January 16, 2020. The title of this article says it all. The JCPOA has been effectively terminated by Iran--you cannot have a treaty if the essential purpose/goal of the treaty has been removed. “Rouhani says Iran enriching more uranium than before nuclear deal,” Times of Israel, January 16, 2020.
“Iran chess ref Shohreh Bayat fears returning home over hijab row,” Sarah Rainsford, BBC, January 15, 2020.
“Iran’s Conservative Judicial Chief Leads Probe Into Downing of Jet,” Aresu Eqbali and Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall
Street Journal, January 16, 2020.
“Leaked Intelligence Reports Reveal The Vast Power Iran Wields In Iraq,” NPR, January 16, 2020.
“How thousands of Iranians went from mourning a general to protesting the regime, in a week,” Jen Kirby, Vox,
January 16, 2020.
“Soleimani's death creates power vacuum within Iran,” Jason Brodsky, The Hill, January 16, 2020.
“Trump’s Iran czar to ‘Post’: Iran’s weak, sanctions and protests work,” Omri Nahmias, Jerusalem Post, January 15,
2020
“Iran’s Rouhani slams disqualification of thousands from running for parliament,” Nasser Karimi and Mohammad Nasiri,
Times of Israel, January 15, 2020.
“Iran's Foreign Minister says people took the streets because they were 'lied to',” Tatiana Arias, Alla Eshchenko
and Larry Register, CNN, January 15, 2020.
“Iran's Zarif says nuclear pact not dead, wary of 'Trump deal',” Alasdair Pal, Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, January
15, 2020.
January 15, 2020. A good article about the inner workings and
personalities of the Quds Force, but nothing said about the malevolent nature
and practices (killings!) of Quds and IRGC.
“Ordinary Brother, Exceptional General:
“What Major General Soleimani’s Killing Means for the IRGC,” Maryam Alemzadeh, Foreign Affairs, January 15, 2020.
“U.S. expects U.N. sanctions on Iran to'snap back into place': Treasury Secretary,” Reuters,” January 15, 2020.
January 15, 2020. A year, or just under. “Israel Warns Iran is Closer to Nuclear Bomb,”
Linda Gradstein, VOA, January 15, 2020. See also “Israeli Intel: Iran Will Have Enough Enriched Uranium for Nuke by Year's End,” Yaniv Kubovich, Haaertz, January
14, 2020. “However, the Israeli army does not believe
Iran possesses missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead at this time” says
the article.
“What will happen first: Iranian nuclear bomb or fall of the regime?,” Ben Caspit, Al Monitor, January 15, 2020.
January 15, 2020. This is one of the first substantive (and a
respected person) comments about what a revised agreement with Iran could look
like. The interview of Richard Haass, Council
On Foreign Relations President, starts with this question, “So one of the
things you've said is that the Trump administration's maximum-pressure campaign
against Iran, quote, "had much more of an effect than people
predicted" and implied that that could lead to a new nuclear deal with
international support. What have you seen from Iran that indicates that's the
case?” See
“Council On Foreign Relations President Richard Haass On Diplomacy With Iran,” NPR, January 14, 2020.
January 15, 2020. Syria and Iran (which controls Syria’s
government) coordinated on this award for Soleimani. “While Iranian students rip down posters of Soleimani, Syria awards him a posthumous medal of honor,” Russ Read, Washington
Examiner, January 14, 2020.
January 15, 2020. Here is another threat, to Europe because of
Germany, France, and the UK claims that Iran is now violating the JCPOA. This article says “The unveiling of the
republic's underground missile depot came after France, Britain and Germany
formally triggered the dispute mechanism in Iran's nuclear deal on Tuesday,
formally accusing Iran of violating the agreement.” See “Iran's secret underground 'missile city' unveiled,” Leon Sverdlov, Jerusalem Post, January 15, 2020.
January 15, 2020. “Today, the American soldier is in danger,
tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger,” Pres. Rouhani said in a
speech, Agence France-Presse reported. That’s
a threat. “Iran’s President Lashes Out at Europeans Over Crumbling Nuclear Deal,” Vivian Yee, MSN, New York Times,
January 15, 2020. And see “Iran warning puts thousands of European troops in spotlight,” Joseph Krauss, AP, January 16, 2020.
January 14, 2020. Now we’re seeing the video, and the IRGC
didn’t announce it, but it was two missiles that exploded and shredded the
Ukrainian jetliner with shrapnel. The
apology was forced by the arriving experts, and the real story will be left to
be told by authorities other than those belonging to Iran. “New video shows that 2 missiles struck the Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran,” David Slotnick, Business Insider,
January 14, 2020.
January 14, 2020. Imagine—the UK ambassador is very aware of the
Regime security officers point blank shooting hundreds of peaceful protesters
in November, so Amb. Rob Macaire simply watches another peaceful protest a few
nights ago, people complaining that for three days the government lied about
shooting down an airplane with Iranians aboard.
The ambassador was not leading anything, he was at the edge watching,
and had his credentials. The Iran
authorities know who he is. But if
things get out of hand with the crowd, they don’t want him there to watch how
the officers respond with force. So
here’s the Reuters story. “Iran’s
judiciary said on Tuesday that Britain’s ambassador to Tehran was an
“undesirable element”, state media reported, after Iranian officials accused him
of attending an illegal protest despite his denials. Iran’s Foreign Ministry,
which had summoned him to complain over the incident, would be responsible for
announcing any move to expel Rob Macaire, who has been in the post since 2018. British
Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said London had received no formal notification
that Macaire would be expelled, adding that any such action would be
regrettable. “Based on international regulations, the British ambassador in
Iran is an undesirable element,” judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told
reporters, when asked about the British envoy. His remarks were carried on
state television. In remarks carried by Eslahat news website, prominent
hardline Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda also said expelling the
ambassador would be “the best thing that can happen to him” as otherwise loyal
supporters of a general killed in a U.S. drone strike would “chop him to small
pieces”. Alamolhoda is the leader of Friday prayers in the eastern Shi’ite
Muslim holy city of Mashhad.” So, the
ayatollahs didn’t want an outside observer to watch how they order their own
people to be manhandled and worse. “Iran’s judiciary brands UK ambassador ‘undesirable’: state media,” Reuters, January
14, 2020.
January 14, 2020. I can’t think of when I’ve seen a story like
this from Iran. “At least two Iranian
journalists at a state-owned media outlet reportedly resigned from their jobs,
and another left a while back, apologizing for "the 13 years I told you
lies" to her supporters as Tehran grapples with the fallout from protests
stemming from a cover-up of its accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner. Gelare
Jabbari posted an apology on an Instagram that appears to have been deleted. “It
was very hard for me to believe that our people have been killed," the
post read, according to The Guardian. "Forgive me that I got to know this
late. And forgive me for the 13 years I told you lies.” Story at “Iran state TV sees at least 2 news anchors quit: 'Forgive me for the 13 years I told you lies',” Louis Casiano, Fox
News, January 13, 2020.
January 14, 2020. This is an opportunity for Iran to move
forward and improve itself as a country, and to be much more “normal” like
other countries—The seven signatories (P5+1+EU) only addressed part of the
nuclear program in the JCPOA but did not address other crucial issues such as
ballistic missiles, terrorism, Crescent, and human rights. The continuing if not increasing Iran actions
after the 2016 agreement and the deficiencies in such led the Trump
Administration to withdraw from the JCPOA and call for Iran to reform and to
reach a different and better agreement.
The other countries have balked until now, and maybe the UK calling for
a better deal will be the first country to see the wisdom of a better agreement
with the Regime. “Boris Johnson calls for ‘Trump deal’ to replace Iran nuclear pact,” Annabelle Dickson, Politico, January
14, 2020. And in a closely associated story, “Europeans trigger dispute mechanism in Iran nuclear deal,” John Irish, Guy Faulconbridge,
Reuters, January 14, 2020.
“Iran regime 'at a crossroads', warns Raab,” BBC, January 14, 2020.
“‘Death to the dictator’: What is Iran’s future?,” Melissa Etehad, Los Angeles Times, January 14, 2020.
“Iran’s supreme leader faces public wrath,” Najmeh Bozorgmehr, Financial Times, January 14, 2020.
“Iran announces arrests for shootdown of Ukrainian plane,” Caitlin Yilek, Washington Examiner, January 14, 2020.
January 14, 2020. The countries
triggered the deal’s “dispute mechanism,” which amounts to formally accusing
Iran of violating the terms of the agreement. “Britain, France, Germany formally accuse Iran of breaking nuclear deal,” John Irish, Guy Faulconbridge, Reuters,
January 14, 2020; “Ottawa dismisses as 'nonsense' Iran's claim few crash victims were Canadian,” David Ljunggren, Reuters, January 14, 2020.
“Rouhani Spokesman Says Government Kept In Dark About Downing Of Airliner,” Radio Farda, January 13, 2020.
“Tensions between president Rouhani and Iran's Revolutionary Guard spill into open,” Raf Sanchez, Ahmed Vahdat,
Telegraph, January 13, 2020.
“Does Iran Have Secret Armed Dolphin Assassins?,” Andrew Daniels, Popular Mechanics, January 13, 2020.
“Iran Denies Shooting At Anti-Government Protesters, Despite Video Footage,” Merrit Kennedy, NPR, January
13, 2020.
January 13, 2020. Now, at 2:30 p.m. CST, it is the middle of
the night in Iran. What will happen on
Tuesday? There were certainly many
persons in many places on Monday. “Iran protests: Crowds in Tehran refuse to walk on U.S. and Israeli flags,” Alexander
Smith and Caroline Radnofsky, NBC, January 13, 2020; “‘Clerics get lost!’: Iran protests rage on over plane disaster,” Babak Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, New York Times, January
13, 2020; and “Iran’s Plane Shootdown Sparks Anger at Home,” Aresu Eqbali and Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal, January 12,
2020.
January 13, 2020. Really amazing, and so few countries who claim to be democracies but don't do this. "Iran's conservative dominated Guardian Council has barred nearly one third of the current members of the Iranian Parliament (Majles) from running for the upcoming parliamentary elections, official news agency IRNA and semei-official agency ISNA reported Sunday January 12. ... [T]he 80 or so MPs whose disqualification was announced on Sunday comprise one of the largest number of incumbent MPs ever barred from running for the Majles. “Iran Hardliners Bar Dozens Of Current Lawmakers From Running Again,” Radio Farda, January 12, 2020. This is an attempt (rather effective) at controlling the Parliament by the Leader and the IRGC, and really discourages average Iranian citizens for voting. And it keeps those "Death to America" chants flowing from Parliament.
January 12, 2020. Here are telling quotes: “similar protests were taking place in other Iranian cities” and “Riot police in black uniforms and helmets earlier massed in Vali-e Asr Square, at Tehran University and other landmarks. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes, and plainclothes security men were also out in force.” The question is, will the Leader order turning off the internet nationwide again? “Defying police, Iranians protest over plane shootdown,” Joseph Krauss and Jon Gambrell, AP, January 12, 2020.
January 11, 2020. Seeing this story now from the Google News Alerts dated two days ago, explaining how Iran could have made the mistake to shoot the passenger plane. “How Iran Could Have Mistakenly Shot Down A 737 Airliner,” Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, January 9, 2020.
January 11, 2020. So, as stated on this blog, Iran did shoot down the Ukrainian airliner, as could be judged from the reported facts such as the debris field and the pictures of the broken-up missile found on the ground. It was just a question of how many days would it take the Regime to admit their act and how the mistake came about. There is a telling map at the NYT with the story that flights in and out of Tehran continued even after the shoot-down—Iran knew what it had done, and that a massive event had occurred, and they kept the airport open. What terrible management, and what a terrible message to the crews and passengers of those other planes, both from Iran and from many countries--“they aren’t worth much.” “We are not a safe place, but keep on moving” seems to be the message. “Nothing to see here folks, move along, move along.” Last, notice that the Leader forced President Rouhani to be the one embarrassed, to be the face of the Regime saying for several days there was no missile, and now to have to take the blame. “Iran Says It Unintentionally Shot Down Ukrainian Airliner,” Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, January 10, 2020. Also there are three good quotes from “Under pressure, Iran admits it shot down jetliner by mistake,” Nasser Karimi and Josephy Krauss, AP, January 11, 2020. First, “Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guard’s aerospace division, said his unit accepts “full responsibility” for the shootdown. In an address broadcast by state TV, he said that when he learned about the downing of the plane, “I wished I was dead.” He said Guard forces ringing the capital had beefed up their air defenses and were at the “highest level of readiness,” fearing that the U.S. would retaliate. He said an officer made the “bad decision” to open fire on the plane after mistaking it for a cruise missile.” Second, “It also undermines the credibility of information provided by senior Iranian officials. As recently as Friday, Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the national aviation department, had told reporters “with certainty” that a missile had not caused the crash.” Finally, Mohammad Fazeli, a sociology professor in Tehran, wrote on social media, “Concealing the truth for three days is dangerous.”
January 9, 2020. The issue of consular access from Canada for the plane downing/accident in Tehran is significant--Iran really should give access other country's inspectors with valid connections to the plane, and to allow Ukraine to examine the black box. Canada had over 60 people on the plane. Was this commercial plane shot down? Apparently so (see the articles immediately below). Iran says even Ukraine (it was their plane) can't look at the black box. Normal countries, in the sense of dealing with other countries in international relations, allow such access, and this blog continues this call. “Trudeau to address reports Iranian missile likely brought down Ukrainian flight, killing 63 Canadians,” Catharine Tunney, CBC News, January 9,
2020. “Iran says it will not give black box from crashed airliner to Boeing,” Peter Beaumont in London, Michael Safi in
Beirut and Rebecca Ratcliffe, The Guardian, January 8, 2020. “Iranian Missile System Shot Down Ukraine Flight, Probably By Mistake, Sources Say,” Naveed Jamali, James LaPorta, Chantal
Da Silva, and Tom O’Connor, Newsweek January 9, 2020.
“This is how to handle Iran plane crash investigation,” Michael Bociurkiw, op-ed, CNN, January 9, 2020.
January 8, 2020. There are multiple stories, here are two, about Iran's retaliation attacks. We will see if Iran keeps its word, from multiple officials including the IRGC and the FM, that the revenge attacks are appropriate and over. “Iran attacks Iraqi bases housing US troops in retaliation for Soleimani’s death,” Nicole Gaouette, Hamdi Alkhshali,
Ryan Browne, Barbara Starr, and Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, January 8, 2020, and “Iran Retaliates Against U.S. in Missile Attack on Iraq Bases,” Glen Carey, Bloomberg, January 7, 2020.
January 7, 2020. The question of retaliation or self-defense has been
raised by FM Zarif and others (remember,
he is FM in name only, just as Rouhani is Pres. in name only—this has been
pointed out in an odd way the past few days by persons in the U.S. who suddenly
are calling Soleimani the second most powerful man in the country, and that he
was thus a high government official and somehow immune from attack). It is actually accurate that the head of the
Quds Force, at least as the position was magnified by Soleimani, WAS the second
most powerful person in Iran and was directly answerable to the Leader, AND had
ONE job—terrorism in the name of spreading the Shia/Regime version of a
revolution. Now these voices in the U.S.
are coming around to admitting the high position that Soleimani held, but they
hadn’t been talking about him in the past.
His role is part of the nature of the Regime, and is best seen in the
chants “Death to … (chose a place or person)” BTW, Ali Akbar
Velayati is the real FM, he is a top adviser to the Supreme Leader. Remember also that the Regime has effectively (but afraid
to formally declare it) been at war against the United States since 1979. The was seen at the first, for example, by
the deadly 1983 Beirut bombings. So the
calls of Zarif that the killing of the Quds Force head is an act of war is
curious, because they are already informally at war with the U.S. Regardless, you will not see the Parliament
or the Leader declaring war, they know they cannot survive that. They most likely remain in the same
status—terror against the West, allies of the U.S., against Saudi Arabia,
against Israel. But not acting as a
normal country. “Iran’s Foreign Minister: U.S. Strike On Soleimani An Act Of Terrorism And War,” Scott Neuman, NPR, January 7, 2020.
“The Cybersecurity 202: Get ready for serious cyberattacks from Iran, experts say,” Joseph Marks, Washington Post,
January 13, 2020.
January 13, 2020. The Iran government has started shooting
people in the streets again, and its on purpose (not like the accidental but
grossly mismanaged personnel and policies that resulted in the shooting of the
commercial jetliner with an anti-aircraft missile). “Gunshots heard at Iran protests after plane disaster: social media posts,” Reuters, January 13, 2020, and “Iran Cracks Down as Protests Over Downing of Airliner Grow,” Farnaz Fassihi and David Kirkpatrick, New York
Times, January 12, 2020.
January 12, 2020. A revealing article about what nationwide protests
occurred in Iran on Sunday. Najmeh
Bozorgmehr in Tehran posted this story 13 hours ago, and it is now after 5 p.m.
CST as this story is put up on https://irannationorcause.blogspot.com. It is now the middle of the night as Monday
begins in Iran—will these large protests in Tehran, Isfahan, Rasht, Mashhad,
Hamedan, and Babol continue, and start in other cities, in a few hours on
Monday? Will the Supreme Leader order
the internet shut down across Iran, as they did two months ago? Bozorgmehr’s article is “Iran questions Revolutionary Guard over downing of airliner,” Najmeh Bozorgmehr, Financial
Times, January 12, 2020.
January 12, 2020. So, after detaining the UK Ambassador on
Saturday, on Sunday the Basij militia are ordered to demonstrate outside
Britain’s embassy in Tehran demanding that it be closed. This is the Regime that finally apologized
three days later for shooting down the Ukrainian airliner, and some thought
they were turning a corner toward normality (apologizing for your errors and
changing your ways). “Hardline militia rallies at UK embassy in Iran, demands closure: report,” Reuters, January 12,
2020.
January 12, 2020. Here are telling quotes: “similar protests were taking place in other Iranian cities” and “Riot police in black uniforms and helmets earlier massed in Vali-e Asr Square, at Tehran University and other landmarks. Revolutionary Guard members patrolled the city on motorbikes, and plainclothes security men were also out in force.” The question is, will the Leader order turning off the internet nationwide again? “Defying police, Iranians protest over plane shootdown,” Joseph Krauss and Jon Gambrell, AP, January 12, 2020.
“Hezbollah: It's time for Iran’s allies to start working to avenge Soleimani,” Reuters, January 12, 2020.
January 12, 2020. The bad news week for Iran continues. After loosing their main wrestler several months ago due to the Regime insisting he could not wrestle against Israelis/Jews, now they've lost their best taekwondo female athlete. “Iran’s sole female Olympic medalist says she's defected,” Vasco Cotovio, CNN, January 12, 2020. Here is some from the story, in case you
don’t know much about females and sport in Iran. "Let me start with a greeting, a
farewell or condolences," the 21-year--old wrote in an Instagram post
explaining why she was defecting. "I am one of the millions of oppressed
women in Iran who they have been playing with for years." Alizadeh became
the first Iranian woman to win an Olympic medal after claiming taekwondo bronze
in the -57kg category during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Affectionately known in
Iran as "The Tsunami," Alizadeh announced she was leaving her birth
country with searing criticism the regime in Tehran. "They took me
wherever they wanted. I wore whatever they said. Every sentence they ordered me
to say, I repeated. Whenever they saw fit, they exploited me," she wrote,
adding that credit always went to those in charge. "I wasn't important to
them. None of us mattered to them, we were tools.” … Reports of her defection
first surfaced Thursday, with some Iranians suggesting she had left for the
Netherlands. It's unclear from her post what specific country she's gone to. On
Friday, the head of Iran's Taekwondo Federation, Seyed Mohammad Pouladgar,
claimed that Alizadeh had assured both her father and her coach that she was
traveling as part of her vacation, a trip he claimed was paid for by the
Iranian government. He dismissed the reports of Alizadeh's defection as
politically motivated rumors amplified by the foreign media. Alizadeh confirmed the rumors Saturday,
saying she "didn't want to sit at the table of hypocrisy, lies, injustice
and flattery" and that she did not want to be complicit with the regime's
"corruption and lies." "My troubled spirit does not fit with
your dirty economic ties and tight political lobbies. I wish for nothing else
than for Taekwondo, safety and for a happy and healthy life, she said adding
that she was not invited to go to Europe. She said the decision was harder than
winning Olympic gold. "I remain a daughter of Iran wherever I am," she
said.
January 12, 2020. In a violation of the protections provided by
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and just when Iran needs to step
back from its bad press of the last three days, the Regime has detained the British
Ambassador in Tehran. This is contravention
of the principle of diplomatic immunity, a basic protection ensuring
international relations. Here is what
the BBC and Washington Examiner are reporting.
“Rob Macaire had been detained and then released after several hours on
Saturday, possibly by security officers acting without authorization. The 53-year-old was detained while observing
protests at Amirkabir University, part of national demonstrations following the
downing of a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 that killed all 176 people on board. It marks the latest flashpoint between Tehran
and the West, following weeks of increasing tension, the killing of Iran’s top
military commander by U.S. drone, and strikes against Iraqi bases housing
American troops. The British foreign
secretary confirmed the detention in a statement. "The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran
without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international
law," said Dominic Raab. "The Iranian government is at a cross-roads
moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political
and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and
engage in a diplomatic path forwards.” Iranian
media claimed Mr Macaire was accused of inciting anti-government protests.” See “British ambassador detained in Iran during demonstrations,” Rob Crilly, Washington Examiner, January 11, 2020, and “Iran plane crash: UK ambassador arrested in Tehran,” BBC, January 11, 2020.
January 12, 2020. “Hundreds of Iranian protesters demanded
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei step down on Saturday after Tehran
admitted that its military had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian plane, killing
all 176 people on board. “Commander-in-chief
[Khamenei] resign, resign,” videos posted on Twitter showed hundreds of people
chanting in front of Tehran’s Amir Kabir university.” See “Trump tweets support for Iranian protesters as they demand Khamenei quit,” Leon Sverdlov, Jerusalem Post,
January 12, 2020. See also “Analysis--Iran’s handling of plane disaster sparks new challenge to rulers,” Reuters, January 11, 2020. The people are upset because of stories
such as “Iran’s Guards knew missile to blame on day Ukraine plane crashed,”
Reuters,” January 11, 2020. They are
also upset that they are realizing that the very same government that shot dead
as many as 1,500 protesters two months ago (and arrested about 8,000) is now
admitting it shot down its own plane and killed scores of Iran citizens—even if
an accident. This is not government as practiced in other countries. See other stories on the protests. “Iran’s ‘Unforgivable Mistake’ Downing Jet Elicits Furor At Home And Abroad,” WLRH, NPR, January 11, 2020. And see “Protests erupt in Iran after country admits to downing Ukraine plane,” Marty Johnson, The Hill, January 11,
2020. Finally, and in a rare move, Fars carried this
news. “Iranian semi-official news agency reports anti-government protests,” Reuters, January 11, 2020.
January 11, 2020. The dissembling of the Iran Regime is particularly
damaging it seems. International
relations is full of competing states issuing different interpretations about events and their own actions and policies (some
arguably incorrect, some seen as spin)(such as Pres.
Rouhani’s current claim that Soleimani was a hero for fighting ISIS and is not a
terrorist, see “Rouhani to Johnson: There had been no security in London without Gen. Soleimani’s efforts,” Tehran Times, January 10,
2020). But the claim by the Regime that it’s
missiles had not been shot at an airliner cannot be explained as int’l
relations perspective, blamed on imperialism of the West, an attempt to attack
Iran through psychological warfare, a plot by the CIA, etc. Instead it was a flat-out lie to avoid
responsibility for a mistake. And it is
a mistake that is based on a series of reasons, none of which are the fault of
anyone but Iran. It is time for Iran to
change and be a normal nation. If nothing else, they owe it to themselves--there were many Iranian citizens on board.January 11, 2020. Seeing this story now from the Google News Alerts dated two days ago, explaining how Iran could have made the mistake to shoot the passenger plane. “How Iran Could Have Mistakenly Shot Down A 737 Airliner,” Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, January 9, 2020.
January 11, 2020. So, as stated on this blog, Iran did shoot down the Ukrainian airliner, as could be judged from the reported facts such as the debris field and the pictures of the broken-up missile found on the ground. It was just a question of how many days would it take the Regime to admit their act and how the mistake came about. There is a telling map at the NYT with the story that flights in and out of Tehran continued even after the shoot-down—Iran knew what it had done, and that a massive event had occurred, and they kept the airport open. What terrible management, and what a terrible message to the crews and passengers of those other planes, both from Iran and from many countries--“they aren’t worth much.” “We are not a safe place, but keep on moving” seems to be the message. “Nothing to see here folks, move along, move along.” Last, notice that the Leader forced President Rouhani to be the one embarrassed, to be the face of the Regime saying for several days there was no missile, and now to have to take the blame. “Iran Says It Unintentionally Shot Down Ukrainian Airliner,” Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, January 10, 2020. Also there are three good quotes from “Under pressure, Iran admits it shot down jetliner by mistake,” Nasser Karimi and Josephy Krauss, AP, January 11, 2020. First, “Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guard’s aerospace division, said his unit accepts “full responsibility” for the shootdown. In an address broadcast by state TV, he said that when he learned about the downing of the plane, “I wished I was dead.” He said Guard forces ringing the capital had beefed up their air defenses and were at the “highest level of readiness,” fearing that the U.S. would retaliate. He said an officer made the “bad decision” to open fire on the plane after mistaking it for a cruise missile.” Second, “It also undermines the credibility of information provided by senior Iranian officials. As recently as Friday, Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the national aviation department, had told reporters “with certainty” that a missile had not caused the crash.” Finally, Mohammad Fazeli, a sociology professor in Tehran, wrote on social media, “Concealing the truth for three days is dangerous.”
January 11, 2020. The Sultan of Oman will be remembered for
many things, but one was trying to provide a mode of communication and perhaps
even peace in the future between neighbors on both sides of the Gulf. Iran will miss him, and will have to moderate
their speech as he encouraged them in order to continue talking with Saudi
Arabia, the other GCC states, and the U.S.
“‘Loss for region’: World reacts to death of Oman's Sultan Qaboos,” Al
Jazeera, January 11, 2020.
“Fliers recruiting suicide terrorists to attack US distributed in Iran,” Jon Levine, New York Post, January 11, 2020.
“A visual guide to the Iran plane crash,” Peter Beaumont, Paul Torpey, and Paul Scruton, Guardian, January 11,
2020.
“Iran detains British ambassador amid Tehran protests,” Marina Pitofsky, The Hill, January 11, 2020.
January 10, 2020. Despite the admission of the anti-aircraft
missile taking down a commercial jetliner, the threat from Iran remains. Here are three articles. “Iran-backed militia calls for lone wolf attacks against US troops,” Shawn Snow, Military Times, January 10, 2020; “Facebook information warfare: Inside Iran’s shadowy operations to target you on social media,” Jessica Guynn, USA Today, January 10,
2020; and “Iran official says Israeli cities can be revenge targets,” AP, Politico, January 5, 2020.
“Power in Iran After Soleimani,” Sune
Engel Rasmussen and Roque Ruiz, Wall Street Journal, January 10, 2020.
January 10, 2020. This is another one of those times when
“either it happened or it didn’t”—who are you going to believe, the West or
Iran? Read the open sources, and then
watch if Iran ever admits wrongdoing.
After all, Iran knows it shot a missile, and Iran knows about the
missile pieces picked up while other countries are kept off the debris field. “Iran denies missile hit plane, calls on West to share data,” WSAW TV, January 9, 2020. “The U.S. officials did not say what
intelligence they had that pointed to an Iranian missile, believed to be fired
by Russian Tor system, known to NATO as the SA-15. But they acknowledged the
existence of satellites and other sensors in the region, as well as the
likelihood of communication interceptions and other similar intelligence. Western countries may hesitate to share
information on such a strike because it comes from highly classified sources. Videos
verified by The Associated Press appear to show the final seconds of the the
ill-fated airliner, which had just taken off from Iran early Wednesday. In one
video, a fast-moving light can be seen through the trees as someone films from
the ground. The light appears to be the burning plane, which plummets to the
earth as a huge fireball illuminates the landscape.” Finally, I'm adding this sentence a couple of hours later--the videos are confirmed (a rare statement from the media, about as good as it ever gets in open sources)--“Verified videos show plane in Iran struck before fiery crash,” Tamer Fakahany, AP, Washington Post, January 10,
2020. Will Iranian citizens march against the misinformation of the Regime?
January 10, 2020. “All these reports are a psychological
warfare against Iran ... all those countries whose citizens were aboard the
plane can send representatives and we urge Boeing to send its representative to
join the process of investigating the black box,” said Iranian government
spokesman Ali Rabiei. “Iran denies Ukrainian plane was hit by missile: statement,” Reuters, January 9, 2020. But see “Video shows moment that Iran shot down passenger jet, killing all 176 on board,” Zachary Halaschak,
Washington Examiner, January 9, 2020; “Iranians clear crash site of wreckage, as calls for transparent investigation grow,” Eliza Mackintosh, Joshua
Berlinger, and Radina Gigova, CNN, January 10, 2020; and “Iranians shot down airliner, Western leaders declare,” Lolita Baldor, Zeke Miller, AP, January 10, 2020.
January 10, 2020. It is interesting to see a public strategy
revealed by the IRGC and the Leader, something they have clearly discussed in
the last 3-4 days. Of course, beyond
their argument that the U.S. doesn’t belong in other states is the observation
by the rest of us that the Shia Crescent extends roughly across much of the
Middle East. Will they pull back? Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s Aerospace Force, did not address this. “Iranian General Lays Out Aim to Expel U.S. From Mideast,” Aresu Eqbali, and Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal,
January 9, 2020.
