Month: October 2020

Trick, not a Treat.  “Iranian hackers who posed as the Proud Boys accessed voter data in one state, feds say,” Donie O’Sullivan and Alex Marquardt, CNN, October 31, 2020.

Iraq won’t invade.  The GCC won’t.  Israel certainly won’t.  The U.S. won’t invade?  Why build up the supply of heavy armored vehicles?  Iranian citizens know.  “Iran’s Army Receives Over 500 Heavy Armored Vehicles,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, October 31, 2020.

“Iran and Hezbollah have war plans for the Golan Heights,” Alex Fishman, Ynet, October 31, 2020.

“Iranian hackers who posed as the Proud Boys accessed voter data in one state, feds say,” Donie O’Sullivan and Alex Marquardt, CNN, October 31, 2020.

“Iran criticises Minsk group’s peace efforts over Nagorno-Karabakh,” Al Jazeera, October 30, 2020.

“Iranian weapons exports will have lasting effects on regional dynamics,” Kyra Rauschenbach, Critical Threats, October 30, 2020.

This is happening in the U.S. and overseas.  “Pentagon leaders targeted by potential threats linked to killing of Iranian Gen. Soleimani,” Caitlin McFall, Fox News, October 30, 2020.

“Australia’s Kylie Moore-Gilbert returned to Iran’s Evin prison,” Al Jazeera, October 30, 2020.

The arms were from the Quds Force arm of the IRGC and headed for militant groups in Yemen.  “US touts largest ever seizure of Iranian oil and weapons,” Nicole Gaouette and Kylie Atwood, CNN, October 29, 2020.

415 died on Oct. 28.  “Iran records highest Covid-19 deaths for 2nd consecutive day,” IANS, Mangalorean, October 29, 2020.

Two quotes to consider from this story.  “Macron has defended secular values following the killing of 47-year-old schoolteacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded after showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in his classroom after allowing any students who might be offended to leave. Macron has paid tribute to Paty, saying he was “killed because he was teaching students about freedom of speech, the freedom to believe and to not believe.””  And, “Khamenei’s tweets were met with criticism, including by Jonathan Greensblatt, the national director and chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), who said, “Holocaust denialism is hate, pure & simple.” “Why is Khamenei allowed to consistently espouse anti-Semitism that clearly violates Twitter policy on hate speech?” added Greensblatt, who is the grandson of a Holocaust survivor who escaped Nazi Germany.”  See “Iran’s Supreme Leader Criticized For Equating Cartoons Of Prophet Muhammad With Holocaust Denial,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, October 29, 2020.

“Iran Amends Law to Allow Imports to Be Funded With Cryptocurrency,” Coindesk, October 29, 2020.

Announced as planned for the port city of Jask–remember that many announced projects to not come to fruition.  “Iran proposes building largest commercial port east of Strait of Hormuz,” Middle East Memo, October 29, 2020.

“Iran tries to mediate cease-fire between Azerbaijan, Armenia,” Al Monitor, October 29, 2020.

As this blog has pointed out several times over several months, the reporting of cases has been at least three times too small when numbers from cities are considered—combined they are much higher than the overall numbers reported by the national government.  “Iran’s Covid death toll may be four times the government’s official tally, says top doctor,” Dan De Luce and Leila Gharagozlou, NBC, October 28, 2020.

No surprise.  Having it above ground made the plant susceptible to criticism, opposition,sabotage, and attack.  “Beware of Iran’s underground nuclear facility – analysis,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, 28, 2020.

What did the plane carry?  “Iranian plane sanctioned by US lands in Venezuela,” Al Monitor, October 28, 2020.

“Satellite photos show construction at Iran nuclear site,” Jon Gambrell, AP, October 28, 2020.

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-dubai-iran-iran-nuclear-2f6574ec6585a928e1417c184dbf5f65

“Iran has begun construction at its Natanz nuclear facility, satellite images released Wednesday show, just as the U.N. nuclear agency acknowledged Tehran is building an underground advanced centrifuge assembly plant after its last one exploded in a reported sabotage attack last summer.”

“Iran’s Khamenei says pictures of Muhammad same as Holocaust denial,” Times of Israel, AFP, October 28, 2020.

“The head of the Iran-South Korea Chamber of Commerce, Hossein Tanhaei, has said that Iran’s blocked money in South Korea amounts to “$8.5 billion” and the release of the money “depends on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.””  See “Billions Of Iran’s Frozen Assets Await US Presidential Election,” Radio Farda, October 28, 2020.

Iran sends emails directly to participants to trick them into giving personal information.  “Microsoft warns that Iranian hackers are targeting the Munich Security Conference,” Duncan Riley, Silicon Angle, October 28, 2020.

Because Iran has no claim on the land where Israel is, this threat is very concerning.  “Iran vows to liberate Golan Heights from Israel,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, October 28, 2020.

“Beware of Iran’s underground nuclear facility – analysis,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, October 28, 2020.

“Iranian Trolls Who Posed as Proud Boys Spread Wild Claims on Facebook,” Adam Rawnsley, Daily Beast, October 27, 2020.

