Month: November 2020

Normal countries don’t act in hidden and criminal ways.  “Special Report: Phantom buyers in Russia, advice from Iran help Venezuela skirt sanctions,” Marianna Parraga, Rinat Sagdiev, Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, November 10, 2020.

“Iran reveals an underground missile city,” Middle East Monitor, November 10, 2020.

“Iran is to introduce air taxis which will become operational by early next year according to the head of Iran Aviation Industries Organisation.”  See “Iran’s air taxis to become operational by early 2021,” Middle East Monitor, November 10, 2020.

“71 Men and Women Prosecuted for Participating in July Protests in Iran,” Iran HRM, November 10, 2020.

“Iran, Lebanon to impose lockdowns, curfews as virus surges,” Amir Vahdat, AP, Seattle Times, November 10, 2020.

Helpful, but certainly not definitive of Iran’s options and motivations, and payoffs.  The Post and NYT have never stressed (or sometimes even reported) about the downsides of the JCPOA, hopeful that international agreements in themselves will better a situation.  Here’s another example.  It would behoove these two national newspapers to admit what all signs appear—that Iran has attempted to make a weapon for years—and then propose appropriate negotiations.  Instead, they dance around the issue and talk about components of a weapon (which are not for peaceful energy production or medical isotopes) without ever admitting the truth of what is in front of them.  See  “The Iran Nuclear Deal,” Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, Washington Post, November 10, 2020.

The threats have begun after the Trump loss.  And notice the second story below, from Oman.  “Iran offers Arab states ‘mafia deal’ of security or punishment after Trump,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 9, 2020.  “Iran has sought to reach out to its Arab neighbors, with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif warning them that Trump will be leaving in seventy days but that Iran’s regime will remain “forever.” He urged them to realize that “betting on outsiders to provide security is never a good gamble.” In Arabic and English he called for dialogue and to work together. The message was clearly aimed at Gulf states and others that are partnered with the US. Iran was offering them an opening, a message: Shift and join us or suffer in the future – the US will not protect you. This is a kind of carrot and stick approach, a mafia don offering security.”  And see “Oman Resolved to Broaden Ties with Iran: Sultan Haitham,” Tasnim, November 9, 2020.  And here’s another example involving UAE FM Anwar Gargash, speaking during a virtual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate.  “UAE says doesn’t seek confrontation with Turkey, Iran,” Mahmoud Barakat, AA, November 9, 2020.

“Iran warned boycott of matches against Israelis will lead to International Chess Federation ban,” Liam Morgan, Inside the Games, November 9, 2020.

“Over 10,000 Iranians Contract COVID-19 in 24 Hours,” IFP, November 9, 2020.  “Iran’s Health Ministry spokeswoman has confirmed 10,463 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, the highest record since the beginning of the outbreak.In a press briefing on Monday, Sima-Sadat Lari said the new cases raise the total number of cases to 692949. She said the virus has also killed 458 patients since Sunday noon, increasing the overall death toll to 38,749.”

“How the IRGC overtook Iran’s Intelligence Ministry,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, November 9, 2020.

It drags on and on.  “Date for negotiations with Iran over PS752 crash yet to be agreed, – MFA,” 112 Ukraine, November 9, 2020.

This Baha’i land confiscation occurred about two weeks ago under claim by the Natural Resources Department of Mazandaran Province.  It is fraudulent.  “Security Forces Confiscate Baha’i Lands by Citing Clerics,” Amir Soltanzadeh, Iran Press Watch, November 9, 2020.

“The net present value of Iran’s supergiant South Pars natural gas field has jumped from an estimated US$116 billion at this point last year to US$135 billion now, a senior oil and gas industry source who works closely with Iran’s Petroleum Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. The key reason behind this valuation boost is that progress across all areas of the development, including the controversial Phase 11, has picked up pace on the back of an increase in the involvement of various Chinese companies who operate under the U.S.’s sanctions radar through individual contact-only projects, not as official field developers. Given this, it is now expected by Iran’s Petroleum Ministry that the entire South Pars project will be producing at or near fully Phase 1 capacity well in advance of the March 2022 official completion date.”  For the CNPC (China) investment, they receive oil at an 8-12% discount.  Thank you China.  See “Iran’s Mega South Pars Gas Field Nears Completion,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, November 9, 2020.

