Month: November 2020

Another Quote of the Day:  Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told state TV, “Unfortunately, the operation was a very complicated operation and was carried out by using electronic devices.  No individual was present at the site.”  His remarks drastically change the story, as Iran authorities have so far said a truck exploded and then gunmen opened fire on the scientist.  See “Iranian official accuses Israel of using ‘electronic devices’ to remotely kill nuclear scientist,” AP, Fox, November 30, 2020.

“Report: Iran Commander Visited Lebanon, Asked Nasrallah Not to Provoke Israel,” Naharne, November 30, 2020.

“Belgium’s court spokesperson announced the verdict saying: “For the Iranian diplomat suspect in this case, a 20-year prison term. For the couple found in possession of the bomb, an 18-year prison term, and for the fourth suspect, a 15-year prison term. For these last three suspects, the federal prosecutor requested also the withdrawal of their Belgian nationality.””  See “Belgium: Iran diplomat receives 20-year prison term for terrorism,” Middle East Monitor, November 30, 2020.

“Belgium’s court spokesperson announced the verdict saying: “For the Iranian diplomat suspect in this case, a 20-year prison term. For the couple found in possession of the bomb, an 18-year prison term, and for the fourth suspect, a 15-year prison term. For these last three suspects, the federal prosecutor requested also the withdrawal of their Belgian nationality.””  See “Belgium: Iran diplomat receives 20-year prison term for terrorism,” Middle East Monitor, November 30, 2020.

“If Rouhani is serious about improving relations with the West and having sanctions removed on Iran, then he must immediately free the foreign nationals held unjustly in Iranian prisons. The world is watching.”  See “We must refuse to be pawns in Iran’s hostage game,” Editorial Board, Sydney Morning Herald, November 29, 2020.

“Iran newspaper: Strike Haifa if Israel killed scientist,” Politico, November 29, 2020.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said “Unfortunately, the Swedish authorities’ information on the situation of Mr. Ahmadreza Djalali, who is in prison due to security crimes, is incomplete and incorrect.  As Dr. Zarif … explained to Ms. Linde, Iran’s judiciary is independent and any meddling in the issuance or execution of judicial rulings is unacceptable.””  And Djalali will almost certainly not be spared after the killing of Iran’s main nuclear scientist two days ago.  See “Execution Of Iranian-Swedish Specialist Imminent,” Iran News Wire, November 29, 2020.

“Iran parliament demands end of nuclear inspections after murder,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 29, 2020.

Outstanding, and good for the people of Iran, if true.  “Iran Internet Penetration Rate Reaches 94 Percent,” Financial Tribune, November 29, 2020.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said “Unfortunately, the Swedish authorities’ information on the situation of Mr. Ahmadreza Djalali, who is in prison due to security crimes, is incomplete and incorrect.  As Dr. Zarif … explained to Ms. Linde, Iran’s judiciary is independent and any meddling in the issuance or execution of judicial rulings is unacceptable.””  And Djalali will almost certainly not be spared after the killing of Iran’s main nuclear scientist two days ago.  See “Execution Of Iranian-Swedish Specialist Imminent,” Iran News Wire, November 29, 2020.

“How Mossad executed Iran’s nuclear chief: Power to the entire region was cut as gun and bomb attack blasted his convoy before he was dragged from car and finished off… then the 12 assassins melted away,” Daily Mail, November 29, 2020.

“World Physicians appeal to Iran against doctor’s execution,” Vanguard, November 28, 2020.

The Iranian Football Federation General Assembly has met and removed the nation’s Sports Minister from its governing council, trying to meet FIFA’s requirement that the national government control the team. Their decisions will be sent to FIFA for review. “Iran football’s newly amended statutes approved,” Tehran Times, November 28, 2020.

Another Quote of the Day, and thoughts.  “Fakhrizadeh’s widow appeared unnamed on state television in a black chador, saying his death would spark a thousand others to take up his work. “He wanted to get martyred and his wish came true,” she said.”  Second, Absard is not a big town, and the 3? 4? 5? gunmen (on motorcycles?) had little time to escape.  But no one has caught them yet.  This is another case where Iran cannot make adequate security or investigation, maybe perhaps because they focus their national efforts and funding on missiles and terrorism instead of normal state activities such as policing and crime investigation.  See “Iran’s supreme leader vows revenge over slain scientist,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, November 28, 2020.  Last thought for now, the three Iranian prisoners in Thailand who were exchanged for the Australian professor hostage in Iran was just two days prior to the killing of Fakhrizadeh–whoever was involved in the shooting most likely waited until that transaction was completed.

