Remember, it was just a gas tank explosion per the Iranian government and media. Of course, it makes more sense to think of this as just the latest untrue statement, whether it involves shooting down planes or other poor policies and mismanagement upon which the Regime is founded and continues. “Iran ‘mystery’ explosion may have been at a secret ballistic missile site,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, June 28, 2020.
“U.S. sanctions, coronavirus make for Iran’s toughest year –Rouhani,” Devdiscourse, June 28, 2020.
The Supreme Leader has long ties with his former Chief Justice, Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, long accused of sheltering corrupt judges and aides. The Chief Justice follows the orders of the Regime, and the Regime has richly benefitted. See “Khamenei Defends Iran’s Former Top Judge From Accusations Of Corruption,” Radio Farda, June 28, 2020.
Technically, former chief justice Larijani is correct when he says, “I’ve said before, and again I tell Your Excellency, that I have never supported a corrupt person and will never do so.” That is because the sentence was singular, referring to only one person. See “Amoli Larijani appreciates Leader’s support amid allegations,” Tehran Times, June 28, 2020.
“Iran meddles in US-Iraq strategic talks,” Maya Carlin, op-ed, Jerusalem Post, June 28, 2020.
Did Israel wait until the Quds Force head had left, or did they miss him at Al-Bukamal? Interesting to note that Iran wanted to avoid embarrassment and removed the story on a website about Esmail Ghaani’s/Qaani’s trip to Syria. “Warplanes said to strike Iranian base in Syria after visit by IRGC head,” Times of Israel, AFP, June 28, 2020.
Another fascinating story, not just about the terrorism and the ties between Iran and Hezbollah (Terror, Inc.), but even asking basic questions about marital authority. “Slain Iran Commander’s Daughter Marries Son Of Senior Hezbollah Leader,” Radio Farda, June 28, 2020.
Iran reported 144 deaths for June 27, its highest death toll for a day in almost three months. And masks are required now indoors until at least July 22. “Iran To Require The Wearing Of Masks At Indoor Gatherings,” RFE/RL, June 28, 2020.
“Brian Hook on Iran: ‘economic pressure and diplomatic isolation works’,” Mina Al-Oraibi, The National, June 28, 2020.
“An expiring United Nations weapons embargo on Iran must remain in place to prevent it from “becoming the arms dealer of choice for rogue regimes and terrorist organizations around the world,” the U.S. special representative to Iran said Sunday. Brian Hook told The Associated Press that the world should ignore Iran’s threats to retaliate if the arms embargo set to expire in October is extended, calling it a “mafia tactic.” Among its options, the Islamic Republic could expel international inspectors monitoring Iran’s nuclear program, deepening a crisis created by President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrawing from Tehran’s 2015 atomic accord with global powers. The U.N. arms embargo so far has stopped Iran from purchasing fighter jets, tanks, warships and other weaponry, but has failed to halt its smuggling of weapons into war zones. Despite that, Hook argued both an import and export ban on Tehran must remain in place to secure the wider Mideast. If we let it expire, you can be certain that what Iran has been doing in the dark, it will do in broad daylight and then some,” Hook said.” See “U.S. envoy urges United Nations to renew Iran arms embargo,” Politico, AP, June 28, 2020.
“Blast at Iranian ballistic missile plant ‘was caused by sabotage’, says security analyst,” Arab News, June 28, 2020.
See a good description of the Provincial Guards (IRGC-PG) just published at “These Are the Special Iranian Units That Crackdown on Domestic Unrest,” Saeid Golkar, The National Interest, June 28, 2020.
So true, so true, as recent experience in the Middle East and Africa has shown us. Further, Brian Hook is correct—if the world gives in to Iran’s blackmail/threats to retaliate if the arms embargo is continued, Iran’s “mafia-like” behavior triumphs. “Iran Would Be ‘Arms Dealer of Choice’ for Terrorists, if UN Embargo Expires, US Expert Says,” VOA, June 28, 2020.