“U.S. plans sanctions on Iranians for violence against protesters – sources,” Humeyra Pamuk, Arshad Mohammed, Matt Spetalnick, Reuters, November 9, 2020.  “The United States is expected to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Iran a year ago, three sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the sanctions announcement was timed to the one-year anniversary of what may have been the bloodiest repression of protesters in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. One source said next week’s designations would be a major action covering multiple individuals as well as several dozen Iranian entities. Neither the State Department nor the Iranian mission to the United Nations immediately responded to a request for comment on the sanctions likely to be imposed next week. Citing three Iranian Interior Ministry officials, Reuters previously reported about 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on Nov. 15, 2019. The toll included at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women as well as members of the Iranian security forces and police. Iran’s Interior Ministry has said around 225 people were killed during the protests, which erupted after state media announced that gas prices would rise by as much as 200% and the revenue would be used to help needy families. The sources, who included one U.S. official and two people familiar with the matter, said the sanctions have been in the works for months and are the latest in a long series of U.S. penalties imposed on Iran by U.S. President Donald Trump.”

Abrams makes a very good point about why Iran doesn’t want to re-enter the JCPOA—they’d have to give up their arms trade.  Under the terms which JCPOA was negotiated, in 2015, Iran lost the ability to import or export arms.  This was just relaxed in October, and the Regime will not give this up.  The embargo was scheduled to remain in place until 5 years after the JCPOA Adoption Day.  See “Trump’s Iran envoy: Biden would have difficulties reviving 2015 nuclear pact,” Raphael Ahren, Times of Israel, November 9, 2020.

“Following Biden win, Iran says nuclear deal not up for review,” Al Monitor, November 9, 2020.  Despite president-elect Joe Biden expressing interest in rejoining the JCPOA, Iranian officials from the foreign ministry and judiciary say they will not.

“Trump’s gone in 70 days. But we’ll remain here forever.”  These are the words of FM Zarif, and a point I’ve been wanting to make, and he gives me opportunity.  The Regime says it began in 1979, and disassociates itself with the Pahlavi reign over much of the 20th Century.  The Regime in essence says it goes back to the time of Muhammad in the 600s.  The Regime also does not associate with the ancient Persian Empire, including that of Cyrus the Great.  So for Zarif to tie the country’s current government to centuries prior, including to the 400 and 500 years before the Roman Empire when Persia reigned, we want to know what the Supreme Leader says about this?  Does Iran today recognize that its current government is a descendant of the Persian Empire?  See “Iran Calls For Dialogue With Neighbors After Trump’s Election Defeat,” RFE/RL, November 9, 2020.

A review of torture, execution, and other human rights repression during this past month.  Alarming.  “Summary of Repression and Human Rights Violations in Iran – October 2020,” Poorang Novak, Iran News Update, November 9, 2020.

“Iran says it will not reopen Iran Deal discussions with Biden admin,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 9, 2020.

“Iran’s Steel Mafia and Uncertain Fate of $5 Billion,” Iran News Update, November 9, 2020.

A solid article, outlining the reticence of Iran to stop its nuclear program.  Biden will have great difficulty getting Iran to the negotiating table or agreeing to a timetable.  “For Biden, reentering the Iran deal will not be an easy task,” Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel, November 8, 2020.

“Outgoing US Secretary of State engages in last Twitter war with Iranian Supreme Leader,” AMN, November 8, 2020.  “The exchange began when the Iranian Supreme Leader posted: “The situation in the US & what they themselves say about their elections is a spectacle! This is an example of the ugly face of liberal democracy in the US. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is absolutely clear, the definite political, civil, & moral decline of the US regime.” An angry Pompeo responded the Iranian Supreme Leader’s tweet by accusing him of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the Iranian people. “@khamenei_ir – You’ve personally stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from your people. Your elections are a joke, with hundreds of candidates disqualified from even running. Today, your people starve because you spend billions on proxy wars to protect your kleptocracy.””

