Month: August 2020

“Iranian courts sentenced two men to 10 years each in jail for spying on the country for the United Kingdom, Germany and Israel in separate cases.”  “Iran convicts citizens for spying for foreign powers,” Al Jazeera, August 11, 2020.

“Iranian Oil Exports Much Higher Than Official Data Suggests,” Charles Kennedy, OilPrice.com, August 11, 2020.

“Former Lawmaker Arrested For Massive Corruption Involving Iran Parliament Speaker,” Radio Farda, August 11, 2020.

Yet another Iranian official who will need to issue a retraction about Brian Hook “failing.”  If only Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, had waited a day or two until the surprise UAE-Israel-U.S. agreement.  Shamkhani claimed Hook is leaving his post without success, “After Hook, [Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo may also be forced to pack and leave before Donald Trump’s departure.””  See “Iran’s judiciary calls to file lawsuit against ex-US envoy Brian Hook,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, August 11, 2020.

“Hezbollah pushes Lebanon toward Iranian domination,” Edy Cohen, op-ed, Israel Hayom, August 11, 2020.

“Iran exporting over twice as much oil as US estimated – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 11, 2020.  “TankerTrackers has found that Iran has conducted maneuvers with foreign tankers many times to transfer and export millions of barrels of oils and bypass US sanctions.”

“Iran fears loss of Hezbollah after Beirut blast,” Ahmad Parhizi, Asia Times, August 11, 2020.

Great advice in this article.  And everytime some says “Iran” they should instead say “Hostage-taking Iran”.  Here’s the advice—“Herein lies the path to Moore-Gilbert’s release, and that of other hostages immorally and illegally held by the Islamic Republic. While the Iranian government is happy to use Western ambassadors as props to give the regime an air of acceptance and even endorsement, they remain sensitive to isolation. Simply put, neither the Australian ambassador nor those of any other Western country should accept any meeting or make any public appearance that does not directly relate to the release of hostages held in Iran. Rather than praise Iran’s government, every diplomat and foreign ministry official (or, in the U.S., congressmen, senators, and campaign operatives) should castigate Iran’s hostage-taking at every opportunity. Every ambassador from a country whose citizens are held should stand in solidarity, and their publics should shout loudly: The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Only then will Iran’s hostage-takers understand they can neither cut separate deals nor win cash and concessions for rogue behavior.”  See “If Australia wants hostage released from Iran, it should learn from America’s errors,” Michael Rubin, Washington Examiner, August 10, 2020.

Quote of the Day.  “The Ukrainian plane is insured by European companies in Ukraine and not by Iranian companies. Therefore, the compensation should be paid by those European companies,” said Gholamreza Soleimani, head of Iran’s Central Insurance Organization.  Hmm.  Sounds like if a burglar breaks into an insured house, then the burglar doesn’t have to pay for any damages, because insurance is what makes the insured whole–there is no incentive not to do the crime!  See “Ukraine jet shot down near Tehran in January,” Al Monitor, August 10, 2020.

“How Iran Regime Uses Its Embassies for Terrorism – Remarks by Tom Ridge at Free Iran Global Summit,” Mahmoud Hakamian, NCRI, August 10, 2020.

Such a rare story, and welcome.  “Iran charity chief slams officials over posh properties,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, August 10, 2020.

The Regime shut down a newspaper today after it published remarks by an expert who claimed the official Health Ministry figures on coronavirus cases and deaths account for only 5% of the actual numbers.  “Iran shutters newspaper after expert questions virus numbers,” AP, August 10, 2020.

“FBI says an Iranian hacking group is attacking F5 networking devices,” Catalin Cimpanu, ZDNet, August 10, 2020.  The hacker group is known as Fox Kitten or Parasite.

Iran doesn’t know where its ship is unless another country’s official notifies them?  Doesn’t Iran have a shore to ship phone?  A radio?  Satellite connection?  Navy vessel?  “Iran not officially notified of ship seizure off Pakistan,” Mehn News, August 10, 2020.