January 10, 2020. Abdul Reza Shahlai, a financier and key
commander of the Quds Force, is now in hiding, most likely in Yemen, after the
U.S. failed to eliminate him at the same time as Gen. Soleimani. Iran had not turned him over, and is most
likely assisting in his hiding now. “US unsuccessfully targeted another Iranian military official on same day as Soleimani,” Barbara Starr, Zachary Cohen, and Ryan Bro, CNN, January 20, 2020.
January 10, 2020. Targets remain. Here are several articles on that
subject. “Iran got its revenge for Qasem Soleimani's killing but the US Navy is still a target,” Kim Hjelmgaard, USA
Today, January 10, 2020.
“Trump says four U.S. embassies were targeted in attack planned by Qassem Soleimani,” CBS, January 10, 2020.
“US tried to kill Iranian commander in Yemen same night as Soleimani strike: Officials,” James Gordon Meek, Luis
Martinez, and Elizabeth McLaughlin, ABC, January 10, 2020.
“U.S. evidence suggests Iranian missile shot down Ukrainian plane by mistake, sources say,” Tom Costello, Mosheh Gains,
Ken Dilanian and Janelle Griffith, NBC, January 9, 2020.
“Iranian commander vows ‘harsher revenge soon’ against U.S.,” Quint Forgey, Politico, January 9, 2020.
“This is how to handle Iran plane crash investigation,” Michael Bociurkiw, op-ed, CNN, January 9, 2020.
“‘We did not intend to kill,’ Iranian commander says of missile strike on U.S. targets,” Kareem Fahim and Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, January
9, 2020.
January 9, 2020. I include this article for comment because of
the gall it takes for Pres. Rouhani to use a cover story and order the
transportation minister to investigate the military shoot-down of a passenger
jet. As of Jan. 9, long after he learned
of the accidental shoot-down of the Ukraine plane, Rouhani continued the charade. “President Rouhani Offers Condolences over Plane Crash in Iran, Orders Road Minister to Scrutinize Cause,” Fars News,
January 9, 2020.
January 8, 2020. While watching Pres. Trump deliver his
remarks, it became immediately apparent that Iran could back off—the U.S. was
not going to retaliate for the ballistic missile attacks on the two U.S.
bases. “READ: President Trump’s address after Iran’s retaliatory attacks against Iraqi bases housing US forces,” CNN, January
8, 2020.
January 8, 2020. Again, the point of this blog (for the past
two years), watching to see if Iran moderates its behavior and acts as other
countries. Below is the latest statement
asking Iran to hold itself to the standard of a normal country in international
relations. “We have put Iran in a place that it
has never been before, where they’ve had to make some very difficult choices –
choices about how to pay for and underwrite their proxy militias around the
region, whether and how to build out their missile program. This is a flip from where we were eight years
before. It’s not political. Previous administration made a different
choice. They chose to underwrite and
appease. We have chosen to confront and
contain. Those are different
strategies. We believe ours is
successful, and we ultimately believe it will be successful at making Iran
behave like a normal nation, will deny them the capacity to build out their
nuclear program and threaten not only Americans and our lives – to keep
Americans safe, which is our mission set – but also to create enhanced
stability throughout the Middle East.
We’re confident that that’s the case.” “Secretary Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press,” Department of State, January 7, 2020.
January 7, 2020. There have been many persons, including most
importantly officials in Iran, who said that an appropriate and measured
response would be made by the Regime against U.S. military in revenge for the
killing of Quds Force head Gen. Soleimani.
So now we hear that late this afternoon Iraq time that Iran launched (from
Iran) ballistic missiles against two bases housing U.S.
troops in Iraq, at Al-Assad and Irbil. Iran
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted after the attack that “we do not
seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.” He also said, “Iran took & concluded
proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting
base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior
officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend
ourselves against any aggression,” Zarif tweeted. So, now its over, right? No more missiles from Iran, right? The FM speaks for the Leader, right? Let’s see. See “Iran fires missiles at multiple bases housing US troops in Iraq,” Amanda Macias, Jacob Pramuk, and Riya
Bhattacharjee, CNBC, January 7, 2020.
Whether the Quds Force head is higher
than and independent of the IRGC head, or vice versa, continues as an open
question, but the majority of analysts and obervers appear to say the former
under Soleimani. Also, whether IRGC will
have the same influence, competence, and respect of the Supreme Leader are yet
to be seen, and is in doubt. See “Special Report:‘Time to take out our swords' - Inside Iran’s plot to attack Saudi Arabia,” Reuters, November 25, 2019.
“The Appointment Of New IRGC Commanders Shows The Concerns Of Iran’s Ruling Clerics,” Morad Veisi, Radio Farda, May 18,
2019.
“Iran’s Changing of the Guards,” Nader
Uskowi and Omer Carmi, FP, April 30, 2019.
“The most memorable quotes from new IRGC chief commander Hossein Salami,” Al Arabiya, April 22, 2019.
“Iranian State TV: Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei coordinating attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq,” Ali
Arouzi, MSNBC, January 7, 2020.
“Iran’s parliament approves bill designating all U.S. military forces as terrorists,” Christopher Brito, CBS,
January 7, 2020.
“Iran drops spy charges against French-Iranian academic,” AP, January 7, 2020.
“Texas facing 10,000 potential cybersecurity attacks from Iran per minute, Abbott says,” Tessa Weinberg, Ft.
Worth Star-Telegram, January 7, 2020.
“How Soleimani’s assassination could affect Iran’s Syria strategy,” Hamidreza Azizi, Al Monitor, January 7, 2020.
“Boeing 737 Bound for Ukraine Crashes Near Tehran, Killing 176,” Arsalan Shahla, Alan Levin, and Daryna Krasnolutska,
Bloomberg, January 7, 2020.
“Iranian foreign minister accuses US of 'state terrorism' as country's parliament votes to designate US forces as 'terrorists',” Fred Pleitgen, CNN, January 7, 2020.
“Egypt reportedly simmers over Hamas chief’s trip to Iran,” Adam Rasgon, Times of Israel, January 7, 2020.
“Iran Fires Rockets On Airbase In Iraq Housing U.S. Troops,” Franco Ordonez, NPR, January 7, 2020.
January 6, 2020. The topic of what Suleimani was up to, what
his plans to kill Americans were, is a topic of great interest to Congress, and for which a briefing is coming mid-week. But here
is a good and extended story about that from Reuters. “Inside the plot by Iran’s Soleimani to attack U.S. forces in Iraq,” Reuters,
January 6, 2020. New Quds Force head Ghaani has said that Allah has spoken regarding the Soleimani event in Iraq—“God the almighty has promised to get his revenge, and God is the main avenger. Certainly actions will be taken.” This quote is found in “Iran general replacing Soleimani vows revenge for U.S. killing,” AP, Politico, January 5, 2020.
“Hostages Who Survived 444 Days in Iran Are Still Waiting on Restitution,” Sarah Mervosh, New York Times, January 6, 2020.
“Crowds Turn Out In Iran For Gen. Sulemani's Funeral Procession,” NPR, January 6, 2020.
“An emotional Khamenei shows Iran general’s death is personal,” Aya Batrawy, AP, January 6, 2020.
“Death of Iran general spurs anxiety over fate of US hostages,” Eric Tucker, AP, January 6, 2020.
January 5, 2020. “Iran will not respect any limits established
in the 2015 nuclear deal on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges,
according to a state-run television broadcast. Therefore, Iran would have no
limit on its enrichment capacity, the level to which uranium could be enriched,
or Iran’s nuclear research and development.”
This important decision may end (breach) the JCPOA for Iran, as this could be argued by the remaining parties as a provision
essential to the accomplishment of the object or purpose of the agreement. See “Iran will no longer abide by uranium enrichment limits under 2015 nuclear deal,” Amanda Macias, CNBC, January 5,
2020.
January 5, 2020. “Iraqi Parliament Votes in Favor of Expelling U.S. Troops,” Isabel Coles, Wall Street Journal, January 5, 2020. Wall Street Journal, January 5, 2020. The Iraq Parliament resolution passed today is
non-binding. And it was the Shia members who
voted, the other parties (Sunni and Kurds) didn’t show up. It is doubtful that the U.S. forces will
actually leave because they are a safe-keeping symbol (contrast to the
Iran-backed PMF). And because of the
legal timelines required.
“Soleimani hit may push off Israel-Iran confrontation – analysis,” Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2020.
January 5, 2020. Revealing reporting by the NYT. First, this is one of the rare times the U.S.
has shown it hears at least some of the Supreme Leader’s conversations. Second, this article also alludes clearly that
the escalation was not the fault of Pres. Trump, but was due to multiple
attacks being planned by Gen. Suleimani.
Last, that they were stunned (if that is entirely accurate) should not
be surprising—a jolt can be needed to communicate that the warnings and red
line are real. This story is at “As tensions with Iran escalated, Trump opted for an extreme measure. Pentagon officials were stunned,” Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt, Maggie Haberman, and Rukmini
Callimachi, New York Times, January 4, 2020.
January 5, 2020. Ah, a disagreement over international law. I suppose it goes to the heart of the facts of what Soleimani was involved in for 20 years--Was he involved in international development, maybe water projects? Perhaps he promoted press freedoms, or the spread of democracy? Maybe he was an advocate for sovereignty, or women's rights? Don't hold your breath while waiting for such evidence from FMs Lavrov and Zazrif. “Russia’s Lavrov, Iran’s Zarif discuss Soleimani killing – statement,” Polina Ivanova, Reuters, January 4, 2020. “Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
spoke with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif over the phone on
Friday to discuss the killing of Iran’s military chief Qassem Soleimani, the
Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. “Lavrov expressed his condolences
over the killing,” the statement said. “The ministers stressed that such
actions by the United States grossly violate the norms of international law.”
“Iran general steps out of Soleimani’s shadow to lead proxies,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, January 4, 2020.
“Was the Drone Attack on Iranian General an Assassination?,” AP, January 4, 2020.
“Iran strike puts U.S. cybersecurity experts on alert,” Kevin Collier, NBC, January 4, 2020.
January 4, 2020. Here’s a good quote to understand the
significance of the event, and what Iran must now decide—will they become more
violent or move toward peace? “Gen.Petraeus Says Soleimani's Death More Significant Than Bin Laden’s,” Erin
Coates, Western Journal, January 4, 2020. “It is impossible to overstate the
importance of this particular action. It is more significant than the killing
of Osama bin Laden or even the death of [Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr]
al-Baghdadi,” Petraeus told Foreign Policy in a Friday interview. “Soleimani
was the architect and operational commander of the Iranian effort to solidify
control of the so-called Shia crescent, stretching from Iran to Iraq through
Syria into southern Lebanon.” Retired
Army Gen. David Petraeus was a former commander of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
and former CIA director.
January 4, 2020. This article almost from the start says “Tehran’s
proxy forces across the Middle East”—that is a key phrase and a growing reason over
20 years (along with immediately enhanced attacks against the U.S. in the last
two months) that the head of the Quds Force was finally killed and the Supreme
Leader very directly opposed. There were
a number of parades across the Middle East yesterday of citizens in different
countries celebrating. This is a helpful
article to hear the range of military options for Iran in the region (but we
still have to ask more and more persons to demand “Iran should act as a normal
country and stop spreading terror, rebel groups, missile threats,” etc.—we know
that Russia and China don’t mind these).
Here are a couple of quotes. “An
all-out war with the U.S. would jeopardize regime survival, [and] an escalation
in the Persian Gulf will deprive Iran of the remaining rest of crucial income
through oil exports.” “Via Hezbollah in
Lebanon, Iran could retaliate toward Israel, with the cost being that
Hezbollah’s image in Lebanon as caretaker of Iranian interests only will be
cemented.” “Among the key questions now
is: How many of Iran’s allies and proxies would rush to Tehran’s support in
case of a full-blown war — and how far they would be ready to go?” The article is “Iran has invested in allies and proxies across the Middle East. Here’s where they stand after Soleimani’s death,” Claire Parker and Rick Noack, Washington Post, January 3, 2020.
January 3, 2020. Two interesting points about the Soleimani killing
yesterday, both contained in this article.
First, “As rocket attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq intensified over
the last two months, the president had granted the Pentagon extraordinary
latitude: The U.S. military had his permission to kill Soleimani the next time
it had an opportunity to do so, according to a senior defense official who was
not authorized to speak on the record.”
Second, “U.S. officials, briefing conservative think-tank experts on
Friday, said the U.S. had "exquisite intelligence" on a plot to
strike Americans in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, according to someone familiar with
the call. By killing Soleimani, the officials said, they disrupted such plans.” The article is “How Trump decided to kill Iran’s Soleimani,” Daniel Lippman, Wesley Morgan, Meridith McGraw, and Nahal
Toosi, Politico, January 3, 2020.
January 3, 2020. I don’t know that I’ve ever posted as many stories on different facets of the same general subject in the two years I’ve been blogging on whether Iran’s Regime will begin to change and be a “normal” country. Here’s another, “Iran Loses Its Terror-Master,” The Editors, National Review, January 3, 2020.
“Iraqi militant killed by US worked with Iran for decades,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Bassem Mroue, Military Times, AP, January 3, 2020.
“Trump says he ordered the strike that killed an Iranian general ‘to stop a war’,” Tracy Wilkinson, Chris Megerian, Los Angeles Times, January 3, 2020.
“U.S. Officials Brace for Cyber-Attack Retaliation From Iran,” Alyza Sebenius and William Turton, Bloomberg, January
3, 2020.
“10 Ways Iran Could Attack Oil Tankers In Response To U.S. Killing Of Top Commander,” H. I. Sutton, Forbes, January 3,
2020.
“From war to diplomacy, Iran weighs response to Soleimani’s killing,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, January 3, 2020.
“Citizens across Middle East celebrate US take down of Qassem Soleimani,” Dominick Mastrangelo, Washington Examiner, January
3, 2020.
“Will Iran’s Response to the Soleimani Strike Lead to War? What Tehran Is Likely to Do Next,” Ilan Goldenberg, Foreign Affairs, January 3, 2020.
January 3, 2020. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei says that “harsh retaliation is waiting” for the U.S., and said that
Gen. Soleimani was the “international face of resistance.” The Leader declared three days of mourning and
appointed Maj. Gen. Esmail Ghaani, Soleimani’s deputy, as the new head of the
Quds Force. BTW, Iran will sadly release
no hostages now for some time to come. “Iran vows ‘harsh’ response to US killing of top general,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Zeina Karam, AP, January 3,
2020.
January 3, 2020. Hassan Nasrallah, head of Iran-backed
Lebanese-based terror group Hezbollah, said Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani was a
“master of resistance” and vowed retaliation.
Nasrallah has been answerable to Soleimani for some years, and they have worked together to build up the Hezbollah army and its thousands of missiles. They also worked together to support Syria during its civil war. “Nasrallah vows to avenge Soleimani, Hamas hails his support for ‘resistance’,” AFP, Times of Israel, January
3, 2020.
January 2, 2020. So let’s get something out of the way. This was not an assassination. The U.S. government’s use of lethal
force in self-defense against a leader of any terrorist organization who
presents an imminent threat of violent attack is not unlawful and does not
violate the Executive Order banning assassination. Most news services are correctly calling this a “killing,”
but not this one--“Iranian Commander Qassem Suleimani Assassinated By U.S. In Baghdad Airstrike,” Carla Herreria and Akbar Shahid Ahmed, Huffington Post, January 2, 2020.
January 2, 2020. “Iran is likely to retaliate with terrorism
and cyber attacks," Norman Roule, a 34-year CIA veteran who oversaw national
intelligence policy on Iran before he retired in 2017, told NBC News in a phone
interview Thursday. Roule said the U.S.
move puts the U.S. and Iran in a confrontation unlike any since the hostage
crisis in 1979. "I believe it is
highly likely the U.S. would not have undertaken this action unless it believed
doing so would have prevented the loss of American lives," Roule said. "American officials are fully aware of
the consequences such an action would produce," he said.” See these quotes in “U.S. airstrike kills top Iran general Qassim Suleimani at Baghdad airport,” Phil Helsel, Ken Dilanian, and Josh
Lederman, NBC News, January 2, 2020.
“Iran Officials Handout Cash, Food To Pacify Citizens Hit By Violent Crackdown,” Radio Farda, January 2, 2020.
“Iran-backed militia leader threatens embassy attacks on Saudi Arabia, UAE,” Staff, Jerusalem Post, January 2, 2020.
“‘Bigger than bin Laden’: Iran expert hails Qassim Soleimani’s killing as 'massive blow to the regime’,” Philip Klein,
Washington Examiner, January 2, 2020.
“Statement by the Department of Defense,”
January 2, 2020. Here is the statement in its entirety. "At the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. He had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months – including the attack on December 27th – culminating in the death and wounding of additional American and Iraqi personnel. General Soleimani also approved the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that took place this week. This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world."
January 2, 2020. Qassim Suleimani, head of Iran's Quds Force, was killed in an airstrike in Baghdad. This is incredibly huge news--he is second in command of Iran (behind the Supreme Leader) and stood against everything good for the country and the Middle East. Here is the NYT article, and there's more to come on this very important story. Also killed was Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, founder of Kataib Hezbollah. "Iran Confirms Death of Powerful Revolutionary Guard Commander," Falih Hassan, Alissa Rubin, and Michael Crowley, New York Times, January 2, 2020. Other news stories will be posted above regarding the killing of Gen. Suleimani--he is one of the very most important persons who has kept Iran from being a normal country, responsible and empowered by the Leader and the IRGC in killing, maiming, terrorizing from Europe to East Asia. Suleimani is the planner and oversaw attacks against diplomats, citizens, foreign heads, soldiers, anyone who stood in Iran's way.
“‘The game has changed’: Defense secretary warns of preemptive strikes on Iranian group,” Wesley Morgan, Politico,
January 2, 2020.
“Iranian Leader To Trump: ‘You Can’t Do A Damn Thing’; Trump Deploys Troops,” James Barrett, DailyWire.com, January 1, 2020.
“Decline in Iran’s Trade With Turkey,”
Financial Tribune, January 1, 2020.
January 1, 2020. Fascinating to watch—“Different government
agencies in Iran have evaded responsibility for revealing the number of
mid-November deaths, passing the ball to one another.” But not fascinating to watch if you have to
live there. “Iran’s Judiciary Refuses To Say How Many Were Killed In November Protests,” Radio Farda, January 1, 2020.
January 1, 2020. A rarity, but we must give the government credit when credit it due, and to urge them to do more of the same with public funds—improve infrastructure, build schools, improve clinics. Take care of citizens. Do not spend money on terrorism. There are three of these stories at present. “Tehran Subway Extension to Hashtgerd,” Financial Tribune, December 30, 2019; “3 Dams Open in Ardabil Province,” Financial Tribune, January 1, 2020; and “Pres. Rouhani inaugurates Ardabil Airport Terminal 1,” Mehr News Agency, January 1, 2020.
January 1, 2020. What a contrast these pictures from today and
Tuesday present. The pictures of the
Daily Mail’s coverage of the U.S. Embassy attack in Baghdad show the U.S. military
restraint—stun grenades and tear gas. See
“Inside the scorched US embassy in Baghdad: Charred remains of security checkpoint revealed after pro-Iran mob attacked complex forcing President Trumpto fly in a hundred more Marines,” Ross Ibbetson, Daily Mail, January 1, 2020. But remember how Iran responded when
their consulate was attacked in Najaf?
They used snipers to shoot protesters.
See one of these stories at “Iraq Crackdown Kills 15 Protesters After Iran Mission Torched,” Military.com, AFP, November 28, 2019.
January 1, 2020. Some statements by the Leader are outlandish
enough to make us smile. “Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted by media as saying that ‘if the Islamic
Republic makes a decision to confront any country, it will do it directly.’” See “Militiamen withdraw from US Embassy but Iraq tensions linger,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Joseph Krauss, AP, Telegraph, January
1, 2020.
“Iran-backed Iraq militia withdraws after attack on U.S. Embassy,” Amy Teibel, Bloomberg, January 1, 2020.
“Iran summons Swiss envoy over U.S.‘warmongering words’,” Tehran Times, January 1, 2020.
“Iran’s Religious Capital Has The Highest Number Of Women Addicts,” Radio Farda, January 1, 2020.
“Iran seizes ship, arrests 16 Malaysian crewmen,” The Straits Times, January 1, 2020.
December 31, 2019. Judo, FIFA, now international chess—when organizations and competitors stand up to the Regime, it will force Iran's government to change their discriminatory ways
(against Iranian women, against Israelis, etc.). “Chess prodigy who snubbed Iranian flag wins silver at Moscow championship,” Callum Paton, The National, December 31, 2019.
“These 3 pro-Iran militia leaders are provoking protesters at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” Miriam Berger, Washington
Post, December 31, 2019.
“Cornered: Sanctions cost Iran ‘$200 billion surplus income’, proxies storm U.S. compound in Iraq,” World Tribune, December
31, 2019.
“'Iran could deploy its militias in Iraq to the Golan Heights',” Assaf Golan, Israel Hayom, December 31, 2019.
“Trump blames Iran for attack on U.S.embassy compound in Baghdad,” Quint Forgey, Politico, December 31, 2019.
December 30, 2019. This news is old, not quite two years
old. But it stands re-publishing here
due its recirculating now on the internet, and because of lesson it teaches—that
cash given to Iran will be used for nefarious purposes across its terror reach
in the region. “Obama-era cash traced to Iran-backed terrorists,” Bill Gertz, Washington Times, February 7, 2018.
“Iran hangs man for being gay,” Dave Naylor, Western Standard, December 30, 2019.
“Russia warns Iran nuclear deal in danger of 'falling apart': report,” Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, December 30, 2019.
“U.S. Counters Iran-Backed Militia Attacks With Strikes In Iraq, Syria,” Tom Bowman, Delaware Public Radio, December 30, 2019.
“US Fed Up with Baghdad's Failure to Act Against Iran-Backed Militias, State Officials Say,” Richard Sisk, Military.com, December 30, 2019.
“Kataeb Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Iraq,” Ramadan Al Sherbini, Gulf News, December 30, 2019.
"Surprise! When U.S. Fighters Approach Iran, Russia Jams Their Signal," David Axe, National Interest, December 30, 2019.
“Iran, Russia, China military drill sends message to world,” Tehran Times, December 29, 2019.
December 28, 2019. And bilateral trade between Iran and Russia
supposedly increased by 21% between January and October, standing at $1.67
billion. “Iran-Russia trade through national currencies exceeds 50%,” Tehran Times, December 27, 2019.
December 28, 2019. Again under orders from the highest levels in
Iran, video footage shows grieving Iranians – mothers and fathers -- dragged
from ceremonies across the country as authorities seek to crush unrest at the 40 day marker
traditionally observed after death. “Iranian forces reportedly raid cemeteries as slain protesters mourned,” Middle East Eye, December 27, 2019.
“Human Rights Advocate Battered In Iran's Evin Prison,” Radio Farda, December 28, 2019.
“Iran Announces More Arrests And Weapons-Seizures To Prove Foreign Meddling,” Radio Farda, December 28, 2019.
“Navy Touts US Merchant Ship's Rescue of Iranians After Others Left Them Adrift,” Gina Harkins, Military.com, December 28, 2019.
December 27, 2019. I post here a non-news item, adding something today from an academic viewpoint. A.J.
Caschetta reminds that Iran’s drive
for power and influence can and should be seen for what it is—Colonialism. The article also points out the failures of
the MESA to call out Iran’s behavior. In
contrast, there is another academic organization, ASMEA, which focuses much more
on Iran’s failure to act as a “normal” country.
See “Why Are Academics Ignoring Iran's Colonialism?,” A.J. Caschetta, The
National Review, December 27, 2019.
December 27, 2019. 1,000 yards?
They let the Iranian speedboats maintain 1,000 yards? That is just the length of ten football
fields. Why don’t we warn the Iranian
IRGC Navy that in international waters (the Strait) they should stay 5,000
yards away? 10,000 yards? There is simply not much time to react once a
missile is shot from one of these little boats. The good news is that Lincoln has cleared the Strait of Hormuz. “Navy Confirms Boat Swarm Seen Alongside Carrier Group In This Satellite Image Was Iranian,” Joseph Trevithick, The Drive, December 27, 2019. Some of the speed boats apparently got within 400 yards of the U.S. ships per “U.S. Navy aircraft carrier ‘harassed’ by 20 Iranian small craft,” Defence
Blog, December 11, 2019.
December 27, 2019. “Speaking at the Friday Prayer ceremony on
December 27, Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda insisted that excursion and leisure
traveling are not imperative for Iranian families. Alamolhoda is the most powerful cleric in
northeastern Iran, controlling the holy city of Mashhad and its rich shrine,
which owns 40 percent of all real estate in the city.” See “Hardliner Ayatollah Says Iranians Traveling Too Much, Wasting Money,” Radio Farda, December 27, 2019.
“Iranian regime journalist involved in labor activist's forced confession,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post,
December 27, 2019.
“One American Dead, Others Wounded In Iraq Rocket Attack, Iranian-Backed Militas Suspected,” James LaPorta and Tom O’Connor,
Newsweek, December 27, 2019.
“Chess: Iran’s Alireza Firouzja, 16,bypasses ban on playing Israelis,” Leonard Barden, Guardian, December 27, 2019.
“‘New triangle of sea power’: Iran, China, Russia start unprecedented naval drill,” Times
of Israel, December 27, 2019.
“Cargo transportation from Turkey to Iran up,” Azer News, December 27, 2019.
“Iran, Turkey sign religious cooperation agreement,” Middle East Monitor, December 27, 2019.
December 26, 2019. We will see the results of the latest Regime
crackdown on communications. These are limited in scope, but directed at "problem" areas in the country. “Iran cuts off mobile phone network amid calls for protests over killed demonstrators,” Borzou
Daragahi, Independent, December 25, 2019, and “Iran Restricts Internet Access Ahead of Possible Protests,” RFE/RL, December 25, 2019.
December 26, 2019. Experts from several different organizations and governments believe thousands are still being held by Iran after the deadly crackdown on mass protest. See “UN experts slam Iran over reported torture of detained protesters,” AFP, Times of Israel, December 21,
2019.
December 26, 2019. As the Regime continues to wrestle with how
much of its financial transactions will be open to the world (most
countries participate in FATF) and whether it can continue to hide corruption and crime and
terrorism, here are the two latest stories on this subject. “Central Bank of Iran Makes Case for Joining FATF,” Financial Tribune, December 25, 2019, and “Inside Iran’s FATF Crisis,” Pooya
Stone, Iran Focus, December 25, 2019.
“Arab Protests Shake The Political Establishment in Iran,” Albawaba News, December 26, 2019.
“China, Russia, Iran to hold joint naval drills,” AFP, December 26, 2019.
“Iraqi pres threatens to quit in defiance of Iran's allies in parliament,” Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters, December 26,
2019.
“Two Iran prisoners begin hunger strike, supporters say,” Reuters, December 26, 2019.
December 25, 2019. At this point, limited to open sources, it is
difficult to see from Texas if there really is another government shutdown on
the internet in Iran started. This would
be the Regime seeing the current social media posts in country and hearing that
some relatives of people killed in the unrest over gasoline price run ups have
called for renewed protests and commemorations for the dead on Thursday
(tomorrow). See “Iran Starts Internet Shutdown Ahead of Possible New Protests,” Reuters, December 25, 2019.
“Iraq: Iran-backed bloc nominates Basra governor as PM,” Arwa Ibrahim, Al Jazeera, December 25, 2019.
“School Winter Break Touted as Solution for Curbing Air Pollution in Iran,” Financial Tribune, December 25, 2019.
“Next Year's Budget Balanced Only on Paper, Iran Parliamentary Think-Tank Says,” Radio Farda, December 25, 2019.
“Iran, Turkey Mull Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence,” Iran Front Page, December 25, 2019.
“Pompeo, Amnesty International Demand Iran Release Parents Of Slain Protester,” Radio Farda, December 25, 2019.
“Iran-backed bloc names Basra governor for post of Iraqi PM,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra, AP, December 25, 2019.
“Reuters has been following ‘policy of lies’ against Iran, ambassador says,” Tehran Times, December 25, 2019.
December 24, 2019. Every day I look at dozens and dozens of news
stories on Iran to decide which to post on this particular blog or on which to
comment. Despite that the Regime has as
a goal to drive the U.S. out of the Middle East and calls it the “Great Satan”,
stories like the following persist because this is what America is. On top of that, this is the only news item on
this event that I saw from multiple news agencies. “US-flagged merchant vessel rescues stranded Iranian mariners,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, December 22, 2019.
December 24, 2019. Official, not informal, discrimination by
Iran against Israel continues. Iranian
officials maintain their position that Iranian athletes must not compete
against Israelis. “Iranian Chess Champto Renounce His Citizenship,” VOA, December 24, 2019, and “Chess player 'won't play for Iran' due to ban on Israeli players,” Reuters, December 24, 2019.
December 24, 2019. Iran says its friends are Russia and
China. Food for thought. “Tehran says won’t forget its friends in tough times,” Tehran Times, December 24, 2019.
“Iran Dismisses Media Report Claiming 1,500 Died in Recent Riots,” Albawaba, December 24, 2019.
“Yemen's Houthis Hold 'Important' Meeting With Iran's Zarif in Oman,” Haaretz, December 24, 2019.
