Month: February 2021

“They Thought, Why Not Iran? The Decision Upended Their Lives,” Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, CBNC, February 18, 2021.

“Bolton: Iran has never abandoned Idea of acquiring nuclear capability,” Ali Younes, Arab News, February 18, 2021.

““An extraordinary wave of support”: Calls in unison for Iran to end persecution of Bahá’ís,” Baha’i World News Service, February 18, 2021.

“The 37-year-old Zargari said that her husband is now in a relationship with her best friend and that he requested she consent to a divorce. “I didn’t and he blocked me,” Zargari said, adding that her husband is “always laughing (at) my job and my team.” The couple was together for five years, said Zargari, who was writing from the Shemshak ski resort. She said her husband was born in the United States and is a citizen of both the U.S. and Iran. Under Iranian law, husbands can stop their wives from traveling outside of the country.”  See “Barred from travel by husband, Iran ski coach works remotely,” Andrew Dampf, AP, News and Observer, February 18, 2021.

“In signal to Iran, Israel, US begin developing Arrow-4 missile defense system,” Udi Shaham, Jerusalem Post, February 18, 2021.

Quote of the Day candidate.  “Iranian Judo Star in Tel Aviv: ‘We Were Taught to Hate Israelis’,” Itamar Katzir, Haaertz, February 18, 2021.

Another political prisoner eliminated.  “Outrage over ‘killing’ of Iranian Dervish prisoner of conscience,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, February 17, 2021.

“Husband of Iran’s ski coach bars her from leaving country,” New Haven Register, February 17, 2021.

Whipsaw.  Iran on Feb. 15 said it would expel.  Now it says the opposite.  “Iran says it will not expel IAEA nuclear inspectors,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, February 17, 2021.

“Iran: Suicidal inmate subjected to 60 lashes and at risk of amputation,” Amnesty International, February 17, 2021.

“To save Iraq from economic collapse and fight ISIS, contain Iran’s proxies,” Ranj Alaaldin, Brookings, February 17, 2021.

And similar to the entry above, “Shadow Network of Militias Backs Iran,” Amira El-Fekki and Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal, February 16, 2021.

“Iran’s Soleimani set up centers to monitor Jews for Zionism – report,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, February 17, 2021.

“IAEA chief to visit Tehran before Iran reduces cooperation -Iran envoy,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, February 17, 2021.

“Iran plans extra advanced machines at underground enrichment plant: IAEA,” Reuters Staff, February 17, 2021.

An Iranian PMU fired 107 mm rockets at a military installation next to the civilian airport.  “U.S., Kurds Blame Iran for Deadly Irbil Attack Despite Tehran’s Denials: Sources,” Paul Shinkman, USNWR, February 16, 2021.

Good analysis.  Iran is now testing Biden with violence, not just threats.  “After rocket attack, Biden faces first real test on Iran,” Martin Chulov, Guardian, February 16, 2021.

Quote of the day.  “In October 2019, the International Judo Federation said it had banned Iran from international competition over the country’s refusal to allow its fighters to face Israeli opponents. Iran said the ban was based on “false claims.” On Tuesday, president of the Iranian Judo Federation Arash Miresmaeili expressed regret that “a foolish athlete” and “hollow champion who only thinks of his personal interests has gone to Tel Aviv [for an international judo competition, representing Mongolia] and is proud of it.” “This is not an honor but a stain of shame on your forehead that will stay with you forever, because you have turned your back on the ideals of the system, on your homeland, and are proud of it,” Miresmaeili said in a statement, addressing Mollaei.”  See “Israeli media hails ‘historic’ arrival of Iranian-born judoka,” Arab News, AFP, February 16, 2021.

The next step to blackmail the remaining JCPOA parties (really just UK, France, and Germany) by Iran, which has told the UN IAEA that it will halt snap nuclear inspections on February 23.  See “Iran to curb cooperation with nuclear watchdog inspectors,” Al Jazeera, February 16, 2021.

“Iran could deploy 200 missiles in Iraq to attack Israel,” Jerusalem Post, February 16, 2021.

