Month: April 2020

“Pompeo urges UN Security Council to extend Iran’s arms embargo,” Jerry Omondi, CGTN Africa, April 19, 2020.  Secretary of State Pompeo has asked the UNSC to extend Iran’s arms embargo.  “The arms embargo on Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terror – expires six months from today. The UN Security Council (UNSC) must extend the embargo before Iran’s violence escalates and they start a new arms race in the Middle East. The clock is ticking,” Pompeo said in a Twitter post Friday.  Iran’s arms embargo is scheduled to be lifted in October, five years after it was imposed.  In Nov. 2019, Pres. Rouhani said Iran would regain access to the international arms market after the lifting of the sanctions.  “When the embargo…is lifted next year we can easily buy and sell weapons.”  Pompeo says Iran’s aggressions require an extension of the arms embargo.  “In the last year, Iran fired ballistic missiles at its neighbors, mined and captured oil tankers, smuggled weapons into conflict zones, and shot down a civilian passenger jet. We can’t risk Iran buying more advanced weapons and transferring their arsenal to irresponsible actors.”

“Iran is using chat apps to spy on its citizens, researchers say,” The National, Bloomberg, April 19, 2020.

“Iran extends prisoner furloughs, closure of holy sites amid coronavirus,” WHBL, April 19, 2020.

“Iran Shows Off Drones that Can Reach Israel, Threat Increases,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, April 19, 2020.

“Tehran City Official Says Pandemic Toll Much Higher As Shrines Set To Reopen,” Radio Farda, April 19, 2020.

“Iranian regime will not stop bankrolling terror,” Baria Alamuddin, Arab News, April 19, 2020.

“Iran-US tensions decrease in Iraq, for now,” France 24, April 19, 2020.

Quote of the Day—Iran’s deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi said releasing a province-by-province breakdown of coronavirus statistics would create the “risk of further spread of the virus”, after three days of refusing to release the breakdown.  From “Iran Refuses To Release Detailed Coronavirus Statistics,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 16, 2020.  Here is a further quote from Haririchi—“Releasing the provincial statistics would result in travel from provinces with a high prevalence of the coronavirus to provinces with lower or moderate prevalence, and as a result, these regions will face the danger of increased spread of the virus,” he told the state-run IRNA.  But wait!  There’s more!  Haririchi added that interpretation of scientific data “should be done in a general and national manner, and should be announced to the people with transparency.”  Finally, in a story where the hits just keep coming, readers are reminded that “Harirchi had previously made international headlines at the beginning of the outbreak when he denied rumors of a coronavirus coverup on television while visibly ill.  He tested positive for the coronavirus and was quarantined soon after.”  Remember him?  This the official who sweated and coughed while denying covering up the scale of the outbreak.  See “Coronavirus: Iran’s deputy health minister tests positive as outbreak worsens,” February 25, 2020.  So whether it is the height of hypocrisy or is an example of mismanagement or both, but even more likely light shining on one of the points of financial and political corruption in the Iran System, Iraj Harirchi appears to be headed for membership in the Iraqi Information Minister Hall of Fame.

More good news on the invention to detect coronavirus.  IRGC Gen. Salami “explained that the device, dubbed “Mosta’an,” can “detect every coronavirus infection case within a 100-meter radius by creating a magnetic field and using a bipolar virus inside the device,” Salami said … and claimed the Mosta’an was being adapted to eventually detect any virus.”  What is a bipolar virus?  Will Iran mass produce these and put them in every hospital and clinic?  Let’s watch and see.  We also wonder what countries will order these for their health system.  Certainly Gen. Salami will be awarded some honor by Supreme Leader Khamenei … or will be demoted.  See “Iran marks Army Day with medical gear parade instead of usual missiles and jets,” Times of Israel, April 18, 2020.

89 deaths on Friday.  “Iran parades medical gear, not missiles on Army Day as coronavirus deaths hit 4,958 – Middle East Monitor,” Miriam Jackson, Union Journal, April 18, 2020.