“Iran starts drilling operations on Phase 11 of South Pars gas field after years of delay,” Xinhua, November 8, 2020.

That Iran remains, for the moment, still in the JCPOA provides some hope for better economic results and better relations, explains an op-ed.  See “The Optimistic Case for Biden and Iran,” Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, op-ed, Bourse and Bazaar, November 8, 2020.

“Iran: We will build our own helicopters, supply Iraq,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 8, 2020.

Ironically, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council “Ali Shamkhani said an end to the tenure of Trump was not a surprise, but a verdict ordained by history. “Most American people rejected the record full of failures from an ideology that saw bullying and coercion as a solution to problems.””  See “Iran’s Shamkhani: Trump Lesson for Posterity,” Tasnim News Agency, November, 8, 2020.

Again, note where the FM goes, and where he does not.  This tour has included Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua.  “Iran FM holds talks with Nicaraguan counterpart,” Tehran Times, November 8, 2020.

No, Leader, America is not in decline because Trump lost.  Look at the full picture.  “Iranian officials react to Biden victory in US presidential race,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 8, 2020.

Deaths on Saturday—remember, the real number is 3 to 4 times higher.  “UPDATE 1-Iran’s daily COVID-19 deaths hit record of 459 – TV,” Reuters, November 8, 2020.

“Iran’s president calls on Biden to return to nuclear deal,” AP, November 8, 2020.  But Rouhani doesn’t just ask the U.S. to rejoin the JCPOA.  He demands that Pres-elect Biden “compensate for past mistakes.”  That means to make financial payment for any sanctions damages the U.S. alleged has made, before Iran will allow the U.S. back into the JCPOA.

For those who say sanctions are having no effect.  “Iran is undergoing a severe economic crisis as Covid-19 cases surge in the country. The Iranian health ministry says that the number of daily Covid-19 infections has more than quadrupled in less than two months. In addition, an increasing number of sanctions have been placed on Iran by the U.S. government, while the local fiat currency, the rial, continues to dramatically fall. Steve H. Hanke, Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University and a hyperinflation expert, described the situation in Iran as “a classic death spiral.””  See “Iran Adopts Bitcoin for International Trade Amid Heavy Sanctions, Falling Rial, Soaring Inflation,” Kevin Helms, November 7, 2020.

These types of interviews are tricky for Western researchers, and as a general rule should be avoided because the Regime-controlled outlets take comments out of context.  Or they use comments to support their positions.  Or they attempt to magnify a split of opinion in the (free) West.  Or all three.  There is another reason to post this interview—it has the rare byline in a Tehran Times article, and the entire interview is actually posted.  This type of candor and openness is not the norm for the Times.  See “Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran absolutely failed: Harvard researcher,” Mohammad Mazhari, Tehran Times, November 7, 2020.

“Hezbollah, Iran preventing Lebanese recovery: Expert,” Benedict Spence, Arab News, November 7, 2020.

“Iran: Authorities Now Starving Political Prisoners,” Iran News Update, November 7, 2020.

On Nov. 7, the Supreme Leader had typed onto his Twitter feed his statement that “The situation in the US & what they themselves say about their elections is a spectacle! This is an example of the ugly face of liberal democracy in the US. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is absolutely clear, the definite political, civil, & moral decline of the US regime.”  Observers can decide for themselves—Is the U.S. in decline?  How does the U.S. election compare to Iran’s presidential elections?  Does the U.S. electoral system produce the voters’ will?  Does Iran’s?  See “Iran calls US election a ‘spectacle,’ says it is a clear sign of ‘decline’,” Peter Aitken, Fox News, November 7, 2020.

“Source: Female Iranian Filmmaker Jailed Since 2018 Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison,” Michael Lipin, Ramin Haghjoo, and Mehrdad Mashayekhi,” VOA, November 7, 2020.