December 23, 2019. This is easily the story of the day, maybe
the week—The Leader himself calls for extreme violence against the People. “By Nov. 17, the second day, the unrest had
reached the capital Tehran, with people calling for an end to the Islamic
Republic and the downfall of its leaders. Protesters burned pictures of
Khamenei and called for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the
toppled Shah of Iran, according to videos posted on social media and eye
witnesses. That evening at his official residence in a fortified compound in
central Tehran, Khamenei met with senior officials, including security aides,
President Hassan Rouhani and members of his cabinet. At the meeting, described
to Reuters by the three sources close to his inner circle, the 80-year-old
leader, who has final say over all state matters in the country, raised his
voice and expressed criticism of the handling of the unrest. He was also
angered by the burning of his image and the destruction of a statue of the
republic’s late founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. “The Islamic Republic is
in danger. Do whatever it takes to end it. You have my order,” the supreme
leader told the group, one of the sources said. Khamenei said he would hold the
assembled officials responsible for the consequences of the protests if they
didn’t immediately stop them. Those who attended the meeting agreed the
protesters aimed to bring down the regime. “The enemies wanted to topple the
Islamic Republic and immediate reaction was needed,” one of the sources said. The
fourth official, who was briefed on the Nov. 17 meeting, added that Khamenei
made clear the demonstrations required a forceful response. “Our Imam,” said
the official, referring to Khamenei, “only answers to God. He cares about
people and the Revolution. He was very firm and said those rioters should be
crushed.” “Iran’s leader ordered crackdown on unrest: ‘Do whatever it takes to end it’,” Reuters, Financial Post, December
23, 2019.
“US Confirms Report Citing Iran Officials as Saying 1,500 Killed in Protests,” Michael Lipin, Katherine Ahn,
VOA, December 23, 2019.
“Rouhani claims US sanctions will pass,”
Al-Monitor, December 23, 2019.
“Iran purchases new aircraft,” Azer
News, December 23, 2019.
December 22, 2019. The WAVE Conference. If only the commitment was seen in budget and
actions. “Back in 2013, Iranian
President Rouhani called for a world against violence and extremism. The UN
voted approve his WAVE proposal at a general assembly in December, 2013 which
resulted in a call for all nations across the globe to denounce violence and
extremism. In December, 2014, Tehran held a 2-day WAVE conference with
representatives from more than 40 countries. This conference was referred to
as, ‘the beginning of a new international coalition against extremism.’” "UN backs Iran's WAVE proposal: UNIC chief," Mehr News Agency, December 22, 2019.
“Iran threatens to ‘snatch’ Farsi reporters from British soil,” Shanti Das, The Sunday Times, December 22 2019.
“Iran's Intelligence Pressures Family Of Killed Protester Not To Hold A Vigil,” Radio Farda, December 22, 2019.
“Iran Poll Shows Only 15 Percent In Tehran Satisfied With Government,” Radio Farda, December 22, 2019.
“A Deep Crack In The Foundations Of The Iranian Regime,” Hamid Enayat, op-ed, Eurasia Review, December 22, 2019.
December 21, 2019. These are the first detailed budget numbers I’ve
seen compiled this way on oppression. “Government In Iran Spends Over $24.5 Million Per Day On Suppressing Dissent,” Youhanna Najdi, Radio Farda, December
20, 2019.
December 21, 2019. Referring back to the story a few days ago
about the international game of chess, Iran appears to be quietly moving toward
preserving its teams in international competitions—the Supreme Leader may be
deciding the topic of sports is too sensitive among the masses. “Iran's Football Federation has given world
governing body FIFA a written commitment that women will be allowed to attend
matches in the domestic club league, a source with knowledge of the discussions
said on Friday. In October, Iranian women watched the country's national team
for the first time in 40 years, when they were given access to a women's
section of the stadium for the World Cup qualifier against Cambodia in Tehran. Women
had been banned from watching men’s games in Iran since shortly after the 1979
Islamic revolution with only a few exceptions made for small groups on rare
occasions.” See “Iran gives FIFA commitment that women will be allowed to spectate,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, December
21, 2019.
December 21, 2019. Long overdue, now welcomed in Germany. “Germany’s parliament adopted a motion on
Thursday urging the government to ban Hezbollah from operating in the country
in the latest move by a Western nation to isolate the Iran-backed Lebanese
movement. The motion was initiated by lawmakers in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s
conservative bloc and backed by the center-left Social Democrats—the junior
partner in her coalition—with support from some opposition representatives.
Government officials said the broad backing made it likely the government would
act on the motion early next year. Hezbollah—Arabic for the Party of God—is a
political group that represents Shiite Muslims in Lebanon and has close ties to
Iran. Its militia fights on behalf of Tehran in Syria and across the Middle
East, but the group is also an important part of the governing coalition in
Lebanon and its supporters credit it with helping to strengthen the country’s
security. In the motion adopted on Thursday, German lawmakers said all
activities of Hezbollah, including fundraising, should be banned in Germany. It
also called on Berlin to lobby other European countries no longer to treat the
political group separately from its anti-Israel military wing, which is already
mostly banned from operating in Europe. …
“We all have to isolate Hezbollah internationally, it endangers Israel
and the Middle East and we must decisively act against it,” said Johan David
Wadephul, deputy floor leader for Ms. Merkel’s conservative bloc. The U.K.
declared Hezbollah a terrorist organization earlier this year, following a
campaign by the Trump administration urging allies to ban the group amid
concerns it could be used by Iran to target the West in retaliation for recent
U.S. sanctions on Tehran. In Germany, Hezbollah, which is also linked to local
mosques, nongovernmental organizations and businesses, is thought to have about
1,000 members who are monitored by the security services but mainly uses the
country as a logistical base, according to the Federal Office for the
Protection of the Constitution, Germany’s domestic intelligence service. Hezbollah is one of the organizers of
the annual al Quds march in cities such as Berlin, a controversial rally in
support of a Palestinian state that has often been criticized for descending
into displays of anti-Semitism. Among signs that the government was
preparing to act on the motion, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas supported
the text on Thursday. “Hezbollah denies Israel’s right to exist, it threatens
with violence and terror and it continues to massively expand its missile
arsenal,” Mr. Maas told Journalists on Wednesday. Mr. Maas added that
Hezbollah’s militia facilitated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in what he called
a brutal war on his own population. The U.S., where Hezbollah is listed as a
terrorist organization, has long lobbied Germany to ban the movement in its
entirety. A senior U.S. official said that designating Hezbollah as a terrorist
organization has been one of the top priorities of the U.S. in Germany. The
U.S. Embassy to Berlin enlisted German lawyers to prepare a white paper on the
legal path to a ban that was then disseminated to legislators as part of the
U.S. campaign against the Lebanese movement.”
See “Germany’s Parliament Moves to Ban Hezbollah,” Bojan Pancevski, Wall
Street Journal, December 19, 2019.
December 21, 2019. When it is asked, is Iran curbing its malign
behavior? Is it willing to act as a
normal country? One of the answers to
the question is what kind of pressure is applied at the UN, and from Russia and
China. Here is a recent op-ed on this,
with this quote—“Despite US sanctions which started in August 2018 and kicked
into full gear this past May, support from Russia, China and a range of other
countries has kept the Islamic republic afloat.” The op-ed is “Can Israel combat Iran at the UN?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, December 19, 2019. “More than four years after the Iran
nuclear deal was signed and about 18 months after President Donald Trump pulled
the US out of the deal, Iran is finally on the defensive again at the UN. Since
Trump pulled the US out in May 2018, the EU-3 have criticized the US and mostly
given moral support to Iran, ignoring most of its problematic activities with
ballistic missiles and in the Middle East. This all changed two weeks ago when
the EU-3 referred Iran to the UN Security Council for at least four separate
violations of resolutions restricting it from ballistic missile testing. Is
this a turning point similar to 2010 where the world starts to unite again
against Iran to snap back global sanctions against it? In short, the EU taking
Iran to task for its ballistic missile program on the UN stage is a highly
significant moment, but likely far from a turning point. It’s pertinent,
though, because it may start to shift the diplomatic moral high ground back in
Israel and the US’s direction. It is likely not a turning point because Russia
and China will likely blunt the impact. Despite US sanctions which started in
August 2018 and kicked into full gear this past May, support from Russia, China
and a range of other countries has kept the Islamic republic afloat. The US
“maximum” pressure campaign is significant, but still does not impose anywhere
near the same pressure that brought Tehran to cut the 2015 nuclear deal –
pressure which flowed from unanimous UN global sanctions. What made full UN
sanctions possible in 2010 was Russian and Chinese cooperation and all signs
are that those countries are currently standing strongly at Iran’s side. Just
as the EU-3 have been moving away from Iran and closer to the US position,
Russia and China have done the opposite, closing ranks with Iran. In September,
right after the Islamic republic carried out a major attack on Saudi oil
fields, Moscow announced that it would participate in a joint military naval
exercise including Iran on December 27. After Tehran announced its fourth
violation of the 2015 nuclear deal in November, the Kremlin put out messages
that Trump’s leaving the deal was at fault and left the Iranians blameless. Russia
also had no role in the EU-3 letter seeking to condemn Iran before the UN for
ballistic missile tests, and going all the way back to the 1990s, it has been a
huge facilitator for Tehran to leap forward with advancing the ballistic
missile program. Although Russia withdrew from a joint program with Iran at its
Fordow nuclear facility in early December, this was not an important project to
Moscow and was more of an obstacle that the West had imposed. Also, around the
same time that Russia made that withdrawal, Iran announced that Moscow was
extending it a $5 billion loan. These are not the actions of an ally who is
switching sides just because of some EU scorn. China has also blamed the US for
the nuclear standoff, rather than criticizing Iran’s violations of the 2015
deal or its ballistic missile tests. Though Beijing has rescinded some very
important public deals with Iran, it has worked a variety of off the books or
untraceable economic deals to keep Tehran’s economy afloat, despite US
pressure. At one point, China reduced its purchasing of Iranian oil to close to
zero, but by April it had returned to 800,000 barrels per day. Even after the
US ended sanctions waivers in May, China has maintained oil purchases and is
recently steadily increasing. This means that unless the Islamic republic makes
a similar new mistake crossing its sponsors, Russia and China are likely to
veto any attempt to unite against Iran at the UN.
“Nine Iranian Labor Rights Activists and Journalists Sentenced to Prison Without Right to Appeal,” Payvand, December 21, 2019.
“Iran’s destroyers to be armed with vertical launch missiles,” Tehran Times, December 21, 2019.
“Iran's Rouhani welcomes Japan opt-out of U.S.-led naval mission in Gulf,” Reuters, December 21, 2019.
December 20, 2019. Think about the lack of due process. No names, numbers, attorneys, little or no
evidence presented, nor even prisoners present when their short “trial” will be
held. “Iran Prosecutor General Says Protester Trials To Start Next Week,” Radio Farda, December 20, 2019.
December 20, 2019. Sit up and be alert—Iran has agents in
Europe and elsewhere spying on and intimidating (and worse) its opponents. This one story is about Raghdan al-Hraishawi,
who for four years watched minority Iranian Arabs, known as Ahvazis, in Sweden,
Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Hraishawi
is a legal resident of Sweden—an integral part of any political decision and
legal decision is deport him back to Iran and refuse him entry of any sort in
the future. (Other European countries
should follow suit—these bad actors for Iran need to all be sent back). “Sweden sentences Iraqi man of spying for Iran,” David Keyton, AP, Star Tribune, December 20, 2019.
December 20, 2019. This article has it right—“In the Islamic
Republic laws in principle permit individuals and groups can obtain permission
to hold protests, but such permissions are never issued to independent groups
or those who are critical of a government decision or actions by a government
entity. This is the reason protests are often spontaneous and increasingly take
the shape of urban unrest, which then the government labels as “riots” and uses
overwhelming force to suppress.” See “Iran's Paramilitary Basij Force Plans To Boost Presence In Every 'Neighborhood',” Radio
Farda, December 19, 2019.
“UN Experts Slam Reported 'Torture' of Detained Iran Protesters,” Asharq Al-Awsat, December
20, 2019.
December 19, 2019. This just doesn’t happen every day, that a MP
in Canada (Majid Jowhari) would be accused of working with Iranian
intelligence. “'False and unfounded': Liberal MP denies claims that he's worked with Iran,” Evan Dyer, CBC News,
December 19, 2019.
December 19, 2019. The internet shut-down nightmare continues,
with citizens continuing to be detained, arrested, and tortured by the Regime at
various places across Iran. This is happening in response to the protests (camera surveillance and other means of identifying protest participants), but is also part of local and national authorities taking advantage of the situation to arrest their opponents or people from groups they don't like, like the Baha'i. “Iran Continues Crackdown A Month After Protests With 650 New Arrests,” Radio Farda,
December 17, 2019.
“Iran Still Amongst Lowest In Human Freedom Index,” Radio Farda, December 19, 2019.
“Iran condemns UN human rights resolution,” Al-Monitor, December 19, 2019.
“Rivalry or cooperation: Syrian electricity sector under Iran and Russia’s control,” Mohammad Hommos, Enab
Baladi, December 19, 2019.
“Iran threatens to further reduce nuke commitments,” Xinhua, December 19, 2019.
“French warship to spearhead European mission in Gulf from next year,” Reuters, December 19, 2019.
“Exclusive: U.S. probe of Saudi oil attack shows it came from north – report,” Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters, December 19,
2019.
“RSF 'Appalled' as Five Iranian Journalists Get Total of 25 Years in Prison,” RFE/RL, December 19, 2019.
“Iran Still Amongst Lowest In Human Freedom Index,” Radio Farda, December 19, 2019.
“Iran Seems To Quietly Lift Ban on Athletes’ Competition Against Israelis,” The Iranian, December 19, 2019.
“Iran calls for transport insurance for Muslim nations,” Joseph Sipalan, Guardian, December 19, 2019.
“Iran urges Muslims to fight US 'hegemony',” AP, Daily Telegraph, December 19, 2019.
“Iran Urges Muslim World To Fight US 'Economic Terrorism',” Sam Reeves, International Business Times, December 19,
2019.
“Iran President: We Need a Muslim Cryptocurrency to Fight the US Dollar,” Coin Desk, December 19, 2019.
“U.S. imposes sanctions on two Iranian judges for 'oppression',” WSAU, December 19, 2019.
“Iran: City Of Behbahan Vanguard Of Uprising Against The Mullahs – OpEd,” Hassan Mahmoudi, December 19, 2019.
December 18, 2019. The Islamic Republic of Iran may have decided
behind closed doors that it really wants to not be banned from the next
Olympics (already the Russians have been banned, for doping, from the 2020
Olympics and the 2022 World Cup). It is
a good thing when rules are enforced--that is the way to force countries to compete against countries and to overcome antisemitism and overt discrimination and hatred. “Iran Seems To Quietly Lift Ban on Athletes’ Competition Against Israelis,” Radio
Farda, December 17, 2019.
December 18, 2019. Remember, if Turkey is assisting Hamas, then
Iran (a major sponsor of Hamas) is also in on this story. Citing Israeli and Egyptian intelligence,
Hamas is planning attacks from Turkey, including an assassination attempt against
a former Jerusalem mayor. “Barkat, Glick vow to continue work after reveal of Hamas assassin plan,” Rossella
Tercatin, Jerusalem Post, December 18, 2019.
December 18, 2019. Propaganda through and through. Notice how there is little fact presented, instead lots of pictures and music. This so-called news story is quite shallow and poorly reasoned and produced, but is from a major news outlet for the Regime. This kind of drivel has a short shelf-live in the history of Iran--some people are fooled by it for a short while because the Regime dominates the message of the Times and other outlets. But the recent protests and other protests show that people simply don't trust the Regime anymore. “See how certain foreign leaders and media outlets were inciting violence in Iran,” Tehran Times, December 18, 2019.
December 18, 2019. An unusual story to include in this blog, at
first glance, but then one sees the split between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and
how several countries are giving Iran enough leash that it stills has sway over
some of their politics. “Muslim leaders gather in Malaysia for summit shunned by Saudi Arabia,” Middle East Eye, December
18, 2019.
“Inspectors identify Iran-made explosives in Bahrain seizures,” Paul Peachey, The National, December 18, 2019.
“South Korea to join US-led navy coalition against Iran: report,” Almasdar News, December 18, 2019.
“Iran says opposes US-Taliban talks,”
France24, December 18, 2019.
“Russia exits nuclear conversion project, but stands by Iran,” Julia Sveshnikova, Al Monitor, December 18, 2019.
“Iran calls for regional cooperation,”
Prensa Latina, December 18, 2019.
“Iran begins testing much faster centrifuges as nuclear deal further unravels,” Times of Israel, December
18, 2019.
“New Type Of GPS Spoofing Attack In China Creates "Crop Circles" Of False Location Data,” Joseph
Trevithick, The Drive, November 18, 2019.
December 17, 2019. Gen. Reza Shahi has 400 fighters, and is
controlled by the Regime. “Head of Iran’s Quds Force in Yemen Who’s Behind Saudi Oil Attack ‘Identified’,” Yossi Melman, Haaretz, December 17, 2019.
“Foreign diplomats meet Iran’s human rights chief,” Tehran Times, December 17, 2019.
“Smuggling in plain sight: How foreign businesses help Iran violate US sanctions,” Justin Rohrlich, Quartz, December
17, 2019.
“Iran Lawmakers Blast Government For Killing Protesters, Demand Punishment Of Culprits,” Radio Farda, December 17,
2019.
“US indicts Indonesian for breaking Iran sanctions,” France24, December 17, 2019.
“Iran eyes strong ties with Algeria under new president Tebboune,” Tehran Times, December 17, 2019.
“The Pentagon’s Assessment of Iran’s Military Capabilities,” Yacqub Ismail, International Policy Digest, December
17, 2019.
“Iran sentences 3 labor activists to five-year prison terms,” Washington Times, December 17, 2019.
“Rouhani leaves Iran for Malaysia, Japan,” NHK World, December 17, 2019.
“Fiery Debate on Fate of Local Messengers, Iran’s National Intranet,” Khosro Kalbasi, Financial Tribune, December
17, 2019.
“Detained Protester Found Dead In Iran, Reports Of Several Other Cases,” Radio Farda, December 17, 2019.
“Doctors In Iran Condemn Violent Suppression Of Protests, Failed Policies,” Radio Farda, December 17, 2019.
December 16, 2019. Air quality in Tehran is “disastrous.” “Referring to the unprecedented air pollution
in the past few days the Mayor of Tehran [Pirouz Hanachi] speaking at a meeting
of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday said the capital would have had to
be evacuated if it had not rained the prior night. “Rain Saved Tehran From Evacuation, Tehran Mayor Says,” Radio Farda, December 17, 2019.
“Iran denies secret negotiations with Saudi Arabia,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, December 16, 2019.
“US defense secretary asks Iraqi PM to help prevent Iranian-linked attacks on US troops,” Ryan Browne and Mohammed
Tawfeeq, CNN, December 16, 2019.
“How Iran’s Cyberattack Claims Aim To Establish A Powerful Cyber Warfare Player,” Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, December
16, 2019.
“Iran Hits South Korea With $6 Billion Bill For Delivered Crude,” Irina Slav, OilPrice.com, December 16, 2019.
“Chinese envoy admires Iran’s stance against U.S. anti-Beijing measures,” Tehran Times, December 16, 2019.
“The Chinese Piece in Iran’s War Games,”
Lucille Greer, The Diplomat, December 16, 2019.
“Amnesty International: At least 300 Iranians killed in November protests,” Laura Kelly, The Hill, December 16, 2019.
“Iran leader makes case for ‘brave and tireless’ French Holocaust denier,” Times of Israel, December 16,
2019.
“Khamenei, who in the past has
questioned historicity of Nazi genocide of the Jews, marks 21st anniversary of
conviction of Roger Garaudy by praising him, criticizing France.”
“Iran’s IRGC says it monitors foreign vessels in Gulf,” Xinhua, December 16, 2019.
“Iran blamed for abductions, targeted killings of Iraqi activist,” The Arab Weekly, December 15, 2019.
“Relief Official Contradicts Rouhani’s Claim On Lack Of Absolute Poverty In Iran,” Radio Farda, December 15, 2019.
“Iran Minister Unscrupulously Admits Protesters Were Shot In The Head,” Radio Farda,
December 15, 2019.
December 14, 2019. This is in addition to the 8,000 already
detained. “Arrests Continue In Iran Following Protests, With 140 People Detained,” Radio Farda, December 14, 2019.
December 14, 2019. Note that the first three sentences of this
story from Tehran Times do not match the deceiving headline. Kuwait is not calling for the sanctions to
end—instead, Kuwait is asking Iran to disavow nuclear weapons and weapons or
missile programs, and then sanctions can be lifted. “We hope existing differences end and leads
towards amending the nuclear deal so that we make sure that Iran will not
return other program or nuclear arms,” Al-Otaibai said in an interview with al
Jazeera aired on Friday. “Kuwait does not want the neighboring Muslim nation of
Iran to remain under sanctions or to be isolated,” he further said. “Iran
should assure the international community, especially its neighboring
countries, that has no intention to produce atomic weapons,” he added. See
“Kuwait calls for lift of sanctions on Iran,” Tehran Times, December 13, 2019.
December 13, 2019. Moral of the story—There is no freedom of
expression or right to petition the government in Iran. These signatories were simply complaining of
how the government shot protesters during the recent gas-hike parades. “Iran Judiciary Continues Prosecuting Signatories Of Opposition Statement,” Radio Farda, December 12, 2019.
December 13, 2019. And Iran’s security chief Ali Shamkhani had
the audacity to say the victims "shot each other at point
blank." See “Iran Security Chief Says A Majority Of Those Killed During Unrest Were Not Protesters,” Radio
Farda, December 12, 2019.
“Iran Gov’t Plans to Generate 1 Million Jobs Next Year,” Financial Tribune, December 13, 2019.
“Bullets and blackout: inside four days of killing in Iran,” Raf Sanchez, Telegraph, December 13, 2019.
“General: Friendship is Iran’s message to neighbors,” Tehran Times, December 13, 2019.
“Iranian diplomat says BBC Persian is a partner in economic terrorism,” Tehran Times, December 13, 2019
“Iran, Uzbekistan stress all-out expansion of economic ties,” Economy, December 13, 2019.
December 13, 2019. “The Iraqi military said two rockets landed
near the Baghdad International Airport Wednesday making it the tenth attack
against U.S. installations or interests in Iraq over the last several weeks. And
it’s the second attack near the Baghdad airport in a week. On Monday, Iraq said
four rockets landed near a military camp near the airport wounding six Iraqi
security fores. Operation Inherent Resolve — the U.S.-led mission to defeat
ISIS in Iraq and Syria — has not yet responded to requests for comment about
the recent rocket attack. A number of recent rocket attacks have been blamed on
Iran-backed militias who appear now to be using more lethal and longer range
122 mm rockets, a U.S official told Military Times on condition of anonymity
because the individual was not authorized to speak on the record. Previous
rocket attacks have used 107 mm rockets, the U.S. official said. On Dec. 3,
several 122 mm rockets struck al-Asad airbase. A U.S. official told Military
Times that the U.S. believes an Iran-aligned Shia militia group known as Kataib
Hezb’Allah was responsible for the attack. Reuters reported Wednesday, citing a
U.S. military official, that the level of complexity and volume of rockets
fired during an attack is increasing. The U.S. military official also told
Reuters that Iran-backed militias are approaching a red line where the U.S.
will respond with force and “no one will like the outcome.” “There is a point
at which their actions change things on the ground and make it more likely that
some other actions, some other choices made – by somebody, whether it’s them or
us – will escalate unintentionally," the U.S. military official told Reuters.” See “Rockets land near Baghdad airport,Iran-backed militias approaching a red line US official says,” Shawn Snow, Military
Times, December 12, 2019.
December 12, 2019. “From the start of the revolution, their main slogan was, down with the U.S.A., and that's still it. Whatever goes wrong in the country, they blame it on the U.S.” That is the quote from an Iranian citizen who has fled to Istanbul to live. The quote is found in “The Situation In Iran Is Leading Many People To Flee The Country,” Peter Kenyon, NPR, WBFO, December 12, 2019.
December 12, 2019. These two statements really show outlandish
behavior by Iran—using a third party’s territory to threaten attacks against
Israel. "If the Zionist regime
makes the smallest mistake toward Iran, we will reduce Tel Aviv to ashes from
Lebanon," said IRGC commander Morteza Qorbani, adding that Iran wouldn't
need to fire a single missile from its territories. "These statements are unfortunate and
unacceptable," tweeted caretaker Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab.
"They are a violation of the sovereignty of Lebanon, which enjoys ties of
friendship with Iran that should not infringe on its independent
decision-making in any way, shape or form." The quotes are from “Lebanese officials protest Iranian threat to attack Israel from Lebanon,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem
Post, December 12, 2019.
December 12, 2019. First, it is rare to see a reporter publicly
identified in the government-controlled mass media in Iran. Second, Ghaderi, the Tehran Times editor in
chief, gives a litany of poor excuses, some laughable, as to why the Regime
won’t turn over the death list. “Why theofficial death toll in recent events in Iran has not been announced yet?,"
Mohammad Ghaderi, Tehran Times,
December 12, 2019.
“Two Iran Activists Convicted To Five-Year Prison Terms Each,” Radio Farda December 12, 2019.
“Analysts: Seized Weapons Show Iran’sDeep Involvement in Yemen’s War,” Sirwan Kajjo, Mehdi Jedinia, Katherine Ahn,
VOA, December 12, 2019.
“Iran’s Imam Ali base is key to its nexus of influence over Iraq and Syria,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post,
December 12, 2019.
“Iranians fear a permanent internet blackout is in the making,” Maziar Motamedi, IranSource, December 12, 2019.
“Trump’s Iran strategy is working. Here’s why,” Saeed Ghasseminejad, Fox News, December 12, 2019.
“Man pleads guilty to shipping banned equipment to Iran,” Long Beach Post, December 12, 2019.
December 12, 2019. One aspect of international relations that
does not provide much pressure on Iran to change is the United Nations Human
Rights Council, which has a number of abusive countries as voting members. They approve each other’s (poor) records,
thus providing cover for abuse to continue in many countries including
Iran. This happened again just recently.
At the Nov. 8 meeting in Geneva, North
Korea, Malaysia, and Belarus were among nations that offered praise for Iran’s
human-rights record. “UN Human Rights Council reps overwhelmingly lauds Iran for its record,” by Israel Hayom,
December 11, 2019.
December 11, 2019. For those persons (most of us!) who are very
concerned that Iran will again cut its people off from the internet and from communication
with the world, here is a quote from Pres. Rouhani today that will not allay
anyone’s fears. He said that the
National Information Network (NIN) (Iran’s intranet) will be bolstered so that
"people will not need foreign [networks] to meet their needs." Also, note that the headline is completely
misleading when compared with his quote.
“President Rouhani: Iran to Boost National Network without Cutting Internet,” Fars News Agency, December 11, 2019.
December 11, 2019. The U.S. imposed “sanctions on Iran's biggest
airline and its shipping network, accusing them of transporting lethal aid and
weapons of mass destruction proliferation. The new sanctions come just days
after a weekend prisoner swap between the historic foes, a rare act of
cooperation since tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew
from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord. The U.S. State Department targeted
Shanghai-based ESAIL Shipping Company, which U.S. Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo said "knowingly transports illicit materials from Iran's Aerospace
Industries Organization, which oversees all of Iran’s missile industry"
and has worked with Iranian organizations subject to U.N. sanctions. The
sanctions on ESAIL and additional sanctions on Islamic Republic of Iran
Shipping Lines will take effect in June 2020. Also blacklisted was an Iranian
shipping network involved in smuggling lethal aid from Iran to Yemen on behalf
of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and its elite foreign
paramilitary and espionage arm, the Quds Force. New sanctions were also imposed
on Mahan Air and three of its general sales agents by the State Department and
the U.S. Treasury Department over its alleged role in weapons of mass destruction
proliferation, expanding on counterterrorism sanctions imposed in 2011 over
support it provided to the IRGC forces, Pompeo said. "These programs
involved the siphoning of funds away from the oppressed Iranian people, and
they augment the regime’s campaign of terror and intimidation at home and
throughout the world," Pompeo said.”
See “UPDATE 3-U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iran airline over proliferation,” Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters, December 11, 2019.
December 11, 2019. Undoubtedly Pres. Macron of France wants to
catch Iran in the good mood it is in and try to make a deal with the Supreme
Leader to release the two French citizens currently held as hostages. “French pair held in Iran to face Revolutionary Court: Report,” CNA, December 11, 2019.
December 11, 2019. It’s tempting to address this release from the FM as an affront to American patriotism, or to the actual facts of how persons are treated as visitors or in the judicial system in the United States. But let’s address it as it really is, an attempt to distract persons from the reality of life under the Regime. “Iran foreign ministry issues travel advisory for citizens not to visit America,” Reuters, December 10, 2019.
“Iran Is Among One Of the Top Jailers Of Journalists In The World – CPJ,” Radio Farda, December 11, 2019.
“Iran’s Regional Influence Campaign Is Starting to Flop,” Kasra Aarabi, FP, December 11, 2019.
December 10, 2019. We must all act to prevent Iran from its mass killing of political prisoners. See “Iran’s dark history could repeat itself — unless the world acts,” Omid Memarian and Gissou Nia, op-ed, Washington Post, December 10, 2019.
December 10, 2019. Fascinating to watch how this story unfolds. “Under massive pressure from public opinion, the Iranian government has promised to reveal the number of those killed during the mid-November protests in Iran. The Rouhani administration's spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Monday December 9, that the administration will provide a list of those killed in individual provinces as well as declaring the reasons of their deaths. The government has never respected similar promises made after the murder of intellectuals in 1998, student unrests in1989, the post-election unrest in 2009 and the 2017 and 2018 protests.” See “Iran Promises Under Pressure To Reveal Casualty Toll Of November Protests,” Radio Farda, December 10, 2019.