Quoting from another story, to display the poor conditions the Regime does not change.  “Referring to concerns over the novel coronavirus outbreak in the Islamic Republic prisons, a lawyer defending political prisoners says fear is dominating Qarchak detention center and calls for urgent action. Qarchak Prison, located in a remote desert, 39 kilometers (about 24 miles) east of Tehran, is known as the most dangerous and worst prison in Iran for its inhumane medical and psychological conditions. Swamps and marshes surround the prison, so the prison is filled with insects and rats. The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) says common complaints in Qarchak Prison include urine-stained floors, lack of ventilation, insufficient and filthy bathroom facilities, the prevalence of contagious diseases, poor quality food containing small pieces of stone and salty water. In recent days, women prisoners have complained that fumes have escaped from the drainage system, filling their rooms with foul odors. Exclusively for female inmates, Qarchak Prison includes seven sections holding approximately 2,000 women and some children, while the number varies in different periods.”  See “Lawyer Says Coronavirus Fear Reigns Over Women’s Prison In Iran,” Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.

In an interesting development now made public, the Rouhani administration asked Judiciary for furlough during the virus for dual nationality political prisoners.  The Judiciary said no.  “Iran Administration Solicited Furlough For Imprisoned Dual-Citizens, Political Prisoners,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.

“Iran’s Military Says It Has 3 Bomb-Carrying Drones,” VOA, April 18, 2020.  Not demonstrated, but claimed, high-altitude (13,700 meters) and long-range (1,500 kilometers).

“UN Experts Call For ‘Immediate Release’ Of Political Prisoners In Iran,” Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.

“Iran is about to contain Covid-19, says minister,” Prensa Latina, April 18, 2020.

I guess he didn’t see the video.  Iran’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami on Friday said U.S. reports of harassment by Iranian speedboats yesterday in the Gulf were “baseless.”  “Iran says ‘illegal’ U.S. presence in Gulf causes insecurity – IRNA,” Reuters, April 17, 2020.

“U.S. State Department Issues $10 Million Bounty On Mohammed Kawtharani,” UANI, April 17, 2020.  “Last week, the U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for information on Lebanese Hezbollah’s senior military commander in Iraq, Mohammed Kawtharani. Kawtharani, who was first designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2013, has played an integral role in advancing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for proxy terrorist groups across the Middle East. Kawtharani’s 2013 global terrorist designation resulted from his efforts to fund proxy militia forces and facilitate Iran’s global terror campaign in Iraq. Under his leadership, Iran’s operatives have violently suppressed protests, attacked foreign diplomatic missions, and engaged in organized criminal activity. By including Kawtharani in its Rewards for Justice Program, the U.S. has increased pressure on Hezbollah and doubled down on its April 2019 commitment to disrupt the financial mechanism of Hezbollah – which provides training, funding, and logistical support to Iraqi Shiite militia groups.  In one of the few available profiles on this terrorist leader, United Against Nuclear Iran’s (UANI) resource, Mohammad Kawtharani, outlines Kawtharani’s background and modus operandi, as well as his role in establishing Hezbollah’s footprint in Iraq, and influence on the Iraqi political system. Kawtharani’s responsibilities in Iraq have only grown after Qassem Soleimani’s death, especially in coordinating among Iran’s fractious allies in Iraq. Tehran’s control over Shi’a militias has made it the dominant military, political, and diplomatic power broker there, but its quest for domination and subversion of Iraqi interests to its own has weakened Iraq’s central government and impeded its ability to provide for the welfare of its citizens.”

“Iran to reopen businesses as COVID-19 lockdown eased,” Zein Basravi, Al Jazeera, April 17, 2020.

“Iranian teen shocks chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen to win $14,000 prize,” Ben Morse, CNN, April 17, 2020.  “Firouzja plays under the flag of FIDE, the global chess organization, after leaving his native Iran to avoid government restrictions. Iran strongly discourages its citizens from competing against Israelis, as a sign of protest against the country and a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The teenage grandmaster moved to France at the end of 2019 with his father so he could compete against Israeli opponents.” And against anyone—he does not discriminate.

Iran’s official death toll from the new coronavirus rose by 92 on Wednesday, announced Thursday.  “Iran’s coronavirus death toll rises to 4,869, report says it could be higher,” Reuters, April 16, 2020.

This is so bizarre, but so much like the Regime, that I’m pasting part of the story.  “The Iranian military unveiled a scientifically-dubious device on Wednesday that could allegedly detect the novel coronavirus with magnetic fields. Iran faces an unpleasant choice between shutting down a sanctions-battered economy once again or continuing to risk a second wave of deadly coronavirus infections. Wishful thinking and miracle solutions are creeping into official discourse as the government deflects criticism of its epidemic response. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) head Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami claimed that a new device developed by Iranian scientists can detect the presence of the coronavirus on surfaces with an eighty percent accuracy within five seconds. He claims that a “bipolar virus” generates a magnetic field which detects other viruses up to a 100-meter radius.  “Iran’s Military Says It Can Detect Coronavirus with Magnetic Fields,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 16, 2020.

