Month: March 2020

141 deaths on Monday, so my theory held, that despite what the Health Ministry announces every day and today (Tuesday) in particular would have to jump.  See “Iran’s death toll from coronavirus climbs to 2,898: health official,” Reuters, March 31, 2020.  The downward number of death reports officially reported from each of the past several days did not seem to reflect reality.  Radio Farda, as mentioned  on this blog, counts the numbers from outlying cities in Iran, and finds that the number of deaths is about double what the central Health Ministry reports.  Will Iran adopt a quarantine for cities, or the country?  So far the IRI has only banned inter-city travel, but many Iranians defied calls to cancel travel for the Persian New Year Nowruz holidays around March 20.  It appears the government is fearful of the people’s response if the country or its major cities go into lockdown, and it appears that religious clerics still control the government’s confidence that their particular religious beliefs will save the country.

“Iran Journalists Protest Coronavirus Taskforce Ban On Print Media,” Radio Farda, March 31, 2020.

Another embellishment, another untruth (based on so many past such claims).  “Iran is set to declare an “achievement” in fighting the novel coronavirus that will place it “at the top of the world rankings”, the Islamic Republic Minister of Health claimed on Monday, March 30.  Without any elaboration, Saeed Namaki reiterated that Iran had reached a “bright point” in containing the deadly virus and it will soon become the world’s leading country in combatting Covid-19.”  See “Minister Claims Iran Will Soon Reach An ‘Achievement’ In Fight Against Coronavirus,” Radio Farda, March 31, 2020.

Amid calls from some for relief from U.S. sanctions, “In a tweet on Monday, the U.S. Department of State spokesperson replied to Iranian authorities’ allegations that the United States has waged a war of “medical terrorism” against Iran and said the regime could access the billions in Khamenei’s “tax-free hedge fund” to fight the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.”  See “US Tells Khamenei To Use ‘Billions In Hedge Fund’ To Combat Coronavirus,” Radio Farda, March 31, 2020.

“U.S. Prepared to Retaliate Against Iranian Terror Attacks in Iraq,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, March 31, 2020.

“Europe’s trade system with Iran finally makes first deal,” AP, March 31, 2020.

Again, Iran refuses to turn over the black boxes for the Ukraine Airlines shot-down passenger jet.  Even after agreeing to release them.  The Minister of Roads and Transport, Mohammad Eslami, said Sunday that the coronavirus outbreak in Iran had stopped the procedure of decoding the black boxes, and “We will resume reading the black boxes after the outbreak of the coronavirus and its related disease, Covid-19, is contained.”  But on March 11, the IRI representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, Farhad Paravaresh, had promised to hand over the black boxes to Kyiv within less than two weeks.  “Ukraine Expects Iran To Hand Over Black Boxes Of Downed Airliner Despite Pandemic,” Radio Farda, March 31, 2020.

“What Iran’s severe virus crisis might mean for its threat to the region,” Ron Kampeas, Times of Israel, March 31, 2020.

117 deaths Sunday from the virus, reported on Monday by the Health Ministry.  “Iran reports 117 new coronavirus deaths,” Arab News, AFP, March 30, 2020.  Are these daily death numbers from Covid-19 accurate?  If the past week’s numbers are an accurate representation, then Iran has turned a corner.  We’ll see.  Each of these daily reporting numbers is recorded on this blog in the last few days.  Mar. 26:  157 died Wed.; Mar. 27:  144 died Thur.; Mar. 28:  139 died Fri.; Mar. 29:  123 died Sat.; Mar. 30:  117 died. Sun.  A definite declining trend.  What will be reporting Mar. 31 and Apr. 1?

What is life like in Iran right now for handling the deceased from Covid-19?  Read this.  “Iran: Painful Tale Of Burial Of A Mother Deceased From Coronavirus – OpEd,” Hassan Mahmoudi, Eurasia Review, March 30, 2020.

