Month: June 2020

Despite several public calls by the Supreme Leader (they were for show) during recent years for the IRGC to cut back on its control of the majority of the economy, this year the IRGC publicly controlled the satellite launch and now are moving further into the car industry.  See “Iran’s Guards Poised To Enter Country’s $15 Billion Auto Industry,” Radio Farda, June 10, 2020.

“Iran Denies Collision Between IRISL Boxship and Bulker,” Maritime Executive, June 10, 2020.

Best article by far on the subject of forest fires in Iran—that the people fight the fires, not the government.  “Iran is woefully underprepared to deal with the country’s hot season because of a lack of resources and budget, and so extinguishing the fire falls to volunteers. Locals have almost no tools with which to fight the fire, apart from tree branches and leaf blowers. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have tried to deny the extent of the damage.”  See “In Iran, locals extinguish wildfires with almost no resources,” France 24, June 10, 2020.

“Pompeo demands Iran release US detainees,” Arab News, June 10, 2020.

“Garneau Asks Iran To Explain To UN Aviation Council Where Black Boxes Are,” Mia Rabson, National Post, June 10, 2020.

“Top U.S. Officer: Iran’s Government ‘Struggling’ Amid Coronavirus Spread,” Paul Shinkman, U.S. News, June 10, 2020.

“Iran Escalating Pressure On South Korea To Release Billions In Oil Money,” Radio Farda, June 10, 2020.

“Rouhani Calls on Russia, China to Resist US Push to Extend Arms Embargo,” Asharq al-Awsat, June 10, 2020.

The merry go round continues, Iran won’t send the boxes.  See “Iran says will now send Ukraine airliner black boxes to Paris – sources,” Reuters, June 10, 2020.

“Could Iran Test a Nuclear Bomb Within a Year?,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, June 10, 2020.

“US Criticizes China, Iran, Nigeria for Religious Freedom Violations,” VOA, June 10, 2020.

“Iran War Vet Sets Himself on Fire in Protest Against Iranian Foundation,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, June 10, 2020.

It would be great to see Press TV defunded.  “Iran’s state television may have to shut down several foreign language channels due to financial strains caused by sanctions, mismanagement, falling viewership figures and long-standing differences between the state broadcaster and the presidential administration.”  See “Iran To Shut Down Several TV Channels Beaming Programs To Other Countries,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, June 10, 2020.

“Former Deputy Mayor Of Tehran Being Tried For Billion-Dollar Corruption,” Radio Farda, June 10, 2020.

“Iran Poses Greatest Threat to Region, Centcom Commander Says,” David Vergun, DOD News, June 10, 2020.  Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, Jr. identified the various threats from Iran as: Funding and arming terrorist organizations; Propping up the “murderous regime” of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad; Providing advanced weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen; Direct attack on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz; Direct attack on oil refineries in Saudi Arabia; and Attacking U.S. troops in Iraq.

“Iran says it will execute man convicted of spying on Soleimani for CIA,” Parisa Hafezi, Retuers, June 9, 2020.  ““Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd, one of the spies for the CIA and the Mossad, has been sentenced to death … He had shared information about the whereabouts of martyr Soleimani with our enemies,” judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a televised news conference. “He passed on security information to the Israeli and American intelligence agencies about Iran’s armed forces, particularly the Guards,” Esmaili said.”

The Regime aims to keep chaos and mayhem alive in Afghanistan and attempt to drive the U.S. out.  “Iranian Links: New Taliban Splinter Group Emerges That Opposes U.S. Peace Deal,” Frud Bezhan, RFE/RL, June 9, 2020.

“Iran Passes Child-Protection Law Following Gruesome Killing Of Teenager,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, June 9, 2020.

“Venezuela Receives COVID-19 Medical Aid From Iran,” RFE/RL, June 9, 2020.  And whatever else was on the flight from Tehran, also.