Story quoted in part for shock value, and also to draw readers to the fact the highest ranking military officer, directly reporting to the Supreme Leader, is Iran’s official pushing this fraudulent medical hope.  “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it has invented a device that can detect a person infected with the coronavirus from 100 meters away. Yet, after receiving criticism on the device’s functionality, the IRGC doubled down on the device, insisting that it works. The IRGC commander, Gen. Hossein Salami, told Tasnim News Agency that dozens of countries have contacted Iran about the machine, but it “would not be shared with the Americans until all sanctions are removed.” IRGC spokesman Ramazan Sharif said, “Soon, the production process, technical features and capabilities” of the device will be shared with the media and experts. In response to the international criticism and mockery of the device, Sharif said that “Iranians take more pride and honor in causing the shock and anger of enemies and those who want ill for us.” Salami unveiled the device April 15 on Iranian television. According to Salami, the device can detect an infected surface or individual in five seconds. Scientists working under the Basij designed the device, which uses a magnetic field and reportedly has an accuracy rate of 80%. Many critics,  however, pointed out that the device resembles the fraudulent bomb detection wands, invented by a British businessman, that were used in Iraq at the height of suicide bombings.”  See the article at “Iran’s IRGC doubles down on claims of coronavirus detection machine,” Al-Monitor, April 16, 2020.

“Iranian press review: Fury as billions unaccounted for in 2018 budget review,” MEE, April 16, 2020.

“Iran’s regime will develop nuclear submarines says navy commander,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 16, 2020.

President Hassan Rouhani’s advisor has blasted the state-run television for “advertising” a device that the Revolutionary Guard on Wednesday claimed could detect the coronavirus within a radius of 100 meters. Referring to the state- run television’s report on Wednesday in which the mask-wearing Revolutionary Guard Commander Major-General Hossein Salami announced a breakthrough in detection of coronavirus, Hesameddin Ashena called the broadcast an “advertisement in a news program”. “Do not advertise vaccines, medicine, [coronavirus] test kits or unique and innovative virus detection devices that have not been approved by the Health Ministry,” Ashena who is Rouhani’s media advisor wrote sarcastically. A video posted on Twitter shows the device being tested at a health facility with everyone looking baffled as it fails to detect the virus even a couple of feet away. “Rouhani Advisor Blasts State TV For ‘Advertising’ IRGC’s Virus Detection Device,” Radio Farda, April 16, 2020.

“Iran COVID Deaths Down But Capital Tehran Still In Crisis,” Radio Farda, April 16, 2020.

Another reminder of the ties between the allies Iran and China.  “Iran FM Lauds China for Help in Coronavirus Fight,” IFP, April 16, 2020.

“Iran Continuing Religious Building Projects In Iraq Despite Economic Hardship,” Radio Farda, April 16, 2020.

Full of fake claims made by Iran in the past several years.  “Iran’s Military Makes Batshit Claim That This Stupid Contraption Detects Coronavirus,” Joseph Trevithick, The War Zone, April 16, 2020.  IRGC Gen. Salami said it “generates a magnetic field that screens its surroundings, and is fitted with an antenna that points in the direction of infected targets upon detecting them.”

“Iranian Gov’t Report Says Coronavirus Death Toll 80 Percent Higher than Previously Acknowledged,” Zachary Evans, National Review, April 15, 2020.

