98 died Monday, reported by the Health Ministry on April 14. “Iran death toll from coronavirus outbreak reaches 4,683 – health ministry spokesman,” Babak Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, April 14, 2020. While the daily death numbers seem to be declining, do remember that daily they have been underreported per numerous sources. See also, “Iran Reports Below 100 COVID-19 Deaths For First Time In One Month,” AFP, NDTV, April 14, 2020.
This is one of those news days that is rich with a variety of stories illustrating the panoply of problems that Iran has or presents because of the decisions of the Supreme Leader, the ruling clerics, the IRGC–the entire Regime–to not act as a normal country. The first story is mismanagement and massive corruption. “Almost $5 Billion Of Iran Government Money For Imports Is Missing,” Radio Farda, April 15, 2020.
The quick release of the ship, just a few hours, suggests Iran realized it had grabbed a Chinese vessel, rather than a Western one. I’ve never seen them release a British or American or (fill in the blank) ship so fast. Can you imagine what they said to the all-Chinese crew? This also represents a mistake in the Iranians database/intelligence of ships coming in and out of Hormuz. I imagine that we won’t see in the news, though, a report about the Iran FM calling Beijing to apologize. “Armed men seize, release tanker off Iran by Strait of Hormuz,” KPLC, April 14, 2020.
This is the second story, the first a couple of days ago, that gives a good indication that Iran has had to cut back on its malign activities during the virus. “Israeli spy agency deprioritizes Iran as national security threat during coronavirus pandemic,” Caitlin Yilek, Washington Examiner, April 14, 2020.
But the Regime has time for anti-semitic rhetoric and illogical finger-pointing. Once again, Israel and/or Jews get blamed for something (without proof of course). “Iranian health ministry holds antisemitic coronavirus cartoon contest,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 14, 2020.
“Iran Fires Two Health Officials for Admissions Over Coronavirus Cover-Up,” Iran Focus, April 14, 2020.
“Coronavirus: Are the bodies of victims undermining Iran’s official figures?,” Behrang Tajdin and Louise Adamou, BBC, April 14, 2020.
You can tell a lot about someone by the company they keep, right? Another way of thinking about this is why are Iran and Venezuela announcing this, but not Iran and Brazil, or Iran and Colombia, or Iran and Chile, or Iran and (fill in the blank). “Venezuela, Iran agree to boost anti-virus cooperation,” Yeni Safak, April 14, 2020.
“Iran Judiciary Says Prison Guards Involved In Jail Riot In Northwestern City,” Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.
Of course this is not new but follows the Regime’s established model of Hezbollah in Lebanon—using aid to tie the emotions and reliance of the people to the military. And notice that the Iranian Red Crescent Society is not included (allowed to assist). The article says, “Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday announced that it has formed a new command center to aid families who have been hit by the coronavirus crisis. The Revolutionary Guard Commander Major General Hossein Salami on Tuesday said the new command center dubbed as “Imam Hassan Headquarters” will work with other entities to plan and execute the activities required for aiding those in need. In a televised speech April 6 Iran’s Supreme Leader called on Iranians to start an “Aid by the Pious” campaign to help families who are facing difficulties as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The Basij paramilitary volunteer militia is to distribute “support packages” to Iranian families in need of financial support in the first phase of the campaign, General Salami said. The entities helping the Revolutionary Guard include Mostazafan Foundation, Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, Executive Headquarters For Implementation of Imam Khomeini’s Decree and Astan-e Qods-e Razavi. These entities control some of the largest holdings in Iran and have access to vast financial resources. According to the Revolutionary Guard affiliated Tasnim News Agency the first meeting of the members of the new headquarter was held at the Revolutionary Guard’s General Command Headquarters on Tuesday. The new IRGC body’s first task will be distributing “aid packages” to 3.5 million families through the Basij militia network.” The article is “Revolutionary Guard Forms Command Center To Aid Families In Need,” Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.
“Baha’i Leader: Iran Keeping Up to 100 Baha’is in Prisons Under Virus Threat,” Michael Lipin, VOA, April 14, 2020.
This blog exists for the purpose of measuring and evaluating whether the Regime will alter its behavior. This article below addresses this from the perspective that the Islamic Republic as it is currently constituted and operated will never evolve into a responsible regional country. “The Next Iranian Revolution,” Eric Edelman and Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, May/June 2020.