Month: May 2020

Iran has spent as much as $30 billion to help Syria win its civil war and keep President Bashar Al-Assad in power, and maintain its campaign to fully control Lebanon and one day eliminate Israel.  MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, who has been a vital part of Iran’s national security and foreign policy commission, revealed this yesterday to the Iranian state-affiliated Etemad newspaper.  See “Iran MP: We have spent $30bn defending Assad, Syria must pay us back,” Middle East Monitor, May 21, 2020.

“Could the Coronavirus Pandemic Change Iran’s Political Future?,” Dorothy Wickenden, New Yorker, May 21, 2020.

“Iran has banned all use of Israeli tech. Really? That would set it back 50 years,” David Horovitz, op-ed, Times of Israel, May 21, 2020.

“Iran aims to disrupt 2020 elections via cyber hacking, intelligence officials say,” John Solomon and Susan Katz Keating, Just the News, May 21, 2020.

“Could the Coronavirus Pandemic Change Iran’s Political Future?,” Dorothy Wickenden, New Yorker, May 21, 2020.

Amnesty International found that more than 220 of the recorded 304 deaths of men, women, and children by Iran’s security forces took place over just two days, Nov. 16 and 17, and that new and extensive research has again found that the security forces’ use of lethal force against these was unlawful.  There was no evidence the people were in possession of firearms or that they posed an imminent threat to life that would have warranted the use of lethal force.  “Iran: Details released of 304 deaths during protests six months after security forces’ killing spree,” Philip Luther, Amnesty International, May 20, 2020.

“Venezuela’s Guaido says Iran fuel shipment ought to alarm Latin America,” Reuters, May 20, 2020.

“Iran arrests athlete for kissing girlfriend on roof in Tehran,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2020.

“Iran will support any nation or group that fights Israel: supreme leader,” Reuters, May 20, 2020.

Anyone who doubts the Shia Crescent is still a goal, look at this story.  “From Beirut to Bangui: inside Iran’s plan to take proxy wars to Africa,” Albin Szakola and Jack Losh, The National, May 20, 2020.

“Israel claims Iran sent Libya’s Haftar anti-tank arms,” Betul Yuruk, AA, May 20, 2020.

Etihad Airways flew 16 tons of aid for Palestinians via Tel Aviv in the first Gulf country flight to Israel.  “Iran’s leader accuses UAE of ‘treachery’ after first direct flight to Israel,” Times of Israel, May 20, 2020.

What a lovely gift for Quds Day!  The poster shows a conquered Jerusalem with the mosque and the dome, with photos of the late Quds Force general Qassem Soleimani.  “Iran’s supreme leader releases anti-Israel ‘final solution’ poster,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2020.

Monday there were 62 deaths, reported on Tuesday.  “Iran Reports Over 2,100 New Virus Cases,” AFP, May 19, 2020.

“Russia, Iran step up telephone diplomacy amid pandemic, says envoy,” TASS, May 19, 2020.

“U.S. Sanctions Chinese Company, Alleges Ties to Iran’s Mahan Air,” Mangqi Sun, Wall Street Journal, May 19, 2020.

This story is confusing, that the U.S. would set only 100 meters as the red line—that is so very close to an American military vessel, and we all remember the USS Cole.  The Navy retains, as always, the right of self-defense.  Perhaps this 100m circle was a compromise with the WH that a line would be drawn somewhere.  I would have put it 1,000 yards for these harassing missile speed boats of Iran.  See “Eyeing Iran, US warns to stay 100 metres away from its warships,” Al Jazeera, May 19, 2020.

See also, “US Navy issues new guidelines after close Iran encounters,” Jon Gambrell, AP, VOA, May 19, 2020.