“The Deterrent Message Iran Needs to Hear,” Elliott Abrams, op-ed, National Review, Yahoo News, February 16, 2021.  “Trump tweeted on December 23, two days after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, “Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over.” The messages were clear: If an Iranian proxy killed an American, the U.S. reaction would not target the proxy but would target Iran. What exactly that meant was kept ambiguous; Iran had to calculate risks. And the Iranian regime did so. From the election to the inauguration there was one attack, and after that December attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the Iranian proxies desisted. And to repeat, there is only one logical explanation for this: Tehran got the message and instructed them to desist. This background explains why the attack on Americans in Erbil is so important. Iran understood the messages from the United States prior to January 20, but what is the message now? Will we “hold accountable those responsible,” as Blinken said, or will we instead allow Iran to hide behind proxies it controls? If we do the latter, the message to Iran is that such attacks are acceptable — and we can expect more of them. These are efforts to kill Americans, and by killing or wounding American servicemembers and contractors to drive the United States from Iraq. The Biden administration should instead adopt a policy of deterrence, warning Iran that it will be held accountable directly. That messaging, plus a clear willingness to carry through if need be, has worked. It did not reduce attacks to zero, but it significantly depressed their size and frequency — because those must have been the orders from Tehran. Those orders can be sent to the Iraqi Shia militias once again. It all depends on what Tehran hears from Washington. If an American is killed by an Iranian-supported militia and the United States responds, does that mean the end of diplomacy or a wider war? It does not. The United States has a multitude of military options, some of which would clearly signal to Iran that we have no wish to escalate into a larger conflict — but that we insist the Iranian regime stop trying to kill Americans — or else. That’s the message the Biden administration should be sending this week.”

“Bulgarian prosecutors say heroin found in cargo from Iran,” AP, Star Tribune, February 16, 2021.  “Bulgarian customs officials confiscated more than 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of heroin from a ship transporting goods from Iran, prosecutors said Tuesday. The drugs were divided in 487 packages and hidden among asphalt rollers the ship was carrying, prosecutor Vladimir Chavdarov. Customs officials in the Black Sea port of Varna valued the seized heroin at 18 million euros ($22 million). Two Bulgarian men – the owner of the receiving company and a customs officer – were detained and could face up to 20 years in jail, if convicted on drug trafficking charges. Bulgarian police believe the heroin was not intended for the domestic market but rather destined to be sold in Western Europe. Drugs from the Mideast sometimes are transported on trucks from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and Bulgaria to Western Europe.”

“Iran had between 80,000 and 100,000 Jews before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but most have since fled, mainly to the United States, Israel and Europe. There are now only about 8,500 left, mostly in Tehran but also in Isfahan and Shiraz, major cities south of the capital.”  See “Iran arrests thieves digging secret tunnel to steal from synagogue,” Jerusalem Post, February 16, 2021.

“Iran military slams spy chief for saying soldier tied to nuke scientist’s death,” AFP, Times of Israel, February 16, 2021.

“Iran’s ‘JCPOA Blackmail’ Must Be Met With International Pressure,” Hassan Mahmoudi, op-ed, Eurasia Review, February 15, 2021.

How can Iran claim that it is an act of piracy, if Iran said it is not their oil?  Go figure.  It would be nice if the media and other countries pointed this out.  Iran can’t says its not theirs but that they’re been stolen from.  Am I missing something?  “Iran Says U.S. Attempt to Seize Oil Cargo Is ‘Act of Piracy’,” Arsalan Shahla, Yahoo Finance, February 15, 2021.

“Iran says it will end snap IAEA inspections if nuclear deal terms not met,” Arab News, Reuters, February 15, 2021.