This article highlights Anti-Semitism.  “COVID-19 exposes the Iranian regime’s true face,” Karmel Melamed, Israel Hayom, March 30, 2020.

Iran is still allowing nonproliferation work to continue at the Arak heavy-water research reactor, the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the Tehran Research Reactor, as facilitated by U.S. permission.  “CORRECTED-UPDATE 1-U.S. expected to renew sanctions waivers allowing Iran nonproliferation work –sources,” Reuters, March 30, 2020.

“Iran’s deterrence power has created ‘strategic horror’ in heart of enemies: military,” Tehran Times, March 30, 2020.

“World Coronavirus Dispatch: Iran sees Covid-19 scare lasting 1-2 years,” Yuvraj Malik, Business Standard, March 30, 2020.

“How an Iranian Airline Tied to Terrorism Likely Spread the Virus (and Lied About It),” Kevjn Lim, FP, March 30, 2020.

“Iran defends virus response as Syria reports first death,” Hawaii News Now, March 30, 2020.

“‘New way of life’ in Iran likely to be prolonged – President Rouhani,” RT, March 30, 2020.

“How Khamenei’s Office Makes Billion Dollar Profits From Iran’s State TV,” Reza Haqiqatnezhad, Radio Farda, March 30, 2020.

In the category of the government’s disregard for expert warnings.  “Seyed Mojtaba Mortazavi, head of the Mazandaran Mine Engineering Organization, said, “The environmental and operating conditions of coal mines are very worrying for workers to get infected with the coronavirus and so far no serious action has been taken on these mines.””  See “Iran’s Miners in Fear of Coronavirus Infection Deep in the Earth,” Iran Focus, March 30, 2020.

“Iran Mass Produces Domestically-Made Coronavirus Test Kits,” IFP, March 30, 2020.

123 died Saturday, as reported on Sunday.  “Iran reports 123 more coronavirus deaths, toll at 2,640,” Times of India, March 29, 2020.

They all live outside of Iran, for safety from the Regime.  “One Hundred Activists Blame Khamenei For Severity Of Coronavirus Outbreak In Iran,” Radio Farda, March 29, 2020.

“Data collected by Radio Farda show that 66,657 persons have so far been hospitalized or quarantined in 31 provinces of Iran for having Covid-19 symptoms, while the government reports 35,000 tested cases in the country.  Furthermore, the same data also indicates that 4,298 people have so far fallen victim to the Covid-19. The government figures indicate around 2,500 deaths.”  Thus, twice as much as the Regime reports.  Radio Farda’s information is based on the figures provided by central and local officials, and the number of people who have had symptoms across the country.  See “Exclusive: 67,000 Suspected Coronavirus Cases Hospitalized In Iran,” Radio Farda, March 29, 2020.

“Iran Producing Homegrown Ventilators amid COVID-19 Pandemic,” IFP, March 29, 2020.

“Iran Approves IRR 1,000-Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package,” IFP, March 29, 2020.

These types of statements (i.e., “Jews are experts in sorcery and in creating relationships with demons”) by Iran’s rulers are not always reported in world news because the government-overseen media washes them out from media coverage.  But here the IRGC made the mistake of airing the entire speech.  “IRGC Cyber Division confirms Khamenei’s claim that ‘demons’ are assisting Iran’s enemies,” Cleveland Jewish News, March 29, 2020.

139 deaths Friday.  And Ehsan Hadadi, Iran’s first Olympic track and field medallist, has tested positive for coronavirus it was reported today.  Hadadi, who throws discus, became a national hero when he won silver at the 2012 Olympics in London.  He was among the favourites to win gold at this year’s Tokyo Games.  “Athletics: Iran Olympic discus trailblazer Hadadi has coronavirus,” Reuters, March 28, 2020.

See also, “Iranian officials ordered killing of dissident in Istanbul – Reuters,” Ahval News, March 28, 2020.  See also, “ Iranian diplomats instigated killing of dissident in Turkey, officials say,” Jerusalem Post, March 28, 2020.