“Iranian Links: New Taliban Splinter Group Emerges That Opposes U.S. Peace Deal,” Frud Bezhan, RFE/RL, June 9, 2020.

We’ll see.  “Iran Ready for Talks on Ukrainian Jetliner’s Flight Recorder, Compensation,” IFP, June 9, 2020.

“Removing the embargo will amount to a capitulation to Iran, rewarding the regime for gross violations of international law. For years, Tehran has repeatedly disobeyed—flagrantly and systematically—UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) forbidding Iran to export all types of weapons and related materials to other countries, non-state actors, and terror organizations.”  See “Removing the UN arms embargo on Iran will reward Tehran’s malign actions,” Udi Evental, Atlantic Council, June 9, 2020.

“Russia, China build case at U.N. to protect Iran from U.S. sanctions threat,” Michelle Nichols, Reuters, June 9, 2020.

“Iran’s Health Minister Replaces ‘Coronavirus Spokesman’ Who Was Too Active,” Radio Farda, June 9, 2020.

“U.S. Treasury Publishes New List of Iran Regime’s 125 Sanctioned Ships,” Mohammad Sadat Khansari, NCRI, June 9, 2020.  This is identified in “Non-Proliferation Designations; Iran-related Designations Updates,” Office of Foreign Assets Control, June 8, 2020.​

Named as “Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi Majd, an Iranian citizen.  The spokesman for the judiciary, Gholamhossein Esmaili, said Majd had given information on Suleimani’s movements to the CIA and the Israeli intelligence agency in return for cash.”  See “Iran to execute ‘CIA agent’ over Gen Suleimani’s death,” Patrick Wintour, Guardian, June 9, 2020.

“State Department launches new push to free American hostage Morad Tahbaz from Iran,” Louis Casiano, Fox, June 9, 2020.

“U.S. to cut off Iran-Venezuela trade by sanctioning oil tankers,” Saleha Mohsin, World Oil, June 9, 2020.

“Sanctions on Iran have produced ‘excellent results’ says Brian Hook,” Arab News, June 9, 2020.  This is an article for the naysayers—that the U.S. should not sanction Iran, and has accomplished nothing, and that sanctions hurt the common man.  Here is a quick list of why the sanctions have had excellent impact so far, and will continue to do so.  First and foremost, the strong sanctions send the message that Iran must negotiate—the door remains open to diplomacy.  Second, they have deprived the Iranian regime of billions of dollars that could have been used on add’l terrorism.  The sanctions deprive funds for some arms, regardless of whether there is an arms embargo on Tehran.  They send the message that the U.S. will not stand for Iran destabilizing the region, which add’l billions would have gone straight to places like the slaughter in Syria.  They have resulted in Iran being an isolated country and not having international support (they have few friends).  The sanctions send a message to Russia and China and North Korea and other actors.  Also, additional stability in the Middle East.  And less support for militant proxies.

“Iran hails ‘collapsing regime’ amid US protests,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, June 8, 2020.  This article describes the situation just right—hypocritical.  The Regime can’t point out the problems in the U.S. without mentioning how itself responds to societal problems at home.  Iranian citizens also see that the difference between the June U.S. and the last November protests in Iran in that the USG didn’t come out and shoot hundreds if not even a thousand protesters, despite the violent and lawless/looting nature of some of the protests in the United States.  The Regime does not mention this important difference between the two government responses.  BTW, News Alert—the U.S. is not a “collapsing regime.”

I didn’t see the need to post or comment on this story until I saw the quote from the Supreme Leader, ““You did a great job. Your move was a jihadi one. You brought glory to the country,” Ayatollah Khamenei told the sailors in his message.”  See “Iran Leader Praises Crew of Tankers That Delivered Fuel to Venezuela,” IFP, June 8, 2020.

Gross and weird remedies for Covid-19, not for the faint of heart.  Read within.  “All Medical Students In Iran Must Now Take Courses In Islamic Medicine,” Radio Farda, June 8, 2020.