“In a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Iran eyes new targets in Africa,” New York Times, The Economic Times, February 15, 2021.  “When Ethiopia’s intelligence agency recently uncovered a cell of 15 people it said were casing the embassy of the United Arab Emirates, along with a cache of weapons and explosives, it claimed to have foiled a major attack with the potential to sow havoc in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. But the Ethiopians omitted a key detail about the purported plot: who was behind it. The only clue was the arrest of a 16th person: Accused of being the ringleader, Ahmed Ismail had been picked up in Sweden with the cooperation of friendly “African, Asian and European intelligence services,” the Ethiopians said. Now U.S. and Israeli officials say the operation was the work of Iran, whose intelligence service activated a sleeper cell in Addis Ababa last fall with orders to gather intelligence also on the embassies of the United States and Israel. They say the Ethiopian operation was part of a wider drive to seek soft targets in African countries where Iran might avenge painful, high-profile losses such as the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran’s top nuclear scientist, said to have been killed by Israel in November, and Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian spymaster killed by the United States in Iraq just over one year ago.”

Notice who’s not there—Syria.  If my country was going to have a new constitution, I kind of think at a minimum my country should be part of the conversation.  Iran is angling to keep its pipeline to Hezbollah in Lebanon alive and well.  “Turkey, Russia, Iran to start talks on Syria Tuesday,” Nazli Yuzbasioglu, AA, February 15, 2021.

Not a good idea, Iraq should have turned this down.  Or at least until Iran made amends to Ukraine and Canada.  “Iran and Iraq set up special court to investigate Soleimani assassination,” Middle East Monitor, February 15, 2021.

“Retired Government Employees Protest In Iran Demanding Higher Pensions,” RFE/RL, February 15, 2021.

“Iran says it will end snap IAEA inspections if nuclear deal terms not met,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 15, 2021.

“Iraqi Airlines Resume Flights to Iran,” Tasnim, February, 15, 2021.

“In Tehran, families of downed Flight PS752 demand arrest of Revolutionary Guard leader,” Nahayat Tizhoosh and Ashley Burke, CBC News, February 15, 2021.

“Khomeini in the Archipelago: Iranian Interests and Influence in Indonesia,” Maxwell Lowe, The Diplomat, February 15, 2021.

It is easy enough for the United Nations to send one of its in-country representatives to Damascus Airport and stop this.  (DHL could to).  Will they?  “Report: Iran concealing weapons stockpiles in UN containers at Damascus airport,” Neta Bar, Israel Hayom, February 14, 2021.  “Tehran is using UN containers to conceal weapons stockpiles at the Damascus International Airport, according to a report in the Voice of Damascus, a news site aligned with Syrian rebel fighters. According to a source employed at private company, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have set up a dummy container terminal adjacent to the airport. Containers at the site bear the names of the UN and international shipping company DHL. The Iranians are using the new terminal as a temporary distribution center for storing weapons, in particular missiles and missile parts, prior to their distribution throughout Syria. According to the source, the terminal is situated just 200 meters (yards) from the airport, which was targeted by Israel in the past for its use by the Revolutionary Guards to arm Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian militias and Hezbollah. The facility is guarded by members of the Revolutionary Guards, according to the report, and airport workers are prevented from getting near the site. The terminal holds over 25 containers formerly used by the UN.”

“Iran, Russia to hold joint naval exercise in Indian Ocean: military official,” Xinhua, February 14, 2021.  And Happy Valentine’s Day.

“Iran and Russia to form economic alliance,” Neta Bar, Israel Hayom, February 14, 2021.  Another Valentine’s.  The concern is that Iran’s move to join Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union will allow Iran to ability to bypass U.S. sanctions and of course advance its nuclear program.

More news through China.  “Iran receives “no message” to withdraw forces from Syria: official,” Xinhua, February 14, 2021.

Most of these companies are owned and controlled by the IRGC.  “Iran’s top 100 companies honored,” Tehran Times, February 14, 2021.

“Iran’s army test fires short-range ‘smart’ missile,” AP, February 14, 2021.

“Biden could be forced to show his hand on Iran nuclear deal in next 7 days,” Times of Israel, February 14, 2021.  “A key date comes on February 21 when Iran, under a law passed in December by the conservative-led parliament, is set to stop allowing inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency unless there is an easing of US sanctions.”