Fars News Agency had quoted Dr, Soleimani as claiming that he has developed the medicine for coronavirus.  Instead, Soleimani said the report is untrue.  Instead, he is researching a stem cell therapy to modify the immune response in corona patients.  “Iranian Scientist Denies Developing COVID-19 Drug,” IFP, March 28, 2020.

There is something wrong with this narrative.  If the first story is true, that the health system is ready, then why start to commit one-fifth of the national budget to fight the virus?  First, “Iran’s health system strong, ready for possible escalation in coronavirus cases: Rouhani,” Reuters, March 28, 2020.  Then see, “Iran to use 20% of state budget to fight coronavirus,” Reuters, March 28, 2020.

The basic question this blog continues to ask is, Will Iran decide to act as a normal country or continue as a revolutionary state?  For a number of years Russia and China have facilitated and encouraged Iran to not act as the former but as the later.  This continues today.  “US Pushes Back Against Russian, Chinese, Iranian Coronavirus Disinformation,” Nike Ching and Jeff Seldin, VOA, March 27, 2020.  See also, “’False narratives’: State Department warns of coronavirus echo chamber by China, Russia, and Iran,” Jerry Dunleavy, Washington Examiner, March 28, 2020.

“Iranian Singers Giving Online Concerts to Lift People’s Spirits amid Lockdown,” IFP, March 28, 2020.  Concerts every night for two weeks have now started in the empty concert hall of Tehran’s Milad Tower.  Viewers can watch the live programs online via the TVA Video on Demand each night.  Notably, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance issued the permits for these concerts.

In the category of we will believe it when we see it.  “Zaghari-Ratcliffe considered for clemency in Iran as leave from prison extended: Reports,” Middle East Eye, March 28, 2020.

“Iran Health Official Says Coronavirus Present In Iran Since Late-January,” Radio Farda, March 28, 2020.  Notable because the official government has been two weeks later.

“Iran: Containing COVID-19 Depends on Political Change Before International Aid,” Iran News Update, March 28, 2020.

“Most Gas Stations In Iran Might Shut Down Due To Lack Of Demand,” Radio Farda, March 28, 2020.

“Iranian news agencies for the first time revealed the names of IRGC Ground Force’s 10 Regional Headquarters on Thursday. These 10 headquarters, along with the Sarallah HQ in Tehran, constitute the IRGC’s nationwide network of operational command. Individual headquarters and their commanders were known to experts, but this was the first time all the headquarters mentioned together offering a glimpse of the bigger picture. The information was revealed as the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majles) Ali Larijani and IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami reviewed a nationwide biological defence exercise by the IRGC ground force. The exercise was part of Iran’s coronavirus prevention and control effort.”  See “Regional Headquarters Of The IRGC: Tasked With Asymmetrical Warfare; Crushing Dissent,” Morad Vaisibiame, Radio Farda, March 28, 2020.

Sadjadpour is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and he writes and speaks on Iran and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.  “Iran’s Coronavirus Disaster,” Karim Sadjadpour, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace—Quick Take, March 25, 2020.

144 deaths on Thursday.  “Iran’s army sets up hospital in capital as virus toll climbs,” Amir Vahdat and Josephy Krauss, AP, March 27, 2020.

“Amnesty International Urges Iran To Grant Furlough To Prisoners Of Conscience,” Radio Farda, March 27, 2020.

“Iran Defense Minister Says Cruise Missile Warheads To Become More Powerful Soon,” Radio Farda, March 27, 2020.