Iran doesn’t know where its ships are unless another country’s official notifies them?  Doesn’t Iran have a shore to ship phone?  A radio?  Satellite connection?  Navy vessel?  “Iran not officially notified of ship seizure off Pakistan,” Mehr News, August 10, 2020.

“Iran’s Oil Strikes Hint at Regime’s Weakness, Future Unrest,” David Brennan, Newsweek, August 10, 2020.

“Iran’s real virus figures higher than announced: Expert,” Mustafa Melih Ahishali, AA, August 10, 2020.

“Amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of workers in Iran’s southern provinces have carried out wildcat strikes in recent days in the critical oil and petrochemical sectors. Washington’s campaign of “maximum pressure” on Iran—including punishing economic sanctions, a de facto embargo on medical equipment and drugs, and military threats—has exacerbated the social and economic crisis in the country, which has also been compounded by the Islamic Republic’s disastrous response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to reports, at least 10,000 workers have participated in a wave of strikes at nearly 30 oil and petrochemical facilities, including the Abadan, Parsian and Qeshm refineries.”  See “Iranian oil workers mount wave of strikes as COVID-19 rages across the country,” Ulaş Ateşci, WSWS, August 10, 2020.

Great news for peace in the Middle East.  The Cooperation Council has been divided over Qatar and Iran’s relationship for three years, and this decision today is a step forward.  “GCC unites to seek U.N. extension of Iran arms embargo,” Reuters, August 9, 2020.

Somewhat difficult to confirm, would take brave researchers in selected provinces.  Iran is claiming “The literacy rate difference between men and women has declined from 26 percent before the 1979 Islamic Revolution to 2.8 percent,” according to the head of the Literacy Movement Organization.  See “Gender gap in literacy rate declines significantly in Iran,” Tehran Times, August 9, 2020.

Iran has over 125 military outposts and bases across Syria, including dozens in governorates closer to Israel, such as Deraa (37, just N of Jordan) and Quneitra (5, just E of Golan).  “Turkish study maps out Iran’s entrenchment in Syria,” Dean Shmuel Elmas, Israel Hayom, August 9, 2020.

“Iran’s president has said that the application of tough measures in the country to stem the spread of the virus was “not possible.” Speaking during a meeting of Iran’s anti-coronavirus task force in Tehran, Hassan Rouhani opted for a “moderate path” between a total lockdown and ending restrictions fully. He said the application of tough measures against the pandemic in Iran “leads to depression and anxiety in the society.””  And possible civil rebellion.  See “Iran’s Rouhani says tough virus measures ‘not possible’– latest updates,” TRTWorld, August 9, 2020.

“Russia to Build $1.6b Port to Boost Trade With Iran, India, China,” Financial Tribune, August 9, 2020.  This is an effort to boost trade with China and India across Iran.

Irony?  Quote of the Day candidate?  “’Although Saudi Arabia is a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and signed a comprehensive bilateral safeguard agreement with the IAEA, it refuses to allow inspections by the agency,’ he said.”  See “Iran calls for transparency in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program,” Prensa Latina, August 9, 2020.

“Iran-linked drug trafficking on rise amid financial crisis,” Majid Rafizadeh, Arab News, August 9, 2020.

“Why doesn’t Iranian media and regime care about Lebanon’s disaster?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 8, 2020.

We hope this is accurate.  “Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS) delivered some 15 tons of food to Lebanon’s Red Cross to distribute among those affected by a devastating blast in Beirut, according to a senior IRCS official, Trend reports citing IRNA.  …  The relief agency said that diagnosis kits, and medicine needed by COVID-19 and cancer patients are the most urgent needs of the Lebanese people affected by blast in Beirut. Face masks, alcohol, disinfectants, first aid kits and the equipment needed for performing minor surgeries are other items mostly needed by the people injured in the explosion in Beirut port.”  See “Iran Red Crescent delivers 15 tons of food to Lebanon Red Cross,” Trend, August 8, 2020.