“Jailed Iranian rights lawyer released, amid health problems,” AP, ABC, November 7, 2020.

“Facebook closes suspicious accounts from Iran, Muslim Brotherhood,” Al Monitor, November 6, 2020.

It continues to appear that Iran really doesn’t want to do anything about the downed jet.  “U.N. Panel Urges Iran to Speed Investigation of Downed Jet,” Reuters, November 6, 2020.

Again, you can tell which side of the freedom ledger a country is on by the allies it keeps.  “Cuba and Iran FMs to mark alliance against US sanctions,” Al Jazeera, November 6, 2020.

“Iran’s U.N. Envoy Distorts World Court’s Order,” Polygraph Info, November 6, 2020.

The IRGC is asserting control over inflation, thus the economy.  In fact, “Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, announced a new “headquarters” on Wednesday to combat soaring prices in Iran.”  See “IRGC Joins ‘War With Soaring Prices’,” Radio Farda, November 6, 2020.

Died Thursday.  “424 More Iranians Die of Coronavirus: Ministry,” IFP, November 6, 2020.

“Karabakh War An Increasingly Serious Policy Challenge For Iran – Analysis,” Paul Goble, The Jamestown Foundation, November 6, 2020.

“Facebook removes Iranian accounts targeting Israel protests,” AP, November 6, 2020.

“Cuba and Iran FMs to mark alliance against US sanctions,” Al Jazeera, November 6, 2020.

“US seizes another crop of Iranian propaganda domains masked as news outlets,” Campbell Kwan, ZDNet, November 5, 2020.

Part of me says why is this even a story?  Why should the countries of South America and Central America and North America even get to the point where this is even debated?  I suppose it is at the very first of the debate.  But it should also be very easy to ask these countries to demand that Iran (which has done this thing in other places) to quickly come together and condemn any such missiles/weapons movement plan.  See “How the U.S. Can Prevent Iran from Stationing ICBMs in Venezuela,” Benjamin Weil, op-ed, Newsweek, November 5, 2020.

First, the province of Kerman, then Yazd.  These types of projects do not have a good track record in authoritarian states and usually end up in great loss of water and environmental disaster.  “Iran to Start Transferring Persian Gulf Water to Desert Areas,” IFP, November 4, 2020.  Here is another article describing the almost completed project to ship water to the desert.  “The projects come with a price tag of more than Rls. 160 billion, employing around 16 thousand people during the time they were under construction and 1,200 staff members after they become operational. The major water desalination and transfer project was implemented by drawing on both domestic and foreign expertise as well as the latest technical and technological advances. The project aims to produce some 1.5 million cubic metres of desalinated water, which will be pumped via three transfer lines for potable, industrial and mineral water.”   See “Iran Puts into Service Phase One of Major Desalination Project,” IFP, November 5, 2020.

“Azerbaijan, Iran mull bilateral energy cooperation,” MENAFM, November 5, 2020.

“Iranian parliament approves bill specifying increased uranium enrichment,” Nuclear Engineering International, November 5, 2020.

“Baha’is and Women in Iran Victims of Discrimination in Seeking Higher Education,” Iran Press Watch, November 5, 2020.

Interesting statement by FM Zarif.  Does it portend expanded action by Iran and Venezuela?  In the same statement he encourages Maduro to acquire Iranian weapons—which means missiles.  “Iran foreign minister, in ally Venezuela, says U.S. no longer ‘controls world’,” Reuters, November 5, 2020.

“Factbox: Iranian influence and presence in Syria,” Navvar Saban, MENASource, November 5, 2020.

“Iran Executes Four People in 24 Hours,” Iran News Update, November 5, 2020.

Pres. Rouhani said, “It does not matter what the outcome of the US election is tonight or tomorrow… the future US administration will succumb to the will of the Iranian people.”  Iran’s regime thinks the next Administration will “surrender” to them and return to the JCPOA.  See “Iran: Next US administration will ‘surrender’ to Iran,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 5, 2020.