I am pasting this short story in full because it has a blatant falsehood regarding Iran’s practice of hostage taking.  “Tehran said on Thursday that a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran in March 2007 had left the country years ago despite his family saying he had died in Iranian custody. “Based on credible evidence, Levinson has left Iran years ago for an unspecified destination,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said, according to state television. “In the past years Iran has tried to find out his state but could not find any signs of him being alive.””  See “Tehran says former FBI agent Levinson left Iran years ago,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, March 26, 2020.  The Regime has never before today, since he was taken in 2007, claimed that Levinson left the country, and offers no proof now of his leaving.

The IRGC and its Quds Force have delivered lethal aid to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, and have smuggled weapons to Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.  It is no surprise that Iran’s continued support (and not redirecting this terrorism funding toward better goals such as coronavirus relief for Iranians) for these groups would result in more U.S. sanctions.  “U.S. imposes fresh Iran-related sanctions despite coronavirus,” Daphne Psaledakis, Arshad Mohammed, Reuters, March 26, 2020.  See also, “Trump Admin Sanctions Vast Iranian Terror Network in Iraq,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, March 26, 2020.

“Rouhani Seeks $1 Billion From Iran’s Wealth Fund for Virus Fight,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, March 26, 2020.  Rouhani wrote to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei yesterday requesting permission to withdraw the money from the National Development Fund, IRNA reported, quoting Rouhani’s comments at a coronavirus task force meeting in Tehran.  The National Development Fund, mainly from oil income, hasn’t published any official figures in some time.  In 2016, the Mehr News Agency reported the fund stood at $80 billion.

“Ex-F.B.I. Agent Who Vanished on C.I.A. Mission to Iran Is Most Likely Dead, U.S. Concludes,” Adam Goldman, New York Times, March 26, 2020.  This story mentions that intercepted communications were used for part of the assessment that Levinson is dead.

Iran’s death numbers continue to climb, and Wed.’s numbers were 157, as reported on Thursday by the Health Ministry.  “Iran’s death toll from coronavirus climbs to 2,234 – ministry,” Bloomberg, March 26, 2020.

It looks like Iran has confiscated the mobile hospital and equipment Doctors Without Borders brought to the country, but is kicking out the invited doctors.  We’ll get confirmation of this soon.  (The headline from Bloomberg does not match the story).  “Iran Now Welcomes Medical Charity MSF’s Help Fighting Virus,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, March 25, 2020.

“Iran starts intercity travel ban amid fears of surge of coronavirus,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, March 26, 2020.

“Denmark Charges Norwegian with Working with Iran in Assassination Plot,” Asharq Al-Awsat, March 25, 2020.

This American, a former FBI agent, died in custody in Iran.  “Robert Levinson: US hostage has died in Iran, says family,” BBC, March 25, 2020.  Here is the story’s only clue that readers have so far about the intelligence regarding the Regime’s responsibility for his death–“The Levinson family statement on Wednesday said they had recently received information from US officials that had led them to conclude he had died in Iranian custody.”

As an addendum to yesterday’s news the Regime kicked out Doctors Without Borders, the non-profit had pre-approval.  “We are deeply surprised to learn that the approval for the deployment of our treatment unit has been revoked,” said the manager of MSF’s emergency programs, Michel Olivier Lacharité, who is based in Paris. “The need for this intervention, and the authorizations needed to start it, were discussed and agreed with relevant Iranian authorities during the past weeks.”  In addition, Sadegh Zibakalam, an Iranian political expert, described the move as an example of prioritizing “ideology over people’s health.”  He also said, “Expelling Doctors Without Borders who had come to Iran to fight corona is a representation of politicization and prioritizing ideological considerations over everything else including people’s lives and health,” he tweeted on Tuesday.  See “Iran rejects coronavirus aid amid conspiracy theories and sanctions,” Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, March 24, 2020.

“Exclusive: Iran Imprisoning Coronavirus Whistleblowers, State Department Says,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, March 25, 2020.

“Iran expert says corruption ‘No. 1 national security threat in Iran’,” Bryant Harris, Al-Monitor, March 24, 2020.