“Europe must wake to Iran threat before it is too late,” Moshe Kantor, op-ed, Ynet, August 8, 2020.

“Top US security official says Iran is trying to sway election,” Middle East Eye, August 8, 2020.  “The warning comes weeks after Google said that Iranian and Chinese hackers had targeted the election campaigns of US President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden, respectively.”

“Four Zeros on New ‘Iran Check’ Will Have Light Color: Hemmati,” Financial Tribune, August 8, 2020.

Statement of the Day.  Iranian parliamentary advisor Hossein Amir-Abdollahian criticized Pres. Macron’s trip to Lebanon.  The article says, “Lebanon needs assistance and solidarity, not intervention by third parties.”  Isn’t that what Iran is doing?  “Iran condemns French President’s interference in Lebanon,” Prensa Latina, August 8, 2020.

“Iraq’s New Prime Minister Wants to Control the Iran-Backed Militias. It Won’t Be Easy,” Shelly Kittleson, Foreign Policy, August 7, 2020.

A funny but serious op-ed, that makes a good point about good governance in Iran.  “Is everything about Iran fake?,” A.J. Caschetta, op-ed, The Hill, August 7, 2020.

Interesting.  “Iran’s foreign minister said Thursday that the US and its ally Israel constitute a “nuclear threat” to the Middle East, on the 75th anniversary of the atomic attack on Hiroshima.  “Today, US & Israeli nukes threaten our region,” Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.”  So, how exactly do US and Israeli (if they have them) nuclear weapons threaten the region?  No one else is making this claim.  And there is no saber rattling.  See “Iranian FM: US, Israel pose ‘nuclear threat’ to Middle East,” Israel Hayom, August 7, 2020.

Update on Beirut blast.  “”There is a possibility that fireworks, petrol and weapons were stored together,” another intelligence source told Fox News. “Officially, the blast happened at the fireworks and petrol warehouse.” An investigation is underway into the cause of the explosion, which killed at least 157 people, injured more than 5,000 and left 300,000 homeless. Reuters reported that a fire started at warehouse 9—according to the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International possibly as a result of welding—before spreading to warehouse 12 where some 2,750 tons of explosive ammonium nitrate was stored.”  See “Iran-Backed Hezbollah Under Pressure in Lebanon as Explosion Anger Grows,” David Brennan, Newsweek, August 7, 2020.

“Iran Sentences 10 Bahai Citizens to Prison for Following Banned Faith,” Iran Press Watch, August 7, 2020.

“Google closes YouTube accounts linked to Iranian government,” Al Monitor, August 7, 2020.  “Google announced it terminated 16 YouTube accounts in April that were allegedly linked to the Iranian state-sponsored International Union of Virtual Media network. … The accounts in question allegedly took part in “coordinated influence operations,” which refers to coordinated behavior from accounts related to certain information. The users posted in Arabic about the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and US-Saudi relations, according to Google.”

This NYT op-ed cites bureaucratic incompetence, but says nothing of terrorism and Hezbollah.  “Why Did Lebanon Let a Bomb-in-Waiting Sit in a Warehouse for 6 Years?,” Faysal Itani, op-ed, New York Times, August 5, 2020.  The following article, on the other hand, makes the point that the US Treasury and Israel believe that the terror group controls Lebanon’s port where the blast occurred.  It wasn’t just the ills of bureaucracy in a divided country without enough resources.  First, after the ammonium nitrate was abandoned by Russian businessman Igor Grechushkin, they should have become the property of the Lebanese government via forfeiture, who could then sell them for fertilizer.  But Hezbollah, who likes to stockpile weapons, undoubtedly wanted to hold on to free 2,750 tons of explosives.  See “Was Hezbollah connected to the explosives that devastated Beirut?,” Meira Svirsky, Clarion Project, August 6, 2020.