Crossed within 10 yards of Maui’s bow!  The IRGC speedboat could have been cut in two.  These actions, lasting about an hour, for some reason did not result in the U.S. Navy firing warning shots.  Or sinking just one of the Iranian boats.  This happened today, and below is the full story.  “IRGCN Vessels Conduct Unsafe, Unprofessional Interaction with U.S. Naval Forces in Arabian Gulf,” NAVCENT Public Affairs, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command U.S. 5th Fleet, Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, April 15, 2020.  “On April 15, eleven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels repeatedly conducted dangerous and harassing approaches of the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Firebolt (PC 10), USS Sirocco (PC 6), USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) and USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) while the U.S. vessels were conducting joint integration operations with U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in the international waters of the North Arabian Gulf. The IRGCN vessels repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds, including multiple crossings of the Puller with a 50 yard closest point of approach (CPA) and within 10 yards of Maui’s bow. The U.S. crews issued multiple warnings via bridge-to-bridge radio, five short blasts from the ships’ horns and long range acoustic noise maker devices, but received no response from the IRGCN. After approximately one hour, the IRGCN vessels responded to the bridge-to-bridge radio queries, then maneuvered away from the U.S. ships and opened distance between them. The IRGCN’s dangerous and provocative actions increased the risk of miscalculation and collision, were not in accordance with the internationally recognized Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) “rules of the road” or internationally recognized maritime customs, and were not in accordance with the obligation under international law to act with due regard for the safety of other vessels in the area. The U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Army have been conducting joint interoperability operations in the North Arabian Gulf since late March. U.S. naval forces continue to remain vigilant and are trained to act in a professional manner, while our commanding officers retain the inherent right to act in self-defense.”

Well, well, well.  The harassment by Iran today in the Persian Gulf was coordinated with harassment by Russia in the Mediterranean.  The headline of the Politico story gets it wrong, claiming these are separate.  “Russians, Iranians hassle U.S. military in separate incidents,” Lara Seligman, Politico, April 15, 2020.

94 died Tuesday, announced Wednesday.  “Iran’s coronavirus death toll rises to 4777: health official,” Reuters, April 15, 2020.

“Exclusive: Iran Pushing Ukraine Not To Take Action For Downed Plane,” Anna Raskaya, Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.  Iran is pushing Ukraine to sign a MOU obliging Ukraine and the families of victims of flight 752 to waive their right to pursue criminal and civil lawsuits.  Instead, they would accept “human error” as the cause of the crash.  In return,  Iran would pay compensation and release the plane’s flight recorder’s contents after they are analyzed (but by Iran).

“IMF’s assessment of Iran funding request is ‘taking time’: official,” Davide Barbuscia, Reuters, April 15, 2020.  It is not surprising that the IMF, with no contact or work with Iran since 1979, should take extra days to review Iran’s request—also because Iran has a long history of not being responsible/accountable for monies.

“IMF Says Iran’s GDP Will Decline By Six Percent In 2020,” Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.

Zeinab Soleimani wrote on Instagram about her father, “You told me you’d be happy if we were martyred together.”  This is a classic statement of psychotic suicide terrorist child rearing.  “Can Qasem Soleimani’s young daughter continue his path?,” Arash Azizi, Atlantic Council, April 14, 2020.

It is not surprising that in a time of cut funding from sanctions, etc. that Iran would task Hezbollah with seizing control of Lebanon’s banks.  “Hezbollah steps up campaign for control of Lebanon’s financial system,” Khaled Yacoub Oweis, The National, April 15, 2020.

Of course!  The U.S. created the disease!  “A pro-Iranian operation has spread coronavirus disinformation across Facebook and Twitter,” Makena Kelly, The Verge, April 15, 2020.

More news from yesterday’s seizing of the SC Taipei chemical tanker, sailing in international waters.  Iranian guards in speedboats and IRGC sailors aboard took the vessel into Iranian waters while it had been sailing through the Gulf of Oman. “Iran Briefly Detained Hong Kong-Flagged Tanker, Sources Say,” Reuters, April 15, 2020.  The Bahrain-based International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), a Britain-led naval coalition in the Gulf, said a Hong Kong flagged tanker was boarded “by armed men” and sailed into Iranian waters before being released.  The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported on the incident, comprised of four IRGC speedboats.

“Iran says world learning US ‘kills people’ after WHO move,” AFP, Jordan Times, April 15, 2020.

Speaking on the Iranian state TV, an angry Rouhani asked why similar auditing is not being done regarding the IRGC, the Supreme Leader’s Office, and the Judiciary.  “Iran Chief Auditor’s Report On Missing Billions Angers Rouhani,” Radio Farda, April 15, 2020.

“An advisory report by the research arm of the Iranian parliament on Tuesday has estimated that the real number of coronavirus cases in the country may be up to 10 times higher than the cases identified by the Health Ministry while the real number of deaths may be nearly 8,700.”  See “Iran’s Covid-19 Cases May Be As High As 600,000: Parliament’s Research Arm,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 15, 2020.