“Fearsome Prosecutor Of Journalists Accused Of Taking Bribes, Flees Iran,” Radio Farda, June 8, 2020.

“Iran Lashes Two Activists Arrested During the November Protests,” Iran HRW, June 8, 2020.

“Exclusive: Congressional Republicans to Unveil Largest Iran Sanctions Plan in History,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, June 8, 2020.

“Former White House Advisor: Fight Iran to Keep China out of the Middle East,” Matthew Petti, The National Interest, June 8, 2020.

“How Qassem Soleimani’s killing diminished Iran’s Middle East hegemony,” Christopher Hamill-Stewart, Arab News, June 8, 2020.

“Iran Finally Adopts A Child-Protection Law, Held Back By Conservatives For Nine Years,” Radio Farda, June 8, 2020.

“Iran’s Chief Judge Accuses The West Of Sheltering Corruption Fugitives,” Radio Farda, June 8, 2020.

We are never bashful on this blog to call out FM Zarif.  He says in this article that he is “deeply affected” by the loss of Islamic Jihad leader Ramadan Shalah, who “spent his life fighting for the holy Palestinian cause.”  See “Tributes from Iran pour in as PIJ leader buried in Damascus,” Israel Hayom, June 8, 2020.

“Inside Iran’s massive drone army,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, June 8, 2020.

“Iran’s access to weapons — especially as it steps up cyberattacks,” Mary Beth Long, op-ed, The Hill, June 8, 2020.

Because IFP is a mouthpiece for the government, this article is of some interest.  “Russia, China Unlikely to Veto US Bid to Extend Iran Arms Embargo,” IFP, June 8, 2020.

“US Warns Against Dealing With Top Iran Shipper,” Bourse & Bazaar, June 8, 2020.

“What’s Next for Trump’s Iran Policy?,” Fred Fleitz, National Review, June 8, 2020.

An axis of citizen abuse.  “China, Russia and Iran Chide U.S. Over Racism While Persecuting Minorities in Their Own Countries,” Shane Croucher, June 8, 2020.

“Iran’s Chief Judge Reiterates Need To Separate ‘Political’ And ‘Security’ Crimes,” Radio Farda, June 7, 2020.

“Iran Prepared for More Prisoner Swaps With U.S.,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, June 7, 2020.

An unusual interview for the Tehran Times—a U.S. professor who tells it like it is.  Apparently the editor for some reason thought this would be a helpful interview for the Regime.  It wasn’t.  It is probably another hurried attempt to get an American professor on the record as supposedly supporting Iran but not carefully reading what he says.  See “Iran deal is, for all intents and purposes, dead: American professor,” Tehran Times, June 7, 2020.

“Maduro lauds Russia, China, Iran, Cuba as true friends of Venezuela for their help,” TASS, June 7, 2020.

“Iran betting time is on its side,” Oded Granot, Israel Hayom, June 7, 2020.

“Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov dismissed the reports that Iran has denied IAEA access to nuclear sites. In uniquely Russian-style, he said that the extended refusal to grant access is not a “denial,” but simply what it looks like: Iran has not yet granted the IAEA access.”  See “Does Russia want Tehran to get nukes? – analysis,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, June 7, 2020.

“Afghans denounce Iran police after refugees killed in car blaze,” Al Jazeera, June 6, 2020.

“Black boxes of downed Ukrainian plane of ‘no help’, Iran claims,” Reuters, June 6, 2020.  Were they manipulated?  But Iran says it will transfer the boxes of Flight 752 to another country.