December 10, 2019. Iran’s FM Zarif says he wants to trade all
U.S. hostages held by Iran for all Iranian prisoners held by the U.S. There are six Americans. There are several dozen Iranians are being
held in U.S. prisons. The Americans did
not commit a crime, they are hostages.
The Iranians have been given due process, including lawyers and a fair
system. The Americans have been
tortured, and we believe are all in notorious Evin Prison. The Iranian prisoners are being held in safe,
humane U.S. facilities, and can be visited by their attorneys and aid
workers. So this will be an equal
trade? “Iran ready for full prisoner swap, ‘ball is in the U.S.’ court”: Zarif,” Aziz El Yaakoubi, Reuters, December 9, 2019.
“Iran & Oman Sign Agreement On Expansion Of Maritime Transportation,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, December
10, 2019.
“Khamenei Opponent Calls For Boycotting Parliamentary Elections And More Protests,” Radio Farda, December 10, 2019.
“In A Letter To President Rouhani 160 Lawyers In Iran Ask For Investigation Into Protest Deaths,” Radio Farda, Pavand,
December 10, 2019.
December 10, 2019. An Iranian tunnel has been dug along the
Syria-Iraq border to assist in the movement of weapons throughout the Middle
East. According to the private satellite
image analysis company ImageSat International, the tunnel is likely being used
to store Iranian missiles en route to Tehran’s proxies throughout the region. “In tacit threat, Israeli intel firm releases photo of suspected Iranian tunnel,” Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel, December 10,
2019.
“Iran foreign ministry issues travel advisory for citizens not to visit America,” Reuters, December 10, 2019.
“China Quietly Ramps Up Oil Production In Iran,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, Dec 10, 2019.
“Macron calls for immediate release of French nationals held in Iran,” Reuters, December 10, 2019.
“BBC Persian Appeals to UN As Iran Escalates Harassment Of Journalists’ Families,” Radio Farda, December 10, 2019.
“Saudi Arabia signs agreement with Iran on upcoming Hajj season,” Middle East Monitor, December 10, 2019.
“Iran says no shortage of medicine despite U.S. sanctions,” Xinhua, December 10, 2019.
“Iran To Give An Extra 2 Billion Euros To Military From Reserve Fund,” Radio Farda, December 10, 2019.
December 9, 2019. Over 200 names of those killed by the Regime
are listed within this story, which keeps growing. "Iran Human Rights Monitor Monthly Report – November 2019," Iran Human Rights Monitor, December 9, 2019.
“Iraq's riots threaten Iran's plan for Middle East dominance,” Dov Zakheim, The Hill, December 9, 2019.
“Political tensions unravel plan to convert Iranian nuclear site to civilian uses,” Richard Stone, ScienceMag.org, December
9, 2019.
“Iran’s Budget Is Mostly Bluff,” Bobby
Ghosh, Bloomberg, December 9, 2019.
December 8, 2019. Other news outlets have also published this
story, and the loan amount is 5 billion dollars. Russia is helping Iran stay afloat, and that
is part of the network and history of these regimes. “Iran says new budget bucks US oil embargo, uses Russian loan,” Stars and Strips, AP, December 8, 2019.
“Iran unveils ‘budget of resistance’ backed by $5bn Russian loan,” Headlinezpro.com, December 8, 2019.
December 7, 2019. First, Pressure works. Today, Iran released Chinese-American and
Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang, imprisoned in Tehran since 2016, for Iranian
scientist Massoud Soleimani, who was facing federal trial in Georgia. The trade occurred in Zurich, facilitated by Swiss
officials. Second, Commitment to Freedom works. This is now the second time in 2019 that Iran
appears to or has actually traded, and comes at a time of massive sanctions
from the U.S. and their effect on the Iranian economy. In June, Iran released Nizar Zakka, a U.S.
permanent resident from Lebanon and advocate for internet freedom. The U.S. deported Iranian Negar Ghodskani in
September, brought from Australia and later sentenced to time served for
conspiracy to illegally export restricted technology from the U.S. to Iran. The Wang/Soleimani exchange occurs
during a time of increasing pressure from Iranian people who just had the
largest demonstrations since the 1979 Revolution, forcing the Regime to take
the country off the internet for a week and to shoot and kill hundreds of citizens
in multiple cities across Iran. In this latest round of hostage taking
(after the 2015 JCPOA), Iran still holds the following U.S. hostages: Former FBI agent Robert Levinson, Businessman Baquer Namazi and son
Siamak Namazi, Iranian-American art dealer Karan
Vafadari and his Iranian wife, Afarin Neyssari, environmentalist Morad Tahbazand, and U.S. Navy veteran Michael White. See “Iran frees Chinese-American scholar for US-held scientist,” Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell, AP, December 7,
2019.
“Trump thanks Iran for releasing American grad student: ‘We can make a deal’,” Emma Newburger, CNBC, December 7, 2019.
December 7, 2019. These three paramilitary leaders in Iraq were
ordered by Iran’s regime (the IRGC or the Quds Force), it is extremely likely,
to open “fire on peaceful protests, killing dozens of innocent civilians” in
Iraq. See “Washington blacklists Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders over protests,” John Davison, Daphne
Psaledakis, Reuters, December 6, 2019.
December 6, 2019. There has always been some element of Houthi
leadership that didn’t want to be controlled by Iran. If the U.S. is becoming convinced that the
Houthis now want to negotiate with Saudi Arabia, and that Iran instead wants
them to keep fighting, than this announcement makes sense. “In shift, State’s Hook says Yemen’s Houthis independent from Iran,” Laura Rozen, Al Monitor, December 5, 2019.
December 6, 2019. So either they are nuclear capable missiles
or they aren’t. Another example of the
West saying one thing, and Iran saying another.
In this case, there is either a MIRV or there is not. “Iran accuses France, Germany and UK of false missile claims,” Edith Lederer, AP, December 5, 2019.
“U.S. Releases First Photos of 'Sophisticated Iranian Weapons' Seized en Route to Yemen,” Haaretz, December 6,
2019.
“Iran nuclear deal signatories meet in Vienna as accord nears collapse,” France24, December 6, 2019.
“Iran’s Submarines Have One Objective: Sink The U.S. Navy,” Sebastien Roblin, National Interest, December 6, 2019.
“UN office: Iranian forces were ‘shooting to kill’ protesters,” Click on Detroit, December 6, 2019.
December 5, 2019. Under a UN Security Council resolution,
Tehran is prohibited from supplying, selling or transferring weapons. Another U.N. resolution bans the supply of
weapons to the Houthis. Now, Iran is
caught (again). “U.S. warship in Gulf seizes missile parts of suspected Iran origin,” Reuters, December 4, 2019.
December 5, 2019. What the U.S. has been saying about Iran
continuing to work on nuclear war head ballistic missiles is confirmed by the
Europeans. The Shahab 3 can carry such—public
confirmation. This is not a missile to
carry satellites, despite what Iran announces.
“Europeans rap Iran for working on nuclear-capable missiles,” Edith
Lederer, AP, December 4, 2019. “France, Germany and the United Kingdom
say "Iran's developments of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles" go
against a U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Tehran not to undertake
any activity related to such missiles. Ambassadors from the three European
nations urged U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a letter circulated
Wednesday to inform the council in his next report that Iran's ballistic
missile activity is "inconsistent" with the call in a council
resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The letter cites footage
released on social media April 22, 2019, of a previously unseen flight test of
a new Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile variant "equipped with a
maneuverable re-entry vehicle." It says: "The Shahab-3 booster used
in the test is a Missile Technology Control Regime category-1 system and as
such is technically capable of delivering a nuclear weapon."”
December 5, 2019. I note this story for two reasons. In an era, hopefully short, of only bad
actors trading with Iran and defending its Regime until it changes, this is a
story reminding us that Iran is desperate to find trading partners. Second, I mention this story because I can’t
remember the last time backward Belarus was in the news. “Agreement to promote bilateral trade inked between Iran, Belarus,” Tehran Times, December 4, 2019.
December 5, 2019. Here is a quote from the story, letting us
have a small window on the pressure the Supreme Leader was asserting early
against the protesters. “A top official
of Iran’s revolutionary Guards has said that if it was not for the “timely
intervention” of the Supreme Leader, it would not have been possible “to wrap
up” the November protests in 48 hours.”
The quote is from Yadollah Javani, the political deputy of the Islamic
Revolution guard Corps. See “Iran Guards Official Says Khamenei Played Crucial Role In Suppressing Protests,” Radio
Farda, December 3, 2019.
“Intelligence agencies have tracked Iranian short-range ballistic missiles into Iraq, US official says,” Barbara
Starr, CNN, December 5, 2019.
“USCIRF Condemns Arrests of Baha’is During Iran Protests,” USCIRF Release, December 5, 2019.
“US officials release photos of 'significant cache' of Iranian missile parts captured,” Morgan Phillips | Fox
News
December 5, 2019.
“US Navy seizes suspected Iranian missile parts set for Yemen,” Lolita Baldor, AP,
December 5, 2019.
“Pro-Iran militia supporters converge on Baghdad protests,” Michael Safi, Guardian,
December 5, 2019.
“U.S. envoy to Iran says as many as 1,000 protesters killed in government crackdown,”
Caitlin Oprysko, Politico, December 5, 2019.
“Iran, Azerbaijan discuss defense, security cooperation,” Xinhua, December 5, 2019.
“US offering $15 million for info on Iranian planner of 2007 Karbala attack that killed 5 US troops,” Shawn Snow, Military
Times, December 5, 2019.
“Russia suspends project with Iran due to uranium enrichment,” Mynorthwest, December 5,
2019.
“Hezbollah helping Iran's Soleimani find new Iraqi PM – report,” Jerusalem Post, Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, December 5,
2019.
December 4, 2019. Whew. I was afraid the Iranian people were responsible for the unrest. Instead I find out it was someone else—the U.S. and Israel. If Kowsari would have talked more he would have included Saudi Arabia. “IRGC: 'Great Satan' US, 'Zionist' Israel behind protests in Iran,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, December 3, 2019. “IRGC commander Esmaeil Kowsari said over the weekend that the protests were part of the “dirty goals of the Great Satan and the Zionists.” The “Great Satan” is a term the Iranian regime uses for the United States.””
December 4, 2019. The NYT article subtitle has such an
incorrect premise, as countered by the second story also circulating now. The NYT and its reporters Barnes and Schmitt claim
in the subtitle that “The buildup of a hidden arsenal of short-range missiles
is the latest sign that American efforts to deter Iran have largely failed.” See the story at “Iran Is Secretly Moving Missiles Into Iraq, U.S. Officials Say,” Julian Barnes and Eric Schmitt, New
York Times, December 4, 2019. But see in contrast a story that gets
it right, that the “Iran leader calls for ‘Islamic mercy’ after bloody crackdown,” Jon Gambrell, AP, December 4, 2019. Gambrell writes, “Iran's supreme leader
called Wednesday for those detained in recent gasoline price protests to be
treated with ‘Islamic mercy’ even after authorities acknowledged government
forces shot and killed demonstrators nationwide in unrest that reportedly
killed over 200 people. The comments by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final
say over all state matters in the Islamic Republic, appear to signal how much
the mid-November protests shook the pillars of power in the theocracy. … The
demonstrations show the widespread economic discontent gripping Iran since May
2018, when President Donald Trump imposed crushing sanctions after unilaterally
withdrawing the United States from the nuclear deal that Tehran struck with
world powers. That decision has seen Iran begin to break limits of the deal, as
well as a series of attacks across the Mideast that America has blamed on
Tehran. … Khamenei also said citizens killed in the
protests 'without playing any part in instigating them' should be considered
martyrs and their families should receive government stipends.” The government would not be taking the
desperate steps killing people and handing out cash but for the U.S. pressure. The Iranian people want change. Likewise, see "Iran's Regional Grand Project Wobbles," Geopolitical Monitor, December 4, 2019.
December 4, 2019. This article shows the cruel nature of the
government and the corruption imbedded within. “Iran:
Housewife Killed by Bullet to Neck While Helping Wounded Protester; Family Forced To Pay to Take Body,” Payvand, December 3, 2019.
December 4, 2019. Huh?
If they were innocent protesters they should not have been arrested in
the first place. Pres. Rouhani said, “Religious
and Islamic clemency should be shown and those innocent people who protested
against petrol price hikes and were not armed ... should be released.” I’ll say it again—if they were innocent, why
were they arrested? “Iran’s Rouhani calls for release of innocent, unarmed protesters,” Reuters, KFGO, December 4,
2019.
December 4, 2019. I see this story and I immediately think, “Adding
more plane flights between Iran and Senegal.
That means more illicit cargo (drugs, etc.) traveling E and W via South
America, E and W via Iran, and N to Europe.” See “Iran, Senegal explore avenues of economic co-op,” Tehran Times, December
3, 2019. So then I see this second story and
next think, “We don’t need another avenue to deliver missile, money, and
men/trainers to Lebanon from Iran.” See “Iran to launch new shipping line to Eastern Mediterranean,” Tehran Times, December
3, 2019.
“Panama Papers-style leak — and a Miami arrest — lift veil on how Iran ducks sanctions,” Shirsho Dasgupta and Kevin Hall, McClatchy, December 4, 2019.
“Iran says ready to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia,” Xinhua, December 4, 2019.
“The Killing Of Eighteen Adolescents In Iran Protests Confirmed,” Radio Farda,
December 4, 2019.
“Iran state TV says ‘rioters’ shot and killed amid protests,” Jon Gambrell, AP, December
4, 2019.
“New IAEA Head Says Seeking Answers From Iran,” Hamodia, December 4, 2019.
“U.S. Warship Seizes Suspected Iran Missile Parts Bound for Yemen,” AP, December 4,
2019.
“New Iranian wiper discovered in attacks on Middle Eastern companies,” Sean
Gallagher, ARS Technica, December 4, 2019.
“Iran Slashes Budget Spending as U.S. Sanctions Crush Oil Sales,” Arsalan Shahla,
Bloomberg, December 4, 2019.
“Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi slams repression in Iran, 'unprecedented' since 1979,” Stephanie
Antoine, France24, December 4, 2019.
“Iran To Air Confessions Of 'Organized Rioters' While Showing 'Compassion' Toward Others,” Radio Farda, December 4, 2019.
“US officials said to warn of potential new Iran threat to forces, interests,” Times of Israel, December 4, 2019.
“Iran's Most Powerful Oil Man Is Under Fire,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, December 4,
2019.
“Iran says US must pay $130B after court ruling against Trump administration,” Audrey
Conklin, FOXBusiness, December 4, 2019.
December 3, 2019. Saw this article today, right on point. From medical care to tourism to education to
transportation, the real “enemy” of the Regime is the Regime itself—they are
the ones who shut down the internet.
Here’s a quote from one Iranian citizen among everyone who lost millions
upon millions of dollars, and not to count the deaths from those who were
killed—“I had the feeling of being relegated to and living in the Stone Age.” “Iranians fear internet blackouts the new normal,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, November 28, 2019.
“Iran Orders U.S. to Pay $130 Billion in Reparations,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free
Beacon, December 3, 2019.
“Iran bid to name new Iraqi PM,” Arab News, December 3, 2019.
“Fresh intelligence points to Iranian threat against US forces and interests in MiddleEast, officials say,” Barbara Starr, CNN, December 3, 2019.
“208 Protesters Killed in Iran's Deadliest Violence Since 1988, Says Rights Group,” Michael
Lipin, VOA, December 3, 2019.
“Iran, Cut Off From Vital Cash Reserves, Is Approaching Economic Peril, U.S. Says,” Ian
Talley, Wall Street Journal, December 3, 2019.
“US Condemns Tehran's Harassment Of Iranian Journalists Abroad,” Radio Farda,
December 3, 2019.
“'Iran is biggest state supporter of terror organizations',” Arutz Sheva, December 3,
2019.
December 2, 2019. In an earlier blog post from a few days ago,
I said the recent rioting across Iran was the worst since the 2009 stolen
election. The NYT with investigative
reporting now more than a week later is providing a solid argument that the
rioting was the worst since the Revolution, and that “Many Iranians, stupefied
and embittered, have directed their hostility directly at the supreme leader,
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .…” That is
exactly what the people should do. This
is the kind of news story that hopefully makes it across Iran to be read
widely. “With Brutal Crackdown, Iran Convulsed by Worst Unrest in 40 Years,” Farnaz Fassihi and Rick Gladstone, New
York Times, December 1, 2019.
December 2, 2019. This from the country that says it does not
have a program to develop nuclear weapons.
But it insists on payments or it restarts its nuclear program. “Iran threatens to step back from UN nuclear watchdog,” Patrick Wintour, Guardian, December 1, 2019.
December 2, 2019. This (picture) is the same group that
approved the gasoline tax hike then disavowed anything to do with it—the
Supreme Council of Economic Coordination, President
Hassan Rouhani, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, and Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raeisi. “Senior officials study details of next year’s budget," Tehran Times, November 30, 2019.
“Iran's Embassy In London Denies Ambassador Is A Menace To Journalists,” Rado Farda, December
2, 2019.
“Iran State TV Says ‘Rioters’ Shot And Killed in Multiple Cities,” Jon Gambrell, AP,
Bloomberg, December 2, 2019.
“Lawmaker Says Dissent In Iran Glows Like Fire Under Ashes,” Radio Farda, December 2,
2019.
“Iran: I Did Not Know This Either!,” Iran Focus, December 2, 2019.
“Iran Begins Registering Candidates For February 2020 Parliamentary Polls,” Payvand, December 2, 2019.
“Why Is Europe Bailing Out Iran’s Regime Now?,” Eli Lake, Bloomberg, December 2, 2019.
“Shoot to Kill: Thousands may already be dead in Iran,” John Wojcik, People’s World, December 2, 2019.
“Iran charges families for bullets used to kill protesters,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, December 2, 2019.
“Overcrowded Prisons And Child Prisoners In Wake Of Iran Protests,” Radio Farda, December 2, 2019.
“Guards Slaughter up to 100 People Hiding in Marsh During Iranian Fuel Price Protests,” Zachary Evans, National Review,
December 2, 2019.
December 1, 2019. The cold war in the Middle East between
Iran and Israel, who is not afraid to defend itself, appears to be moving from
very warm to hot. Beyond the hundreds of
missiles and bombs exchanged over the past several years since Iran inserted
itself into the Syrian civil war and began using that platform as a way to
further assist Hezbollah in Lebanon against Israel, Israel and its new defense
minister appear to be drawing a line in the sand and proposing a new aggressive
policy. In fact, tit for tat reprisals
are not working against Iran, it is attempting to become entrenched in Syria
and its forces can be easily seen from the Golan. Now Bennett is spurring Israel to push Iran
out of Syria, or at least is threatening.
And if this story is accurate, the U.S. and Russia will allow this. “Bennett to US and Russia: IDF is increasing operations in Syria,” Arutz Sheva, November 30, 2019.
December 1, 2019. I generally shy away from posting anything
the NCRI releases since it is an opposition group. But in this recent release and analysis, they
make some good points that I’m not seeing elsewhere in the news, so I’ll post. “The Lessons Learned From Iran’s Uprising,” Mahmoud
Hakamian, NCRI, November 30, 2019. “A lesson learned is that the
protesters were targeting the entirety of the mullahs’ regime and their demand
is the overthrow of the clerical regime and regime change. The slogans of
people emphasized their demand; “death to Khamenei”, “Death to Rouhani”, and
“death to the dictator”. Torching the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) owned
banks and centers were other indications of people’s hatred towards the whole
system and its security forces. Another
lesson was that the change will not come from within the regime, and there are
no moderates inside the regime. The mullah’s regime is engulfed with the crisis
of overthrow and both factions of the regime, meaning regime’s President Hassan
Rouhani the leader of the so-called reformists, and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
are both in this sinking boat, and survival of the regime is their main
strategic goal.”
December 1, 2019. Not just trade and tourism are on the
agenda. It is extremely likely that Rouhani carries a message from
the Supreme Leader, that Iraq had better tow the Iranian line. “Iraqi TV: Iran‘s president arrives in Baghdad on 3-day visit,” Stock Daily Dish, November 30, 2019.
December 1, 2019. At the time, when Iran detained the IAEA
inspector, I wrote that time would tell who was telling the truth, the IAEA or
Iran. Here is a story from Ali Akbar
Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, who said there was
evidence the inspector was carrying “suspicious material” but Salehi refuses to
produce evidence. It is typical of
Iranian officials and the judiciary to make claims without producing
proof. “Iran Has Evidence against IAEA Inspector: Nuclear Chief,” Tasnim News Agency, November, 30, 2019.
December 1, 2019. “Mutual trust” and “mutual respect” are code
language in the diplomatic parlance of Iran.
Historically, these terms mean to the IRI “you agree with us.” “New IAEA chief says he wants ‘constructive’ relation with Iran,” Tehran Times, November 30, 2019.
December 1, 2019. But he doesn’t give government figures, nor
does he directly address Amnesty International’s list of murdered
Iranians. “"Statistics by
international organizations on those killed in the recent incidents are not
credible,” Deputy Interior Minister Jamal Orf said in statements cited by the
official IRNA news agency. Orf accused
foreign outlets of "exaggerating" the figures.” “Iran says death tolls from protests 'exaggerated',”
Mohamed Sabry Emam Muhammed, AA, November 30, 2019.
“Iranian Intelligence Ministry threatens UK-based Persian journalists,” Zachary Keyser, Jerusalem
Post, December 1, 2019.
“‘A surprise for the enemy’: Iran’s new submarine-launched cruise missile enters mass production,” RT, December 1, 2019.
“Iranian general: Our missiles are aimed at 21 US bases in the region,” Times of Israel, December 1,
2019.
“Iran Says Joint Naval Maneuvers With Russia, China To Start In December,” RFE/RL, December 1, 2019.
November 30, 2019. This is why I write this blog, to spotlight
how Iran must change in order to join the community of nations. “Disregarding international criticism against
mistreatment of protesters, a guest speaker in a program aired by Iran’s
state-run television last Tuesday suggested that those who were arrested in the
recent anti-government protests must be punished by amputating their hands and
feet in public and being exiled to teach a lesson to others. Abolfazl Bahrampour
who was introduced as a ‘religious expert’ made his notorious remarks on
state-run monopolized television (IRIB). The head of the IRIB is directly
appointed by the Islamic Republic Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and
is only accountable to him.” See this story at “Security Officials Announce Arrests Of More ‘Rioters’ In Iran,” Radio Farda, November 29, 2019.
November 30, 2019. From the photo in the story, it looks like
the Iranian plane flew about 200 feet from U.S. Navy ship, and did so multiple
times on Nov. 11. “The U.S. Navy has
released footage that shows an Iranian P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft flew
dangerously close to the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE
3) during a replenishment-at-sea with the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy
(CG 60) in the Gulf of Oman.” It also
flew near the USS Normandy.” The U.S.
restrained itself from shooting down the perilously close plane. “Iranian P-3 aircraft flew dangerously close to U.S. Navy warships,” Defence Blog online new magazine, November 29,
2019.
November 30, 2019. The religious leaders will shoot this down
because it is pre-Islamic, and of course pre-1979. “Iran proposes a world day for ancient civilizations Society,” Tehran Times, November 29, 2019.
“Bennett to software experts: Connect Iranians to social media,” Jerusalem Post, November 30, 2019.
“Massive Iranian internet shutdown could be harbinger of something even darker to come, experts warn,” Borzou
Daragahi, Independent, November 30, 2019.
“Opposition Website Reports 236 Iran Protesters Killed In Tehran Alone,” Radio Farda, November 30, 2019.
“Iran closes schools, universities for heavy air pollution,” Xinhua, November 30, 2019.
November 29, 2019. That is the key thing—pawns of Iran. “The biggest unrest for years in a country
struggling to recover from decades of conflict and sanctions pits protesters
from Shi’ite heartlands in Baghdad and the south against a corrupt Shi’ite-dominated
ruling elite seen as pawns of Iran.”
Quote from “Iraq PM says he will quit after cleric's call but violence rages on,” Reuters, November 29, 2019.
November 29, 2019. “During this internet shutdown, the little we heard was people saying they felt like they were living in North Korea. They couldn’t even check international weather conditions,” said Iranian journalist Farhad Souzanchi, who edits, from Canada, FactNameh and RouhaniMeter, the two main fact-checking platforms available about his country.” It is always insightful to compare some conditions in Iran with North Korea, especially since the two regimes cooperate in proliferation, missiles, terrorism, and weapons. And drugs. “This is what it takes to send a fact check to Iran,” Cristina Tardaguila, Poynter, November 28, 2019.
November 29, 2019. This is why I write this blog, to spotlight
how Iran must change in order to join the community of nations. “Disregarding international criticism against
mistreatment of protesters, a guest speaker in a program aired by Iran’s
state-run television last Tuesday suggested that those who were arrested in the
recent anti-government protests must be punished by amputating their hands and
feet in public and being exiled to teach a lesson to others. Abolfazl Bahrampour
who was introduced as a ‘religious expert’ made his notorious remarks on
state-run monopolized television (IRIB). The head of the IRIB is directly
appointed by the Islamic Republic Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and
is only accountable to him.” See other Iran news at https://irannationorcause.blogspot.com
and this story at “Security Officials Announce Arrests Of More ‘Rioters’ In Iran,” Radio Farda, November 29, 2019.
“Six European countries join EU-Iran financial trading mechanism INSTEX,” Alexandra Brzozowski, Euractv, November
29, 2019.
“Iran says Europeans can’t invoke nuke deal mechanism,” The Daily Star, November 29, 2019.
“Iran to develop Middle East’s largest gas storage facility,” Tehran Times, November 29, 2019.
November 28, 2019. The big news about Iran just keeps coming. The people of Iraq, including the Shiites
there, simply don’t want Iran controlling Iraq.
Here is a short quote, followed by a longer extract. “Video of protesters cheering in the night as
flames billowed from the consulate were a stunning image after years in which
Tehran’s influence among Shi’ite Muslims in Arab states has been a defining
factor in Middle East politics.” “Iraqi forces kill 45 protesters after Iranian consulate torched,” John Davison, Alaa
Marjani, Reuters, November 28, 2019. BAGHDAD/NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi
security forces shot dead at least 45 protesters on Thursday after
demonstrators stormed and torched an Iranian consulate overnight, in what could
mark a turning point in the uprising against the Tehran-backed authorities. Iraqi
demonstrators are seen as they clash with Iraqi security forces during ongoing
anti-government protests,in Nassiriya, Iraq. At least 29 people died in the
southern city of Nassiriya when troops opened fire on demonstrators who blocked
a bridge before dawn on Thursday and later gathered outside a police station.
Police and medical sources said dozens of others were wounded. Four people were
killed in Baghdad, where security forces opened fire with live ammunition and
rubber bullets against protesters near a bridge over the Tigris river, the
sources said, and twelve died in clashes in Najaf. In Nassiriya thousands of
mourners took to the streets, defying a curfew to bury their dead after the
mass shooting. Video of protesters cheering in the night as flames billowed
from the consulate were a stunning image after years in which Tehran’s
influence among Shi’ite Muslims in Arab states has been a defining factor in
Middle East politics. The bloodshed that followed was one of the most violent
days since the uprising began at the start of October, with anti-corruption
demonstrations that swelled into a revolt against authorities seen by young
demonstrators as stooges of Tehran. Iran closed the Mehran border crossing to
Iraq on Thursday night because of security reasons, the semi-official Mehr news
agency reported, citing a local border official. “With attention to the recent
events and the unrest in the country of Iraq the Mehran border has been closed
from tonight,” Mojtaba Soleimani, the manager of the border post said,
according to Mehr. In Najaf, a city of ancient pilgrimage
shrines that serves as seat of Iraq’s powerful Shi’ite clergy, the Iranian
consulate was reduced to a charred ruin after it was stormed overnight. The
protesters, overwhelmingly Shi’ite, accused the Iraqi authorities of turning
against their own people to defend Iran. “All the riot police in Najaf and the
security forces started shooting at us as if we were burning Iraq as a whole,”
a protester who witnessed the burning of the consulate told Reuters, asking not
to be identified. Another protester, Ali, described the attack on the consulate
as “a brave act and a reaction from the Iraqi people. We don’t want the
Iranians”. But he predicted more violence: “There will be revenge from Iran,
I’m sure. They’re still here and the security forces are going to keep shooting
at us.” Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and demanded “the Iraqi
government’s firm response to the aggressors”. So far, the authorities have
been unyielding in response to the unrest, shooting dead hundreds of
demonstrators with live ammunition and tear gas, while floating proposals for
political reform that the protesters dismiss as trivial and cosmetic. Prime
Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has so far rejected calls to resign, after meetings
with senior politicians that were attended by the commander of Iran’s
Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, the elite unit that directs its militia
allies abroad.
November 28, 2019. Two stories on the supposed arrest of
CIA-related contacts. We won’t know
reality on this for a long time most likely.
“Iran: Eight with CIA links arrested for inciting deadly protests,” Al
Jazeera, November 28, 2019, and “Iran says it arrested eight with CIA links during unrest,” KFGO, November 27, 2019. And while we're commenting on this news, Cries of 1953 and Mosaddegh! Here's another. “Iran arrests eight ‘linked to CIA’ in street unrest,” Jordan Times, AFP, November 28, 2019.
November 28, 2019. “Journalists working for media outlets such
as Radio Farda, BBC Persian, Voice of America (VOA), Iran International
Television, Manoto Television and the London-based Kayhan newspaper have been
intimidated by Iranian intelligence and security bodies, the press freedom
watchdog also known by its original name Reporter Sans Frontières (RSF) said.” “Reporter Without Borders: Iran's UK Ambassador Threatens Diaspora Journalists,” Radio Farda, November 26, 2019.