But it more than just the killing of one wrestler.  “A clear pattern is emerging of an attempt to silence public dissent over the social, economic and political situation in Iran.”  See “UN rapporteur slams Iran’s regime for execution of wrestler,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, 27, 2020.

“Non-Compliance With FATF Rules Harming Iran’s Int’l Financial Ties,” Financial Tribune, October 27, 2020.  Not complying with standards of the Financial Action Task Force, the international anti-money laundering watchdog, has further undermined Iran’s access to international banking and financial services, government spokesman Ali Rabiei said.

“Iran Sentences Protesters to Long Prison Terms, Thousands of Lashes,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, October 27, 2020.  “Iran has imposed harsh sentences on 36 residents of a southwestern city who joined the nation’s last major wave of anti-government protests in November 2019, according to a knowledgeable source who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. Speaking to VOA from Iran on Friday, the source said the 36 protesters from Behbahan in Khuzestan province were handed their sentences by the city’s criminal court October 22. The source said the defendants were sentenced to a cumulative total of 109 years in prison and 2,590 lashes, while each individual was fined more than 3 million tomans, equivalent to roughly $700. A copy of the verdict, provided by the source and verified by VOA Persian, showed the protesters were convicted of disturbing public order, disobeying security agents and vandalizing public property. The source said the Behbahan court’s presiding judge, Rasoul Asadpour, barred defendants and their lawyers from the courtroom for the October 12 trial session, allowing them to submit only a written defense. Prosecutors presented no evidence for many of the charges, the source asserted.”

“Iranian Trolls Who Posed as Proud Boys Spread Wild Claims on Facebook,” Adam Rawnsley, Daily Beast, October 27, 2020.

“Iran would hail US return to nuclear deal – with ‘guarantees’,” AFP, WION, October 27, 2020.

“Iran Boosts Border Defense Against Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict, Israel and ISIS,” Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, October 27, 2020.

Whether social distancing or not, the theaters were told they must shut.  Hardliners do not mind because they do not want this form of expression anyway.  “Iran’s Dramatic Arts Center disagrees with theaters’ shutdown,” Tehran Times, October 27, 2020.

Every drone attack and ballistic missile attack against Saudi Arabia is cleared and/or ordered by Iran.  “Houthis, Iran condemned over new drone attacks on KSA,” Mohammed Al-Kinani, Arab News, October 26, 2020.

They’ve given them to Hezbollah and to the Houthis.  The U.S. has now responded that the transfer of long-range missiles from Iran to Venezuela ‘will not be tolerated or permitted,’ says Elliott Abrams.  See “US says will eliminate Iran missiles sent to Venezuela,” Beyza Binnur Donmez, AA, October 26, 2020.

“Murderered businessman was arms dealer for Iran,” Philip Willan, The Times, October 26 2020.

“Israel-Sudan Treaty Deals Blow to Iran, Terrorism,” Yoav Limor, JNS, October 26, 2020.

“Iran Private Ports Gain Ground,” Financial Tribune, October 26, 2020.

Saviz “is anchored off the Yemen coast at the southern end of the Red Sea, near to where Bab el-Mandeb Strait forms a natural choke point. Automated Information System transmissions and analysis of commercial satellite images show the ship has barely moved in the past three years. From its position, the ship can provide constant surveillance of maritime traffic….”  See “Iranian Spy Ship Commands Strategic Position on Vital Oil Route,” H.I. Sutton, USNI News, October 26, 2020.

“Iran Introduces Package to Support Coronavirus-Hit Tourism Industry,” IFP,  October 26, 2020.

Iran wants Hezbollah to benefit from some of the oil discovered offshore.  “Israel, Lebanon to Start Maritime Border Talks,” Dale Gavlak, VOA, October 26, 2020.

“Why is Iran suddenly interested in Palestinian Islamic Jihad again?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, October 25, 2020.

“’Enough is enough’: Iranians frustrated over police drive to enforce hijab-wearing in cars,” Rohollah Faghihi, Middle East Eye, October 25, 2020.

“Iranian-German rights activist Nahid Taghavi arrested in Tehran,” Arab News, October 25, 2020.

“Iran confronts growing criticism of gov’t at home,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, October 25, 2020.

On Oct. 24, 296 died.  “Iran reveals its COVID-19 data for October 25,” Elnur Baghishov, Trend News Agency, October 25, 2020.

“Iran says U.S.-brokered Sudan-Israel deal secured by ‘ransom’,” Reuters, October 24, 2020.

What is not said in the op-ed but is beginning to become evident is that a Biden presidency will mean that the U.S. is not encouraging more Middle East or Arab or Islamic countries to recognize Israel.  What has been accomplished for the region by the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan decisions will be diminished if the U.S. pivots toward relinquishing sanctions on Iran and open negotiations with them.  The U.S., at this point, has to pick between Sunnis and the Shias, between the western side of the Gulf and the Supreme Leader of Iran.  This has great implications for whether Iran will change to become more like a normal country or retain its revolutionary status without as much motivation to change.  See “Iran, China and North Korea have the most to gain from a Biden presidency,” Jed Babbin, op-ed, Washington Times, October 24, 2020.