“In an unprecedented move, the Iranian Judiciary has explained for the first time how it has spent the interest earned on the bonds deposited into its accounts by those implicated in criminal and political cases. However, analysts, political figures and social media users in Iran are still sceptical about these accounts and their transactions. Mizan News, the official news agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Judiciary reported on Friday June 5 that the interest on the bonds for the year 1398 which ended on 20 March has been 4.3 trillion rials ($102 million) out of which some 4 trillion rials have already been spent, ostensibly on social and economic development.” And for other purposes.  See “Iran’s Judiciary Makes Disclosures About Its Hidden Funds,” Radio Farda, June 6, 2020.

“At least three Americans are left in Iranian custody. Morad Tahbaz, an Iranian environmentalist with US and British citizenship, is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage charges. Businessman Siamak Namazi is held in Evin prison on trumped-up charges and his 84-year-old father Baquer Namazi, a former UN official, is out on medical furlough but unable to leave the country.”  See “Iran demanded Florida doctor in exchange for Michael White,” Elizabeth Hagedorn, Al Monitor, June 6, 2020.  Notice also that Iran doesn’t call the persons they are holding as hostages—they instead are exchanged as a “humanitarian” gesture in exchange for “hostages” that other countries hold.  But these situations are easy to see through—just examine the evidence for any particular person held by any country.  The media can also do this and needs to be more clear in presenting this information so the public can more easily see who a legitimate prisoner and who is a hostage.  See “Iran confirms talks ‘months ago’ with Richardson over White’s release,” Reuters, June 5, 2020, in which FM spokesman Abbas Mousavi said “We have always responded positively to humanitarian efforts that would lead to the release of Iranian hostages in the United States and elsewhere.”

“Iran sanctions case against Pilatus banker Ali Sadr Hasheminejad being dropped,” Matthew Vella, Malta Today, June 6, 2020.

“PS752 catastrophe in Iran: Tehran claims investigation into crash nearly complete,” 112 Ukraine, June 6, 2020.

“Iran Is the First Country to Announce a Second Wave of Coronavirus,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, June 6, 2020.

This article underlines the difficulty in getting Iran to peacefully give up the three U.S. hostages it continues to hold.  See the full article, but here is a relevant section.  “A third complicating factor to another U.S.-Iran deal is Iran’s apparent lack of interest in the release or exoneration of 16 Iranians who are either in U.S. detention, subject to home confinement after release or under federal prosecution in U.S. courts for Iran-related offenses.  Neither Zarif nor other Iranian officials have mentioned the names of any of the 16 in their occasional public statements calling for the release of Iranians prosecuted in the U.S.  Slattery said he has asked Iranian officials for a list of Iranian citizens held against their will or charged with criminal offenses in the U.S. but has not received one.  A U.S. source familiar with Richardson’s efforts to free Wang and White told VOA Persian that Iranian officials never mentioned to Richardson the names of the 16, either.”  The article goes on to list the Iranians held by the U.S. and explains their convictions, etc.  The Supreme Leader is content to let all these people slowly live out their meager existence in prison (although the U.S. prison system is so much better than Evin Prison).  See “Future US-Iran Prisoner Releases Could be Complicated by Who’s Involved, Who Isn’t,” Michael Lipin, VOA, June 6, 2020.

We don’t know names, only the claim that 6 have been arrested.  “Iran holds 6 people over Ukrainian plane crash,” AA, June 6, 2020.

When you share terror advisers, soldiers, drugs, etc., why not share gasoline?  (BTW, this loss of some of the gas from Iran might make some Venz consumers a little upset).  “PdV diverting Iranian gasoline to Cuba,” Argus Media, June 5, 2020.

Oops.  Iran Front Page in talking to Gen. Shamkhani forgot to coordinate with Tehran Times, who was talking to the FM spokesman, and in addition the TT said, “Tehran confirmed on Thursday a prisoner swap between Iran and the United States.”  See “Iran Says Prisoner Swap with US Not Result of Negotiation,” IFP, June 5, 2020, and See “Iran confirms talks with Richardson over Michael White’s release,” Tehran Times, June 5, 2020.

“Iran blocking sites access, UN nuclear watchdog says,” BBC, June 5, 2020.