“Iran’s Barter Deals with China Help Decoupling from Western Economies,” Peter Koenig, Dissident Voice, November 28,
2019.
“Germany Preparing Blanket Ban for Iran-Backed Hezbollah,” Patrick Donahue, November 28, 2019.
“IRGC Commander Calls For Legal Action Against The Rouhani Administration,” Radio Farda, November 28, 2019.
“Iran announces joint drills with Russia and China, says it is ready for US threats,” The New Arab, November 28,
2019.
“New Intelligence Report Shows That Iran’s Missiles Are Serious Business,” Behnam Ben Taleblu, Bradley Bowman,
November 28, 2019.
“Iran issues new threats to snatch BBC Persian journalists from streets of London, warns NUJ,” Freddy Mayhew, Press
Gazette, November 28, 2019.
“Iran calls on Iraq to deal with consulate attack in Najaf,” Christen McCurdy, UPI, November 28, 2019.
“Eyewitnesses on the Unrest in Iran,” Susanne
Koelbl, Der Spiegel Online, November 28, 2019.
“Iraqi forces kill 45 protesters after Iranian consulate torched,” John Davison, Alaa Marjani, Reuters, November 28,
2019.
November 27, 2019. Last Monday, The New York Times and The
Intercept, in a joint article, said, “Hundreds of pages of purported Iranian
intelligence documents have come to light that detail Iran’s massive influence
in neighboring Iraq.” “The unprecedented
leak of 700 pages of what appears to be Iranian intelligence cables shows
Tehran’s efforts to embed itself in Iraq and co-opt the country’s leaders,
including paying Iraqi agents working for the United States to switch sides and
infiltrate every aspect of Iraq’s political, economic and religious life,” they
said. “Iran Rejects Report On ‘Leaked Intelligence’ About Tehran-Baghdad Ties,” Tasnim News Agency, November 26,
2019.
November 27, 2019. The Supreme Leader says the U.S. caused the
riots that he caused. “Iran says hundreds of banks were torched in ‘vast’ unrest plot,” Babak Dehghanpisheh,
Reuters, November 27, 2019. "Iran’s top leader on Wednesday denounced an outbreak of deadly
unrest as a “very dangerous conspiracy” as authorities reported about 731 banks
and 140 government sites had been torched in the disturbances. In response, the
government has blamed “thugs” linked to exiles and the United States, Israel
and Saudi Arabia for stirring up the street unrest. “A deep, vast and very
dangerous conspiracy that a lot of money had been spent on ... was destroyed by
the people,” Khamenei said in a meeting with members of the paramilitary Basij
force which took part in the crackdown against protests, according to his
official website. Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli meanwhile said
about 731 banks and 140 government sites were torched in the unrest."
November 27, 2019. “Iraqi Protesters Burn Iranian Consulate,” VOA
News, November 27, 2019. “Iraqi anti-government protesters
Wednesday burned down an Iranian consulate in the southern city of Najaf. One protester was killed and at least 35
wounded when security forces fired live ammunition to prevent protesters from
entering the building. No consulate staff was hurt. This is the second time
protesters have attacked an Iranian diplomatic mission. Earlier this month,
protesters threw Molotov cocktails over the consulate walls in Karbala, but the
fire did not catch. The incident marked a sharp escalation in the protests that
have raged in southern Iraq since October. The demonstrators are demanding an
end to government corruption and what they perceive as increasing Iranian
influence in Iraqi affairs. The protests have grown increasingly violent, with
demonstrators occupying buildings and bridges, and clashing with security
forces who have used tear gas and live ammunition almost daily. More than 350 people have been killed
and thousands more wounded since October.”
November 27, 2019. The headline says Rouhani says he did not know
about the gasoline price hike. The story
reports that he says he did not know when and how the price of gasoline would
be increased. Either way, because he was
one of the heads of the three government branches who made the decision, he is
now not accurately portraying his involvement.
A dark mark on his record. “Rouhani Says He Did Not Know About Gasoline Price Hike That Led To Iran Protests,” Radio
Farda, November 27, 2019.
November 27, 2019. “Grisly Footage Reveals What Iran's Regime Did to Protesters When the Internet Was Shut Down,” David Gilbert, Vice, November
26 2019. As Iran began to activate again the
internet, video began coming out showing the images shot during the Regime’s
brutal response to the people’s peaceful protests (some of which did result in
burning government buildings and banks).
November 27, 2019. Either he is or he is isn’t. Either we believe Sweden or we believe Iran. Follow this story to find out which government is telling the truth. “Official Calls Arrest Of Former Iran Prosecutor In Sweden A ‘Conspiracy’,” Radio Farda, November 26, 2019.
“Iran says to hold military drills with Russia, China,” Middle East Monitor, November 27, 2019.
“Iran Says 200,000 Took to Streets in Anti-Government Protests,” Reuters, November 27, 2019.
“Photos: Large Oil Spill Reported Off Iran’s Kharg Island,” The Maritime Executive, November 27, 2019.
“Watchdog Says Iran Covering Up Protest Clampdown,” RFE/RL, November 27, 2019.
“With Brutal Sophistication and No Internet, Iran Was Quick to Stamp Out Protests,” Amos Harel and Yaniv Kubovich,
Haaretz, November 27, 2019.
“Iran says protesters attacked hundreds of banks, blaming US,” Jon Gambrell, AP, November 27, 2019.
“UPDATE 3-Iraq protesters torch Iran consulate in Najaf, curfew imposed,” John Davison and Ahmed Aboulenein,
Reuters, November 27, 2019.
“U.S. says it received 20,000 messages from Iran protests,” Qantara, November 27, 2019.
“Iran arrests 7,000 fuel protesters in one week,” Middle East Monitor, November 27, 2019.
November 26, 2019. What are the costs of the recent gasoline
hike in Iran? This is the best analysis
I’ve seen yet. “The cost was, according
to Karaj’s Friday prayer leader, a poisoned chalice for the Iranian supreme
leader Ali Khamenei by supporting his own government to increase the price of
gasoline. A poisoned chalice that weakens him and his regime.” See “Iran: The Cost of Expensive Gasoline That the Regime Paid,” Iran News Update, November 25, 2019.
November 26, 2019. Lest anyone wonder if the Supreme Leader
ordered the attacks on Saudi’s refinery.
“Iran considered striking US bases before deciding on Saudi Arabian oilfields, officials claim,” Greg Norman, Fox News, November 25, 2019.
“Iran’s parliament launches impeachment process against oil minister,” Aresu Eqbali, S&P Global, November 26, 2019.
“Iran to Replace $11 Billion of Imports as Economic Crisis Bites,” Abbas Al Lawati, Bloomberg, November 26, 2019.
“Iran’s Gasoline Consumption Plunges After Massive Price Hike,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, November 26, 2019.
“Grisly Footage Reveals What Iran's Regime Did to Protesters When the Internet Was Shut Down,” David Gilbert, Vice,
November 26 2019.
“Iran Takes Action Against TV Channel That Aired Protests,” AP, VOA, November 26, 2019
“Top U.S. general arrives in Iraq amid protests, questions over Iran’s influence,” Idrees Ali, Reuters, November 26,
2019.
“The Joint Responsibility Of Khamenei And Rouhani For Deaths Of Iran Protesters,” Morad Veisi, Reuters, November 26,
2019.
November 25, 2019. There is no such thing as freedom of
speech in Iran. But there sure is a penalty for
speech. “A senior commander of Iran's
Revolutionary Guards has urged the country's judiciary to mete out harsh
sentences to what he described as "mercenaries" involved in protests
against a fuel price hike last week, the judiciary's Mizan news site reported. "We
caught all the mercenaries who openly confessed they were doing mercenary work
for America and, God willing, the judicial system of the country will give them
maximum punishments," Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, a deputy Guards commander,
was quoted as saying. Iran's clerical rulers have blamed “thugs” linked to
exiles and foreign foes - the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia - for
stirring up unrest which has led to some of the worst violence in the country
in a decade. Fadavi said several people were killed during the protests after
being shot at with a handgun from a close distance behind themselves, which he
said indicated the shooters were among the crowds. Rights group Amnesty
International said in a release earlier this week that security forces shot
into crowds of protesters from rooftops and, in one case, from a helicopter. Amnesty
said at least 115 people have died in the unrest. Iran has rejected death toll
figures as “speculative”. See “Iran’s Guards Call for 'Maximum Punishment' of Fuel Unrest Leaders,” Reuters, November
24, 2019.
November 25, 2019. “Iranian officials ‘stealing bodies’ from morgues to hide true scale of government crackdown,” Josie Ensor, Ahmed Vahdat,
Telegraph, November 23, 2019.
November 25, 2019. Noteworthy article about the general rise in
the streets of the Middle East against Iran.
“How street protests across Middle East threaten Iran’s power,” Martin
Chulov, Guardian, November 24, 2019.
November 25, 2019. Irony upon irony. Iran complains of Israel taking Palestinian
land, while the Iranian government has taken untold (and unrecorded) deeds and bank
accounts and other property, real and personal, from so many minorities and
religious groups and businesses and political opponents. This is a significant part of why the Supreme Leader has amassed over $100 billion dollars of wealth. “Tehran Denounces Washington’s Support for Israeli Land Theft,” Fars, November 22, 2019.
November 24, 2019. The Iranian Regime Shia Martyr Complex on
display in a comment during the nationwide Iranian gasoline hike protest events. "A full-fledged world war against the
system and the revolution was born and fortunately the child died at the moment
of birth," said Brigadier General Salar Abnoosh, a deputy head of the
Islamic Basij militia. “Iran says ‘world war’ against it foiled,” Amir Havasi, AFP, November 22, 2019.
“Khamenei Told Iran Parliament Not To Oppose Gasoline Price Hike – Lawmaker,” Radio Farda, November 24, 2019.
“Iran environmentalists receive prison sentences of up to 10 years,” AFP, November 24, 2019.
“The consequences of Iranian proliferation are serious and real,” Peter Huessy and Bradley Thayer, op-ed,
The Hill, November 24, 2019.
November 23, 2019. “Death to America” was the chant heard at public
demonstrations of support for the Regime at a number of Iranian cities yesterday
as the government regains control of the streets. That is unfortunate, but consistent with the
position of the IRI. It should instead
be, “Let’s do what is right and demanded by our people!” See “Iran Holds Pro-Government Rallies After Crackdown on Protesters,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, November 22, 2019.
“Iran protests death toll surpasses 300 amid internet shut down,” Iran HRM, November 23 2019.
“Iran Focusing on Minorities Following Protests, Experts Say,” Mehdi Jedinia, Rikar Hussein, VOA, November 23, 2019.
“Amnesty: At Least 115 Killed in Security Crackdown on Iran Protests,” Asharq Al-Awsat, November 23, 2019.
“Iran says army and Guards helped quell unrest, blames ‘U.S. agents’,” Jerusalem Post, November 23, 2019.
“Iran asks Russia to provide $2 bln loan for power plants, railroads - Russian energy minister,” Reuters, November
23, 2019.
“US judge awards Post reporter who was held in Iran $180 million,” Jessica Campisi, The Hill, November 23, 2019.
“Iran-made rockets will carry satellites into orbit soon, President Rouhani says,” Stock Daily Dish, November
23, 2019.
“What’s driving Iran’s crackdown on protesters? Increased unity among the political establishment,” Melissa Etehad,
Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, November 23, 2019.
“What’s Behind Protests In Iran,” NPR, November
23, 2019.
“Iran’s Intifada Shakes the Regime,”
Asharq Al-Awsat, November 23, 2019.
November
22, 2019. As the subtitle says, “As
tension between Iran and the White House continues to rise, European
governments fear acts of Iranian aggression on their soil. Is there a shadowy
network of operatives at work?” See “Gunmen, bomb plots and secret networks: Inside Iran’s alleged campaign of terror in Europe,” Borzou Daragahi, The
Independent, November 20, 2019.
“Can the U.S. Flip Iran’s Internet Back On?,” David Auerbach, Tablet, November 22, 2019.
“How Iran Turned Off the Internet,”
Josephine Wolff, Slate, November 22, 2019.
“Iran Says 100 Protest 'Leaders' Arrested As Unrest, Internet Block Continue,” RFE/RL, November 22, 2019.
“Iran internet slowly revives; US sanctions telecom minister,” Jon Gambrell, November 22, 2019.
“U.S. Judge Orders Iran to Pay $180 Million in Damages to Washington Post Reporter Jason Rezaian and His Family,”
Zachary Evans, November 22, 2019.
November 21, 2019. This post touches on a topic less the regular
comment of this blog. Developing
countries seek assistance from more powerful countries for aid and support. Which countries they decide to cooperate with
and treat with have long term implications.
Another way of saying this you are known by the friends you keep. Another way of putting this is that it seems
like countries which make nice with Iran later have difficulty with unsavory
characters coming into their country, with new pressure groups sometimes
associated with radical Islam, and other negative results. In short, it is not wise. Today’s post is an example. “Iran welcomes deepening ties with Zimbabwe in all fields: Pres. Rouhani,” Mehr News Agency, November 19, 2019. “In a meeting where Rouhani received
Zimbabwe’s new Ambassador to Tehran Christopher Mapanga, he said, “During the
Zimbabwean boycott, Iran has always been with the people of this country, and
today with regard to the US pressures on both countries, our relations and
cooperation should further deepen.” On
the many similarities between the two nations, he said, "Private sectors
in both countries should be encouraged to work closely so that trade relations
promote.” At the same meeting, the new
Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Tehran said, "common enemies have imposed
sanctions on the Iranian and Zimbabwean people to put them under pressure, and
we must stand up to them.” He stressed
the friendship between the two governments and nations, adding, "regarding
the current state of relations between the two countries, these relations
should further deepen to the interest of both nations.””
“Documents may be breakthrough in case of FBI veteran Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran,” James Gordon Meek, ABC, November
21, 2019.
“Government Media In Iran Say Protest Damage In Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars,” Radio Farda, November 21, 2019.
November 20, 2019. NetBlocks’ executive director Alp Toker told
CNN that this internet shutdown in Iran appears different from those in past
years. “Toker described the blackout as
the "most severe disconnection tracked by NetBlocks in any country in
terms of its technical complexity and breadth." According to NetBlocks'
data, the switch off itself was so complex that it took 24 hours to complete. And Doug Madory, the director of internet
analysis at Oracle, said the latest incident is unusual in its scale. In the
past, he said, Iran would either intentionally slow down the internet through
bandwidth throttling, or block individual websites such as Facebook and
Twitter. This current blackout is way
more advanced. "We're seeing a variety of different actions take place --
some networks have withdrawn their routes while others continue to announce
routes but block traffic," Madory wrote in a blog on Oracle's website. Kaye added that while Iran has been blocking
websites for many years, it has not previously cracked down on the use of VPNs,
private networks that allow users to bypass bans. He said the move suggests
that "the concern isn't merely that Iranians might communicate with one
another, but also that they might communicate with the outside world and tell
people what's happening." Madory added
that while the internet has grown bigger and more complex in Iran in recent
years, the basic structur remains the same: Connectivity between Iran and the
rest of the world flows only through state-controlled entities, which serve as
"bottlenecks between Iran and the global internet."” “The 'internet as we know it' is off in Iran. Here's why this shutdown is different,” Ivana Kottasova and Sara
Mazloumsaki, CNN, November 19, 2019.
November 20, 2019. After the 300% increase in gas prices, security
forces have launched a crackdown with hundreds of people arrested and the
Internet closed down across most of Iran.
Amnesty International cited verified video footage, eyewitness testimony,
and information gathered from activists outside Iran to support its death toll
estimate over 100. But AI said the “real
death toll may be much higher, with some reports suggesting as many as 200 have
been killed.” “Iranian Protests Leave at Least 106 People Dead, Amnesty Reports,” Abeer Abu Omar, Bloomberg, November
19, 2019.
“Iran’s Protests Are About More Than Rising Fuel Prices,” Mark Williams, Bloomberg, November 20, 2019.
“A Notorious Iranian Hacking Crew Is Targeting Industrial Control Systems,” Andy Greenberg, Wired, November 20,
2019.
“Iran has claimed 'victory' afterprotests. So why is the internet still off?,” Sara Mazloumsaki and Lauren
Said-Moorhouse, CNN, November 20, 2019.
“Iran bolsters weak conventional forces with vast military arsenal, Pentagon says,” Jamie McIntyre, Washington
Examiner, November 20, 2019.
“Iran blasts Amnesty protest toll calling it 'disinformation',” Al Jazeera, November 20, 2019.
“Iran has claimed 'victory' after protests. So why is the internet still off?,” Sara Mazloumsaki and Lauren
Said-Moorhouse, CNN, November 20, 2019.
“Iran Says It Has Contained Antigovernment Protests, but Tensions Continue,” By Aresu Eqbali and Dion
Nissenbaum, Wall Street Journal, November 20, 2019.
November 19, 2019. Thank you NYT for this sub-headline from over a day ago—“Anti-government
protests spread as the supreme leader supports a gas price increase.” The Iranian people need to remember that the
Supreme Leader himself approved the gas hikes, in addition to the supreme
economic council of the Parliament head, Judiciary head, and President. It is the Supreme Leader who must bear the
blame for another poor national management decision, and for the corruption involved in
the various hikes from 50% to 300% (some officials would be skimming I strongly
suspect). See “Iran Blocks Nearly All Internet Access,” New York Times, November 17, 2019.
“Iran supreme leader says recent protests were not carried out by the people,” Reuters, November 19, 2019.
“Iran's Judiciary Warns Sending Protest Videos Abroad Is Punishable,” Radio Farda, November 19, 2019.
“Pentagon Report Says Iran’s Missile Arsenal Unequaled In Middle East,” RFE/RL, November 19, 2019.
“Iran Protesters Burn Billboard of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Amid Escalating Violence,” Katabella
Roberts, Epoch Times, November 19, 2019.
“Pentagon warns Iran will seek advanced weapons as embargo expires,” Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, November 19, 2019.
“Defense intelligence report highlights Iran’s advances in space technology,” Sandra Erwin, Space News, November 19,
2019.
“Iran likely to purchase Russian fighters, tanks if UN arms embargo ends next year,” Corey Dickstein, Stars and
Stripes, November 19, 2019.
“Iran says calm has been restored after fuel price hike unrest,” Reuters, November 19, 2019.
“Iran cracks down on 'ringleaders' of fuel protests,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, November 19, 2019.
“Analysis: Iraqi Protests Have Become Internal Threat for Iran,” Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz, November 19, 2019.
“The New Face of Iran Protests: More Frequent, More Political And Angrier,” Radio Farda, November 19, 2019.
November 18, 2019. “Details from a trove of secret Iranian
intelligence cables were published simultaneously by The Intercept and The New
York Times on Monday. The leak exposed Iran’s vast influence in Iraq, detailing
the painstaking efforts of Iranian spies to co-opt Iraqi leaders and infiltrate
every aspect of political life.” See
this significant story at “Leaked Iran Cables: Key Findings From Secret Documents,” Karen Zraick, New York Times,
November 18, 2019.
“Iran protests: A quest for reform turns into widespread discontent,” Giorgia Perletta, IranSource, Atlantic
Council,
November 18, 2019.
“People have right to protest, but vandalism is not tolerated, Rouhani says,” Tehran Times, November 18, 2019.
“So far 37 legislators have signed letter to impeach Rouhani: MP,” Tehran Times, November 18, 2019.
“Iraqi Protesters Deliver Message of Solidarity to Iranian Counterparts,” Asharq Al-Awsat, November 18, 2019.
“Why Iran’s Internet Shutdown Is A Stark Warning For Russia,” Zak Doffman, Forbes, November 18, 2019.
“Iran offers people cash handouts to quell fuel protests,” Najmeh Bozorgmehr, Financial Times, November 18, 2019.
“Iran exceeds heavy water limit in latest nuclear deal breach: IAEA,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, November 18, 2019.
“Iran continuing construction on army base along Iraq-Syria border, images show,” Trey Yingst, Fox News, November 18,
2019.
“Iran’s Guards warn of 'decisive' action if unrest continues,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, November 18, 2019.
“Iran's 'largest internet shutdown ever' is happening now. Here's what you need to know,” Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, November
18, 2019.
“Lebanon’s Protests Divide Hezbollah.Will It Strike Back?,” Jesse Rosenfeld, Daily Beast, November 18, 2019.
“Lebanese protests test Hezbollah’s role as Shiites’ champion,” Bassem Mroue and Mariam Fam, AP, November 17, 2019.
“Iran Begins Mass Production Of Laser Cannons,” Tasnim News Agency, November 17, 2019.
“Hundreds Detained as Iran Rulers Clamp Down on Fuel Protests,” Alaa Shahine, Bloomberg, November 17, 2019.
“Legal Expert Says Sweden Has Authority to Prosecute Iranian Man Connected with 1988 Mass Executions,” Payvand,
November 17, 2019.
November 16, 2019. Dr. Bruce Bechtol at Angelo State University in Texas has a number of books published detailing the relationship between proliferator North Korea and other countries, including Iran. Here is a news piece from yesterday on this topic. “America Must Thank North Korea For Iran’s Newest Submarine Threat,” Mark Episkopos, The National Interest, November 15, 2019.
“Lebanon has become an arena for the Iranian regime’s battle for influence and survival,” Raghida Dergham, The
National, November 16, 2019.
Miriam Berger, Washington Post,
November 16, 2019.
“Iraq closes southern border with Iran to travellers - security source, diplomat,” Reuters, November 16, 2019.
“Iranian Authorities Send Text Messages Warning People Not To Protest,” Radio Farda, November 16, 2019.
“Iran launches production of laser cannons: report,” Shi Yinglun, Xinhua, November 16, 2019.
“Protests erupt across Iran, burning banks, angry over gas prices,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 16,
2019.
November 15, 2019. It’s not 53B barrel of oil. Now we are being told that maybe the
discovery only represents about 3B—50 less than announced! “The Truth Behind Iran’s “Massive” Oil Find,”
Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, November 14, 2019.
“Ex-official at UN watchdog: Iran’s explanation for uranium at warehouse doubtful,” Times of Israel, November
15, 2019.
“Khamenei says Iran wants removal of Israel state not people,” France24, November 15, 2019.
“Iran’s Sudden Gas Price Hike Sparks Street Protests in 5 Cities,” Michael Lipin, VOA, November 15, 2019.
November 14, 2019. Nowhere in its condemnation of the “coup” in
Bolivia does the Iranian government mention the overwhelming evidence of
election fraud reported by the Organization of American States, a respected
international organization with member states across the South American
Continent, Central America, North America, and the Caribbean. There is no free press to challenge the Iran
Foreign Ministry on its declaration that Morales was removed by coup and that
the OAS was not concerned. “Iran condemns coup in Bolivia,” Tehran Times, November 12, 2019. For one of the OAS articles and the
fraud quickly discovered, see “Bolivia’s Evo Morales resigns amid fraud allegations, growing protests,” Jim Syss, Miami Herald, November 10, 2019.
“Powerful hard-liner: Iran should stop honoring nuclear deal,” Nasser Karimi, AP, Washington Post,
November 14, 2019.
“The Labyrinth Of Corruption, Plunder, And Suppression In Iran,” Iran News Update, November 14, 2019.
“Iran’s supreme leader pardons thousands of prisoners,” Louis Casiano, Fox News, November 14, 2019.
November 13, 2019. One of Iran’s important regional terror
groups, PIJ, says the following—“Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhala of the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad told the Dar al-Hayat Arabic-language news site,
'Netanyahu has crossed all the red lines in assassinating Al-Quds Brigades
Commander Baha Abu al-Ata',” “Iran-backed Islamic Jihad Says ‘We Are Going to War’ With Israel After Assassination,” Jack Khoury, Reuters November 13, 2019.
November 13, 2019. Fascinating story about those in Iran willing
to tell the truth about the Regime, and about the Regime’s attempts to root out
those spies. “The Ayatollah’s Den of Espionage: How Iran Came to See Its Revolutionary Core as Compromised,” Maysam Behravesh, Foreign Affairs, November
12, 2019.
November 13, 2019. Who is Hadi Soleimanpour? An accused terrorist hiding behind a
diplomatic badge, according to Argentina and Spain. And now he shows up as a diplomat at an event
in Turkey. Probably in the Quds Force. “Turkey hosts Iranian tied to Jewish center bombing in Argentina,” Jerusalem Post, November 13, 2019.
“Sweden Jails Iranian Prosecutor Implicated In Mass Execution In Prisons,” Radio Farda, November 13, 2019.
“Hezbollah could be hastening the demise of the system it is trying so hard to preserve,” Michael Young, The
Nation, November 13, 2019.
“Hostage Owed $47 Million From Iran for Torture, Imprisonment,” Bloomberg Law, November 13, 2019.
“Iran displeased by deal between Yemeni government, southern separatists,” Samuel Ramani, Al Monitor, November 13, 2019.
November 12, 2019. “Uranium particles have been detected at an
undeclared nuclear site in Iran, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said
Monday. In a confidential report
obtained by news agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
confirmed that manmade uranium particles had been discovered, without revealing
the location of the undeclared site. The
report also confirmed that Iran is enriching uranium at its underground Fordow
facility — a site where, under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, it had
agreed not to carry out any enrichment or enrichment-related research.” See “UN: Uranium Found at Undeclared Site in Iran,” VOA News, November 11, 2019.
November 12, 2019. “The International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) has found uranium particles at a site in Iran that had not been declared
by the Iranian authorities. A
confidential report, seen by the BBC, did not say exactly where the site was.
But inspectors are believed to have taken samples from a location in Tehran’s
Turquzabad district. That is the area
where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged Iran had a
"secret atomic warehouse".” “Iran nuclear deal: IAEA finds uranium particles at undeclared site,” BBC, November 11,
2019.
“Israel targets Islamic Jihad leadership, sending message to Iran,” AP, November 12, 2019.
“Military chief says Iran is greatest missile power in the region,” Tehran Times, November 12, 2019.
“The Death And Life Of Iran’s Lake Urmia,” James Doubek, NPR, November 12, 2019.
“European Signatories Call on Iran to Reverse Actions Against Nuclear Deal,” VOA, November 12, 2019.
“FBI: Michigan Engineer Sent Confidential Tech Data To Iran,” Sydney Dennen, Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2019.
“Iranian Protesters Rip Down Flags In Unrest As Poet’s Death Blamed On Gov.,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2019.
“Poor air quality closes schools in Iran’s capital,” AP, November 12, 2019.
November 11, 2019. Kudos to Argentina for trying, and it is not
the first time to ask another country to arrest Alà Akbar Velayati for his role
in the 1994 Buenos Aires bombing. BTW,
Valayati, in his role as the main foreign policy to the Supreme Leader, really
acts as Iran’s true foreign minister. “Argentina asks Azerbaijan to arrest Iranian suspect in Jewish center bombing,” JTA, November
10, 2019.
November 11, 2019. “Iran currently has the world's fourth-largest
proven deposits of crude oil and the world's second-largest deposits of natural
gas. It shares a massive offshore field in the Persian Gulf with Qatar.” But we wonder why this vast treasure can’t be
managed well for the benefit of everyday Iranians—for schools, clinics,
highways, effective bureaucracy, fair courts, the list goes on and on. “Iran discovers new oil field with over 50 billion barrels,” Amir Vahdat, AP, November 10, 2019.
“Iran underground lab boosts low-enriched uranium production,” Mehdi Fattahi, Amir Vahdat, and Jon Gambrell, AP, Boston 25 News, November 11, 2019.
“Iran says ‘missing person’ file open on ex-FBI agent who disappeared there on CIA job,” Caitlin Yilek, Washington Examiner, November 11, 2019.
“Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Capacity Is Up 25-Fold and Rising Fast,” Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, November 11, 2019.
“Iranian President Rouhani: We Will Remain In The JCPOA So That The Weapons Embargo Will Be Lifted In A Year,” MEMRI News Agency, November 11, 2019.
November 10, 2019. So frustrating “for the Levinson family. And so frustrating for the world dealing with
a country that uses hostages as part of its foreign policy. Iran is acknowledging for the first time it
has an open case before its Revolutionary Court over the 2007 disappearance of
a former FBI agent on an unauthorized CIA mission to the country, renewing
questions over what happened to him.”
Robert Levinson is the longest-held hostage, and for years since he was snatched
from Kish Island the IRI has said they knew nothing about him. But they did, and now the court system is
admitting it has a case open on him. “Iran: Case open on missing ex-FBI agent on CIA job,” Yahoo News, November 9, 2019. And here is a CNN article from the prior day. "Iran has told our Iranian lawyer
and the UN that it has an open case in its Judiciary about our husband and
father. We want to know, what are the charges?" the family said in the
statement. "If there are charges -- something we have never heard -- he
has served more than 12-and-a-half years and paid whatever penalty. This is
also confirmation of what an Iranian government media outlet -- Press TV Iran
-- first reported in April 2007; that Bob Levinson was picked up by local
security forces. It is time for Iran to end this charade and send him
home." Until this point, the Iranians have not
ever acknowledged that Levinson was in their country, let alone in custody. “UN group says Iran has an 'on going case' in court regarding missing American Robert Levinson,” Joshua Replogle and
Michael Callahan, CNN, November 8, 2019. See “Iran says case open on ex-FBI agent missing there on CIA job,” Jon Gambrell, AP, Chicago Tribune, November 9, 2019. “The Associated Press on Saturday
obtained the text of Iran's filing to the U.N.'s Working Group on Enforced or
Involuntary Disappearances. According to
the last statement of Tehran's Justice Department, Mr. Robert Alan Levinson has
an on going case in the Public Prosecution and Revolutionary Court of Tehran."