“Israel behind cyberattack that caused ‘total disarray’ at Iran port – report,” Times of Israel, May 19, 2020.  This is in retaliation for Iran attempting to disable Israeli water Mekorot infrastructure two weeks earlier in April on 24-25, an attack against civilians—water and sewer.  The cyber action against Shahid Rajaee port terminal at Bandar Abbas on May 9 crashed computers that regulate the flow of vessels, trucks, and goods, creating massive backups on waterways and roads leading to the facility, the Washington Post reports and picked up by TOI.

Limited cooperation?  The NYT continues in its worldview, misunderstanding the Regime.  At least they quoted Brian Hook correctly that pressure works.  (can you say “Soleimani?”)  Last, let me include this—my blog documents for several years the machinations of the Supreme Leader and the IRI government, and those actions are not well reflected in this analysis by The Times.  See “Iran Quietly Lowers the Temperature With U.S.,” Alissa Rubin and Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, May 19, 2020.

“Iran Launches ‘Resistance’ Award Named After Soleimani,” Asharq Al-Awsat, May 19, 2020.  I am not making this up – and there is no other award like this in the world handed out by terrorist groups to honor a terrorist.  “The award is granted in the main category of “struggle and resistance” and six sub-fields of “people and society”, “culture and art”, “politics”, “education and research”, “media”, and “sports”. A 19-member body would oversee the award to be held biennially. The body consists of representatives from militias and factions allied with Tehran including Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine Jihad, and Houthis. It also includes, inter alia, the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Minister, and the head of the state-run Radio and Television Organization.”

“Iran’s Rouhani Says Country Needs ‘Two Or Three Main Political Parties’,” Radio Farda, May 19, 2020.

So notice what is happening here—the world’s largest sponsor of terror (who already supports the Palestinians and Hamas and Islamic Jihad) openly calls for countries to ship weapons to the Palestinians.  How brazen.  Will they be called out?  “Iran’s Khamenei calls to “arm” Palestinians,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 19, 2020.

What is going on here?  Who are these people?  What connections do they have to the government?  Where did they get the money?  This Iranian couple has been sentenced to death for having smuggled hard currency and laundering $200 million of money, as well as having been found with a stash of gold at their home. “Iran’s judiciary sentences couple to death over money laundering and gold hoard,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, May 19, 2020.

“The Twilight of the Iranian Revolution,” Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, May 18, 2020.

“Iran’s Interior Ministry Claims No Responsibility For November Protests, Consequences,” Radio Farda, May 18, 2020.

“The dangers of Iran’s military mistakes,” Mohammed Al-Sulami, Arab News, May 18, 2020.

The Revolutionary Guard has continued to assert itself, and in the process marginalize Pres. Rouhani.  See “IRGC exploits pandemic to solidify control,” Steven Terner, Jerusalem Post, May 18, 2020.

“Iran claims fuel shipment to Venezuela perfectly legal,” Al Monitor, May 18, 2020.

“Iran No Longer Banking on European Support for JCPOA Rights,” Financial Tribune, May 18, 2020.

Don’t criticize the rulers.  “A prominent Iranian reformist lawmaker has been sentenced to 21 months in prison and given a fine after he called on the former head of the judiciary to make his finances public, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.  Mahmoud Sadeghi, who had appealed a preliminary sentence handed down in April, posted a picture of the court ruling on Twitter on Monday. It said that seven months of the jail term relate to his “insulting the head of the judiciary.”  In 2016, Sadeghi had written to cleric and then-judiciary chief Sadegh Larijani seeking the publication of his financial assets.”  See “Iran Jails Reformist Lawmaker for Criticizing Top Cleric,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, May 18, 2020.

“How Iran Uses Cultural Centers To Expand Its Influence In Latin America,” Tereza Dvorakova, Radio Farda, May 17, 2020.  This is a story about drug trade, expanding the Revolution, and supporting Shia religious beliefs.  And anti-America and anti-West.

“Under Sanctions, Iran Is Fast Losing Its Share of Non-Oil Export Markets,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, May 17, 2020.