“Did Iran’s IRGC commander Ghaani go to Baghdad to oust US forces?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, June 5, 2020.

“Iran, two worlds apart: Exploring an Iranian society more divided than ever,” France 24, June 5, 2020.

“Radio Farda: Iran admits proposing separate settlement to Ukraine on downed plane,” UNIAN, June 5, 2020.

“The U.N.’s atomic watchdog says Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium are increasing in violation of a key nuclear deal,” AP, KVIA, June 5, 2020.

“IAEA voices serious concern at Iran’s stonewalling on old sites,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, June 5, 2020.

“New Technologies Are Making Iran’s Military Tougher Than Ever Before,” Michael Rubin, The National Interest, June 5, 2020.

“Iran news agency head convicted for interviewee’s spy remark,” Jon Gambrell, AP, Star Tribune, June 5, 2020.

“Iran dismisses Trump’s offer for talks,” Al Monitor, June 5, 2020.

Uh oh.  Sounds like Iran is being suspended from FIFA and the Olympics, for not being independent from national politics, and for discriminating against Jews/Israel.  Former President of the Football Federation of Iran, Mohammad Dakan, says the Ministry of Intelligence should prevent the Ministry of Sport and Youth from controlling the football program (this must also involve the banning of female spectators) and, implicitly, that the clerical leaders should all Iranian athletes compete against their Israeli counterparts.  See “Iranian Sports Mired In Corruption, Former Federation President Says,” Radio Farda, June 5, 2020.

“IAEA Criticizes Iran’s ‘Non-Cooperation’ With Inspectors,” Kuwait News Agency, June 5, 2020.

This has been around since 2011 and targeted countries including the UK and the U.S.  “Facebook says it dismantled disinformation network tied to Iran’s state media,” Reuters, Israel Hayom, June 5, 2020.

A hostage, Michael White, has been freed by Iran, apparently in exchange for the Iranian citizen just returned by the U.S. after acquittal.  There are at least three hostages remaining held by Iran.  But … the Regime’s record is to release and then catch others.  Hostages are for trading.  “Michael White: Iran releases US navy veteran held for two years,” The National, June 4, 2020.   See “American and Western Hostages,” UANI, June 4, 2020.

The Regime has not convinced all Iranian citizens that Israel is the Little Satan.  “Israel Considering Asylum Requests From its Iran-Based Social Media Followers,” Michael Lipin, VOA, June 4, 2020.

This is another story about how Iran is enabled beyond its borders by other countries who want to hurt freedom and free markets and the U.S. and the West, and how Iran is enabled by greedy individuals.  “Federal prosecutors say former Alaskan laundered nearly $1 billion for Iran through United Arab Emirates,” Jon Gambrell, AP, June 4, 2020.  See also the statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, December 7, 2018, “Former Anchorage Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for International Money Laundering Conspiracy.”

59 died from coronavirus on Wednesday, announced Thursday.  “Iran: Number of daily virus cases quadruple,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, June 4, 2020.

“Iran signs two-year contract with Iraq to export electricity – IRNA,” Reuters, June 4, 2020.

“Facebook Starts Labeling Russian, Chinese, And Iranian State Media,” RFE/RL, June 4, 2020.

“Iran frees American, U.S. allows dual citizen to visit Iran in deal,” Humeyra Pamuk and Mark Hosenball, Reuters, June 4, 2020.

“Iranian citizenship law for children of foreign fathers approved,” Reza Shirmohammadi, InfoMigrants, June 4, 2020.

“Google says Iranian, Chinese hackers targeted Trump, Biden campaigns,” Zack Whittaker, TechCrunch, June 4, 2020.