The IRI has graduated from the theory of Israel responsibility to mercenaries hired by Israel, so most likely Iranian internal dissidents.  “Iran: President Rouhani accuses ‘Israeli mercenaries’ of scientist assassination,” DW, November 28, 2020.

“Iran: Pistachio exports increase 131 percent,” MENAFN, November 28, 2020.

“Iran tells regional countries not to establish relations with Israel,” MENAFN, November 28, 2020.

“COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: New Fatalities Continue to Decline,” IFP, November 28, 2020.

The main scientist behind Iran’s nuclear program has been killed.  That is the story.  Behind that important fact, Politico and AP need to revisit how they label Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s position and thus diminish his threat.  Here’s what they said in the story’s first sentence—“An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.”  Disbanded program?  And thus he’s not a threat to Israel/world?  Neither are true.  But if they are true, why don’t Politico and AP go after Israel (if they indeed did it) for killing a harmless person?  They don’t.  See “Iran scientist linked to military nuclear program killed,” Politico, AP, November 27, 2020. Politico and AP also call “Hossein Dehghan, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and a presidential candidate in Iran’s 2021 election” but Dehghan has not yet formally declared to the best of my knowledge, he is just considering.  Finally, and I suppose this is the third example of “fake news”, certainly suspect, from this one story, it says “Meanwhile, an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility exploded in July in what Tehran now calls a sabotage attack.”  A link is offered to an AP story about the attack, but that link does not say that Iran has publicly declared the July event sabotage—instead, Iran’s public position is that they don’t know what happened, they don’t have evidence of why the event occurred.  Politico and AP need to be careful with their statements, they may create a reality that is not reality.  Here is instead a much better Sky news article about the killing of the Father of Iran’s nuclear program—“BREAKING: Senior Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated,” Sky News, November 27, 2020.

Quote of the Day:  IRGC chief Hossein Salami tweeted, “Assassinating nuclear scientists is the most violent confrontation to prevent us from reaching modern science.”  See “Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Senior Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated,” Lucia Binding, Sky News, November 27, 2020.

Here is a list from Reuters of the deceased scientists helping Iran attain to “modern science.” “Factbox: Attacks on scientists in Iran,” Reuters Staff, November 27, 2020.

“Iranian Diplomat Accused of Plotting to Bomb Dissidents Goes on Trial in Belgium,” Steven Erlanger, New York Times, November 27, 2020.

I had not read this article from Tehran Times yesterday, but did so today—Iran is threatening to kill Pres. Donald Trump now and after he leaves office.  “Judiciary tracking down culprits involved in Gen. Soleimani assassination,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2020.  The Tehran Times is controlled by the Foreign Ministry and is charged with promoting the 1979 Revolution.

“Iranian Worker flogged 74 times for “insulting” Labor Minister in Iran,” Iran HRM, November 27, 2020.

“It means sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be fully respected by all.” But Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi said nothing about Iran’s present-day controlling role over Syria.  See “Iran lambasts Israel’s continued aggressions against Syria’s sovereignty,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2020.

“Iran’s Rouhani Declares End of ‘Trumpism’,” David Brennan, Newsweek, November 27, 2020.

Three thoughts.  Look at the poor health/appearance of the professor from Australia, seen in the photo.  Second, multiple countries had to agree to this prisoner swap—Australia, Iran, Thailand, Israel, and the U.S.  Maybe others.  Last, we’re reminded of taking careful aim when throwing grenades—crime doesn’t pay.  See “Thailand approved transfer of 3 Iranians as Australian freed,” Tassanee Vejpongsa and Nick Perry, AP, November 26, 2020.

So the answer—Was this sub made in Iran for the South American drug trade?—is likely known by U.S. and other  intelligence agencies.  But the article mentioned something little known—there are an estimated 1,000 mini-subs used by the drug cartels.  See “Colombian navy captures fully submersible sub for drugs transport; possible origin North Korea or Iran,” Merco Press, November 26, 2020.

“Iran Ready To Increase Percentage Of Uranium Enrichment,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, November 26, 2020.

Iran has billions within its sovereign wealth fund.  It can buy vaccinations if it wants, unless it has already decided to spend that money on malicious activity.  “No Coronavirus Vaccine Anytime Soon for Iran,” Radio Farda, November 26, 2020.

His “trial and conviction were retribution for his refusal to spy for Iran while he was working in Sweden.”  Now his fellow academics call for “maximum pressure” against Iran, a position which the U.S. has been criticized for (the U.S. policy of “maximum pressure”).  See “Academics demand maximum pressure on Iran over VUB professor death sentence,” The Brussels Times, November 26, 2020.