“These abuses echo anti-LGBT+ medical treatments by the Nazis.”  See “Iran’s use of ‘electric shocks’ on gay children is torture, says UN report,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, February 14, 2021.

“IRGC-made militias the most dangerous of all Iran-backed groups – study,” Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi, op-ed, Jerusalem Post, February 14, 2021.

A rare story, but partly due (probably) to the U.S. sanctions’ affect on the Iran terror budget.  Also, “Iran has reportedly been critical of Islamic Jihad spending, and the exorbitant salaries it pays operatives on all levels. The Palestinian terrorist group’s leaders are reportedly furious over the move, and the cuts have led to an internal dispute between the commanders of the Al-Quds Brigades, which has even resulted in an armed conflict between them.”  See “Report: Iran slashes Islamic Jihad’s funding,” Shahar Klaiman, Israel Hayom, February 14, 2021.

This is a message from Iran to Saudi Arabia—“Houthi rebels demand Saudi-led coalition end airstrikes in Yemen in return for halting their attacks on Saudi Arabia.”  See “Yemen rebels offer to halt attacks on Saudi Arabia,” AA, February 14, 2021.

This can’t be discounted because it is the MOI head Alavi making the claim.  “Minister: Iran prosecuting main perpetrator behind nuclear scientist’s assassination,” Press TV, February 14, 2021.

The U.S. allows Afghanistan to import oil and fuel from Iran in a special concession exempting Afghanistan from sanctions against Iran.  We don’t know what triggered this fire yet, maybe from the Iranian side of the border post.  “500 vehicles in flames after fuel tanker explodes on Afghanistan-Iran border,” Jessie Yeung, CNN, February 13, 2021.

“Iran Journalist Gets 2 Years in Prison for Writing about Vice President’s Brother’s Corruption Case,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, February 13, 2021.

“Christians detained for their faith in Iran paid nearly £1m in bail in 2020,” Christianity Today, February 13, 2021.

A concerning visit from a leading figure to be the next Supreme Leader.  “What’s so popular about Iran judiciary chief’s visit to Iraq?,” Press TV, February 13, 2021.

“Iran’s Guard begins ground forces drill near Iraqi border,” AP, Military Times, February 12, 2021.

“Venezuela receives more airlifts of refinery materials from Iran,” Reuters, February 12, 2021.

“Iranian official arrested in Istanbul over dissident’s killing: sources,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, February 12, 2021.

“Russia Calls On Iran For ‘Restraint’ After New Nuclear Accord Violation,” RFE/RL, February 11, 2021.

“Russia, Iran compete for influence in Syria via private security companies,” Mohammed Hardan, Al Monitor, February 11, 2021.

“ADL: Iranian textbooks more anti-Semitic than ever,” Dan Lavie, Cleveland Jewish News, February 11, 2021.

“Iranian diplomat nabbed over dissident murder plot in Turkey,” Daily Sabah, February 11, 2021.

Remember where Hamas gets most of its weapons, etc.  “Israeli commander says Hamas has amassed vast arsenal,” Josef Federman, AP, February 11, 2021.

“Iran’s Economic Crisis – What Is the Cause?,” JubinKatiraie, Iran Focus, February 11, 2021.

“In letter to Putin, Khamenei says Iran ‘will not wait’,” Al Monitor, February 11, 2021.

“Intelligence Report Says Iran Amassing Capabilities to Attack US Allies in East Syria,” Asharq Al-Awsat, February 11, 2021.

“Russia-Iran cooperation poses challenges for US cyber strategy, global norms,” John Hardie and Annie Fixler, C4ISR, February 10, 2021.