I suppose this means that Iran will give Belarus advice and support regarding the large protests of the recent stolen election.  Other countries condemned the actions by Lukashenko.  “Iran, Belarus vow to deepen economic, political ties,” Trend, November 4, 2020.

And this story is immediately followed by an almost identical topic.  Why isn’t the FM visiting countries which have a trajectory toward more freedom and human rights and respect for law?  “Iran, Venezuela Look To ‘Deepen’ Ties,” RFE/RL, November 4, 2020.

I’m not sure at this point how this IRGC automated system launches multiple long-range ballistic missiles.  See “Iran unveils homemade ballistic missile launcher,” Xinhua, November 4, 2020.

Now I understand.  The news didn’t explain fully—the automated ready-to-launch ballistic missiles is on a railway-type system in a large underground area.  See “Iran Now Has Mobile Ballistic Missile Launching ‘Magazines’ For Its Underground Bases,” Thomas Newdick, The War Zone, November 4, 2020.  But when you watch the video of their being loaded onto the track system in into their vertical system, each missile is about 12-15 feet apart.  Are they going to launch a missile from underground (a hatch opens) with other missiles stored for launch just a few feet away?  Sound likes a massive underground explosion to me.

So the Supreme Leader has spoken, has taken a side.  Iran is not neutral, and apparently is feeling the heat of the large group of Azeris living in Iran.  See “Territories Under Armenian Occupation Must Be ‘Liberated’,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, November 4, 2020.

I’m not sure at this point how this IRGC automated system launches multiple long-range ballistic missiles.  See “Iran unveils homemade ballistic missile launcher,” Xinhua, November 4, 2020.

Now I understand.  The news didn’t explain fully—the automated ready-to-launch ballistic missiles is on a railway-type system in a large underground area.  See “Iran Now Has Mobile Ballistic Missile Launching “Magazines” For Its Underground Bases,” Thomas Newdick, The War Zone, November 4, 2020.

Iran on Monday reported a record 440 COVID deaths during Sunday.  “Iran reports record high COVID-19 death toll as travel bans go into force,” Gulf News, November 4, 2020.

So the Supreme Leader has spoken, has taken a side.  Iran is not neutral, and apparently is feeling the heat of the large group of Azeris living in Iran.  See “Territories Under Armenian Occupation Must Be ‘Liberated’,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, November 4, 2020.

“Iran foreign minister arrives in Venezuela to start Latin America tour,” Reuters, November 4, 2020.

A good sign, and in Israel no less.  In fact, surprising.  “Iran’s participation in the event represents a stark departure from its traditional policy regarding international competitions with Israeli teams.”  See “Iran to send gamers to Israel for international e-sports competition,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, November 3, 2020.

A good sign, and in Israel no less.  In fact, surprising.  “Iran’s participation in the event represents a stark departure from its traditional policy regarding international competitions with Israeli teams.”  See “Iran to send gamers to Israel for international e-sports competition,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, November 3, 2020.

“US recently conducted cyber operation against Iran to protect election from foreign interference,” Zachary Cohen, CNN, November 3, 2020.

“Iran’s supreme leader breaks silence on US election,” Al Monitor, November 3, 2020.  Supreme Leader Khamenei defended his position toward the U.S. as a “calculated” policy that will not change based on “who enters or leaves” the presidency.

France has joined (again) the list of bad countries.  “Iran’s traditional Student Day march, which marks the anniversary of the Iranian seizure of the United States Embassy in 1979, will not be held for the first time in 40 years, due to coronavirus concerns, the London-based Iran International reported on Monday. Iran, which has recently seen another major surge in coronavirus cases, has also been dealing with the financial fallout of the ever-expanding list of US sanctions on the country. However, one official from the student section of the Basij militia organization is getting creative with his methods of protesting the US regime. While talking to a local television news station, Mojtaba Bastan, Acting Head of the Student Basij Organization announced a new campaign, titled ‘Everyone together [says] down with the USA.” Bastan said that on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., parents and students should come together to “trample on and set fire” to flags of the US, Israel and France at home, where they can safely play with fire without worrying about catching a deadly virus.”  See “Iran official to students: Burn Israeli flags at home this year due to COVID,” Idan Zonshine, Jerusalem Post, November 3, 2020.