“Iran denies agreements with Russia on ousting Syrian president,” Xinhua, May 17, 2020.

This story is so sad—no justice for those murdered by security services.  “Iran Offers Families Of Protesters Killed In November Money Instead Of Justice,” Radio Farda, May 16, 2020.

“Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis and a deteriorating economy, Iran is pushing ahead with its uranium enrichment and missile and space programs, as well as its activities in Syria.”  See “Iran’s nuclear efforts in the shadow of coronavirus,” Raphael Ofek, JNS, May 18, 2020.

“Iran Records Its Biggest Rise in Coronavirus Cases in Six Weeks,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, May 18, 2020.

“Hatami says Iran, Iraq should become strategic partners,” Tehran Times, May 17, 2020.

No goal celebrations?!  Well, the mullahs will be pleased there will be no women spectators.  “Iran’s soccer leagues to resume with no spectators: President Rouhani,” Xinhua, May 17, 2020.

“Rouhani Aide Defends Iran’s Trade With Venezuela,” Radio Farda, May 17, 2020.

Quds Day usually involves marches where protesters chant ‘Death to Israel’ and burn flags. But this year, the pandemic afflicting Iran requires protesters to not meet, at least that seems to be what the President is saying.  “Anti-Israel marches in Iran to be by car this year, Rouhani says,” Reuters, Israel Hayom, May 17, 2020.

Well, there goes about 2 years of life, maybe 3 years if the Regime holds her for half the hostage term.  We’re very sorry that the Regime has decided to snatch several years of life from innocent Fariba Adelkhah.  “Iran sentences French-Iranian academic to 6 years in prison,” Sommer Brokaw, UPI, May 16, 2020.

“Iran Spent Billions Creating Alternative ‘Internet’ To Control Information,” Alireza Taheri, Radio Farda, May 16, 2020.

“Iran reports 35 new virus deaths, lowest since March 7.”  By AFP, New Straits Times, May 16, 2020.

“Iran news agency warns over U.S. ‘piracy’ against fuel shipment to Venezuela,” Reuters, May 15, 2020.

“Tomb of Mordechai and Esther in Iran reportedly set ablaze,” Times of Israel, May 15, 2020.

“Tactical Change Or Withdrawal? Iran’s Syria Strategy Analyzed Amid Reports Of Force Reductions,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, May 15, 2020.

48 died Thursday, reported Friday.  “Iran sees biggest daily rise of COVID-19 cases in over a month,” AFP, May 15, 2020.

“Iran oil exports dwindle to record low amid virus and US sanctions,” Gulf Times, May 15 2020.

48 died Thursday, reported the next day.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 2,102 new virus cases, highest in over month,” AFP, May 15, 2020.

“US Global Maritime Advisory Warns Of Iran’s ‘Deceptions’,” Radio Farda, May 15, 2020.

The UN Sec-Gen himself calls out Hezbollah and thus Iran. But you will see within this story that Nasrallah and Khamenei (from whom Nasrallah takes orders) have no intention of listening to the United Nations. “UN chief calls on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah,” Najia Houssari, Arab News, May 14, 2020.  This story is important enough to post extended quotes. “Lebanon on Wednesday entered talks with the International Monetary Fund, amid calls to disarm Hezbollah. A report in the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying that the Lebanese government and the army should take all possible steps to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from acquiring weapons. He added that Hezbollah’s continued involvement in Syria “carries the risk of entangling Lebanon in regional conflicts and undermining the stability of Lebanon and the region.” … Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council, which is headed by President Michel Aoun, on Wednesday met to review measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and steps to control smuggling through illegal crossings on the border with Syria. Within an hour of the meeting, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech in which he called on the Lebanese government and army to work with the Syrian regime to halt the cross-border smuggling. Commenting on the possible deployment of UN forces along the border, Nasrallah said that this would be “an achievement of one of the objectives of the Lebanese-Israeli war of July 2006, which is something we can never accept as it has nothing to do with the economy.” He called on the Lebanese government to restore ties with the Syrian regime.”