There is no other original or confirmation reporting on this story.  “Iranian nuclear scientist killed by one-ton automated gun in Israeli hit: Jewish Chronicle,” Stephen Farrell, Reuters, February 10, 2021.  “The Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated near Tehran in November was killed by a one-ton gun smuggled into Iran in pieces by the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, according to a report by The Jewish Chronicle on Wednesday. Citing intelligence sources, the British weekly said a team of more than 20 agents, including Israeli and Iranian nationals, carried out the ambush on scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh after eight months of surveillance. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the report, which was published on the website of the London-based newspaper. … Giving no further details of its sourcing, the world’s oldest Jewish newspaper said the Mossad mounted the automated gun on a Nissan pickup and that “the bespoke weapon, operated remotely by agents on the ground as they observed the target, was so heavy because it included a bomb that destroyed the evidence after the killing.” It said the attack was carried out “by Israel alone, without American involvement” but that U.S. officials were given some form of notice beforehand.”

“Socially-distanced Iran parades on wheels, not feet, to recall 1979 revolution,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 10, 2021.  “State television showed live footage of cars, motorcycles and bicycles moving through the streets of dozens of cities and towns where normally tens of thousands of people march at the annual event. Despite the switch to wheel-bound forms of parade, the ceremony’s sentiments remained unchanged. Participants waved Iranian flags and signs that read “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” – trademark slogans of the Islamic revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed Shah.”

“Iran’s Static Kitten Cyberespionage Group Actively Attacking Kuwait, UAE,” Anomali, February 10, 2021.

“Iran’s IRGC receives 340 new boats, some with drones,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 10, 2021.

“Russia, Iranian health ministries sign cooperation plan for 2021-2022,” TASS, February 10, 2021.

“Iran produces uranium metal in violation of nuke deal — WSJ,” Times of Israel, February 10, 2021.

How does Iran try to hide some of their oil sales?  Here is a detailed description of complex efforts.  “Front companies, forged documents and vessel spoofing: US takes aim at Iranian oil,” John Basquill, Global Trade Review, February 10, 2021.

When the view is adopted that the Supreme Leader speaks for Allah, …  Thus, “the IRGC’s links with its proxies are rooted in a radicalized shared worldview, with these groups fully adopting Tehran’s ideology of Wilayat Al-Faqih, which grants Iran’s supreme leader absolute authority over Shiite Muslims. This fervent ideological and religious affiliation means that Tehran can expect undying dedication to its deadly causes from groups aligned with the IRGC.”  See “A new study on the Middle East takes the wraps off Iran’s militia doctrine,” Charlie Peters, Arab News, February 10, 2021.

“U.S. sells illicit Iranian fuel, another seized cargo on the way,” Timothy Gardner and Jonathan Saul, Reuters, February 10, 2021.

“IAEA: Iran has started producing uranium metal,” David Rising, AP, February 10, 2021.

“Iran issues rare threat to develop nuclear weapon if “pushed”,” CBS, February 9, 2021.  Three parts to this story—Iran reverses itself and threatens a nuclear weapon, the never seen nuclear fatwa is mentioned, and an inside conspirator in the killing of Fakhrizadeh.  It says in part, “Iran’s intelligence minister has warned the West that his country could push for a nuclear weapon if crippling international sanctions on Tehran remain in place, state television reported Tuesday. The remarks by Mahmoud Alavi mark a rare occasion that a government official says Iran could reverse the course of its nuclear program, which Tehran has long insisted is for peaceful purposes only.  A 1990s fatwa, or religious edict, by the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei states that nuclear weapons are forbidden. “Our nuclear program is peaceful and the fatwa by the supreme leader has forbidden nuclear weapons, but if they push Iran in that direction, then it wouldn’t be Iran’s fault but those who pushed it,” Alavi was quoted as saying. “If a cat is cornered, it may show a kind of behavior that a free cat would not,” he said, adding that Iran has no plans to move toward a nuclear weapon under current circumstances. … Following the killing last December of an Iranian scientist credited with spearheading the country’s disbanded military nuclear program, Iran’s parliament has approved a law to block international nuclear inspectors later this month — a serious violation of the accord. Alavi, the intelligence minister, was also quoted as saying that a member of the Iranian armed forces “facilitated” the killing of the scientist, which Iran has blamed on Israel. The minister did not expand on what he meant — and it was not clear if the soldier had carried out the explosion that killed the scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Israel, which has been suspected of killing Iranian nuclear scientists over the last decade, has repeatedly declined to comment on the attack. This was the first time that Iran acknowledged a member of its armed forces may have acted as an accomplice in the killing of Fakhrizadeh, who headed Iran’s so-called AMAD program, which Israel and the West have alleged was a military operation looking at the feasibility of building a nuclear weapon.”

