“Iran fires long-range missiles into Indian Ocean in military drill – media,” Reuters, January 16, 2021.

One ballistic missile blew up on contact with the ocean just 20 miles from a cargo ship, exploding shrapnel widely.  “Iranian missiles land 100 miles from US aircraft carrier strike group in Indian Ocean,” Arab News, January 16, 2021.

To assist Shia in West African countries, but also to spread Revolution sympathy, etc.  “Iran’s Red Crescent chief visits health centers in Africa,” Mehr, January 16, 2021.

Official numbers are 96 died nationwide Friday.  “Iran reveals COVID-19 data for January 16,” MENAFA, January 16, 2021.

This won’t end up benefiting Kazakhstan.  “Official urges setting up Iran-Kazakhstan joint Security WG,” Mehr, January 16, 2021.

Setting aside that the Democrats decried Trump officials from talking to Russia before the president was sworn in, note the point about this story is that Biden’s officials have already begun talking with Iran on some sort of return to the 2015 JCPOA, and have updated Israel.  The Mossad chief Cohen was just in D.C. talking to Sec. Pompeo, and is mentioned in this article as having talks in D.C. about the Biden initial plans.  “Report: Biden team already holding talks with Iran on US return to nuclear deal,” Times of Israel, January 16, 2021.

“Iranian Redeployment in Iraq Behind Israel’s Alleged Syria Strike, Sources Say,” Yaniv Kubovich, Haaertz, January 16, 2021.