Whenever you see another of these enabler stories, where the reporter sets it up as one country (Russia) versus another (U.S.) and doesn’t examine the arguments (simply reports what the parties say), and doesn’t consider other country’s viewpoint on the issue, ask a question such as “Hey Russia, what does Israel say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” or “Hey Russia, what does Saudi Arabia say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” or “Hey Russia, what does Egypt say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?”  See “Russia defends Iran satellite launch against US opposition,” Edith Lederer, The Republic, June 4, 2020.

“Iran’s new tactics in Syria,” Middle East Eye, June 4, 2020.

The gruesome nature of this one honor killing is not the real story.  Inside the article is a statement—“A police official said in 2014 that about 20 percent of all murders in Iran had been honor killings.”  That is a statement that warrants further research.  See “Gruesome Death Of Iranian Teenager Shows Shame Of ‘Honor’ Killings,” Golnaz Esfandiari, Radio Farda, June 4, 2020.

Also enabling Iran are various media accounts over the years that don’t capture the reality on the ground.  For example, today Michael White’s mother said, “For the past 683 days my son, Michael, has been held hostage in Iran by the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and I have been living a nightmare. I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over, and my son is safely on his way home.”  But look at the headline and story from CNN, where White is not a hostage but a detainee.  “US Navy veteran detained in Iran has been released,” Vivian Salama and Jennifer Hansler, CNN, June 4, 2020.

“All the world is watching.”  This is a quote from Ben Crump, Floyd Family Attorney, “‘All the world is watching’: Son of George Floyd, family attorney speak at site of his death,” Newsbreak, Cleveland News, June 3, 2020.  There’s no doubt that it makes it more difficult to advocate for the rule of law and human rights and democracy when an event of police brutality occurs in the U.S.  If there is any silver lining, it is that George Floyd’s family will most likely receive justice, something that rarely happens in Iran.  But let’s not give the Supreme Leader any chances to make his hypocritical argument!  See “Floyd killing shows ‘true face’ of US: Iran’s Khamenei,” Agence-France Press, June 3, 2020.  See also “Iran and China are using the George Floyd protests to undermine US criticism of their own authoritarianism,” Sinead Baker, Business Insider, June 2, 2020.

“Exclusive: Huawei hid business operation in Iran after Reuters reported links to CFO,” Steve Stecklow and Babak Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, June 3, 2020.

“Huawei hid business operation in Iran after Reuters reported links to CFO,” Arab News, June 3, 2020.

“Iran reported its highest number of daily coronavirus infections in two months, a surge that nears March’s peak levels and suggests the Middle Eastern country struck hardest by the disease is in the throes of a second wave. Authorities reported 3,134 new cases on Wednesday, a 50% increase from a week earlier, according to official government figures. The total number of cases so far is 160,696, including more than 8,000 deaths.”  Remember, as noted repeatedly in media and other accounts on this blog, the Regime’s numbers are regularly underreported by perhaps half.  See “Second Wave of Covid-19 Infections Hits in Iran, Golnar Motevalli and Arsalan Shahla,” Bloomberg, June 3, 2020.

“A Stray Missile Killed 19 Iranian Sailors—Possibly While Testing A New Seeker,” David Axe, Forbes, June 3, 2020.

Pres. Rouhani says trips should only be made for necessary work.  “Iranian People Urged to Avoid Nonessential Travel as COVID-19 Surges Again,” IFP, June 3, 2020.

Monday 70 died.  “3,134 more COVID-19 cases, 70 new related deaths confirmed in Iran,” MENAFN, June 3, 2020.

“Iran debates ‘honor killings’ after girl’s murder shocks country,” Shabnam von Hein, DW, June 3, 2020.

“Is Iran losing its influence in Iraq?,” Colin Freeman, The Telegraph, June 3, 2020.

“The Glass House: The Damascus office block housing Iran’s top brass in Syria,” Gareth Browne, The National, June 3, 2020.

 “In Iran’s oil-rich Gheyzanieh, residents don’t even have access to water,” Kourosh Ziabari,” The New Arab, June 3, 2020.