On a related note, I have found today in the news this story, based on UANI research, of the inconsistent response by European countries to Iran’s hostage-taking.  Rightfully, the article supports the firmer response.  See “European dual-nationals and Iranian hostage diplomacy,” EU Reporter, November 26, 2020.

“Israel demands UN Security Council action against Iranian presence in Syria,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

So Prof. Kylie Moore-Gilbert lost more than two years of her life simply because she was an Australian.  She did nothing wrong.  “Iran says British-Australian academic freed for 3 Iranians,” AP, November 25, 2020.

Supposedly Iran will pay families of the victims of the Ukrainian flight it shot down, but the payment will come from an emergency fund for natural disasters, not the responsible party—the wealthy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for the missile attack.  See “Iran taps into emergency fund to compensate Ukraine flight victims,” Al Monitor, November 25, 2020.

Iran says it continues to shoot missiles at Saudi Arabia and plans to use them against Israel.  Keep in mind that the missiles supplied to the Yemen rebels are from Iran, and that Iran tells them when and how to use them.  “Iran-backed Houthis say missile that hit Saudi Arabia will also target Eilat,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s Mass Arrests of Activists and Their Families,” Iran Focus, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s close connections to Al-Qaeda should surprise no one,” Majid Rafizadeh, op-ed, Arab News, November 25, 2020.

Parliament offers a subsidy of $5 a month, the President offers $4.  Part of the Parliament’s plan is the sale of government shares in petrochemical and industrial firms, as well as banks, and insurance companies (guess what? The IRGC will buy them, leading to an ever-increasing ownership of the country).  But also, “If political groups promise the Iranian people they will increase cash subsidies in the run-up to the presidential elections but don’t specify exact budget sources, they will have to pay for the subsidies through having the central bank print more money.” … “That would be very bad and will only lead to more increases in inflation in Iran.”  See “Iran conservatives score key victory in battle over cash handouts,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 25, 2020.

“Oil Tanker In Red Sea Struck In Mine Attack With Similarities To Past Iranian Strikes,” Joseph Trevithick, The War Zone, November 25, 2020.

“[T]he law requires the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to redesign and optimize a new 40-megawatt heavy water reactor in Arak within four months.”  See “Iran’s parliament demands construction of heavy water reactor,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

“Four people are going on trial in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Friday accused of planning to bomb a rally of Iranian opposition supporters.”  100s could have died.  See “Iran diplomat on trial over plot to bomb opponents in France,” Samuel Petrequin, AP, November 25, 2020.

I keep on posting these stories about Iran’s refusal to provide compensation for the plane it shot down.  What is somewhat interesting about this article is that the IRI says it will act according to international standards—but it won’t, and hasn’t yet.  “Iran says will compensate Ukrainian plane crash victims according to int’l standards,” Xinhua, November 25, 2020.

Just as the innocent academic Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert is being released, Iran prepares to execute the innocent scientist Swedish Ahmadreza Djalali.  When will countries be more forceful to stop these hostage takings?  It is part of Iran’s foreign policy to hold people like pawns.  “Iran to execute Iran-Swedish scientist,” Al Monitor, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s supreme leader nixes new negotiations with West post-Trump,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, November 24, 2020.

“While the regime’s thugs drive around in their luxury cars and send their kids and money abroad, honest, hardworking Iranians are denied a livable wage.”  See “Iran cracks down on champion Iranian wrestler for street peddling,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, November 24, 2020.

“Iran reports 483 more virus deaths, over 13,700 cases,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, November 24, 2020.

“Iranian-German Dissident Captured by Iran Denied Access to Lawyer, Appears in New Forced Confession, Daughter Tells VOA,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, November 24, 2020.

“Female Peddlers in Iran Risking Death,” Iran Focus, November 24, 2020.

An unusual story, reflecting how environmentally conscious Israel is, and its saving a deer the IRI didn’t care about.  “Mossad, secrecy and Iran: How Israel reintroduced Persian fallow deer,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, November 24, 2020.

“Iran to Purchase 18m Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine,” Financial Tribune, November 24, 2020.

“The Russia-brokered pact is yet another blow to Iran’s self-image as a regional hegemon” and will limit the revolutionary impulse and ability.  Russia has drawn lines, Iran could only watch their being announced.  A reminder that Russia can be an enabler or a restricter.  “Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal a strategic disaster for Iran,” Dnyanesh Kamat, op-ed, Asia Times, November 23, 2020.

In addition to the Nov. 22 news, here is more information.  “Baha’i Homes Reportedly Raided In Cities Across Iran,” RFE/RL, November 23, 2020.  “Simin Fahandej, a spokesperson for the Baha’i International Community, told the BBC that the homes of at least 20 Baha’is in the cities of Tehran, Karaj, Kerman, Isfahan, and Mashhad had been targeted. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the homes of 30 to 50 Baha’is had been searched. Reports say security forces confiscated cellphones, laptops, and religious books.”