I am disappointed by the Council on Foreign Relations and its framing of the U.S. and Iran relationship as starting in 1953, with the CIA and British involvement in the Iranian movement against PM Mossadeq.  In actuality, the First Iranian Crisis was in 1945-47, and Pres. Truman stood up to the Soviets and their attempt to seize oil-rich territory in northern Iran.  This was the first of the U.S. containment policy being put into place, and kept Iran from becoming another Soviet state.  Starting with 1953 ignores the service the U.S. played in keeping Iran from becoming controlled as a communist territory after World War II.  See “U.S. Relations With Iran: 1953 – 2020,” Council on Foreign Relations, August 6, 2020.

Because of the importance of framing the issues by the media, and how this can influence Iran or how everyone else understands Iran, this blog entry covers how a headline can reflect a source’s leaning.  The first entry is from the NYT.  See “Iran Envoy Brian Hook, a ‘Survivor’ on Trump’s Team, to Quit,” David Sanger and Michael Crowley, New York Times, August 6, 2020.  Here’s another–“Elliott Abrams, convicted of lying about Iran-Contra, named special representative for Iran,” Kathryn Watson, CBS, August 6, 2020.  In contrast, here is a more reasoned, descriptive headline–“U.S. Iran envoy Brian Hook stepping down as key U.N. arms embargo vote looms,” Humeyra Pamuk and Michelle Nichols, Reuters, August 6, 2020.

“US ambassador says Iran is world No. 1 sponsor of terrorism,” AP, August 6, 2020.  “The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations [Kelly Craft] is calling Iran “the world’s number one sponsor of terrorism” and warning Russia and China that they will become “co-sponsors” if they block a resolution to extend the U.N. arms embargo on Iran.”

“IRGC says Iran to ‘mobilize’ to help Lebanon after blast,” Al-Monitor, August 6, 2020.

“The situation in Iran and Russia regarding their interfering in the upcoming U.S. elections has gotten to the point where on Wednesday Secretary Pompeo announced the U.S. was now offering up to $10 million “for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, interferes with U.S. elections by engaging in certain criminal cyber activities.” Written in Farsi, the Iran text messages say: “The United States pays up to $10 million for any information on foreign interference in American elections.” They carry a link to the U.S. Rewards for Justice Program, which offers cash bounties in return for information on threats to American national security.  See “Iranians, Russians receive text messages seeking U.S. election hacking info,” Raphael Satter, Reuters, August 6, 2020.

“World’s Biggest Methanol Plant Opens in Iran,” Tasnim News, The Iranian, August 6, 2020.

Ask yourself, why would Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri send separate messages to Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun and to Hezbollah Secretary General Seyed Hassan Nasrallah?  Does Iran consider them equals?  “Top General: Iran Armed Forces Ready to Assist Lebanon,” Tasnim News Agency, August 6, 2020.

Grotesque, but all too common.  “New information from inside Iran indicates that Iranian protester Mostafa Salehi who was hanged on August 5, 2020, in Isfahan had been subjected to vicious tortures to confess the killing on an IRGV member. He never accepted the charges but was still hanged despite the lack of evidence. A source said that Mostafa Salehi had been severely tortured in the past two years to confess the killing of Sajjad Shahsanaei a member of the IRGC Basij forces. “Mostafa’s hand and both legs had been broken during interrogations. Agents also used needles to puncture under his nails,” the source said. “The tortures were so severe that his neck and spinal cord became injured. They tortured him to confess but he never did,” the source said.”  See “Executed Iranian Protester Tortured to Make False Confession,” Iran HRM, August 6, 2020.

“3 Iranian planes landed in Beirut after explosion – what did they bring?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 6, 2020.  If Iran was moving medical supplies, as Iran’s leaders have said they would like to provide, then why not have photos and news media on hand to document the delivery of the Iranian aid?

“Prison Authorities Incite Attacks on Political Prisoners in Iran Jails,” Iran HRM, August 6, 2020.

“Khamenei should be blamed for Iran’s financial crisis,” Majid Rafizadeh, op-ed, Arab News, August 6, 2020.

Died on Wednesday.  “Coronavirus claims another 174 lives in Iran,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 6, 2020.

