Afghan analysts criticized comments by the Iranian FM Zarif, where he suggested fighters from Fatemiyoun, an Iranian militia (and overseen by the Quds Force of the IRGC) made up of Afghan Shiite migrants, could help in Kabul’s fight against Daesh.” We don’t need Iranian militia in Afghanistan. (BTW, I just recently posted a story about L.A. Iranians also upset by his comments, on a different topic–he has angered people on both sides of the globe in the same week). See “Iran’s foreign minister arouses Afghan anger,” Sayed Salahuddin, Arab News, December 21, 2020.
Fascinating information about Iranian society and Covid and government misrule. “Iran Is Nearing Collapse Under the Strain of Covid-19,” Ahmad Jalalpour, The Nation, December 21, 2020.
Now, after the news of the U.S.S. Georgia transiting Hormuz publicly, Israel does the same in Suez. More warnings against Iran terror. And the sub movement was approved by Egypt. “Israeli submarine reportedly crosses Suez Canal in ‘message’ to Iran,” Times of Israel, AFP, December 21, 2020. And the story includes this–“Vessel said to have surfaced and faced Persian Gulf, in show of force amid threats over killing of nuclear scientist.”
Most analysts are commenting on the public warning to Iran. But did you notice equating a Tomahawk and a Seal? ““The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine’s presence in Mideast waterways signals the U.S. Navy’s “commitment to regional partners and maritime security,” the Navy said, demonstrating its readiness “to defend against any threat at any time.” The USS Georgia is armed with 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and can host up to 66 special operations forces, the Navy added.” See “US Navy announces nuclear submarine passed through Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran,” Navy Times, AP, December 21, 2020.
“Iran: Lawmakers Must Urgently Drop the Bill That Criminalises Fundamental Rights and Freedoms,” Iran Press Watch, December 21, 2020.
“Railway link from Turkey to Pakistan, through Iran to start in 2021,” Middle East Monitor, December 21, 2020.
“Iran Sends New Flotilla To International Waters,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, December 21, 2020.
“China And Iran Start Drilling In This Super Giant Gas Field,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, December 21, 2020.
“Iran’s foreign assets blocked abroad due to FATF-related issues,” MENAFN, December 21, 2020. “Iran’s $30 billion worth of foreign assets is blocked, due to the country’s not being a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), former member of the parliament Ghassem Mirzaei told Trend in an interview. … “Iran’s review of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) related bills would prevent possible violation in money transfers, ” he said. … “Iran’s strategic partners including China and Russia have stated that if the issue of the FATF related bills are not resolved, they would not work with Iran,” he said.”
“Why Iranian authorities force women to wear a veil,” DW, December 21, 2020.
Only 28 organizations (for example, AI did not join) complained the U.S. was not assuring Iran and international banks that Covid medicine could be obtained sanctions free. This blog has catalogued several stories that this is not a concern, that the U.S. is not blocking Covid meds, and that it is Iran who makes this accusation but is actually not taking the steps and spending the money it has to acquire such. It is unfortunate these 28 entities give Iran ammunition for these charges. See “Joint Statement: Ensure Iranians Equitable Access to Covid-19 Vaccines,” Human Rights Watch, December 21, 2020.
Daily numbers of coronavirus cases have slowed since more restrictive measures were implemented. See “Coronavirus claims 191 more lives in Iran,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, December 21, 2020.