November 9, 2016. Take a closer look at this most recent story
to again ask the question—Who is telling the truth? In the future, watch for the name of the IAEA scientist in future news who
Iran says was carrying explosives. Track
some stories by letting Google do the searching, that is an unbiased way to
gather open sources. But for today, a number of stories provide a good start. “U.N. nuclear watchdog, Western powers criticize Iran for holding inspector,” Francois Murphy,
Reuters, November 7, 2019. See also “Iran says prepared to show footage of inspector incident,” France 24, November 9, 2019. Also, the inspector was a female—See “Iran Defends Its Decision to Block UN Atomic Inspector,” AP, November 9, 2019. Next, Iran claimed the inspector tested
positive for explosives when she tried to enter the Natanz facility. “Iran: UN nuclear inspector tested positive for explosives,” Justine Coleman, The Hill, November 7, 2019. Also, “Gharibabadi explained that
detectors were used several times on the inspector’s purse as well as in the
bathroom she had used, showing traces of suspicious materials.” “IAEA inspector tried to commit act of sabotage in Iran's nuclear sites: ambassador,” Tehran Times, November 8, 2019. See also “Iran alleges UN inspectortested positive for explosives,” Kiyoko Metzler, Philipp Jenne, and Jon
Gambrell, AP, Modesto Bee, November 7, 2019. Finally, the most authoritative voice
so far (IAEA represents a board of 35 countries). "The Agency does not agree with Iran's
characterization of the situation involving the inspector, who was carrying out
official safeguard duties in Iran," said Fredrik Dahl, the agency's
spokesman. “Iran bars U.N. nuclearinspector from uranium-enrichment plant,” Erin Cunningham and Steve Hendrix, Washington
Post, San Francisco Chronicle, November 7, 2019.
“Iran’s most famous Sufi faces fatwa at home,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, November 8, 2019.
November 10, 2019. You just don’t read clear stories like this
every day. “Former Secretary-General of
Lebanon’s Shia Hezbollah movement criticized Iran’s supreme leader Sunday for
being behind corruption in Lebanon and Iraq, where anti-government and
corruption protests are ongoing. Subhi
al-Tufayli, speaking to Arab and social media, delivered remarks on recent mass
protests held in Lebanon and Iraq. Al-Tufayli
said at least 250 people were killed and more than 11,000 were injured in Iraq,
according to official figures and alleged the deaths were caused by the men of
Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran.
He went on to say that the peaceful demonstrators in Lebanon were
attacked by supporters of Hezbollah and Amal Movement, and claimed the
aggressors were affiliated with the Iranian supreme leader. He alleged that Iranian-backed groups in
Lebanon have been responsible for injustice and looting in Lebanon since 1972.
and that Khamenei spent money to buy media outlets in his favor during the
Syrian civil war.” “Ex-Hezbollah leader slams Iranian supreme chief,” Mahmut Geldi, AA, November 10, 2019.
“Sistani Denies He Agreed With Iran’s Soleimani To Back Iraqi PM,” Radio Farda, November 10, 2019.
“‘It’s a trap’: Iran decries IAEA probe into uranium at site flagged by Israel,” Times of Israel, November 10, 2019.
“Iran able to enrich uranium up to 60%, says atomic energy agency spokesman,” Reuters, November 9, 2019.
“Damascus gave Iran advanced Israeli missile captured in Syria: Russian media,” AMN, November 8, 2019.
“LONG READ: How Iran’s “Shadow Commander” Qasem Soleimani left home at 13 and took a stranglehold on the
Middle East,” BNE, November 8, 2019.
“An Entity Offering Services For Polygamy Operates In Iran,” Radio Farda, November 8, 2019.
“Iran’s Proxies More Important Than ItsNuclear Program – Report,” Radio Farda, November 8, 2019.
November 8, 2019. Harassment seems to be the motive here,
unless additional stories come out confirming Iran’s accusations. Those follow-up stories are rare in open
sources, and someone has to follow the IAEA rep closely to learn good
clues. Here are the three related stories. “Iran alleges UN inspector tested positive for explosives,” Kiyoko Metzler, Philipp Jenne, and Jon Gambrell, AP, November 7,
2019;
“Iran Has Military Advantage Over U.S.In Middle East Due To Asymmetric Forces, Report Says,” David Brennan, Newsweek,
November 7, 2019.
November 7, 2019. It’s happened again. Actually, it is happening throughout Europe,
usually run through Iranian embassies. It is a long-standing practice to collect names, addresses, etc. of Iranian dissidents and
Ahvazis (Iranian Arabs) and others, that the IRI uses to intimidate, threaten
their families back home in Iran, etc., and sometimes worse. In this case in Sweden, a 46-year-old Iraqi
man was charged with spying for Iran by gathering information on Iranian
refugees in Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands. He had been doing it four years, and used a
cover story as being a reporter. As part
of his work, he filmed Ahvazi conference delegates and protesters in Belgium,
the Netherlands and Sweden. He also joined online forums and
gathered login information for routers.
He then communicated with Iranian intelligence agents via the internet
or at personal meetings, including in Tehran.
There is a 1,700-page preliminary investigation carried out by the
Swedish Prosecution Authority’s National Security Unit and the Swedish Security
Service, but it is confidential for the court at this point. See “Sweden Charges Iraqi Man With Spying for Iran,” David Keyton and Jan Olsen, AP, November 6, 2019.
“2 Iranians accused of spying on Jewish, Israeli targets in US plead guilty” AFP, Times of Israel, November 6, 2019.
“Former Member Of Iran's Nuclear Negotiating Team Arrested,” Radio Farda, November 6, 2019.
“Will Trump Go to War with Iran? Here Is What a Famous Yale Professor Thinks,” by James Holmes, The National Interest, November 6, 2019.
“Iran Calls Red Sea Oil Shipping Routes Unsafe,” Benoit Faucon, Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2019.
“Marriages Decrease, Divorces Increase At Alarming Rate In Iran,” Radio Farda, November 6, 2019.
November 6, 2019. “In Latest Provocative Act, Iran to Activate Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Facility,” United Against Nuclear Iran, November 6,
2019. It says, "Iran's latest
deliberate violation of the nuclear agreement underscores the flawed structure
of the JCPOA. Under the terms of the agreement, Iran was supposed to convert
Fordow into a nuclear, physics, and technology center. But instead, the regime
plans to begin injecting uranium hexafluoride into centrifuges and enriching up
to 5 percent at the facility, which is built inside a mountain. In response to
this highly provocative act, the U.S. government should rescind the JCPOA's
civil nuclear cooperation waivers immediately, and invoke the snap-back
mechanism when it assumes the U.N. Security Council presidency in December. The
JCPOA is dead. It is time for the international community to recognize its
demise."
“Iran starts injecting uranium gas into centrifuges, further unraveling nuclear deal,” AP, Market Watch, November 5,
2019.
“Iran Says It’s Reopening Its Most Controversial Uranium Enrichment Facility,” Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, November 5,
2019.
November 5, 2019. We need to address some of the audacity to
label U.S. citizens as being fixated on the Iran Hostage Crisis that began 40
years ago, and that the USG and its people need to instead consider the
relationship between the two countries from the viewpoint of Iranians. The Regime says the upsrising in the 1953 against
its prime minister was directed by the CIA and the British, who then reinstalled
the Shah. Beyond that Iranians
themselves took action against PM Mosaddegh, regardless of the U.S. and UK
support, it is not irrational for Americans to look with great disapproval on
Iran’s taking hostages on Nov. 4, 1979 and continuing to today. Why do Americans still recoil about taking
diplomats hostage and holding them 444 days?
Why do we highly disapprove of taking backpackers and businessmen and
professors into captivity today? Because
Americans know you shouldn’t use people as shields or pawns and ruin their
lives. This is at the essence of
state-sponsored terrorism, using violence against non-combatants, and is long a
violation of international law and human rights and state relations. See “Iran Marked 40 Years Since the Hostage Crisis With a Massive Anti-American Rally,” Suroosh Alvi and Alex Chitty, Vice,
November 5, 2019.
“U.S. security heads warn Russia, China, Iran will interfere in elections,” Darryl Coote, UPI, November 5, 2019.
“Iran will enrich uranium to 5% at Fordow underground nuclear site: official,” Reuters, November 5, 2019.
November 4, 2019. Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi has been part
of the Iranian government’s campaign of repression and censorship. “Iran’s Information Minister Is Not the Solution. He’s Part of the Problem,” Karen Kramer, FP, November 4, 2019.
November 4, 2019. So, 40 years after the hostage crisis, and the IRI still needs to
stand on its own two feet and stop blaming other countires (i.e., Iraq, United
States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, …) for its ills and
instead join other world countries and take responsibility for its own future. “Forty years after Iran’s seizure of US embassy, Iranians chant ‘death to America’,” Business Day, November 4, 2019.
November 4, 2019. It is time for the annual State Department of
State report on terrorism worldwide, the most authoritative such report from any country. Here is one news article on it: “Iran Remains Worst State-Sponsor Of Terror, Works With Al-Qaeda," Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem
Post, November 4, 2019. Quoting from the article in part, ““Iran
remains the world’s worst state sponsor of terrorism,” noted the document
titled, “Country Reports on Terrorism 2018” that was released on Friday. “The
regime has spent nearly one billion dollars per year to support terrorist
groups that serve as its proxies and expand its malign influence across the
globe. Tehran has funded international terrorist groups such as Hezbollah,
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. It also has engaged in its own terrorist
plotting around the world, particularly in Europe.” The report said that “Tehran continued to
allow an AQ [al-Qaeda] facilitation network to operate in Iran, which sends
fighters and money to conflict zones in Afghanistan and Syria, and it has
extended sanctuary to AQ members residing in the country.”” The report said that “Tehran continued to
allow an al-Qaeda facilitation network to operate in Iran, which sends fighters
and money to conflict zones in Afghanistan and Syria." Here is a link to the Report.
November 4, 2019. The subtitle is “Detained foreigners are
collateral in damaged relationship with the West, their fate hinging on powers
agreeing to negotiate geopolitical issues”.
I have to disagree—the taking of the hostages has nothing to do with
countries agreeing on geopolitical issues.
It has everything to do with the Regime making an immoral decision—the jailing
and torturing of people from another country and using them as negotiating
pawns. The story is “Iran Marks Anniversary of U.S. Embassy Siege as Jailed Americans Await Thaw,” Sune Engel
Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal, November 3, 2019.
“Iran official says Tehran is working on prototype centrifuge that’s 50 times faster than those allowed by nuclear deal,” AP, November 4, 2019.
“Three Iraqis killed in front of Iranian consulate in Kerbala: sources,” Reuters,’ November 4, 2019.
November 3, 2019. Iran marks the 40th anniversary of its U.S.
Embassy seizure on Monday/tomorrow. While
long suspected, and seemingly captured in photos at the Embassy takeover, this
article makes the following claim that about Ahmadinejad of which I don’t know
if has ever been confirmed. “A
student leader named Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who later became president in 2005,
argued they should seize the Soviet Embassy compound in Tehran as leftists had
caused political chaos. But the students
settled on the U.S. Embassy, hoping to pressure Carter to send the shah back to
Iran to stand trial on corruption charges.” “Iranian Student Leader of 1979 U.S. Embassy Takeover Says He Now Regrets the Attack,” AP, Haaretz, November 3,
2019. See also “U.S. Embassy Hostage Takers Now Hold Top Positions in Iran Government,” NCRI, November 3, 2019.
November 3, 2019. The key element in this story about Iraqi mismanagement
and corruption is the Iranian influence in the governing system, and how the
protesters on Sunday in Karbala scaled the concrete barriers ringing the Iranian
consulate and going to the top of the building to bring down an Iranian flag
and replacing it with the Iraqi flag. “Iraqi protesters attack Iran consulate in Karbala,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Joseph
Krauss, AP, November 3, 2019.
“Khamenei scorns Macron for trying to arrange U.S. - Iranian talks,” Reuters, November 3, 2019.
“Official Says 15,000 Executed In Iran For Drug Offenses Since 1979,” Radio Farda, November 3, 2019.
“Zarif Says Money Laundering In Iran Amounts To Billions Of Dollars,” Radio Farda, November 3, 2019.
“Iran’s Supreme Leader Renews Ban On Negotiations With U.S.,” By Antoinette Miller, Newsy, November 3, 2019.
November 3, 2019. Jane’s Defense Weekly says that “Iran
has unveiled a kit that appears to convert unguided surface-to-surface rockets
into guided weapons. The Labeik kit
“looked similar to the guidance units used with the Fateh-110 family of
solid-propellent missiles, although its four triangular control surfaces were
inverted.”" Read more at “Bad News for Israel: Iran Has a New Missile,” Michael Peck, National Interest, November 1,
2019.
November 2, 2019. Part of the Iran's positioning against the U.S. and supporting the Regime against the protection of the U.S. in the Gulf since 1979, and also serving as a then protest for support of the Shah, has always included propaganda, including paintings on the walls outside the former embassy. It comprises a city block in northern downtown Tehran. Here is part of this AFP story--“Iran on Saturday unveiled new anti-American
murals on the walls of the former US embassy as Tehran prepares to celebrate
the 40th anniversary of the storming of what it labels the "den of
spies". The accusatory message of
the paintings was one of a violent US that is thirsty for war and bent on
tightening its grip on the world, yet weakening despite its military might. The new murals -- mainly painted in white,
red and blue, the colours of the US flag -- were unveiled by Major General
Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, at the former mission
turned museum. One of them showed a
crumbling Statue of Liberty, its right torch-bearing arm having broken off. Another depicted the triangle of the Eye of
Providence, the symbol used on the back of the US dollar bill, in a sea of blood
in which skulls are floating. A third
showed the American Global Hawk drone that was shot down by Iran in June over
the Strait of Hormuz, with bats flying out of it." “Iran unveils new anti-US murals at former embassy,” AFP, November 2, 2019.
November 2, 2019. These three stories are “connected” and “electrifying,”
if you’ll excuse the puns. But they
really display the influence that Iran has over Iraq and Syria for the last
several years. “Iran, Iraq power grids synchronized,” Tehran Times, November 1, 2019. “Iran Says Its Power Grid Is Now Connected With Iraq,” Radio Farda, November 1, 2019. “Iran strikes initial deal to rebuild Syrian power grid,” Reuters, November 2, 2019.
November 2, 2019. “Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian
Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, intervened on Wednesday in a secret meeting
held in Baghdad, and asked Al-Amiri and the Popular Mobilisation Forces
leadership to continue supporting Abdul-Mahdi.”
“Iraqi sources: Iran intervened to prevent overthrow of Adil Abdul-Mahdi,” Middle East Monitor, November 2, 2019.
“IRGC General Says ‘US Has Officially Declared Cyberwar’ On Iran,” Radio Farda, November 2, 2019.
“Iraq’s Top Cleric Warns Iran to Stay Out,” Bobby Ghosh, Bloomberg, November 2, 2019.
“Iran Says Cooperation Plan Sent To Gulf Neighbors,” AFP, November 2, 2019.
“Italy to ban flights by Iran’s Mahan Air from mid-December,” Reuters, November 2, 2019.
“Five Arrested in Iran Over Selling“Western” Clothing,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, November 1, 2019.
“Trump Should Worry: How Iran Hopes Its Many Missiles Will Help It Win a War,” Kyle Mizokami, The National Interest, November
1, 2019.
“U.S. Envoy Says Iran Has Spent $16 Billion To Fund Militias In Syria, Iraq,” RFE/RL, November 1, 2019. See also “‘Biggest terrorism sponsor’ Iran spends $1 billion a year on global proxies: US report,” Arab News, November 1,
2019.
“Blatant Religious Discrimination and Brutality in Iranian Education,” Saeed Peyvandi, Iran Press Watch, November 1,
2019.
“Official Predicts Low Turnout In Iran's February Elections,” Radio Farda, November 1, 2019.
November 1, 2019. How Ironic—Iran complains of other countries
involvement in Iraq, but does the same themselves. “Tehran decries foreign influence in Iraq protests,” Al-Monitor, November 1, 2019.
“Iran Lawmaker Criticizing Intelligence Organs Summoned To Court,” Radio Farda, November 1, 2019.
“Iran Executes Man in Public in Southwest City of Arak,” Iran HRM, November 1, 2019.
“Why the Islamic Republic of Iran keeps taking hostages,” John Limbert, IranSource, November 1, 2019.
October 31, 2019. A clue to the extent of Iran’s influence in Lebanon was given on Tuesday when the FM called for unity among Lebanon’s political groups, once Saad al-Hariri resigned as Lebanon’s prime minister. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said that Tehran “calls for unity among all political groups and parties in Lebanon to maintain security and stability in the country and meet the legitimate demands of the Lebanese people.” “Iran urges unity among Lebanon's political groups,” Reuters, October 29, 2019.
“Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Backed by Iran, Seeks Rocket-Launchers in West Bank,” JNS, Algemeiner, October 31, 2019.
“City Official Warns Ground In Tehran Sinking At Alarming Rate,” Radio Farda, October 31, 2019.
“Several Unnamed ‘Corrupt’ Judges Dismissed In Iran,” Radio Farda, October 31, 2019.
“Iran’s Leaders See Threats in Iraq and Lebanon Protests,” New York Times, October 31, 2019.
October 30, 2019. Forgive the long post. It is mostly verbatim from long-time reporter
Seth Frantzman who records for the public the violence used by Iran against
demonstrators, in another country! (Iraq)—using snipers for head shots and chest
shots. Here is the source, followed by
the quote from the news story. “Increasing Evidence of Iran's Role in Crackdown on Protests in Iraq,” Seth Frantzman,
Middle East Forum, October 30, 2019. “Iraq's month-long protests have led to
more than 200 deaths, mostly of protesters killed by Iraqi Security Forces and
paramilitary units. Among the worst offenders have been snipers linked to
pro-Iranian groups. What began as a spontaneous protest in early October
re-appeared on October 25 with massive marches and clashes in central and
southern Iraq. Millions have participated. Although Iraq's President and some
other officials have said Iraqis have a right to protest, the official line has
not been followed on the ground. This disparity in treatment of the protests
appears to indicate a growing Iranian role in suppressing them. Protesters have
targeted Iran's consulate in Karbala and burned the offices of many political
parties and militias linked to Iran. This includes the offices of Badr in Kut
and Asaib Ahl al-Haq in Maysan on October 25, for example. MECRA has documented
accusations of pro-Iranian elements attacking protests since October 4.
Protesters said they had suffered from clashes with different security forces,
including SWAT and riot police. They mentioned that the Saraya Khorasani which
are linked with Hashd Al-Shaabi had bee involved in harming demonstrators. On
October 5 many politicians in Iraq had issued statements, with voices such as
Ali Sistani, Muqtada al-Sadr and Haider Abadi calling for calm, but the Fatah
Alliance of Hadi al-Amiri remained silent. On October 7 Iranian passports were
found among people accused of targeting the demonstrators. However it was not
clear if the passports were all linked to abuses or if they were Iranians on
pilgrimage. MECRA's researcher reported on snipers shooting protesters: The snipers who targeted the Iraqi
demonstrators in Baghdad, Nasiriya, and Diwaniya are among a group of snipers
from 'Unit 400' responsible for assassinations outside the borders of Iran.
Snipers also worked with Ktaib Hizballah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Khorasani,
al-Nujaba, Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades and Lebanese Hizballah. This was also the
case last year: Dozens of Iraqis were killed in Basra last year by headshots
from their snipers.”
October 29, 2019. Never a good sign to read a news story like
this, a reminder of Iran’s role as a leading sponsor of terror in multiple
countries and in Europe. “The "most
wanted criminal" in the Netherlands lives freely in Iran, a Dutch daily,
De Telegraaf, reports. The 41-year-old
Ridouan Taghi is a Morrocan drug and weapons smuggling kingpin accused of
various crimes, including cooperation in killing an Iranian dissident, Mohammad
Reza Kolahi Samadi, in 2015, in the Netherlands. Furthermore, Taghi has also allegedly
assisted the Islamic Republic intelligence agents to assassinate other
dissidents across Europe.” See the link
for more details. “One of Europe’s Most Wanted Criminals ‘Lives In Iran’ - Dutch Media,” Radio Farda, October 29, 2019.
“Iran, Russia take aim at U.S. military presence near Syrian oilfields,” Stephanie Nebehay, Babak Dehghanpisheh,
Reuters, October 29, 2019.
“Supreme Court upholds Iranian woman’s appeal against extradition,” Ioanna Mandrou, Ekathimerini, October 29, 2019.
“Stuck in an airport for almost two weeks, Iranian beauty queen says she will be killed if she is deported,” Helen
Regan and Joshua Berlinger, CNN, October 28, 2019.
“U.N. envoy to meet Turkey, Iran and Russia foreign ministers in Geneva,” Reuters, October 28, 2019.
“Revealed: Iran used Google Maps to target Saudi oil facilities,” Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, October 28,
2019.
“Iran Has Deployed Missiles in YemenThat Could Hit Israel, Netanyahu Says,” Noa Landau and Amos Harel, Haaretz, October
28, 2019.
October 28, 2019. Forget everything in Iranian history that
occurred before 1979—at least that is what the Regime wants. Oct. 29 is the day when Cyrus the Great
defeated Babylon in 539 B.C., starting the Achaemenid Empire. It is marked as “Cyrus the Great Day.” But not in Iran. The news below says, “Security forces in Iran
have closed major routes leading to historic Pasargadae, the site of Cyrus the
Great’s tomb in anticipation of spontaneous gatherings of people to mark the
annual commemoration of the first king of ancient Persian Empire. In recent years as thousands of people have
tried to visit the ancient tomb, security forces have closed roads and
established a strong presence to deter people.
In 2016, a large crowd spontaneously congregated around the mausoleum
and chanted slogans in support of monarchy and national values versus religious
government. In subsequent years authorities tried to prevent a gathering. In 2016, protesters reportedly chanted,
"Iran is our homeland; Cyrus is our father," and “Clerical rule is
synonymous with only tyranny, only war,” and “Freedom of thought cannot take
place with beards,” an explicit reference to the theocratic rulers currently in
power. …
Videos published on social media show security forces are closing roads
leading to Pasargadae this year also. In
2017, a member of parliament from the region urged authorities to mark the
Cyrus Day in official ceremonies, boosting tourism instead of preventing it. But senior clerics and particularly allies of
the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei oppose paying any homage to Iran’s kings and
its pre-Islamic history.” “Iran Security Forces Blocking Roads To Prevent Cyrus Day Gathering,” Radio Farda, October 28,
2019.
“Iran Officials Downplay Killing Of IS Leader Al-Baghdadi,” Radio Farda, October 28, 2019.
October 27, 2019. The discrimination against Israel and its
Jews continues—two Iranian chess competitors have refused to play against
Israeli team members during the 2019 World Youth and Junior Chess
Championships. This is despite all the bad press generated against the Regime after the series of judo stories a couple of weeks ago. “Iran chess players withdraw from matches against Israel,” MEMO, October 25, 2019.
October 27, 2019. 63 Iraqis have been killed in anti-government protests since this past Friday. Remember, Iran has sent in its snipers against Iraqi citizens, as reported below in an earlier post. In other words, Iran literally has Iraq in its crosshairs. “Iran says ‘carefully monitoring’ Iraq protests," Ali Murat Alhas, AA, October 27, 2019.
October 26, 2019. And he’s right. One of the difficult things in negotiating
with Iran is that the Supreme Leader is behind the curtain, but never comes
out. The Pres and FM are left to wonder
what position exactly to take, and they are undercut often. He is always playing members of the
government against each other so he stay in power. Others behind the curtain are the IRGC
commander and the head of the Quds Force.
This is one important reason the JCPOA failed—those who are on the face
of the country do not have the full support or empowerment of those who wield
the power. “Al-Jubeir Says Those In Iran Who Want Talks ‘Have No Power’,” Radio Farda, October 24, 2019.
“Rouhani Lauds Resistance of Iran, Venezuela against US Plots,” Tasnim, October, 25, 2019.
“Rouhani Says Shiite Countries In Region Moving Toward ‘Strategic Relations’,” Radio Farda, October 25, 2019.
“Iran nuclear official says domestically made centrifuges to be unveiled soon,” Times of Israel,
October 24, 2019.
October 25, 2019. As predicted earlier, the Iran authorities
just can’t keep from prohibiting women from athletic venues. Iran is playing the game “Chicken” now with
FIFA and the Int’l Olympic Committee due to the Regime’s anti-Semitism. “Female fans banned from Iranian league games,”
John Duerden, ESPN, October 22, 2019.
October 24, 2019. Fars reports that one hand (maybe just the
fingers? per some reports) of an unnamed convict was cut off in the prison in Sari, 120 miles NE
of Tehran. The report claimed the convict committed 28 robberies. “Report: Iranian authorities cut off convicted thief’s hand,” AP, October 24, 2019.
“Iran: Internal Politics and U.S. Policy and Options,” CRS Report, October 24, 2019.
“Thanks, North Korea: Iran's Submarine Fleet Could Do Some Damage in a War,” Mark Episkopos, The National Interest, October 24, 2019.
“Albania says it foiled Iranian plot to attack exiled dissidents,” The National, October 24, 2019.
“Iran Is Losing Leverage in Syria,” Bobby Ghosh, Bloomberg, October 24, 2019.
“Israel said bracing for direct cruise missile or drone attack by Iran,” Times of Israel, October 23, 2019.
October 23, 2019. FATF's actions prove it is serious about
forcing Tehran to reform its permissive terror-financing environment. Iran refused for the sixth time to finalize its
action plan to join most of the world’s country’s in keeping terror and mafia
and corruption out of financial transaction.
So FATF “reimposed two additional countermeasures—enhanced reporting of
financial transactions and increased external audit requirements for financial
groups regarding any of their branches and subsidiaries located in Iran—it also
said it would reimpose all countermeasures in February if by then Iran has not
taken the required action.” “Iran Cited by International Body for Failing to Address Terror Financing,” Adam Kredo, Washington
Free Beacon, October 22, 2019.
“Albanian police say Iranian ‘terror cell’ planned to attack exiles,” AP in Tirana, October 23, 2019.
“UN expert: Iran executes children in violation of rights law,” Edith Lederer, AP, Washington Post, October 23, 2019.
“Fourth JCPOA step to be announced by Pres. Rouhani: AEOI chief,” Mehr News Agency, October 23, 2019.
“Iran’s Hardliner Judiciary Denies Rouhani Claim Anti-Corruption Bills Were Approved,” Radio Farda, October 23, 2019.
“Russian Official Says Iran Has Not Asked To Send Astronaut To Space Station,” Radio Farda, October 23, 2019.
“UN expert: Iran executes children in violation of rights law,” Edith Lederer, AP, October 23, 2019.
“Iran’s Government Tells Male Managers To Hire Male Secretaries,” Radio Farda, October 23, 2019.
“How Islamic Republic Turned A Religious Event Into Political Propaganda,” Radio Farda, Reza Haqiqatnezhad,
October 23, 2019.
October 23, 2019. This is the big news of the day. While I am not an expert on Iran sports
history, I believe this is the first time, certainly one of the few, when Iran
has been banned by a world sporting organization because of its anti-Semitism. And how the Supreme Leader and the mullahs respond
will determine if their athletes can participate in the next Olympics. “Iran banned from world judo until it agrees to face Israel,” Star Tribune, AP, October 22, 2019.
October 22, 2019. “UAE releases $700m of Iranian funds,” MEMO, October
21, 2019. This is a worrying development. “The UAE has released $700 million in
previously frozen funds to Iran, in a bid to improve relations between the two
countries. A member of the parliament in Tehran hailed the move yesterday. “The Emiratis have… understood that Western
countries and Saudi Arabia cannot provide the [UAE] with security in the
current circumstances,” Akbar Torki MP told Iranian media. “Financial relations
with Iran have improved and some Iranian exchange offices in Dubai have resumed
activity.” The move is a surprise at a
time when the Arab Gulf States generally perceive Iran to be a growing threat
in the region, particularly due to its increasing military influence through
the Shia militias it controls and funds in the Levant. Iran also supports the
Shia Houthi militia in Yemen, which the UAE has until recently been fighting as
a member of the Saudi-led coalition. The UAE has now more or less withdrawn
from the latter and advocates a political solution.” Or blackmail.
“Iranian Hacking Group Targeted Satellite Industry Nerds,” Adam Rawnsley and Seamus Hughes, Daily Beast, October 22, 2019.
“Russia hid behind Iran to spy on 35 countries,” Lucy Fisher, Mark Bridge, The Times, October 22 2019.
“UPDATED: Daughter Of Iran’s Ambassador In Moscow Dies In Apparent Suicide,” Radio Farda, October 22, 2019.
“Zarif says Iran’s relations with China are ‘strategic’,” Tehran Times, October 22, 2019.
“Russia hid behind Iran to spy on 35 countries,” Lucy Fisher, The Times, October 22, 2019.
"Zarif Criticizes FATF For Demanding Increased Scrutiny Of Iranian Financial Institutions," Radio Farda, October 21, 2019.
“Trump’s Syria withdrawal could spark Iran-Israel war,” Michael Rubin, Washington Examiner, October 21, 2019.
“Iran rejects Turkey’s establishing of military posts in Syria: TV,” Reuters, October 21, 2019.
October 21, 2019. This is an op-ed, not news, but raises important observations about Iran's near-term decisions. “America’s Syria Exit Improves Iran’s Fortunes,” Gerald Seib, Wall Street Journal, October 21, 2019.
“Iranian Actress Matin Sotudeh Summonedto Court for Red Carpet Attire: ‘The Reaction Shocked Me’,” CHRI, October 21, 2019.