I am disappointed but not surprised by the Council on Foreign Relations and its framing of the U.S. and Iran relationship as starting in 1953, and with its decision to highlight the CIA and British involvement in the Iranian movement against PM Mossadeq.  In actuality, the First Iranian Crisis was in 1945-47, and Pres. Truman stood up to the Soviets and their attempt to seize oil-rich territory in northern Iran.  This was the first of the U.S. containment polidy against the USSR being put into place, and kept Iran from becoming another Soviet state.  The CFR starting with 1953 ignores the service the U.S. played in keeping Iran from becoming controlled as a communist territory after World War II.  See “U.S. Relations With Iran: 1953 – 2020,” Council on Foreign Relations, August 6, 2020.

“Iran sees disaster as opportunity to advance regional interests,” Shahar Kleiman, Israel Hayom, August 6, 2020.

“Former Obama Official Says Despite ‘Maximum Pressure’ Iran Not Closer To Talks,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, August 6, 2020.

“On July 14, 2020, Kurdish language teacher and civil society activist, Zara (also Zahra) Mohammadi was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Courts. Zara was first arrested in her hometown Sine (also known as Sanandaj), in the Kurdistan Province of Iran, on 23 May 2019. Prior to her arrest, she had been subject to several lengthy interrogations by Iran’s Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. She was later released on bail in December 2, 2019, after some six months in prison, where she said she endured Kafkaesque interrogations and was tortured to make false “confessions.” What was Zara’s ‘crime’? Teaching Kurdish, her mother tongue. The 10 year verdict was precisely calculated by the Islamic revolutionary judge: each year of teaching was punished by a year of imprisonment.”  See “Iran: how to kill a language,” Haidar Khezri, Open Democracy, August 6, 2020.

“Former Obama Official Says Despite ‘Maximum Pressure’ Iran Not Closer To Talks,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, August 6, 2020.

If there is any condolence, it is that at the end of the day Russia and China will do what is in their own best interest.  Thus, the Iran government’s refusal to join FATF has apparently come home to haunt them as some banking transactions are sometimes being refused.  This is what happens when you use your banks to fund or launder terror monies.  “Chinese, Russian Banks Refuse Transactions With Iran,” Radio Farda, August 5, 2020.

“According to sources in the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), the Islamic Republic has offered the privilege of exploration and exploitation activities to Russia in return for the complete installation of the S-300 anti-aircraft system.”  See “Russia Extracts Gold from Varzaqan Mine, Northwest Iran,” Iran News Update, August 5, 2020.

“Outspoken former lawmaker Ali Motahari on Wednesday said a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official has admitted to him that Iran remains silent about the suppression of Chinese Muslims — mainly Uyghurs — because of economic dependence on China.”  See “Official Admitted Iran Ignores Suppression Of Chinese Muslims, Former Lawmaker Claims,” Radio Farda, August 5, 2020.

What former VP Biden and his advisers don’t say is that the Supreme Leader will never go back to the JCPOA or negotiating with the U.S.  He would rather die first.  And he is ill anyway.  It is beyond his power to convince the IRGC and the ayatollahs to convince them to give up the nuclear weapons program.  “Biden Foreign Policy Advisor: Here’s How We Would Fix the Iran Deal,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, August 5, 2020.

“Iran: Massive fire breaks out in Tehran’s industrial zone,” Middle East Memo, August 5, 2020.

The first thought I had was that missiles being transferred via boat from Iran to Hezbollah blew up due to mismanagement and corruption.  Second thought was we know from past acts that Israel is not defensively involved in this place and type of large explosion.  Here’s a quote from one of the first stories, from AP:  “The cause of the blast, which sparked fires, overturned cars and blew out windows and doors, was not immediately known. Abbas Ibrahim, chief of Lebanese General Security, said it might have been caused by highly explosive material that was confiscated from a ship some time ago and stored at the port. Local television channel LBC said the material was sodium nitrate. Witnesses reported seeing a strange orange-colored cloud over the site after the explosion. Orange clouds of toxic nitrogen dioxide gas often accompany an explosion involving nitrates.”  And “The explosion was reminiscent of massive blasts during Lebanon’s civil war and took place only three days before a U.N.-backed tribunal was set to give its verdict in the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a truck bombing more than 15 years ago.”  BBC has since cited Lebanon’s President as saying 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored for 6 years is to blame.   So, whose ammonium nitrate was confiscated?  See the AP story at “Massive Beirut blast kills more than 60, injures thousands,” Bassem Mroue, AP, August 4, 2020.