Huh?  The first wave in Iran hasn’t ended.  Someone needs to tell the spokesman (Ali Rabiee) of President Rouhani, who said Wednesday the government will soon impose strict lockdowns to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.  Speaking after a weekly Cabinet meeting, Rabiee said the Iran health system has been able to “relatively” control the “first wave of the epidemic” but a second wave of the epidemic could be on the way because some people have not taken the health workers’ advice to limit contact with others seriously.  See “Iran To Introduce Strict Lockdown Of Cities Soon, Spokesman Says,” Radio Farda, March 25, 2020.

“Iran tells Doctors Without Borders to leave despite worsening epidemic,” Al-Monitor, March 24, 2020.  Many decisions seem so out of joint in Iran, such as the calls for international aid (that means money, which can be confiscated by the Regime) as opposed to really accepting aid from good actors like Doctors Without Borders or the United States government.  That this DWB staff (and hospital and supplies? we don’t know yet if Iran will confiscate them) would be kicked out is heartbreaking for those citizens who could have been saved.  Iran does not mind asking for cash as it just did with the $5 billion request of the World Bank, or for medicine and supplies.  See “Iran pleads for medicine as it fights epidemic under sanctions,” Al-Monitor, March 12, 2020.

A coronavirus patient in Iran given perfume around his mouth by an Islamic medicine cleric has died, state-run IRNA reports.  The cleric, in videos circulated on social media, rubs the mouth of COVID-19 patients at a hospital in northern Iran, telling them to “smell it, it is from the prophet.”  One patient in the videos, Mohsen Sharifi, died later on Monday.  IRNA says the cleric has been identified, and an arrest warrant has been issued.  See “Iranian patient visited by Islamic cleric dies of coronavirus,” Arab News, March 24, 2020.

“‘Virus at Iran’s gates’: How Tehran failed to halt the outbreak,” AP, Los Angeles Times, March 24, 2020.

“State designates Iran-backed League of the Righteous as Foreign Terrorist Organization,” Bill Roggio, FDD’s Long War Journal, March 24, 2020.

In the category of does the Regime really have that much money, Iran’s First Vice President Jahangiri says owners of small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak should rest assured that their losses will be compensated.  “Coronavirus in Iran: Small Businesses to Be Compensated for Losses,” Iran Front Page, March 24, 2020.

“The Untold Story of How Iran Botched the Coronavirus Pandemic,” Maysam Behravesh, FP, March 24, 2020.

122 died on Monday.  “Iran death toll from coronavirus close to 2,000: Health Ministry,” Reuters, March 24, 2020.

“About half of Iran’s state workers stay at home as coronavirus death toll nears 2,000,” The Star, March 24, 2020.

This is too outlandish almost to even post, but it is a good example of propaganda.  First of all, Iran doesn’t have 33 million tests.  Second, that is over a third of their population—no country in the world has been successful at that rate.  “Iran tests 33 million people for coronavirus,” Middle East Monitor, March 23, 2020.

“Iran Official Says So Far 52,000 Infected With Coronavirus, Far Beyond Official Number,” Radio Farda, March 23, 2020.

I’ve seen this reported in several outlets.  Shameful, and a lesson to non-profits, IGO, the UN, and other countries, let alone to the Iranian people.  “Iranian Officials Stole More Than $1 Billion in Humanitarian Coronavirus Funds, Pompeo Says,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, March 23, 2020.

“Iran Should Pay $202 Million to Iraq Victim’s Family: U.S. Judge,” Erik Larson, Bloomberg, March 23, 2020.

Occurred on Sunday, reported on Monday.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 127 more deaths, toll now at 1,812,” AP, Gulf News, March 23, 2020.

“UIA plane crash: Ukraine and Iran agree on further investigation,” Ukrinform, March 23, 2020.

“The believers are concerned about their identity, especially when scientific research clashes with religion,” Haidar Hoballah, a senior teacher at the seminary in Qom and an author of several books, told Al-Monitor.”  See “Why some Iranians are opposed to closing religious shrines to fight coronavirus,” Ali Hashem, Al Monitor, March 23, 2020.