“H.R. McMaster: ‘Disaster’ for Biden to Return to Iran Deal,” WTMA, November 23, 2020.

We appreciate what Reuters does in this instance, to in the headline point out that Iran does anything but play an “advisory” role in Syria and regarding Assad.  See “Iran vows to crush any Israeli attempt to hit its ‘advisory’ role in Syria,” Reuters, Yahoo, November 22, 2020.

Normal countries build infrastructure and roads.  “The mentioned mines are situated in South Khorasan, Yazd, Semnan, West Azarbaijan, Zanjan, and Qazvin provinces, according to Divdideh. He added that with the completion of this project, the essential road and rail network will be offered for the growth of 70 mines in the country. The government projects to pay out seven trillion rials (about USD167 million) for offering mining infrastructure by the end of the next Iranian calendar year (March 2022), as told by IRNA.  See “Iran to provide essential infrastructure for 30 mines,” MENAFN, November 22, 2020.

This blog focuses on the Regime.  Here is different sort of story, reminding us of the good nature of the people of Iran.  “Iranian Teacher Spends Inheritance on Buying Tablets for Deprived Students,” IFP, November 22, 2020.

“On the morning of Sunday, November 22, in simultaneous operations in various cities across Iran, security agents ransacked the homes of tens of Baha’is. Their personal effects, mobile phones, computers, laptops and religious books and pictures were all confiscated, and in a number of cases, the agents also reportedly took away any cash they found, along with national ID cards. The reason for this wave of raids is not yet known. According to two Baha’is whose homes were searched, the warrant only specified that it was for “searching the home and workplace and seizure of equipment.” As of now, there have been no reports of any arrests. At the time of writing raids on the homes of Baha’is in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan and its suburbs, Mashhad and Kerman had been confirmed.  See “Breaking: An All-Out Assault on Baha’is Across Iran,” Iran Press Watch, November 22, 2020.

$100,000 is very little.  The article expounds to say “1,300 passenger cars … were exported to nine countries in this period including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Spain, China, Iraq and Turkey.”  See “Iran exports $100,000 worth of sedans to Spain: IRICA,” Mehr, November 22, 2020.

“Indonesia to study Iran’s proposal to build oil refinery,” Mehr News Agency, November 22, 2020.

This article poses one of the challenges the new U.S. administration will face—a huge unreasonable claim.  “U.S., Europe should pay Iran $200 billion in compensation over JCPOA failure: senior MP,” Tehran Times, November 22, 2020.

First, the reason for the existence of this blog was mentioned again, this time by Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador to the U.S., Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, who said, “While we all aspire to have Iran back as a normal peaceful nation-state within the international community, the last forty years’ experience with the Iranian regime is not encouraging,” said in a speech to the National Council on US-Arab Relations.  Second, Sen. Chris Coons is correct, no re-entry of anything like the JCPOA unless Iran limits itsballistic missiles and support for proxy groups.  See “Top Democratic senator opposes reentering Iran deal under previous terms,” Times of Israel, November 21, 2020.

Uh oh, second one in less than a week.  How sad.  “Discriminatory Treatment of the Poor in Iran, Single Mother Self-Immolates,” Iran HRM, November 21, 2020.

“Tehran, Moscow to Boost Tourism Cooperation after Pandemic,” IFP, November 21, 2020.

“Iran imposes nationwide COVID-19 restrictions but no lockdown,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 21, 2020.

“On Wednesday, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) inside the U.S. Treasury issued sanctions against Iran’s Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation (Bonyad Mostazafan). They said that rather than being a charitable organization, it is “an immense conglomerate” with 160 holdings in the sectors of finance, energy, construction, logistics, information technology, and mining, which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei uses to enrich his office and his allies, as well as punish dissidents.”  See “U.S. Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Mostazafan Foundation,” Iran Focus, November 21, 2020.

“A local cobbler set himself on fire outside the Social Security Org. in protest to his unemployment insurance being cut off. He said he didn’t have money to provide treatment for his mother, who is suffering from cancer.”  He died on Nov. 18 in the hospital.  “Iranian Worker, 45, Sets Himself On Fire Due to Financial Straits,” Iran HRM, November 21, 2020.

“Iran, Oman eyeing cultural cooperation,” Trend, November 21, 2020.

“Iran: Two Senior Officials of Health Ministry Resign in a Day,” Iran News Update, November 21, 2020.

“New Wave of Arrests of MEK Supporters in Tehran and Across the Country,” Iran HRM, November 21, 2020.