Was he in their orbit?  Magufuli certainly was moving away from the West, and away from medicines and use of English and rule of law and fairness in politics.  Many persons have died and will die in country due to his refusal to order Covid medicine.  “Iran Sends Condolences over Death of Tanzanian President,” Tasnim, March, 20, 2021.

Normal, but not.  It is regular that countries talk.  But sometimes, including when there has just been a war between Iran’s two northern neighbors, and so many Azeris in Iran (about 20% pop.), there is more to this story than meets the eye.  There are attempts at repair going on also.  “Officials Discuss Ways to Broaden Iran-Azerbaijan Ties,” Tasnim, March, 20, 2021.

Khatami tries to stay relevant and influence some reform, but also doesn’t want to be under house arrest and all that punishment imposes.  “Iran ex-president Khatami blasted over New Year message,” Guardian, AFP, March 20, 2021.

“’They Don’t Want His Name To Be Heard’: One Iranian Mother’s 21-Year Search For Her Son,” RFE/RL, March 20, 2021.

“Iran eyes to nearly double exports to Africa in 3 years,” Press TV, March 20, 2021.

“Iran unveils latest issue of 50,000-rial bank note,” Arthur Friedberg, Coin World, March 20, 2021.

Quote of the day (sanctions work—they’ve lost billions for terrorism, now are more likely to negotiate, and have had to rely on Russia and China financially and politically like never before):  “In the 42 years since the victory of the (Islamic) revolution, I cannot recall a year as hard and difficult as 1399 regarding economic constraints,” Pres. Hassan Rouhani.  “On Persian New Year, Iranian leaders promise better times amid pain of sanctions, COVID,” AFP, March 20, 2021.

“Iranian missiles used in Yemen’s latest Aramco attack, says Saudi Arabia,” Abbas Al Lawati, World Oil, March 20, 2021.