“Press-rights group urges Iran to release journalist jailed for BBC interview,” Zaynab Khojji, Arab News, May 14, 2020.

“Iran: Fears of Secret Execution Mount for Disappeared Prisoners,” Iran HRM, May 14, 2020.

What does this mean?  That the government allows and greatly benefits from blackmarket and smuggled goods.  “The report explicitly referred to three IRGC-controlled wharves in Chabahar, Khor Zangi, and Hormozgan, and several other piers run by the security forces. Mehdi Karroubi, the speaker of the sixth parliament, who is currently under house arrest, also spoke about the existence of 41 illegal wharves.”  See “Almost All Smuggled Goods Into Iran Come Through Legal Ports,” Radio Farda, May 14, 2020.

Good news from Iraq, against Iran.  We are hoping that the new Iraqi PM will stand up to Iran.  “On the night of May 10, protesters gathered outside the offices of a little known militia organisation in Basra, Thar Allah. When they were met with live fire, it seemed a typically brutal response from Iraq’s numerous Iran-backed militias, whom many hold responsible for killing hundreds of protesters.  What happened next surprised observers: Thar Allah’s offices were raided by security forces and their leader, Youssef Al Musawi, was arrested. Mr Al Kadhimi later tweeted that the raid had been executed on his personal orders and that “those who spill Iraqi blood will not rest.”  The new PM has promised to re-establish rule of law. This means reining in powerful elements of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), some of which are linked to Iran.”  See “Thar Allah: Iran’s forgotten terror proxy in Iraq,” Robert Tollast, The National, May 14, 2020.

“US accuses Iran of defying UN resolution endorsing nuke deal,” Edith Lederer, AP, May 14, 2020.

“Iran Unlocks New Funding Stream For Oil & Gas,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, May 14, 2020.

71 deaths Wednesday, reported on Thursday.  “Iran warns of coronavirus cluster spread as 71 more die,” Al Jazeera, May 14, 2020.

Commercial telemetry data gathers information such as users’ locations.  In a new report, comparison of year-on-year CTD data from March, April, and May at locations such as the Tehran Grand Bazaar, air bases, naval bases, Bushehr, the Bushehr nuclear facility, and Bandar Abbas, civilian activity dropped more than 90% due to Covid-19.  But military activity only dropped 30% to 50%.  See “Iran Is Increasing Its Military and Cyber Activity, Report Says,” Patrick Tucker, Defense One, May 14, 2020.

Facebook has removed 500 accounts associated with Iran’s state broadcaster because they seemingly experimented with the Scottish vote several years ago.  “Iran hackers interfered in Scottish independence vote,” Karim El-Bar, AA, May 14, 2020.  Were these accounts still open and operating, with a new mission?

“US military offers condolences over Iran accident that killed 19,” Jon Gambrell, AP, Stars and Stripes, May 14, 2020.

An oil tanker is one of five going from Bandar Abbas port to Venezuela as both countries attempt to survive U.S. sanctions.  “Fuel Cargo Loaded in Iran en Route to Venezuela,” Reuters, Haaertz, May 14, 2020.

Or, more precisely (the headline is not specific enough) the conflict is between the IRGC and the Supreme Leader versus the President and his government.  See “The coronavirus crisis in Iran has opened up an internal fight between the government and its Revolutionary Guard,” Mitch Prothero, Business Insider, May 14, 2020.

“Iran building new weapons storage at military base in eastern Syria, satellite images show,” Trey Yingst, Yonat Friling, Fox News, May 13, 2020.

“Chinese, Iranian hackers are trying to sabotage US vaccine efforts, FBI warns,” ArLuther Lee, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 13, 2020.

“National cyber unit warns of incoming Iranian, anti-Israel cyberattack,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2020.