“Lebanese Journalist: Lebanon Needs An End To The Iranian Patronage Over It, Not Nasrallah’s Advice On Fighting The Coronavirus,” MEMRI, March 23, 2020.

“Iran Releases a Third of Christian Prisoners Due to Coronavirus Concerns,” Jayson Casper, Christianity Today, March 23, 2020.

In contrast to yesterday’s post about the Iranian pilot who died from coronavirus while ferrying weapons and funds and soldiers for the Regime, here is a story of righteous living and sacrifice.  Dr. Shirin Rouhani at Shohada Hospital in Tabriz has lost her life while treating coronavirus patients.  Her sacrifice and care for fellow Iranian was seen that despite lack of doctors and medical staff to assist in the large number of patients, she kept treating patients, even while while on an IV herself.  “Iranian Doctor Shirin Rouhani dies while treating Coronavirus patients,” Ayushi Aggarwal, She The People News, March 22, 2020.   In this version of the story, you can see the full picture of the doctor with the IV attached.  “Who is Shirin Rouhani? Photo of doctor from Iran who passed away while treating COVID-19 patients goes viral,” Parvathy Rajagopal, IBT, March 22, 2020.

I’m learning more about Worldometer, at www.worldometers.info/about because the Iranian Health Ministry reports daily but its numbers are questionable (for several reasons).  I’m looking for a daily source about deaths and new cases in Iran, partly to learn about if they can “flatten the curve”, but also to have a gauge on the country is doing and heading.  So now I’ll be watching https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/iran which has of March 22, 2020 for Iran the following information—Coronavirus Cases: 21,638, Deaths: 1,685, Recovered: 7,635.  It does have a death chart for Iran that is updated every two days.

“As Iran struggles with coronavirus, will it lash out against Israel, US?,” Israel Kasnett, Israel Hayom, JNS, March 22, 2020.

“Coronavirus: Iran announces 129 new virus deaths, raising toll to 1,685,” Gulf News, March 22, 2020.

“All Businesses Must Close In Iran’s Capital, Except Supermarkets and Pharmacies,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.

Saying the U.S. created the virus, the Ayatollah turns down an offer of help, and ultimately peace.  “Iran’s Khamenei rejects U.S. help offer, vows to defeat coronavirus,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, March 22, 2020.

The Politico story says bluntly, “There is no scientific proof offered anywhere in the world to support Khamenei’s comments.”  See “Iran leader refuses U.S. help, citing virus conspiracy theory,” AP, Politico, March 22, 2020.

Very unusual, an Ayatollah asks a Pope for help.  “Iran: Cleric appeals for Pope’s help to revoke sanctions,” Independent Catholic News, March 22, 2020.

“All Businesses Must Close In Iran’s Capital, Except Supermarkets and Pharmacies,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.

“The Coronavirus Through The Eyes Of 5 Iranian Photographers,” Laura Beltran Villamizar, NPR, March 22, 2020.

This is hard to believe due to the widespread virus coverage throughout Iranian society—“To this day, no one has tested positive for coronavirus at the Army’s garrisons.”  Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army.  See “COVID-19 outbreak had no impact on Iran’s defense, security: Sayyari,” Tehran Times, March 22, 2020.

“Outspoken Politician Says Iran Is Moving Away From Its Republican Principles,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.  And would Iran keep elections for MPs?  He says that Parliament is just a consultative body, which is supposed to realize the wishes of the Supreme Leader” and “the president should be directly appointed by the Leader”.

“Eleven Athletes In Iran Have Died Of Coronavirus Infection,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.

“The pandemic highlights Islamic republic’s religious fringe, who are bent on defying Health Ministry guidance.”  See “‘Sacred ignorance’: Covid-19 reveals Iran split,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, March 20, 2020.