“Iran Uses Bomber Drones for First Time in Military Drills,” Patrick Sykes, Bloomberg, November 3, 2020.

On Monday, Iran announced its highest number of COVID deaths from Sunday of 440 fatalities.  “Iran registers record COVID-19 deaths, imposes partial travel ban,” November 3, 2020.

“Britain says appalled by Iran’s new case against Zaghari-Ratcliffe,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, November 2, 2020.

“The head of the National Security Committee in the Iranian Parliament, Mojtaba Dhu al-Nour, announced on Sunday, the arrest of the head of the separatist “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz”, the dissident Habib Al-Kaabi. Dhul-Nour confirmed that Al-Kaabi was arrested outside Iran, and transferred inside the country. Iranian television reported that Tehran managed to lure Al-Kaabi to Turkey, arrest him there and transfer him to Iran, in cooperation with the Turkish security services.”  See “Iran arrests head of separatist group in special operation with Turkey,” AMN, November 2, 2020.

“Proxy Wars: How Turkey and Iran Employ Militias Abroad,” Maya Carlin, National Interest, November 2, 2020.

“FBI: Iranian hackers obtained voter data from at least 1 US state,” Ryan Morgan, American Military News, November 2, 2020.

“Iran announces joint Saudi oil field project in the Gulf,” Middle East Monitor, November 2, 2020.  “The Forouzan field is shared with the Saudi Marjan field and is located approximately 100 kilometres from the south of the Iranian island of Kharg. Iran’s share in the joint field is 11per cent while Saudi Arabia owns 89 per cent. The oil fields are some of the oldest oil and gas fields in the Gulf region. The Forouzan was discovered in 1966 and the Marjan, a year later. The latest state of Iran’s extraction from the Forouzan oil field, according to a research paper published this year by the University of Kashan, is about 40,000 barrels per day, while the Saudi company Aramco which owns the Marjan, extracts over 405,000 barrels of crude oil per day from its part of the field.”

More pressure on a hostage and on the UK.  “Britain says it’s appalled by Iran’s new case against Zaghari-Ratcliffe,” Reuters, November 2, 2020.

“Iran’s daily tally of coronavirus deaths hit a record high of 434 on Sunday, the health ministry announced, and the head of a top medical body said the actual toll was at least three times higher than the official count. The deaths, announced by Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari on state TV, take the official toll to 35,298 in the Middle East’s worst-hit country. She said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 7,719 to 620,491. The head of Iran’s Medical Council, Mohammadreza Zafarghandi, doubted the accuracy of the official toll and warned that Iran had reached a “catastrophic mortality rate”, the Students News Agency ISNA reported on Sunday. “The official death toll is only based on the number of registered patients,” Zafarghandi told ISNA. “Through field surveys in hospitals and cemeteries, our Council has obtained a figure at least three times higher than the official death toll.””  See “Iran’s daily COVID-19 deaths hit record; health official says true toll worse,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, November 1, 2020.

“Ahwazi group claims Iran ‘kidnapped’ former leader, Habib Asyud, in Turkey.”  See “Iran arrests leading Arab separatist figure abroad,” Kaamil Ahmed, Middle East Eye, November 1, 2020.

“Iran Imposes Travel Restrictions as Virus Deaths Hit Record,” Bourse and Bazaar, November 1, 2020.  “Iran on Sunday said it will restrict travel to the cities hit hardest by the novel coronavirus, state TV said, amid a record high of daily COVID-19 deaths. The measure takes effect at Monday midday and will last until Friday, the broadcaster reported, citing an order by the interior ministry. The restrictions prevent residents from leaving and non-residents from entering based on vehicle plate numbers, but do not apply to public transportation, it added. It applies to the capitals of 25 provinces considered “red”—the highest level on Iran’s colour-coded risk scale—and includes the capital Tehran with more than 8 million residents. Violators will be fined, the order added.”