“Iran’s Anti-Riot Police Chief Says More Prepared Than Ever To Confront Protests,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, May 13, 2020.

“U.S. envoy threatens to trigger return of U.N. sanctions on Iran,” Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters, May 13, 2020.

“Iran’s supreme leader orders probe into ‘mistaken’ naval strike,” Al Monitor, May 13, 2020.

“Iranian journalist Hassan Fathi begins 1.5 year jail term over BBC interview,” CPC, May 13, 2020.

A video report from the Regime’s military said it’s possible that a “technical error” was caused by “electronic warfare by the enemy.”  See “Iranian Army says technical error behind deadly friendly fire incident,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2020.

“Iran’s Type 72Z Tank Is Waging War All Over the Middle East and Africa,” Caleb Larson, National Interest, March 13, 2020.

“Iran developing air-launched version of guided rocket,” Jeremy Binnie, Jane’s Defence Weekly, May 13, 2020.

“Chinese and Iranian hackers targeting US universities, healthcare firms amid coronavirus vaccine research: reports,” Chris Irvine, Fox News, May 13, 2020.

“Iran Shura Council approves ‘urgent’ anti-Israel bill,” Middle East Monitor, May 13, 2020.

This was Soleimani’s dream, and remains the Supreme Leader’s dream.  “Soleimani’s vision was to exploit the defeat of ISIS in order to attain regional hegemony for Iran. The Revolutionary Guards, the Shi’ite militias of mercenaries, and volunteers from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, commanded by Soleimani and his officers – all sought to establish a significant Iranian foothold in Yemen, Iraq and Syria.  Soleimani planned to deploy in Syria and to settle there 100,000 Shi’ite fighters, to house air force and intelligence bases, and missile sites aimed at Israel, and to bring thousands of teachers to Syria to augment its Shi’ite connection with Tehran.”  See “Why Syria Isn’t Firing Its S-300 Missiles at Israeli Jets:  The incredible behind-the-scenes story of how Iran’s Soleimani eliminated Hezbollah’s top commander – who dared to say no,” Yossi Melman, Haaertz, May 12, 2020.

“Sister of Detained Iranian Student: Iran Government Supporters Threatened Me,” Michael Lipin, Elham Yazdiha, Behrooz Samadbeygi, VOA, May 12, 2020.

“Iran launched a small satellite into orbit. But more importantly, it was Iran’s revolutionary guards, not the civilian space program, that did the launching.”  See “Iran’s Satellite and the IRGC Space Program,” Arms Control Wonk, May 12, 2020.

Yes, U.S. sanctions are having some affect on Iran.  For example, the cash-strapped Regime is reining in some of its forces in Syria because of American sanctions.  “Intel: US sanctions squeezing Iranian forces in Syria, says US envoy,” Al Monitor, Elizabeth Hagedorn, May 12, 2020.

“Satellite images show Iran’s nuclear ambition unaffected by Covid-19 outbreak,” Callum Paton, The National, May 12, 2020.

“IRGC Space Command Chief Says Iran Plans To Put A Satellite In Geostationary Orbit,” SpaceWatch.global, May 12, 2020.

“No honor among thieves at head of Iran and Venezuela,” Struan Stevenson, UPI, May 12, 2020.

“Iran launched a small satellite into orbit. But more importantly, it was Iran’s revolutionary guards, not the civilian space program, that did the launching.”  See “Iran’s Satellite and the IRGC Space Program,” Arms Control Wonk, May 12, 2020.

“Iran’s mishandled coronavirus response is triggering a backlash against the regime,” Cynthia Schneider and Nik Kowsar, op-ed, Business Insider, May 12, 2020.

“Iran progresses anti-Israel bill, plans to establish embassy in Jerusalem,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, May 12, 2020.  Iranian MPs chanted “down with Israel” after the bill was approved, and want to create an Iranian embassy in Jerusalem for Palestine after the people of Israel are defeated and forced to leave the land.