“The Ending of Iran Nuclear Deal Sanction Waivers | Opinion,” Shoshana Bryen, op-ed, Newsweek, June 3, 2020.

“Parliament’s Think Tank Chief Calls For Reforms To Save Iran’s Failing Economy,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, June 3, 2020.

Will Iran release innocent hostages?  “Iranian professor acquitted of sanctions busting leaves US, Zarif says,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, June 2, 2020.

June 3 is the 31st death anniversary of the first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.  The USG judges his personal influence as the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran such that the Revolution would not have taken place but for him.  As a result, Khomeinism is an ideology and system of governance credited with repression in country and fostered revolutions in some other countries targeted for the Shia Crescent.  UANI’s new resource, “Khomeinism”, outlines the movement’s features, and explains the differences between the leaderships of Khomeini and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  See “Khomeinism,” UANI, June 2, 2020.

Because June 4 is also the 31st anniversary of Khamenei’s designation as supreme leader, UANI has documented the succession process as well as possible contenders.  See “Who Will Be Iran’s Next Supreme Leader?,” UANI, June 2, 2020.

“As Iran’s Exports Drop, Pressure Rises On Its Currency Reserves,” Radio Farda, June 2, 2020.

“Iranian scientist acquitted of stealing research deported by US,” BBC, June 2, 2020.

“Iran and China are using the George Floyd protests to undermine US criticism of their own authoritarianism,” Sinead Baker, Business Insider, June 2, 2020.

“After Crushing Anti-Government Rallies At Home, Iran Expresses Support For U.S. Protesters,” RFE/RL, June 2, 2020.

“Hope for prisoner swap fades as US deports Iranian scientist, but no Americans freed,” Conor Finnegan, ABC, June 2, 2020.

“Iran’s Majles: A Parliament Of IRGC Commanders,” Morad Vaisibiame, Radio Farda, June 2, 2020.

“A U.S. court has ruled that Iran and Syria are liable for compensation for American citizens wounded and killed in a series of attacks by Palestinians in Israel, including the killing of a U.S. Army veteran. Judge Randolph D. Moss in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that Americans wounded and killed in seven attacks carried out by Palestinians were eligible for damages from Iran and Syria because they provided “material support” to militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.”  See “US court orders Iran, Syria liable for attacks in Israel,” AP, June 2, 2020.

Sunday had 81 deaths.  “Prepare for the worst, Iranians are warned as virus kills 81 in one day,” Arab News, June 2, 2020.

64 people died on Monday.  “Iran Records Highest Number of New COVID-19 Infections,” Iran Front Page, June 2, 2020.

Iran’s recent and almost successful cyberattack on Israel’s water system attempted to poison civilians with chlorine.  “Iran cyberattack on Israel’s water supply could have sickened hundreds – report,” Times of Israel, June 1, 2020.

“Iran says scientist jailed in US expected to return home within days,” France24, June 1, 2020.

“Iran says it is ready to continue fuel shipments to Venezuela,” Reuters, June 1, 2020.

“Venezuela’s Maduro says he will visit Iran soon, sign agreements,” Reuters, June 1, 2020.

“Iran Says U.S. Approved Korean Medical Shipment as Oil Payment,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, June 1, 2020.

“Labor Rights Activist Receives 74 Lashes In Tehran’s Notorious Prison,” Radio Farda, June 1, 2020.

“Iran Is Working Hard to Revive Anti-U.S. Operations in Latin America,” Stephen Johnson, FP, June 1, 2020.

In probably unprecedented remarks a senior commander of the Iranian regular Army has implicitly lambasted Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard for meddling in the country’s political and economic affairs.  The Coordinating Deputy of the Islamic Republic’s Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, bitterly expressed his dissatisfaction for the army being ignored by the country’s state-controlled media.  “Senior Army General In Iran Lambasts The Revolutionary Guard,” Radio Farda, June 1, 2020.