“Iran urges Turkey to respect Syria's integrity,” Xinhua, October 21, 2019.
“Iran Proposes Prisoner Swap To United States,” Zachary Keyser, Jerusalem Post, October 21, 2019.
“Iran sends US list of names for its proposed prisoner swap,” Nasser Karimi and Aron Heller, AP, Miami Herald,
October 21, 2019.
“Iran plans to build 200 cargo ships inside country,” Hellenic Shipping News, October 21, 2019.
“Facebook Discloses New Disinformation Campaigns From Russia and Iran,” Mike Isaac, New York Times, October 21, 2019.
October 20, 2019. Low and behold, a powerfully-connected person
gets a reprieve. “Rouhani's Brother Granted Furlough Hours After Going To Jail,” Radio Farda, October 20, 2019.
“Iran official: Second circuit of Arak reactor to be completed in two weeks,” AFP, October 20, 2019.
“Iran Judiciary Moves to Ban Google Play,” Khosro Kalbasi, Financial Tribune,” October 20, 2019.
October 19, 2019. Low and behold, Christian minorities (despite
being mentioned in the Constitution) discriminated against and thrown into
prison. “Iranian Pastor Sentenced To Five Years In Prison,” Omri Ron, Jerusalem Post, October 19, 2019.
“Iran, Azerbaijan considering border areas for joint industrial parks,” Tehran Times, October 19, 2019.
“Iran plans to build 200 cargo ships inside country,” Tehran Times, October 19, 2019.
“Australian academics warned travel to Iran is now too risky,” Nick O’Malley, Sydney Morning Herald, October 20, 2019.
“Iran, UK, Explore Ways of Boosting Trade Despite U.S. Sanctions,” Radio Farda, October 19, 2019.
“An Alliance with Qatar against Saudi Arabia,” Mani Mehrabi, United World, October 19, 2019.
October 18, 2019. Ordered from Tehran, snipers shooting
protesting Iraqis in the head during the recent parades and
demonstrations. “Exclusive: Iran-backed militias deployed snipers in Iraq protests – sources,” Reuters, October 16,
2019.
“Political Prisoner In Iran Threatens Disobedience If Warden Not Removed,” Radio Farda, October 18, 2019.
“Russian Journalist Released By Iran Says, “I’ll Never Go Back To The Country,” Radio Farda, October 18, 2019.
“What does Iran’s Soleimani think of Hezbollah’s Nasrallah?,” Ali Alfoneh, The Arab Weekly, October 18, 2019.
“Global watchdog extends suspension of anti-Iran measures until February,” Payvand, Press TV, October 18, 2019.
“Iranian President Calls for Referendum to ‘Clarify Political Track’,” Asharq Al-Awsat, October 17, 2019.
“Sources: Iran-backed Militia Snipers Killed Iraqi Protesters,” Asharq al-Awsat, October 17, 2019.
“Arrest of Telegram channel operator surprises Iranians,” Al-Monitor Staff October 17, 2019.
“Iran said planning to limit international inspector access to its nuclear sites,” Times of Israel, October 17, 2019.
“Iran-backed militias used snipers in Iraq to help quell recent protests – report,” Times of Israel, October
17, 2019.
October 17, 2019. Note the most alarming part of revealed
intelligence, about entire missiles being transferred by Iran. That implies much additional information,
including components, support, control/direction, and advisers. “The State Department on Wednesday revealed
that Iran has been transferring ballistic missiles to regional partners that
the United States views as terrorists. The
revelation by the special envoy for Iran policy, Brian Hook, came at the start
of a contentious Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Hook argued that
evidence of Iran’s transfer of ballistic missile technology to regional
extremist groups justified the Trump administration’s 2018 decision to abandon
the Iran nuclear deal. “While the United
States was still in the JCPOA, Iran expanded its ballistic missile activities
to partners across the region, including Hezbollah, Palestinian terrorist
groups and Shia militias in Iraq,” Hook said, referring to the acronym for the
multinational nuclear accord. “Beginning last year, Iran transferred whole
missiles to a separate designated terrorist group in the region.” “State Department official says Iran has been transferring missiles to terrorists,” Rachel Oswald, Roll Call, October 16,
2019.
October 17, 2019. Where is the evidence? These claims by Iran at this point seem
baseless. “Iran blames alleged tanker attack on Israel, US and Saudis,” Times of Israel, October 16, 2019.
October 17, 2019. This act, turning off a ship’s tracking
device, was decided at a very high level within both the Iranian and Chinese
governments. “U.S. ‘deeply concerned’ about untrackable China ships carrying Iran oil: officials,” Timothy Gardner,
Arshad Mohammed, Reuters, October 16, 2019.
“Students At Tehran University Protest During Rouhani Speech,” Radio Farda, October 16, 2019.
“Majority of Iranians now want to quit nuclear deal,” Barbara Slavin, Al Monitor, October 16, 2019.
“Hook Tells Senate If Iran’s Missiles Not Contained, Regional War Might Ensue,” Radio Farda, October 16, 2019.
“How Will IRGC Spin The Case Of Kidnapped Whistleblower?,” Reza Haqiqatnezhad, Radio Farda, October 16, 2019.
“Top Official Says Iran Continues ToSell Oil And ‘The Enemy Does Not Know How,” Radio Farda, October 16, 2019.
October 16, 2019. This is one of those warning stories to
Rouhani. Iran's semi-official Tasnim
news agency is reporting that President Hassan Rouhani's brother has begun
serving a five-year prison sentence at Evin Prison on corruption charges. Iran has in the past jailed allies of former
presidents for similar charges. “Report: Brother of Iran’s president begins prison term,” AP, October 16, 2019.
October 16, 2019. Several related stories now in the news on Iran
turning up the heat on France. “France says Iranian activist Zam had refugee status in France," Reuters, October 16,
2019.
“France worried by new phase in Iran’s breaching of nuclear pact,” John Irish, Reuters, October 16, 2019.
“Pakistan says Saudis, Iran willing to pursue diplomacy,” PBS, October 16, 2019.
“Iran to limit inspectors’ access to its nuclear facilities,” Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, October 16, 2019.
“World Bank And IMF Issue Worse Estimates For Iran's Growth Prospects,” Radio Farda, October 16, 2019.
“Iran says U.S. obstructs Tehran-Riyadh proximity,” Xinhua, October 16, 2019.
“Experts Say It’s Time for EU to Blacklist Iran-Tied Hizballah in Its Entirety,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus,
October 16, 2019.
October 16, 2019. Now we know.
The France-residing Iranian dissident was turned over by the UAE in
Dubai to Iran, when he was deported to Tehran.
On Twitter, Sultan, the chief editor of Al-Mesryoon newspaper, wrote:
“The UAE arrested an opposition Iranian journalist during a transit flight from
France to Australia through Dubai. It handed him over to the Iranian
authorities.” He added: “He is subject
to execution. The Iranian media is speaking happily about a complicated
operation through which he was lured and arrested.” “UAE arrests Iran journalist and deports him to Tehran,” Middle East Monitor, October 16, 2019.
“Tehran works to prevent violence in Southern Iraq from spreading to Iran,” Wes Martin, Washington Times, October 15, 2019.
“Hardliner Politician In Iran Off The Hook After Sexual Accusations And A Suspicious Death,” Radio Farda, October 15, 2019.
“France demands Iran release two of its citizens held since June,” John Irish, Reuters, October 15, 2019.
“All-female cockpit crew makes history in Iran,” bne IntelliNews, October 15, 2019.
“Zarif Denies Report of Emirati National Security Adviser’s Trip to Iran,” Tasnim, October, 15, 2019.
“Russia: Revocation of Iran nuclear deal to fuel regional tensions,” Tehran Times, October 15, 2019.
“Russia’s Putin seeks to enhance ties to US-allied UAE,” Jon Gambrell, AP, Star Tribune, October 15, 2019.
“Human Rights Group Accuses Houthis of Using 400 Abductees as Human Shields,” Asharq Al-Awsat, October 15, 2019.
“Iran Sentences May Day Demonstrator to Jail, Lashes,” Iran HRM, October 15, 2019.
October 14, 2019. Facilitator.
Three latest stories indicating how Russia is not on the same side as
the U.S., and uses Iran against the West.
“Russia’s Putin says Iran’s missile program should be treated separately to nuclear program: Arabiya,” Reuters, October 13, 2019.
“Iran says Mideast safer without U.S.,”
Xinhua, October 14, 2019.
“Images show damage after mysterious Iran oil tanker attack,” AP, October 14, 2019.
“Ghost Towers," New Yorker, October 14,
2019.
October 14, 2019. When you read this article, Iran’s
intelligence agents have apparently snatched Ruhollah Zam out of France, or at
least tricked him within or to come to Iran.
The IRGC said Zam was “guided into the country” before the arrest. His channel on the encrypted messaging app
Telegram was apparently taken hold of, too, as a message noting Zam’s arrest
went to its 1 million subscribers. To
scare them. Zam ran a website called
AmadNews. “Iran’s Guard says it detains Paris-based exiled journalist,” Nasser Karimi, AP, October 14, 2019.
“Iran Minister Says More Stadiums Made Ready To Accept Women Fans,” Radio Farda, October 14, 2019.
“Saudi Arabia Says It Is not Behind Alleged Attack On Iran Tanker,” Radio Farda, October 13, 2019.
“Iran offers to lead talks to aid northern Syria security,” The Japan News, October 13, 2019.
“Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visiting Iran to defuse tension in the region,” Ashfaq Ahmed, Gulf News, October
13, 2019.
“Iran offers warning after mysterious tanker attack,” Amir Vahdat, AP, ABC, October 13, 2019.
“Iran says it discovered a natural gas reserve that could create $40 billion in revenue,” Artemis Moshtaghian, CNN, October
13, 2019.
“Iran: Water Shortages Taking Toll on People’s Lives,” October 13, 2019.
October 13, 2019. “The charge of ‘corruption on earth’ was
dropped in recent days for four detained environmentalists,” said Mohammad
Hossein Aghasi, a lawyer who represents some of the activists. Other charges remain—they are still in
prison. “Iran drops death row charge for environmentalists,” AFP, October 13, 2019.
“Iran may reduce IAEA inspections in next tit-for-tat step: MP,” Tehran Times, October 13, 2019.
“Putin says Russia can play key role in Middle East, has good Iran ties: Arabiya,” Reuters, October 13, 2019.
“Iran welcomes Pakistan’s efforts to ease tensions in region: Former diplomat,” Mehr News Agency, October 13, 2019.
“Iran Says Ready For Talks With Saudi,With Or Without A Mediator,” Reuters, October 13, 2019.
“Khamenei tells Iran’s Guards to develop more advanced, modern weapons,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, October 13,
2019.
October 12, 2019. And the original fatwa statement has never
been produced to my knowledge. It is my
understanding that the Leader’s statement must be in the form of a formal
religious prescription/statement to have any effect and permanence. Thus, Reuters reporting that Iran has never
pursued building or using nuclear weapons because its religion forbids is not
solid. Here is the quote from the story,
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday “Building and stockpiling nuclear
bombs is wrong and using it is haram (religiously forbidden) ... Although we
have nuclear technology, Iran has firmly avoided it,” State TV quoted him as
saying.” “Iran's Khamenei says building, using nuclear bomb is forbidden under its religion: TV,” Reuters, October 9,
2019. Here is the corresponding Tehran Times
article—how does the FM explain the hidden nuclear documents that Israel
retrieved from Tehran? “Zarif: Iran is categorically opposed to nuclear arms as a religious, moral duty and strategic imperative,” Tehran Times, October 12, 2019.
“Lawmakers In Iran Want To Ban Teaching Of English In Public Schools,” Radio Farda, October 12, 2019.
“Iranian official says oil tanker attack won’t go unpunished,” Nasser Karimi, AP, Washington Post, October 12,
2019.
“Iran, Caspian Sea littoral states ink military cooperation agreement,” Press TV, Payvand, October 11, 2019.
“IRGC Pushes for Reducing Presidential Authority over Government Formation,” Asharq Al-Awsat, October 11, 2019.
“Iran holds surprise military drills near Turkish border,” RFE/RL, October 10, 2019.
“Iran’s Zarif: Either all Gulf states have security, or all will be deprived of it,” Reuters, October 10, 2019.
“Hezbollah threatens Europe with Syrian refugees,” Georgi Azar Source, An Nahar, October 10, 2019.
“Iran said to release Russian journalist said suspected of spying for Israel,” Times of Israel,
October 10, 2019.
“Ban On Popular Telegram App Not To Be Lifted In Iran,” Radio Farda, October 10, 2019.
“Iran vows response to attack on tanker off Saudi coast,” France24, October 10, 2019.
October 9, 2019. “Head Coach Of Iran’s Judo In Self-Exile Says He Will Not Return To His Country,” Radio Farda, October 8, 2019. Mohammad Mansouri says his contract as
the head coach of Iran's judo national side is valid up to the 2020 Olympic
Games in Tokyo, but he has decided not to return to the country. In an exclusive interview with Radio Farda,
Mansouri has explained the reasons behind his decision, and the controversial
conditions of sports in the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, for the first time, Mansouri has also talked about an Iranian
Gold medalist judoka, Saeid Mollaei, who was forced to give away matches in the
recent world championship to avoid fighting with an Israeli athlete. "I had lost my motivation. I was fed
up," Mansouri says, adding, "The foundation of the building in Iran
is rickety, and it might collapse at any time. Nevertheless, the authorities
are obsessed with the color of its facade. One cannot serve in Iran. They do
not allow you to work. The day Saeid Mollaei fell victim (to the Islamic
Republic's unwritten law that bans Iranian athletes from competing with their
Israeli counterparts), I went to the training session, but unable to coach. I
was so frustrated that I couldn't concentrate. All of a sudden, I stood upon
the tatami, which is the love of my life, and where I have given my whole life
to; and loudly told the athletes to stop training. What's the use of training,
I demanded? Do you want to train and end up like Saeid Mollaei (who was forced
to give away another Gold Medal and world title to obey the Islamic Republic's
policy?) Do you want to be told to keep mum and lose? Don't waste your time on
tatamis. Go and enjoy your youth."
... According to Mansouri, the
Islamic Republic cannot carry on with hypocrisy. The Islamic Republic
authorities insist that fighting Israel is their utmost mission, Mansouri
argues, adding, "If that is really the case, they should openly declare
and relay it to all international sports federations, and accept being banned from
all world events. Otherwise, they should somehow find a way to end the
tribulation of Iranian athletes who lose the chance of being world champions
simply because of facing an Israeli athlete."
“Houthis recruited 30,000 child soldiers, says Yemeni minister,” Joyce Karam, The National, October 9, 2019.
“Iran’s parliament speaker cancels Turkey visit after military launch: TV,” Reuters, October 9, 2019.
“Iran holds unannounced military drill near Turkey border –ISNA,” Reuters, October 9, 2019.
“Thirty Percent Of Iranian Youth Neither Study Nor Work,” Radio Farda, October 9, 2019.
“Iran’s Khamenei says building, using nuclear bomb is forbidden under its religion: TV,” KFGO, October 9, 2019.
“Iranian Women to Be Allowed in Soccer Stadium for First Time in Decades,” Anna Kaplan, Daily Beast, October 9, 2019.
“Rouhani Urges Less Restrictive Vetting In Upcoming Parliamentary Elections,” Radio Farda, October 9, 2019.
“Three Young Women Arrested In Iran For Publishing Their Dance Videos,” Radio Farda, October 9, 2019.
“Iran is working on beetle-like robots that can slide under tanks,” Kelsey Atherton, Business Insider, October 9,
2019.
“Iran frees detained Russian journalist: Russian embassy,” Reuters, October 9, 2019.
October 9, 2019. In an unprecedented event at the Iranian Parliament (Majles), Deputy Commander of revolutionary guards (IRGC) Ali Fadavi spoke on Monday October 7 during a closed-door session on fuel and energy subsidies. … The Majles and its presidium have not offered any explanation as to why an IRGC deputy commander had to be present and take part in a political and economic discussion at the Parliament. It is also not clear what Fadavi said to lawmakers, but it is clear that parliament is moving to reduce subsidies. “No Ministers At Iran Parliament Session, Instead Guards Commander Speaks,” Radio Farda, October 7, 2019.
“Iran: Foreign Minister denies assassination attempt against envoy to UN,” Middle East Monitor, October 8,
2019.
“Thousands Of Special Police Units From Iran Will Enter Iraq During Pilgrimage,” Radio Farda, October 8, 2019.
“Iran to unveil chain of IR6 centrifuges soon: official,” Xinhua, October 8, 2019.
“Iran opposes any Turkish military operation in Syria: Iran foreign ministry statement,” Reuters, October 8, 2019.
October 8, 2019. “Iranian officials growing concerned about Iraqi protests,” Al-Monitor, October 7, 2019. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei tweeted Oct. 6 in Persian, English and Arabic, saying, “Iran and Iraq
are two nations whose hearts and souls are tied together through faith in God
and love for Imam Hussain. … This bond will grow stronger day by day. Enemies
seek to sow discord, but they’ve failed and their conspiracy won’t be
effective.” Any country that hears the
Leader say his country is tied with theirs needs to be concerned.
“Report: Iran plans to start using more advanced centrifuges,” AP, Stars and Stripes, October 7, 2019.
“CNPC quits flagship Iran gas project amid U.S. sanctions,” Arsalan Shahla and Verity Ratcliffe, World Oil, October
7, 2019.
October 7, 2019. Another quote found in the news about the
basic premise of this blog. “Let’s
continue to exert pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s largest
state sponsor of terror, until that regime becomes a normal nation.”--Secretary
of State Mike Pompeo. “Pompeo Inks New Defense Pact With Greece, Criticizes Russia, Iran, China,” RFE/RL, October 6,
2019.
“Cluster of French motorcyclists traversing Iran,” Tehran Times, October 6, 2019.
“Facts, Figures, Refute Fallacies Rouhani Presented About Iran’s Economy,” Jamshid Assadi, Radio Farda, October
6, 2019.
“Australia mum on possible swap of detainees with Iran,” Tristan Lavalette, Washington Post, AP, October 6, 2019.
October 6, 2019. A Syrian opposition leader warns Iranian activity inside Syria has reached unprecedented dangerous levels--“Iranian influence is getting bigger and
bigger. They are the ones controlling the State of Syria, the Army of Syria,
the security of Syria and are infiltrating the society such as the schools and
religious sites,” Nasr Al-Hariri, president of the Syrian Negotiation
Commission, told Fox News following the U.N. General Assembly last week. “While the air cover is being provided to the government by Russia, the troops on the ground are controlled by Iran,” Hollie McKay, Fox News, October 4,
2019.
October 5, 2019. Mystery solved. In the posting immediately below, I stated
that it was unclear to me why the Supreme Leader would let the two Australians
go, it was against the logic and practice of Iran’s hostage-taking policy. Now here is news, almost contemporaneous with
the earlier post, that it was a prisoner swap.
Once again, it pays to take hostages for the Islamic Republic of Iran—in
exchange for letting innocent civilians go, you gain those who have been spying
or committing criminal acts on your behalf. “Iran frees Australian couple imprisoned for three months on spying charges,” Lidia Kelly, Babak
Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, October 4, 2019. An Australian couple who spent more
than three months in a prison in Tehran has been freed, Australia’s foreign
minister said on Saturday, and an Iranian news agency later reported that an
Iranian student was released from detention in Australia. Just a few hours ago, Iran’s official IRIB news
agency reported that an Iranian university student who had been arrested in
Australia on charges of exporting American military radar equipment to Iran to
help the country’s defense program has returned to the Islamic Republic after
13 months in detention. Reza Dehbashi,
a student at the University of Queensland, was facing extradition to the United
States and was freed because of Iran’s diplomatic efforts, according to IRIB. Dehbashi was accused of exporting American
equipment for detecting stealth planes or missiles to Iran. See “Iranian University of Queensland student will not be extradited to United States, reportedly back in Iran,” ABC, October
5, 2019.
October 5, 2019. I will admit that I’m surprised. What led the Leader to release the Australian couple? While it was the right decision—they should never have been imprisoned—it is out of character and practice for a release to occur after a short detention, three months in this case. I suppose we will learn for what Iran traded. This is also after the Minnesota case of a woman convicted in the U.S. for trading in prohibited goods on behalf of Iran was sent back to Iran by the USG. “Australian couple released from Iran detention, Jolie King and Mark Firkin back in Australia in ‘good health’,” ABC, October 5, 2019. Another Australian, Melbourne academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, remains incarcerated in Evin Prison. She has been convicted of espionage and sentenced to 10 years.
“Foreigners arrested in Iran since 2015,” AFP, Times of Israel, October 5, 2019.
“From Missiles to Oil, These Are Iran’s Most Lethal Weapons,” Robert Farley, National Interest, October 5, 2019.
“Khamenei-Linked Newspaper In Iran Suggests Seizure Of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” Radio Farda, October 5, 2019.
“Iran Says Pursuing Plans To Send Astronauts Into Space," Fars News Agency, October 5, 2019.
“Iran Says At Least 3,500 Women Fans ‘Guaranteed’ For Tehran Soccer Match,” RFE/RL, October 5, 2019.
“Iran Has Lots of Ways to Kill An Air Force (Thanks to Russia and China),” Sebastien Roblin, National Interest, October 5, 2019.
“Iranian Hackers Target Trump Campaign as Threats to 2020 Mount,” Nicole Perlroth and David Sanger, New York Times, October 5, 2019.
October 4, 2019. Not the Foreign Ministry, but the military. “As far as Khamenei is concerned, his
representative in foreign policy is IRGC Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani,
not Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.”
Domestical/traditional leaders like the President and the bureaucracy
continue to fall in power within the IRI—and the IRGC military continues to
grow in power over government, business, and everyday life decisions for the
people of the country, an ominous sign for the next several years. “Khamenei Tells Guards To Extend Influence In Foreign And Domestic Spheres,” Morad Veisi, Radio Farda, October
3, 2019.
October 4, 2019. On point.
Quds Force Commander Qassem Suleimani, in a rare interview, has provided
about how the power structures in Tehran really operate. And as the article points out, it is clear
that Washington and its Europeans partners have been wasting their time trying
to establish a dialogue with Pres. Rouhani—they should be trying to engage with
Supreme Leader Khamenei. He is the
person who really has the power to end Iran’s stand-off with the outside world,
not the country’s democratically-elected president. “Meet the the real leader: in Iran, Ali Khamenei towers above all,” Con Coughlin, The National, October 3, 2019.
“Iranian women snap up tickets for World Cup qualifier,” Simon Evans, Reuters, October 4, 2019.
“In Yemen, Iran Is Testing Weapons and Tactics for Future Use against Israel,” Mosaic, October 4, 2019.
“Iran says it will release Russian journalist accused of espionage,” Roland Oliphant, Telegraph, October 4, 2019.
“Iran says Russian journalist held in Iran to be freed: RIA,” Reuters, October 4, 2019.
“Iran rejects French calls for researcher’s release,” AP, October 4, 2019.
“Iraqi Protesters Claim Iranian Forces Firing On Demonstrations,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, October 4, 2019.
October 3, 2019. I don’t believe, as this article provides by
conjecture, that Israel was behind this attempted killing. Probably MEK, if it did in fact occur.
Soleimani
has a number of enemies across the Middle East who would want him stopped—remember,
he is the right hand of the Supreme Leader.
Quite literally. If Israel had
participated, the Iranian government would probably consider that as an act of
war, and I don’t think they could hold themselves back as the Saudis are
currently for the attack on their refinery.
“Report: Iran foiled assassination attempt against general,” AP, ABC, October
3, 2019. More details at “Iran Says It Thwarted Plot to Assassinate Top Guards Commander,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, and “Iran says it foiled plot to kill Major General Qassem Soleimani,” Al Jazeera, October 3, 2019.
October 3, 2019. Children born to an Iranian mother and foreign father were previously unable to work or get access to healthcare. But Iran has now approved a new law allowing Iranian mothers married to foreigners to pass on their citizenship to their children, pleasing campaigners who have been struggling for decades to reform the discriminatory practice. Iran’s hardline Council of Guardians surprised many by approving the law passed by parliament earlier this year. Iranian men partnered with foreigners have their nationality automatically conferred upon their offspring, a rule widespread throughout Middle East countries and a legacy of the 19th century Franco-Belgian constitutional principles that influenced the region’s legal systems. “Iranian mothers can now pass on citizenship to children in ‘huge win’ for campaigners,” Borzou Daragahi, Independent, October
3, 2019.
“The Latest: Iran urges pilgrims to postpone visits to Iraq,” AP, Miami Herald, October 3, 2019.
“Rouhani’s Brother Given 5 Years in Prison for Corruption,” Iran Focus, October 3, 2019 and see “Iranian President’s Brother Sentenced to 5 Years for Corruption,” RFE/RL, Radio Farda, VOA, October 1, 2019.
“Iran Says It Foiled ‘Plot’ To Kill Elite Force Commander,” RFE/RL’s Radio Farda, October 3, 2019.
“Iran Tanker the U.K. Detained May Be About to Offload its Oil,” Aaron Clark and Serene Cheong, Bloomberg, October 3, 2019.
October 2, 2019. Talk about having your cake and eating it
too. Or talk about not being a
leader. Or talk about what good are the
Russian intelligence agencies anyway? Putin
says Iran didn’t attack Saudi Arabia’s refinery because he says there is no
proof that Iran did it. But he says he
doesn’t know who did it. Let’s think
about this the way Putin declares—if there is no proof that anyone is behind
the attack, then no one did it! The
truth is that Putin knows Iran did it, and he is protecting Iran. “Putin condemns Saudi oil attacks but defends Iran,” Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, October 2, 2019.
October 2, 2019. The NYT has this story right. Here it is in part. “Brother of Iran’s President Is Sentenced to Prison for Corruption," Michael Wolgelenter, New York Times. October 1, 2019. “The brother of President Hassan Rouhani of Iran was sentenced to five years in prison on corruption charges, the state news media reported on Tuesday, and four people were sentenced in another case on charges of spying for the United States and Britain, with one person facing the death penalty. The penalties added to the perception that Mr. Rouhani is under increasing pressure in Iran, where he won elections in 2013 and 2017 partly on promises to curb corruption and end the country’s prolonged economic isolation. Instead, corruption has flourished, the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement promoted by Mr. Rouhani is near collapse, and Iran’s economy has been seriously hurt by President Trump’s restoration of sanctions. Mr. Rouhani’s brother, Hossein Fereydoun, was arrested in 2017 in connection with long-running accusations of corruption, and the Iranian judiciary said at the time that he was the subject of “multiple investigations.” … Mr. Rouhani, whose original surname was Fereydoun, was first elected six years ago in part on promises to end corruption in government, and he purged many cronies left over from the administration of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But he found himself on the defensive as he ran for re-election in 2017. The Iranian news media reported that many top managers of state-run companies were earning huge salaries, especially by Iranian standards, and the accusations against his brother complicated matters.”
October 2, 2019. The NYT has this story right. Here it is in part. “Brother of Iran’s President Is Sentenced to Prison for Corruption," Michael Wolgelenter, New York Times. October 1, 2019. “The brother of President Hassan Rouhani of Iran was sentenced to five years in prison on corruption charges, the state news media reported on Tuesday, and four people were sentenced in another case on charges of spying for the United States and Britain, with one person facing the death penalty. The penalties added to the perception that Mr. Rouhani is under increasing pressure in Iran, where he won elections in 2013 and 2017 partly on promises to curb corruption and end the country’s prolonged economic isolation. Instead, corruption has flourished, the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement promoted by Mr. Rouhani is near collapse, and Iran’s economy has been seriously hurt by President Trump’s restoration of sanctions. Mr. Rouhani’s brother, Hossein Fereydoun, was arrested in 2017 in connection with long-running accusations of corruption, and the Iranian judiciary said at the time that he was the subject of “multiple investigations.” … Mr. Rouhani, whose original surname was Fereydoun, was first elected six years ago in part on promises to end corruption in government, and he purged many cronies left over from the administration of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But he found himself on the defensive as he ran for re-election in 2017. The Iranian news media reported that many top managers of state-run companies were earning huge salaries, especially by Iranian standards, and the accusations against his brother complicated matters.”
“Iran Likely Behind Fake Career Website Target Transitioning US Service members,” Christopher Burgess, Clearance Jobs, October 2, 2019.
“Rouhani would not take Trump’s call, says French diplomatic source,” Nicholas Kamm, Japan Today, October 2, 2019.
“Iran Opens a Second Front Along Israel’s Border,” Jonathan Spyer, Wall Street Journal, October 2, 2019.
“Iran’s supreme leader vows to continue cuts to nuclear deal commitments,” Al-Monitor, October 2, 2019.
“Iraq Suspends Consulate Activities In Iran After Two Diplomats Attacked By Police,” Radio Farda, October 2, 2019.
“Iranian tanker delivers oil to Syria despite Zarif’s assurances: Mike Pompeo,” Arab News, October 2, 2019.
“A Clergyman Committed Suicide In Iran's Notorious Evin Prison,” Radio Farda, October 2, 2019.
“Iran government spokesman: ‘Saudi Arabia has sent messages to Iran’s president’,” Reuters, September 30, 2019.
October 1, 2019. We are also waiting on more on this story from additional sources. Iraq must resist the power of Iran to influence its military and politics. “Iran hand seen in removal of popular Iraqi military commander: Al Saadi was credited for the Iraqi forces victories over Daesh,” AP, Gulf News World, September
29, 2019.