It appears the Supreme Leader’s Regime (its business interests) has taken control over at least one of the climbing routes, to benefit from the climbing fees.  “Iran religious endowment eyes slice of Mt Damavand,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, August 4, 2020.

“A new interactive map of Hezbollah’s activities has shown all the attacks, financing and plots by the terror group revealing for the first time its vast global reach. Researchers, the police and the public will be able to view the group’s activities across the world in a resource that includes information taken from declassified CIA and FBI files. The document is the painstaking work of former FBI agent Dr Matthew Levitt who hopes it will demonstrate the nature of Hezbollah to European countries that have yet to fully proscribe it as a terrorist organisation. If the map proves successful it could also be used as a template to help the fight against other terror groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS as well as international criminal gangs. The ‘Lebanese Hezbollah Select Worldwide Activity’ is the first-ever publicly available, interactive map and timeline of Hezbollah-related activities and counter-terrorism action taken against it. Dr Levitt said he committed to the project because during forums and seminars on Hezbollah there was always a lack of information. “Discussion about Hezbollah’s covert enterprises was rendered virtually impossible by the dearth of publicly available material on the group’s covert activities,” he said.”  The map and the rest of this great open source-based resource is found at https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/hezbollahinteractivemap  See “Interactive maps reveal full extent of Hezbollah’s global reach,” Thomas Harding, The National, August 4, 2020.

This blog will continue to advocate for hostages held in Iran, and argue with much evidence they are held in terrible conditions.  And that being held in itself is violation of so many expectations of human interaction, violation of international law, and antithetical to international relations.  The very recent report of the Australian ambassador Lyndall Sachs is an aberration for their professor Kylie Moore-Gilbert—she is not “well.”  It is cruel to describe the situation as “Dr. Moore-Gilbert is well and has access to food, medical facilities and books,” the statement said. “We will continue to seek regular consular access to Dr. Moore-Gilbert.”  …  But “[t]he Center for Human Rights in Iran, a U.S.-based organization, said last week that Moore-Gilbert was being held with violent criminals under harsh conditions.”  …  “Moore-Gilbert has gone on hunger strikes during her time in custody and pleaded for the Australian government to do more to free her during almost two years in custody. She wrote to Australia’s prime minister last year that she has been “subjected to grievous violations of my legal and human rights, including psychological torture and spending prolonged periods of time in solitary confinement.””  See “Australia: British-Australian woman in Iran prison ‘is well’,” Rod McGuirk, AP, August 4, 2020.

“A story not receiving the attention it deserves.  “Iran rules out attack as cause of nuclear site incident,” The Nation, August 4, 2020.  “What is certain is that in our view, a drone, missile, bomb or rocket attack is not the case,” ISNA news agency quoted Mojtaba Zolnour, head of parliament’s national security and foreign affairs committee, as saying.”  So, if the Supreme Leader orders a retaliatory attack, it is based apparently on no evidence.

One of the more fascinating news pieces one will read, including Iran’s kidnapping practices, tracking phone information, and another hostage taken.  Unfortunantly, Mr. Sharmahd will never be released.  See “Iran Abducted California Man while in Dubai,” Naharnet, August 4, 2020.

“Iran’s regime targets critics’ relatives to silence dissent,” U.S. Embassy in Georgia, August 4, 2020.

“Iran praises Turkey’s conversion of Hagia Sophia again,” Paul Antonopoulos, Greek City Times, August 4, 2020.