“Iranian lawmakers say nation’s death toll likely double reported figure,” John Bowden, The Hill, April 15, 2020.  A report from Iran’s parliament claims that the country’s death toll from coronavirus may be twice as high as is reported due in part to undercounting and insufficient testing.  The AP reported that a report authored by Iran’s parliament research center claims the official death count may be higher than 8,500, with as many as 760,000 cases of the disease in the country.  If true, that would set Iran as the country with the most coronavirus infections anywhere in the world, vaulting it past the U.S. and European countries.

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.

Iran reports 111 virus deaths on Sunday.  “Iran’s health ministry on Monday reported another 111 deaths, raising total to 4,585,” AFP, Times of India, April 13, 2020.

“Iranian Medical Staff Wearing Masks Speak via Poems on their Suits,” IFP, April 13, 2020.

“Former Football Chief Says Iran Always Lied To FIFA About Government Control,” Radio Farda, April 13, 2020.

“Iran no longer poses imminent threat to Israel: Mossad to NYT,” AMN, April 13, 2020.

“Iran’s president has left nation open to second Covid-19 wave – critics,” Patrick Wintour, Guardian, April 13, 2020.

“Iran’s regime executes Kurdish political prisoner,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 12, 2020.

“Thousands Of Labor And Civic Activists In Iran Demand Renegotiation Over Wages,” Radio Farda, April 13, 2020.

This means the black boxes will most likely never leave Iran—they will use to delay, and because Iran’s pandemic will continue for months.  “Canada asks Iran to postpone decryption of downed PS752 black boxes,” UNIAN, April 13, 2020.

It is much easier if the Regime will simply take steps that will induce the U.S. to end sanctions.  But instead, “Iran to send trade attaches to number of countries,” Elnur Baghishov, Trend, April 13, 2020.

“Iran Says US Has No Legal Right to Veto IMF’s Measures,” IFP, April 13, 2020.

“Iran: Dams 69% Full But Water Use Soaring,” Financial Tribune, April 13, 2020.

This story is not as significant for what it says, but for who said it—the VP, who had been stricken with coronavirus.  “Iran’s vice-president calls for economic aid from private sector,” Yasmine Mosimann, Rudaw, April 13, 2020.

This is a type of story I’ve not seen before—let’s hope it reflects reality and not just a Regime headline.  “The top echelon of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have agreed to take a 20 percent pay cut to help efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic in Iran, the Middle Eastern country hit the hardest by the outbreak, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported Sunday.”  See “Iran’s Revolutionary Guard To Donate Nearly A Quarter Of Their Pay To Help With Virus Effort,” Joshua Finkelberg, Schpiel, April 13, 2020.

“Iran welcomes Iraq’s new prime minister,” Al-Monitor, April 13, 2020.

I don’t usually post stories from Breitbart, but this headline captures the wide-spread situation.  “Iran Digs 10,000 Coronavirus Graves near Tehran but Claims Less than 5,000 Deaths Nationwide,” John Hayward, Breitbart, April 13, 2020.

This article talks about Iran’s actions in the context of why the U.S. should not lift sanctions—because the Regime won’t use the money to aid people, but for terrorism and other improper activities, saying “They will spend the money in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine. They will not spend it on Iranians.”  See “Father of son murdered by Iran: Sanctions-lift will aid regime, not people,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 13, 2020.

Slow day in the West, with coronavirus closures, even for the Easter Mass at the Vatican.  Not many news stories out of Iran today, but two, the first being “Iran Officials Still In Disagreement Over Lockdown, Resumption of Business Activities,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 12, 2020.

“Tehran Municipality Preparing 10,000 New Graves For Possible Coronavirus Victims,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 12, 2020.

125 died Saturday.  “Iran: Coronavirus death toll jumps to 4,357,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, April 11, 2020.

“Iran To Unveil 122 Nuclear Achievements After Coronavirus Passes,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, April 11, 2020.

Many countries have inspectors general and appointed accountants to oversee large relief, emergency, and conflict funding.  Iran has appointed none of these for the one billion just allocated from its sovereign fund, which means that some of that money will disappear into corruption.  “As Unemployment Soars In Iran No One Talks About One Billion Euros Taken From Reserves,” Radio Farda, April 11, 2020.

“Countries extend lockdowns while Iran loosens,” Daily Star, April 11, 2020.