October 1, 2019. I'm waiting on confirmation of this story from elsewhere. It seems unbelievable, otherwise it is a slaughter. “Killing of 500 Saudi soldiers in Yemen adds to U.S.-Iran tensions,” Guy Taylor, The Washington Times, September 29,
2019.
“Trump, Rouhani agreed 4-point plan before Iran balked: French officials,” Rym Momtaz, Politico, October 1, 2019.
“Iran Issues Death Sentence for Accused U.S. Spy,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, October 1, 2019.
“Iran Builds $1.8B Oil Pipeline ToBypass Strait Of Hormuz,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, October 1, 2019.
“Iran to Launch 3 Satellites, Defying UN Ban,” Kat Jones, Asgardia, October 1, 2019.
“How Does It Feel? Zarif Gets No Sympathy For Not Being Able To Travel In New York,” Golnaz Esfandiari, GMT,
October 01, 2019.
“Iran is an amazing and wonderful country for tourists, envoy says,” Tehran Times, September 30, 2019.
September 30, 2019. Despite the earlier assurances, Iran apparently will not allow women into sporting arenas. This will compromise their attempt at participating in the next Olympic games (which are usually a source of pride)--the Regime will be shooting itself in the foot. “Iran Prosecutor Defies FIFA, Says Women Should Not Enter Stadiums,” Radio Farda, September 29, 2019.
September 30, 2019. “[W]e only want Iran as a normal neighbor”
and “Our objective is to end this perpetual crisis”
(written by the United Arab Emirates’
minister of state for foreign affairs)—points that this blog makes on a regular
basis. “How to reduce Gulf tensions with Iran,” Anwar Gargash, op-ed, FT, September 29, 2019.
“Iran’s Annual Inflation Nears 43 Percent, Goes Above IMF Forecast,” Radio Farda, September 29, 2019.
“Iran Prosecutor Defies FIFA, Says Women Should Not Enter Stadiums,” Radio Farda, September 29, 2019.
“Iran Releases ‘Never Seen’ Photo of Khamenei With Hezbollah Chief,” AFP, Radio Farda, September 29, 2019.
“Revolutionary Guards Commander: Iran Has Encircled Israel From All Sides," Rossella Tercatin, Jerusalem Post, September 29, 2019.
“Iranian Doctor Who Broke Hijab Rules Sentenced To Deliver Babies For Free,” Jerusalem Post, September 29, 2019.
September 28, 2019. “Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the
Iranian Revolutionary Guard and currently the secretary of the Expediency
Council, which advises Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told Iran’s
Channel 2: “Ultimately, we will catch Trump and place him on trial, God
willing. An international court will convene and Trump will have to stand
trial. He should stand trial not just for what he did to our people, but for
his crimes against other nations as well.”” “Top Iranian official: We’ll catch Trump, put him on trial,” Times of Israel, September 28, 2019.
“British-flagged tanker docks in Dubai after detention in Iran,” Reuters, September 28, 2019.
“British-flagged tanker with Indians onboard docks in Dubai after Iran release,” Tribune of India, September 28, 2019.
September 27, 2019. Only fair. ““Iran has wrongfully detained several U.S. citizens for years, to the pain of their families and friends they cannot freely visit,” the State Department spokesperson said. “We have relayed to the Iranian mission that the travel request will be granted if Iran releases a U.S. citizen.”” “U.S. rejects Iran's Zarif request to visit U.N. envoy at New York hospital unless prisoner released,” Humeyra Pamuk, Michelle Nichols, Reuters, September 27, 2019.
“Did US Just Complete Its Part of New Prisoner Swap with Iran?,” Reza Khaasteh, Iran Front Page, September 27, 2019.
“Iranian woman deported following trade-sanctions sentencing in Minneapolis,” Amy Forliti, AP, Twin Cities
Pioneer Press, September 27, 2019.
“Stena Impero: Seized British tanker starts to leave Iran,” BBC, September 27, 2019.
“Outspoken Lawmaker Says It Is A Good Time For Iran To Negotiate,” Radio Farda, September 27, 2019.
“Iran releases seized UK-flagged tanker,”
Nasser Karimi, AP, WHSV, September 27, 2019.
“UAE and Bahrain urge world leaders to act against Iran,” Arab News, September 27, 2019.
“Iran Arrests Family Of Outspoken U.S. Iranian Women’s Rights Activist,” Zachary Keyser, Jerusalem Post, September 27,
2019.
“Iran’s Rouhani backs moving UN out of New York to a ‘better’ country,” Adam Shaw, Fox News, September 26, 2019.
“Pompeo has no comment on possibility of U.S.-Iran prisoner swap,” Humeyra Pamuk, Michelle Nichols, Reuters,
September 26, 2019.
“FIFA Sending Delegation To Ensure Iran Allows Women Fans Into Match,” Radio Farda, September 26, 2019.
“Iran commits new breach of fraying nuclear deal, expands enrichment – IAEA,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, September
26, 2019.
September 26, 2019. “Iran to list ‘United Against Nuclear Iran’ as a terrorist group: FM spokesman,” Mehr News Agency, September 24, 2019. For 35 years, Iran has been designated as a state sponsor of terror. In addition to carrying out direct attacks, Tehran has committed terrorism by proxy through Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq, Syria, and Bahrain. Iran has a long history of terrorist attacks against the U.S. and other Western countries, carrying out bombings, abductions, and hijackings. What terror has UANI committed? Instead, since its founding in 2008, UANI has initiated multiple international campaigns to alert businesses around the world about the legal, political, financial, and reputation risks associated with doing business with and in Iran.
“Iran says it just stopped 10 tons of heroin and opium reaching Europe,” CBS, September 26, 2019.
“Iran says it just stopped 10 tons of heroin and opium reaching Europe,” CBS, September 26, 2019.
“Regime Supporters Attack Independent Students In Iran University,” Radio Farda, September 26, 2019.
September 25, 2019. This story is a repeat of the last minute mixed messages the US hostages suffered at the airport during the Obama Administration. Iranian officials say you are cleared to leave, while other officials with the Supreme Leader’s Office hold out for a last minute additionally demanded blackmail payment.
“British tanker Stena Impero remains in Iran,” Reuters, September 24, 2019.
“3 associated with US-based Iran activist reportedly detained,” AP, September 25, 2019.
“Stena Impero: Iran ‘still investigating’ seized British tanker,” BBC, September 25, 2019.
“Hezbollah leader photographed in Iranwith Ayatollah Khamenei and Quds Forces commander,” AMN, September 26, 2019.
“Trump orders visa ban for family members of Iranian officials,” Dan De Luce, NBC, September 25, 2019.
September 24, 2019. It is not clear at all from CNN who the Iranian official who says women can attend matches. Either poor reporting or the official demanded anonymity in order to not take blame from Qums and the Leader’s Office. But they won’t let this happen anyway, at least not the way other countries handle admissions. “FIFA ‘assured’ women in Iran can attend soccer matches,” Ben Morse, CNN, September 23, 2019.
“Mother of San Diego Navy veteran held in Iran says he lost appeal,” AP, September 24, 2019.
“Macron And Rouhani Meet In New York After Europe Blames Iran For Saudi Attacks,” Radio Farda, September 24, 2019.
“Iran’s Rouhani calls US the ‘supporter of terrorism’ in the Middle East and downplays role in Saudi oil attacks,” Amanda
Macias, CNBC, September 24, 2019.
“Iran Has Spent More Than $16 Billion on Terrorism in Recent Years,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, September
24, 2019.
“For Many Iranians, Staying In the Nuclear Deal No Longer Makes Sense,” Saheb Sadeghi, FP, September 24, 2019.
“Iran’s Rouhani says open to discuss small changes to 2015 deal if sanctions lifted,” Stephen Adler, Reuters,
September 24, 2019.
“European Leaders Join U.S. in Blaming Iran for Saudi Oil Attacks, Urge New Deal,” Laurence Norman and Michael Gordon,
Wall Street Journal, September 24, 2019.
“Iran Is Testing the Trump Administration: Tehran Thinks There Are No Rules, No Limits, and Anything Goes,” Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs,
September 24, 2019.
“A Year Later, Iran Finds Evaporating Sympathy at the U.N.,” David Sanger and Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times,
September 23, 2019.
“Iran’s Zarif raises the prospect of a new nuclear agreement with Trump,” Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, September 23, 2019.
“Iran, Bank Melli Will Face Suit Over Terrorist Attacks in Iraq,” Bloomberg Law, September 23, 2019.
“Iran Dismisses EU Parliament Criticism Of Its Human Rights Record,” Radio Farda, September 23, 2019.
September 23, 2019. Attempting to appear as a reasonable actor
who investigated a problem ship (remember, it was seized in international
waters), “Iran says UK-flagged tanker Stena Impero is now ‘free to leave’,” Tamara
Qiblawi, CNN, September 23, 2019. The
step can also been seen as a way to keep the U.S. and Saudi Arabia from retaliating
against Iran for its drone attack against the Saudi oil refinery—in other
words, Iran gets away with that massive attack for the low cost of releasing a
tanker it had no right to in the first place.
“Iran: 18 ballistic missiles and new warhead on long-range missiles,” Middle East Monitor, September 23, 2019.
September 23, 2019. A good way to start the week, right?! “Khamenei’s Close Ally Says Israel Can Be 'Wiped Out In Half A Day’,” Radio Farda, September 22, 2019. There is only one way a country can be “wiped
out” that quickly.
September 23, 2019. In “Iran Demands a $15 Billion Credit Before
Resuming Talks With Trump and EU,” FM Zarif demands $15 billion credit
line extended until December, after which Iran would request $3 billion per
month. The blackmail demands continue to
keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons openly. “Iran Demands a $15 Billion Credit Before Resuming Talks With Trump and EU,” Erin Banco, Daily Beast, September 23, 2019.
September 23, 2019. Words are cheap. “Iranian maritime official says UK tanker Stena Impero to be released soon: Fars news,” Anna Ringstrom, Reuters,
September 22, 2019.
September 23, 2019. Words are cheap. (Did I just say that?) We’ll see if Qum and the Supreme Leader allow
women into games. Iran is the only
country in the world that does allow females into public sporting events. “FIFA: Iran ‘assures’ women can attend World Cup qualifier,” September 22, 2019.
“Iran asks West to leave Persian Gulf,”
AP, Politico, September 22, 2019.
“Update: Iran displays downed U.S., British drones,” Mu Xuequan, Xinhua, September 22, 2019.
September 22, 2019. The only country in the world where the organ
trade is legal. With the economy in
shambles due to decisions by the Regime, now thousands are selling their
organs. The price list: kidney, up to
$10,000; cornea $20,000; and a liver, up to $50,000. There are no words. “Desperate Iranians selling body organs for cash in job-starved rogue nation,” Rowan Scarborough, Washington Times, September
21, 2019.
“Four Khamenei-Linked Institutions Own 60% Of Iran’s National Assets, Says Politician,” Radio Farda, September 22,
2019.
September 21, 2019. Blast from the past. “The US-Iran Nuclear Deal and the Effectiveness of Economic Sanctions,” Cathleen Cimino-Isaacs, Gary Clyde
Hufbauer, and Jeffrey Schott, Peterson Institute for International Economics,
July 28, 2015.
“Explained: Why Did Iran Attack Saudi Arabia's Oil Industry?,” Stratfor, September 21, 2019.
“Yemeni Rebels Warn Iran Plans Another Strike Soon,” Dion Nissenbaum, Wall Street Journal, September 21, 2019.
“Israel Blames Iran for Explosives-laden Drone Captured by Syria Near Israeli Border,” Yaniv Kubovich and Jack Khoury,
Haaertz, September 21, 2019.
September 21, 2019. Friday Prayer imams across Iran are the
mouthpieces of the Regime, and often use talking points from the Supreme Leader’s
Office to guide them in what they will say on Fridays. This past Friday was no exception, and again
provided declaration against the United States and analyzed events surrounding
the attacks in Saudi Arabia. Rahim
Safavi warned that "The United States should take Lebanese Hezbollah
leader Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah's remarks seriously. Any Anti-Iran move will
affect the entire region." He also,
tellingly, said Khamenei "is not simply the commander in chief of Iranian
armed forces. He is the commander of defensive forces of Palestine, Syria and
Yemen too." That is a clear
reference to the Iranian Crescent. Safavi
added that U.S. policy on Iran has been defeated in the west Asian region,
adding that, "Like his six predecessors, Trump cannot impose his political
will on Iran." That is a reference
to the long-term outlook the Regime has.
Safavi is Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's military adviser and a former
IRGC commander, and has threatened that "Iran will respond to U.S.
conspiracies from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean." “A Torrent Of Threats Against US And Allies In Iran Friday Prayer Gatherings,” Radio Farda, September 20, 2019.
“The 25-year-old deal that still sends Russia and Iran into fits,” Geovanny Vicente Romero, Washington Examiner, September
20, 2019.
“Senior Iranian military adviser threatens broad response to any U.S. move,” Reuters, September 20, 2019.
“U.N. Report Notes Harassment Of BBC Persian Journalists By Iran,” Radio Farda, September 19, 2019.
“The Trump Doctrine, Revealed,” Bret
Stephens, op-ed, New York Times, September 19, 2019.
September 20, 2019. Bluffing? There are no real troop movements. And only limited actions in other categories that I can see. “Exclusive: Zarif threatens ‘all-out war’ in case of military strike on Iran,” Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, September 19,
2019.
September 19, 2019. CBS News is reporting that Iran’s Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei approved the attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure,
according to a U.S. government official, adding that the approval had been
granted on the condition that Iran’s involvement could be denied. This is consistent with a number of their
attacks over the previous months (really years)--it is their method of
operation for high stakes actions. “Iran’s Supreme Leader Approved Saudi Attacks: Washington,” Irina Slav, CBS,
OilPrice.com, September 19, 2019. And see “Saudi oil attack was approved by Iran's supreme leader, U.S. official says,” David Martin, CBS, September 18,
2019.
“Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran’s Emerging Client State,” Tony Badran and Jonathan Schanzer, op-ed, Wall Street Journal, September
18, 2019.
“Iran Suspended from World Judo over Israel Boycott Policy,” Asharq Al-Awsat, September 18, 2019.
“A Chesapeake man was murdered inYemen. A federal court says Iran is liable,” Brock Vergakis, Virginian-Pilot,
September 18, 2019.
“Iran, China agree deals worth $400bn,”
Middle East Monitor, September 18, 2019.
“Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran’s Emerging Client State,” Tony Badran and Jonathan Schanzer, Wall Street Journal, September 18, 2019.
September 18, 2019. I will agree with Ali Ansari—“Iranian
hard-liners consider Trump’s inconsistency to be weakness,” said Ali Ansari, a
professor of Iranian history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. For Iranian hard-liners, he said, “their
policy of ‘maximum resistance’ is working.”
Currently, without penalty, terrorism and violence win. We’ve seen it over and over again, from Libya
to Lebanon—if you do nothing in response, the terrorists are emboldened.
“Hard-Liners in Iran See No Drawback to Bellicose Strategy,” David Kirkpatrick, New York Times, September 17, 2019.
September 18, 2019. Good article by the NYT—but it begs the Q that if the media and others don’t believe the U.S. or Saudi Arabia, will the media ask the same questions of Iran? There is a double standard here. Can we trust Iran’s word that it didn’t attack Saudi Arabia? Will we examine the evidence Iran puts forth with the same standard of scrutiny as evidence put forth by the U.S. and SA? “Trump’s Challenge: Can His Word on Iran Be Trusted?,” David Sanger, New York Times, September 17, 2019.
“What the latest Astana summit tells us about Iran’s position on Syria,” Hamidreza Azizi, Al Monitor, September 17,
2019.
“Growing Evidence Iran Launched Oil Field Attacks in Saudi Arabia,” Ken Bredemeier, Jeff Seldin, Michael Lipin, VOA,
September 17, 2019.
“U.S. intel shows cruise missiles fired at Saudi oil facility came from Iran, officials say,” Courtney Kube, NBC, September
17, 2019.
“Iran’s supreme leader rules out any talks with US officials,” Michael Safi and Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, September
17, 2019.
“To Find Clues in Saudi Oil Attacks,U.S. Examines Missile and Drone Parts,” Eric Schmitt and David Kirkpatrick, New
York Times, September 17, 2019.
September 17, 2019. Putin gains from all sides. “Putin Says Saudis Should Buy Russian Missiles, to Laughter From Iran,” David Kirkpatrick, New York Times, September
17, 2019.
“Judo champion who defied Iran’s rules now in hiding,” James Ellingworth, AP, September 16, 2019.
“Saudi Oil Attack Photos Implicate Iran, U.S. Says; Trump Hints at Military Action,” Eric
Schmitt, Farnaz Fassihi, and David Kirkpatrick, New York Times, updated
September 16, 2019.
“Universities In Iran Implementing Tough New Regulation To Deter Students From Activism,” Radio Farda, September
15, 2019.
September
16, 2019. 12 cruise missiles, over 20
drones. By Iran. Latest found at “Iran fired cruise missiles in attack on Saudi oil facility: Senior US official,” Martha Raddatz, ABC, September
15, 2019.
“Millions Of ‘Unidentified Account Holders’ In Iranian Banks,” Kambiz Ghafouri, Radio
Farda, September 15, 2019.
“Iran Denies It Is Behind Drone Attacks On Oil Plants In Saudi Arabia,” Shannon Van
Sant, NPR, September 15, 2019.
“Iran says U.S. bases and aircraft carriers within range of its missiles: Tasnim,”
Reuters, September 15, 2019.
September
15, 2019. The Wall Street Journal is
wrong—“The fact that the actions [the drone strikes against SA’s largest oil
facility] ostensibly were taken by a nonstate actor, though, limits the
response that the U.S. or Saudi Arabia can take.” No, they were most likely, very likely approved
at the highest levels of the Iranian government based on the pattern of attacks
over many months. “Saudi Oil Attack: This Is the Big One,” Spencer Jakab, Wall Street Journal, September 14, 2019.
“Iran-Backed Attack Strikes The Heart Of Global Oil Markets - U.S. Must Act,” Ariel Cohen,
Forbes, September 15, 2019.
September 14,
2019. The use of Iranian-backed drones against Saudi Arabia's main oil
refineries is a dangerous escalation of tensions in the Gulf, and reflects a
new effort by the Supreme Leader to fight back at the Royal Family and at the
U.S. As the NYT article also says, it raises the "specter of other Iranian-backed
groups using similar techniques elsewhere in the Middle East, including against
American targets." It is now a dangerous across the region.
"Drones Strike Big Saudi Oil Centers, and Houthis Claim Responsibility," Ben Hubbard, Palko Karasz,
and Stanley Reed, New York Times, September 14, 2019.
“U.S. blames Iran for Saudi attacks, ‘pretend’ diplomacy,” Alexandra Alper, Reuters,
September 14, 2019.
September
14, 2019. The third foreign national
revealed this week to be imprisoned in Iran has been named by the Australian
government as Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a Melbourne academic who has published
work on the 2011 Arab uprisings and on authoritarian governments. Moore-Gilbert, a dual UK-Australian national,
is Cambridge educated and worked as a lecturer in Islamic Studies at Melbourne
University. She has been in Tehran’s
notorious Evin prison for almost a year.
“Kylie Moore-Gilbert named as Australian-British academic jailed in Iran since 2018,” Ben Doherty, The Observer, September 14, 2019.
“Iran Condemns Canada Move To Distribute Iran Assets Among Terror Victims,” Radio
Farda, September 14, 2019.
“Saudi Oil Attack: This Is the Big One,” Spencer Jakab, Wall Street Journal, September
14, 2019.
“Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert sentenced to 10 years in Iran prison,” Mark
Frauenfelder, Boing Boing, September 14, 2019.
September
13, 2019. I wonder what these 12
countries will think about the next attack by Iran? “Zarif began his international tour Aug. 11.
In a period of less than one month, he visited Qatar, Kuwait, Sweden, Finland,
Norway, France, China, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Bangladesh and Indonesia. These
12 countries, spanning from the East to the West, all hosted Iran’s foreign
minister despite sanctions placed on him by the US Treasury on July 31. See
the article “Zarif’s 12-nation tour highlights an active Iranian diplomacy,” Saeid
Jafari, Al Monitor, September 13, 2019.
“What is Iran’s message in Sadr meeting with Khamenei?,” Ali Mamouri, Al Monitor, September
13, 2019.
“Saudi Arabia Calls For New Accord To Control Iran's Nuclear, Regional Ambitions,” Radio
Farda, September 12, 2019.
“Rouhani to Visit Turkey for Three-Way Summit,” Financial Tribune, September 13, 2019.
“Lawmaker In Iran Says Judiciary Can’t Save The Regime By Harsh Verdicts,” Radio Farda, September
12, 2019.
“Iran in no hurry to allow women into stadiums after ‘Blue Girl’ death,” Al-Monitor, September
12, 2019.
September
12, 2019. So true. The courage of these journalists and
activists is to be praised from across the world. “Personal cost of journalism, political activism in Iran remains high,” Kourosh Ziabari, Al Monitor, September 12, 2019.
“U.S. says it has evidence Adrian Darya 1 oil transferred to Syria,” Reuters,
September 12, 2019.
“Iran To Arrest Superstar For Sympathizing With Dead Female Football Fan,” Radio
Farda, September 12, 2019.
“Iran Resorts To ‘Maximum Repression’ In Fighting Perceived Domestic Threats,” Golnaz
Esfandiari, Radio Farda, September 12, 2019.
“How Iran’s nuclear breakout easily could become a ‘sneakout’,” Jonathan Ruhe,
op-ed, The Hill, September 12, 2019.
“Fastest growing church has no buildings, no central leadership, and is mostly led by women,” Mark Ellis, God Reports, September 11, 2019.
“Thousands of Iranians support call for Iran world sport ban,” Tom Gerken, BBC News, September 6, 2019.
“Iran Executes 38 People In August – Report,” Radio Farda, September 6, 2019.
“Pro-Iran Militia In Iraq Announces Formation Of ‘Air Force’,” Radio Farda, September 6, 2019.
‘“Nine Iranian Lawyers Call For Unseating Khamenei, Describe His Leadership As ‘Illegal’,” Radio Farda, September 6, 2019.
“Trump aide accuses Russia of blocking Iran nuclear probe,” James Rosen, ABC WJLA, September 5, 2019.
September 6, 2019. “Iran Will No Longer Honor Nuclear Deal’s Limits on Research,” Rick Gladstone, New York Times,” September 5, 2019. The NYT reports that Iran has stopped honoring the JCPOA’s limits on research and development, an important breach of the accord. The step was Iran’s third retaliatory suspension of compliance after Europe has paid to offset the sanctions imposed by the U.S. after it withdrew from the treaty. Iran began breaching the nuclear agreement in July when it exceeded its permitted stockpiles of nuclear fuel and then resumed uranium enrichment to higher levels than permitted. Rescinding the limits on research and development violates one of the accord’s core principles.
“What Was Iran Hiding in a Warehouse in Turquz Abad?,” Bret Stephens, op-ed, New York Times, September 5, 2019.
“Iran’s Oil Exports Decline To Below 200,000 Barrels p/d In August,” Radio Farda, September 5, 2019.
“Don’t Talk To Tehran In The Month Of Muharram,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, September 5, 2019.
“Iranian Archer, Judo Champion Refuse To Return Home After Competing,” RFE/RL, Radio Farda, September 5, 2019.
“Iranian woman sets herself on fire after being charged with illegally attending soccermatch,” Melissa Leon, Fox News, September 5, 2019.
“U.S. proposes Trump-Rouhani talks on fringes of U.N. meeting: source,” Kyodo News, September 5, 2019.
“Hard-liners lack evidence for dual nationality charges against Rouhani officials,” Ehsan Bodaghi, Al Monitor, September 5, 2019.
“Rouhani Orders Development Of Faster Centrifuges, No Limit To Nuclear R&D,” Reuters, September 5, 2019.
“Iran’s Military Demands A Share Of Commercial Overflight Fees,” Radio Farda, September 5, 2019.
September 6, 2019. Iran is the only country in the world that bans women from sports stadiums. The unwritten law has been advocated by religious conservatives and political hardliners in Iran since 1980, a year after the institution of the Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. But banning women from watching live soccer matches in Iranian stadiums is also against regulations set by the International Football Federation FIFA. “Young Female Football Fan In Iran Sets Herself On Fire To Protest Jail,” Radio Farda, September 5, 2019.
September 5, 2019. Iran has released seven crew members from the detained British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero in a goodwill gesture and the mariners flew out of Iran, the ship’s owner has said. Thank you Iran. “Iran poised for faster centrifuges as nuclear deal collapses,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, Washington Post, September 5, 2019.
“Seven crew members from tanker seized by Iran to be released,” AFP, Times of Israel, September 5, 2019.
“Trump administration offering $15M for information to disrupt financing for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards,” Morgan Chalfant, The Hill, September 4, 2019.
“France Says No Trade Mechanism Until Iran Passes Terrorism Financing Laws,” Haaretz, Reuters, September 4, 2019.
“Iran to develop centrifuges for faster uranium enrichment,” Parisa Hafezi, Arshad Mohammed, Reuters, September 4, 2019.
“Al Bukamal: The Hub of Iran’s ‘Land Bridge’,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, September 4, 2019.
“Iran Announces Development of Centrifuges in Latest Breach of Nuclear Deal,” Reuters, Haaretz, September 4, 2019.
“Iran says it’s breaking from the 2015 deal in a move that allows it to developnuclear weapons much faster,” John Haltiwanger, Business Insider, September 4, 2019.
“U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Shipping Network,” Alan Rappeport, Lara Jakes, and David Sanger, New York Times, September 4, 2019.
“Trump says meeting with Iran's Rouhani possible at U.N. General Assembly,” Reuters, September 4, 2019.
September 4, 2019. This one of those serious threats of violence against other states, enriching not for cancer treatment or electricity production, but simply a straightforward threat of “we can enrich to levels to produce nuclear weapons, so you better pay us off.” How will the world respond? The UN? Enriching uranium to 20% purity is an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90% pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb. “Iran Says It Is Able to Resume Production of 20% Enriched Uranium in 2 Days,” Reuters, September 3, 2019.
September 4, 2019. The base, situated on the Syria-Iraq border, can house precision-guided missiles and will be operational in several months. “Report: Iran Building New, Classified Military Base in Syria,” Haaretz, September 3, 2019.
“Rouhani: Iran’s answer to talks with US will always be negative,” Saudi Gazette, September 3, 2019.
“Israel claims to uncover Hezbollah missile plant in Lebanon,” Ilan Ben Zion, AP, Washington Post, September 3, 2019.
“Trump administration sanctions Iran’s space agency,” Tal Axelrod, The Hill, September 3, 2019.
“Iran gives Europe two more months to save nuclear deal,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, September 3, 2019.
September 3, 2019. When Yahoo News first reported this story, let’s hope The Netherlands has taken steps to protect this man from the Iranians, who will be coming after him. He used a mole recruited by the Dutch AIVD intelligence agency as key to the 2010 cyber offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz attributed to the CIA and Mossad and known to the world as Stuxnet. “Dutch Intel Aided U.S.-Israeli Stuxnet Cyberattack on Iran, Report Reveals,” Haaretz, September 3, 2019.
“Iran oil tanker pursued by US turns off tracker near Syria,” Jon Gambrell, AP, September 3, 2019.
September 3, 2019. Iran won’t cooperate with IAEA questions about the warehouse storage site holding the huge secure containers with records of its nuclear program. “Iran Curbs U.N. Probe Into Tehran Nuclear Equipment Site,” Laurence Norman, Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2019.
“Iran Prosecutor Says Military, Intelligence Personnel Deeply Involved In Banking Corruption,” Radio Farda, September 2, 2019.
“Iran says Europe not implementing its nuclear commitments,” Times Argus, September 2, 2019.
September 3, 2019. More blackmail. In exchange for an offer from France for a $15 billion letter of credit that would allow Iran to receive hard currency, Iran projects that would account for about half the revenue Iran normally earns from oil exports in a year. Iranian officials have hinted they are planning to raise their enrichment of uranium to 20% purity — a level that takes them significantly closer to bomb-grade fuel. Iran may also install next-generation nuclear centrifuges that can produce fuel far more quickly. “France Dangles $15 Billion Bailout for Iranin Effort to Save Nuclear Deal,” David Sanger, Steven Erlanger and Adam Nossiter, New York Times, September 2, 2019.
September 2, 2019. After claiming Pres. Trump was making up the rocket explosion (and showing a picture of a satellite in a lab not yet attached to a rocket), “Iran admits its rocket blew up,” AP, September 2, 2019.
“Iran Gives Europe an Ultimatum,” Newser, September 2, 2019.
“Iranian judo champion afraid to go home in Israel dispute,” AP, September 2, 2019.
September 2, 2019. Uh oh. Don’t look now. (that’s what Iran says). “Iran Curbs U.N. Probe Into Tehran Nuclear Equipment Site,” Laurence Norman, Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2019.
“Iran says ‘technical error’ caused rocket explosion,” Al Jazeera, September 2, 2019.
“Mother of U.S. Navy vet held in Iran worried he'll die after prison cancer surgery,” Tucker Reals and Roxana Saberi, CBS, September 2, 2019.
“Hezbollah Fires Into Israel, IDF Responds, As Tension Keeps Mounting,” Anna Ahroneim, Jerusalem Post, September 1, 2019.
September 1, 2019. “Judo chief threatened to kick Iran out of Olympics if Israel snubbed — report,” The enraged Marius Vizer called Iran’s Pres. Rouhani (who didn’t change anything) after learning of pressure on judoka Saeid Mollaei (and his family) to throw match to avoid facing Israel’s Sagi Muki. Times of Israel, September 1, 2019.
