC News, June 24, 2018










“Protest Wherever You Want, As Long As Iranian Authorities Choose The Place,” Frud Bezhan, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, June 17, 2018






“Iran’s Detained Dervish Women Beaten in Prison, Mother Says,” Shahram Bahraminejad and Michael Lipin, VOA, June 14, 2018


“Iran arrests two prominent supporters of anti-head scarf protests,” Shashank Bengali and Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, June 13, 2018

“Iran’s Nuclear Model: Japan or North Korea?,” Omer Carmi, The Washington Institute, June 8, 2018
"Iran’s Options in Southern Syria,” Bilal Saab, The American Interest, June 8, 2018
“Iran shows off nuclear centrifuges on TV,” Jon Gambrell, AP, Daily Star, June 08, 2018

“This is Trump’s Opportunity to Uncover the Iran-North Korea Connection,” James Robbins, The National Interest, June 7, 2018


“Secret Obama-era permit let Iran convert funds to dollars,” Josh Lederman & Matthew Lee, AP, PBS, June 6, 2018

“Family of Jailed Iranian Environmentalist Speaks Out, Defying Tehran,” Michael Lipin & Payam Yazdian, VOA News on Iran, June 06, 2018

“Swift shows impact of Iran dispute on international business,” Michael Peel and Jim Brunsden, Financial Times, June 5, 2018

"Iran Moves to Lift Its Nuclear Enrichment Capacity," Thomas Erdbrink, New York Times, June 5, 2018

What Do Steel Tariffs Have to Do With Iran? Plenty,” Melvyn Krauss, Bloomberg, May 31, 2018

Syria FM: Iran has no combat forces, bases in the country,” By Albert Aji and Bassem Mroue, AP, Spokesman, June 2, 2018

Meet Iran’s likely next hardliner-in-chief,” Rohollah Faghihi, Al-Monitor, June 1, 2018

The Zarif Mask Falls,” Sohrab Ahmari, Commentary, May 30, 2018

The Iranian Regime May Be Entering a Death Spiral,” Michael Rubin, Washington Examiner, May 30, 2018

Will Sadr’s victory diminish Iran's influence in Iraq?,” Zaid al-Ali, Al Jazeera, May 27, 2018