“New satellite photos shared on social media appear to show that a giant mockup of a U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier built by Iran has capsized just outside the port of Bandar Abbas after being used for target practice in naval wargames a few days earlier.”  “Iran’s Giant Mock Aircraft Carrier Capsizes Returning To Port,” Sebastien Roblin, Forbes, July 31, 2020.  And even (funnier) more ironic, the “carrier” partially sank in 45 feet of water at the entrance to Bandar Abbas harbor, creating a hazard for Iran.  See “Iran Accidentally Sinks Fake Aircraft Carrier In Wrong Place,” H.I. Sutton, Forbes, August 3, 2020.

“Coronavirus: Iran cover-up of deaths revealed by data leak,” BBC, August 3, 2020.  As this blog has repeatedly said, based on under representing at the national level the local numbers that were also public reported, “The number of deaths from coronavirus in Iran is nearly triple what Iran’s government claims ….” In fact, “[t]he government’s own records appear to show almost 42,000 people died with Covid-19 symptoms up to 20 July, versus 14,405 reported by its health ministry. The number of people known to be infected is also almost double official figures: 451,024 as opposed to 278,827. The official numbers still make Iran the worst-hit in the Middle East.”

“Strikes In Iran’s Oil Sector Continue And Expand To Other Industries,” Radio Farda, August 3, 2020.

In light of the news analysis and reported by BBC, that the reported numbers are about 1/3 of reality, multiply 215 x 3.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 215 new deaths,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 3, 2020.

“Strikes In Iran’s Oil Sector Continue And Expand To Other Industries,” Radio Farda, August 3, 2020.

In light of the news analysis and reported by BBC, that the reported numbers are about 1/3 of reality, multiply 215 x 3.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 215 new deaths,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 3, 2020.

“Iran And South Korea Agree On More Humanitarian Trade,” Radio Farda, August 3, 2020.

A revealing, short news article from a government-controlled media.  When you read it and think about it, this piece does not indicate that the government has done much if anything to capture solar—so few farms, across such a large piece.  Instead, this article is written to make it look like much exists when much doesn’t.  See “Solar energy, an advantage for Iran,” Tehran Times, August 3, 2020.  The country also has a huge potential for the expansion of solar energy infrastructure. Currently, over 100 large-scale farms ranging from 2MW to 12MW and over 2,000 small-scale and rooftop solar power plants are operating across Iran, the number of which has noticeably been growing as Iranian households and small industries have embraced the new technology with open arms and investors also seem eager for more contribution in this area. Solar farms account for the lion’s share of electricity generation (44 percent) from renewable energy in Iran.”

He just earned tenure.  “Iranian professor: Burning more American flags will create solidarity with US protesters,” Cleveland Jewish News, August 3, 2020.

At first blush, this article is about the value of relations with another nation-state.  At a deeper level, notice the good question was asked whether the government of Iran was paid for the oil.  If the treasury was not repaid, then the gold from Venezuela went into the pockets of the Regime, not to the people.  “Did Iran’s fuel shipment to Venezuela really matter?,” Koruosh Ziabari, Asia Times, August 3, 2020.

“Iran, Not Hezbollah, Likely Behind Attempted Attack on Syrian Border, Israeli Officials Say,” Amos Harel, Haaertz, August 3, 2020.

Iran may be selling more oil to anyone else now to China, and to avoid some U.S. sanctions.  See “Despite Official Reports, China Has Been Hoarding Iranian Crude Oil,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, August 3, 2020.

Speculation and hope against hope continue among the people and businessmen of Iran.  This is an ongoing cycle, one of the few things they can hope for that is not tightly controlled from participation by the government.  “Iran’s stock market surges past key level to record high, as analysts warn of bubble,” Reuters, August 2, 2020.

“Iran’s stock market surges past key level to record high, as analysts warn of bubble,” Reuters, August 2, 2020.

“In rare talks, Iran and UAE foreign ministers discuss COVID-19,” Al Jazeera, August 2, 2020.