“Iran, N. Korea resumed missile collaboration in 2020: UN report,” France 24, February 9, 2021.

“Many Iranians Privately Reject State-Mandated Religious Conservatism,” James Dorsey, BESA Center, February 9, 2021.

“IDF intelligence: Iran at least two years from nuclear bomb,” Udi Shaham, Jerusalem Post, February 9, 2021.

“Iran Is Close To Getting An Atomic Bomb—But It Could Still Choose To Stop,” David Axe, Forbes, February 9, 2021.

“Iran summons Belgium envoy over sentencing of diplomat,” AP, Star Tribune, February 9, 2021.  “Iran has summoned Belgium’s ambassador in response to the 20-year prison sentence given an Iranian diplomat convicted of planning a thwarted bomb attack against an Iranian opposition group, state-run IRNA news agency reported Tuesday. Iran’s foreign ministry said the legal process, detention, trial and conviction of Assadollah Assadi, who worked as a diplomat in Iran’s embassy in Vienna, was in violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and are illegitimate. During the meeting with the Belgian ambassador, Iran’s foreign ministry urged Belgium’s government to immediately release Assadi. IRNA’s report said Iran’s foreign ministry also delivered a written objection to Belgium’s ambassador. Last week, a court in Antwerp sentenced Assadi, who had been identified as an undercover agent, to 20 years in prison after he was convicted of planning a thwarted bomb attack against exiled Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq in France. Assadi contested the charges and refused to testify during his trial last year, invoking his diplomatic status. He did not attend Thursday’s hearing at the Antwerp courthouse in which he was sentenced. The court rejected Assadi’s claim of diplomatic immunity saying he was on vacation at the time of his arrest — and not in Austria, where he was accredited. The case has infuriated Iran, whose foreign ministry claimed the legal process was influenced by a conspiracy designed by the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq to destroy Iran-Europe relations.”

“Lebanon must be freed from Iranian tyranny,” Maria Maalouf, op-ed, Arab News, February 9, 2021.  In part, “The killing of political activist Luqman Salim last week epitomizes the agony of Lebanon as it seeks to retain its sovereignty against the hostile forces plotting to keep it in turmoil by perpetuating its never-ending political crises. Salim was a politician and a writer who sought to end the hardships of the Lebanese by emphasizing their unity. He pictured Lebanon as a nation taken hostage by the regional powers around it, especially Iran. Contrary to those who push for reform in Lebanon by appealing for help from outside powers, and in particular from Europe and the US, Salim established the responsibility of the people of Lebanon to organize themselves and take action to help improve their conditions.” … A chorus of voices condemned his killing. The most intriguing were the statements made by his sister, who accused Hezbollah of masterminding his kidnapping and assassination. She revealed that he frightened the group with his influential ideas. She added that her brother was an unarmed person fighting against a group of people who were launching rockets and were the cause of the explosion that devastated Beirut last year. She stated that her family has no confidence in the Lebanese judiciary and instead called for an international investigation to be conducted. … The problem for Lebanon is not only the assassination of a prominent political figure, but also the historical question of the suffering of all Lebanese people, as they have become the subjects of Hezbollah’s brutality. The entire discussion surrounding Salim’s killing is an elaboration of the idea of the hegemony of Iran in the Arab world. It is an explanation of the integral part of the strategy to turn Lebanon into a client state for the theocracy ruling Iran, using violence to eliminate opponents and establish a zone of terror in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.”

“IDF foils Iranian scheme to spark conflict on Israel-Syria border,”  Hanan Greenwood, Israel Hayom, February 9, 2021.