“Murder Of Iranian Dissident In Toronto Raises Questions About Iran’s Footprint In Canada,” Radio Farda, October 24, 2020.

So, this story follows the Canada murder story.  The Regime’s threatening words about showing cartoons, and the attack that occurred in the street in front of the school—the teacher was beheaded—is alarming.  “Iran Condemns Continued Insults in France to Prophet Muhammad,” Iran Front Page Editorial Staff, October 24, 2020.

It is never a good thing when a hostage is moved to an unknown location.  “Hopes for Kylie Moore-Gilbert after detained academic moved out of Iran’s Qarchak prison,” Ben Doherty and Helen Davidson, Guardian, October 24, 2020.

“Six Inmates Commit Suicide in NW Iran Prison,” Iran News Update, October 24, 2020.

“Iran and North Korea Remain on FATF Blacklist,” Doris Mkwaya, Communal News, October 24, 2020.

“U.S. Sanctions Iraj Masjedi “Iran’s Secret Governor of Iraq,” Mohammad Sadat Khansari, NCRI, October 24, 2020.

“Iran militias reinforce Assad forces in Idlib,” Middle East Monitor, October 24, 2020.

“Iranian Tankers Hide In Iraqi Waters To Ship Oil Abroad,” Irina Slav, OilPrice.com, October 23, 2020.  “The Iraqi port of Al Faw is one regularly used point of transfer, according to the sources and the documents. There, Iranian tankers offload the crude to other vessels where it is mixed with oil from other sources, such as local crude, to avoid detection. Apparently, such transfers have grown into a lucrative business for the parties involved, who then sell the mixed oil as Iraqi. Ship-to-ship transfers, not just off the Iraqi coast but elsewhere, too, have become Iran’s go-to method of getting its crude oil to foreign buyers amid the sanctions. While production of crude oil has declined substantially following the re-introduction of U.S. sanctions against Tehran, the country is still exporting over 800,000 bpd, as of the first half of this year, according to data from TankerTrackers.com. China is Iran’s biggest oil buyer. In fact, as Simon Watkins reported earlier this month for Oilprice.com, China has been stocking up on cheap Iranian crude. Citing an unnamed oil industry source close to Tehran’s oil ministry, Watkins said China took in some 8.1 million barrels of Iranian oil between June 1 and July 21. Official reports from China said the country had not imported any Iranian crude in June.”

“Explainer: How Biden and Trump would remake the Iran nuclear deal,” Ben Piven, NPR, October 23, 2020.

“Iran Says It’s ‘Not Interested’ in Debate After Biden Warns It ‘Will Pay A Price’,” Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, October 23, 2020.

Tit for Tat.  But check the record to see if the U.S. representatives were acting as the Iranian representatives.  “Iran Puts Several US officials on Sanctions List,” IFP, October 23, 2020.

Iran has sent an IRGC general to act as its ambassador to Yemen, a clear violation of international law and UN resolution.  We all recognize how a diplomat should not act as a military commander on a foreign field.  “US slams Iran for ‘smuggling’ envoy into Yemen,” Yemen Online, FRI, October 23, 2020.

“Iran’s expanding tool kit for internal suppression,” Nicholas Carl, Critical Threats, October 23, 2020.  These include disrupting domestic telecommunications to counter or preempt protests (blocking the internet), building a domestic intranet to reduce public reliance on foreign internet services, and monitoring and censoring communications.

“Syria fuel crisis eases as Iran delivers new oil supplies,” Suleiman Al-Khalidi, Reuters, October 23, 2020.

Here is the only sentence in this story where Iran is mentioned.  “Sudan was believed to have served as a pipeline for Iran to supply weapons to Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.”  But the entire story is a message to Iran—Normal countries are at peace, and peace is a good thing.  GDP goes up.  Life expectancy increases.  There are so many positive indicators for countries in the Middle East who turn from violence and terrorism and conflict.  See “Sudanese officials: Diplomatic deal with Israel is near,” Josef Federman and Samy Madgy, AP, October 22, 2020.

“Iran Tests Home-Made Air Defence System,” Bourse & Bazaar, AFP, October 22, 2020.

“The video and email campaign U.S. officials say Iran used to intimidate voters,” Nick Schifrin, PBS News Hour, October 22, 2020.

“Treasury sanctions Iran’s ambassador to Iraq,” Celine Castronuovo, The Hill, October 22, 2020.  He’s no ordinary ambassador..  In fact, he looks like Qods.  “The Treasury Department on Thursday announced that it was sanctioning Iran’s ambassador to Iraq for his role in carrying out the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force’s (IRGC-QF) “destabilizing foreign agenda” in Iraq, according to a press release from the department. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets and Control said in the statement that Iraj Masjedi, a general in the Revolutionary Guard, “has directed or supported groups that are responsible for attacks that have killed and wounded U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq.” “The Iranian regime threatens Iraq’s security and sovereignty by appointing IRGC-QF officials as ambassadors in the region to carry out their destabilizing foreign agenda,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the press release.”