“What The Pentagon Learned From Its Up-Close-And-Personal Experience With Iran’s Qiam Missiles,” Sebastien Roblin, National Interest, April 11, 2020.

“The Deteriorating Situation in Iran’s Hospitals,” Iran News Update, April 11, 2020.

“Iran begins lifting virus restrictions,” Amir Vahdat, Illawarra Mercury, April 11, 2020.

Muhammad Kawtharani is a senior official of Hezbollah and is coordinating pro-Iran groups in Iraq, a job earlier held by Gen. Soleimani.  “US offers $10 million for information on Hezbollah leader,” DW, April 11, 2020.

Hamas was directed by Iran to do this because it is not in the Regime’s interests to have peace, with the U.S. or with most other states.  “Hamas arrests peace activists in Gaza over Zoom call with Israelis,” Louis Casiano, Fox News, April 11, 2020.

The key claim is that the machine can “detect and spot narcotics and explosives in one to two seconds.”  Not.  “Iran Develops Homegrown Device to Find Narcotics, Explosives,” IFP, April 11, 2020.

Jomhouri-ye Eslami newspaper is paid for by the Supreme Leader’s office; its editor Masih Mohajeri wrote the article.  “Newspaper In Iran Calls For Khamenei’s Financial Empire To Assist The People,” Radio Farda, April 11, 2020.

The article correctly states, “As a rule, Khamenei and his extremist supporters believe that all international bodies are, one way or another, agents of the West, specifically the U.S.A., and their only aim is to strike fatal blows at the Islamic establishment in Iran.”  See “Iran Hardliner Cleric Says UNICEF Is America’s Agent,” Radio Farda, April 11, 2020.

122 is the official number of those who died Thursday, reported Friday by the Health Ministry.  “COVID-19: Iran Reports 122 New Deaths; Pakistan Mulls Reopening ‘Key Sectors’,” RFE/RL, April 10, 2020.

So what effect has Covid-19 had on Iran’s will to spread the Revolution, and on the readiness of its armed forces?  There are different opinions, and based on what we are seeing Iran doing, some momentary recalculation but also no retreat from supplying asymmetric groups.  I will post several stories here together.  “Iran’s Military Likely Can’t Fight Thanks to Coronavirus,” Michael Rubin, National Interest, April 10, 2020; “Coronavirus hasn’t slowed Iran’s terrorism and proxy wars, analysts say,” Hollie McKayBy Hollie McKay, Fox, April 10, 2020; “Senior Official Says Iran Threat to US Troops in Iraq Remains ‘Significant’,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April 10, 2020; and “’After coronavirus: Iran may provoke more on nuke front’ – ex-CIA official,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, April 10, 2020.  The last article includes, “Tehran is unlikely to stop its use of asymmetrical proxy terrorist attacks that have featured prominently in the regime’s foreign policy since 1979. The economic and coronavirus crises in Tehran may encourage the regime to undertake desperate measures and double down on this policy. That would likely include additional aggression against American diplomats and service members in Iraq and elsewhere.”  See “Patriot deployment to Iraq is helpful, but insufficient against Iran,” Bradley Bowman and Liane Zivitski, Defense News, April 9, 2020.

“The US State Department accuses Tehran of “nuclear extortion”,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 10, 2020.

“Gaza is the world’s biggest prison, says Iran’s Judiciary chief,” Tehran Times, April 10, 2020.  No, I think that I’d vote North Korea.  But NK and Iran are allies.

“S. Korea gains U.S. license approval for humanitarian exports to Iran: official,” Yonhap News, April 10, 2020.

“Prominent Iran Lawmaker Demands Foreign Ministry To Summon China’s Ambassador,” Radio Farda, April 10, 2020.

“Coronavirus crisis: lessons for the Iranian government,” Kourosh Ziabari, Responsible Statecraft, April 10, 2020.

“Iran obliges businesses to obtain permit from health ministry,” Trend, April 10, 2020.

“Transferring shares of state-run companies should be expedited: Rouhani,” Tehran Times, April 10, 2020.

“All residents of a neighborhood in southwest Iran contract coronavirus,” Iran Human Rights Monitor, April 10, 2020.

“Iran’s regional ambitions are not going anywhere,” Raz Zimmt, Atlantic Council, April 10, 2020.

“Coronavirus And Death: The Changing Roles of Iran’s Clerics And Military Men,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, April 10, 2020.