Month: May 2021

What?!  “In March, the import volumes of Iranian crude reportedly totaled 33,000 barrels per day. That marks the first delivery of Iranian crude to the US since 1991.”  Trying to entice the Regime back into compliance with the JCPOA?  See “US reports it has imported sanctioned oil from Iran, a first after 30 years of sanctions,” Hellenic Shipping News, May 31, 2021.  “The United States imported a rare cargo of 1.033 million barrels of Iranian crude in March despite sanctions on Iran’s energy sector, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed.”  See “U.S. imports rare Iranian oil in March despite sanctions – EIA data,” Reuters, May 30, 2021.  Ah, now it is apparent—the Biden Administration is not directly buying Iranian oil, but this influx is from the seizure of the Iranian tanker sailing to Venezuela.  “U.S. records show Iran crude oil cargo landed in March, month after ship seizure,” Reuters, May 30, 2021.  Finally, see “US sells off Iranian crude oil seized off coast of UAE,” Jon Gambrell, AP, May 31, 2021.  “The U.S. has sold some 2 million barrels of Iranian crude oil after seizing an oil tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, court documents and government statistics show. The Iranian crude oil showed up in new figures released over the weekend by the U.S. Energy Information Agency, raising the eyebrows of commodities traders as Tehran remains targeted by a series of American sanctions. The EIA figures included just over 1 million barrels of Iranian “crude oil imports” in March. The oil came from the MT Achilleas, a ship seized in February by the U.S. off the coast of the Emirati port city of Fujairah. U.S court documents allege the Achilleas was subject to forfeiture under American anti-terrorism statues as Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard tried to use it to sell crude oil to China. The U.S. has identified the Guard as a terrorist organization since the administration of former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors say shippers tried to disguise the shipment by labeling it as “Basra light crude” from neighboring Iraq. The U.S. government brought the Achilleas to Houston, Texas, where it sold the just over 2 million barrels of crude oil within it for $110 million, or at around $55 a barrel, court documents show. The money will be held in escrow amid a court case over it.”

“Iran and world powers resume ‘final round’ of nuclear deal talks,” Business Standard, May 31, 2021.

“The Iranian people are not just struggling against the coronavirus but also against the Velayat (clerical rule) Virus.”  See “Iran and the Covid-19 crisis,” Firouz Daneshgari, Modern Diplomacy, May 31, 2021.

“Iran: Hamas already rebuilding Iran-backed rocket arsenal,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 31, 2021.

“Iran Nuclear-Fuel Production Plummets After Natanz Explosion,” Laurence Norman, Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2021.

“Pan-Gulf identity as an alternative to Iran’s Vilayat-e Faqih,” Mohammed Al-Sulami, Arab News, May 31, 2021.

One more reason not to treat with Iran.  “UN watchdog: Access to key Iranian data lacking since Feb 23,” Kiyoko Metzler and David Rising, AP, May 31, 2021.

“70-Percent Increase in Price of Food in Iran,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, May 31, 2021.

“Can Hamas, an Iranian Proxy, Be Deterred?,” Farhad Rezaei, BESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 2,058, May 31, 2021.

“Iran: Ebrahim Raisi, the Oppressor of Mashhad Protests,” Mahmoud Hamidi, Iran News Update, May 31, 2021.

“UN nuclear watchdog chides Iran over uranium enrichment,” DW, May 31, 2021.

“Iran warns Armenia to halt Araz River pollution,” AzerNews, May 31, 2021.

“Iran’s Virtually Uncontested Presidential Election Is a Precursor To Expanded Repression,” Mansoureh Galestan, NCRI, May 31, 2021.

“Women Share Stories Of Sexual Abuse In Iranian Prisons,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, May 31, 2021.

“Iran fails to explain uranium traces found at several sites -IAEA report,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, May 31, 2021.

“Benjamin Briere: France condemns spying charge against tourist in Iran,” Tim Stickings, The National, May 31, 2021.

“Iranian-backed militias are in America’s sights,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 30, 2021.

This is rational decision—a candidate who remains the central bank chief would affect monetary and exchange rate policies.  But Hemmatti should have resigned on his own without putting the President in this situation.  “Rohani Dismisses Iran’s Central Bank Chief Over Presidential Candidacy,” RFE/RL, May 30, 2021.

“Intelligence Website Releses 3D Reconstructed Images of Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility,” Algemeiner, May 30, 2021.

“The Five Myths That Doom a New Iran Deal,” Michael Rubin, National Interest, May 30, 2021.

“Iran: Chief Of Police Threatens Supporters Of Election Boycott,” Iran News Wire, May 30, 2021.

It is not normal for a country to do this.  “Iran praises Hamas for missile barrages, commemorates key missile maker,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 29, 2021.

“Iran-backed militias turn to drone attacks, alarming U.S. forces in Iraq,” Louisa Loveluck and John Hudson, Washington Post, May 29, 2021.

Seven years and counting, thank you Iran.  “Yemen FM says Iran’s support for Houthis is prolonging war,” Arab News, May 29, 2021.

“Iranian tanker seized by Indonesia is released after 4 months,” Reuters, May 29, 2021.  The “Iranian-flagged tanker, the MT Horse, was released on Friday after a court decision earlier in the week. The court ruled the vessel could leave Indonesia, while the captain would be subject to a two-year probation without any fine.” He was also released.

It is not clear from this news how this is related to U.S. sanctions, which do not prohibit medicine and other essential aid.  “Iran says Iraq to release $125 million of frozen funds for vaccines,” Reuters, May 29, 2021.

“U.S. monitoring Iranian warships that may be headed to Venezuela,” Betsy Woodruff Swan, Lara Seligman, Andrew Desiderio, and Nahal Toosi, Politico, May 29, 2021.

“Israelis should ‘go back’ to Europe, US: Iran’s Quds Force commander,” WION News, May 29, 2021.

One of the most important stories during May, and which many intelligence agencies may have been aware during the 11 day conflict.  “Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah coordinated Gaza fighting in joint war room — report,” Times of Israel, May 29, 2021.  “Iran’s IRGC and Hezbollah coordinated with Hamas on the recent fighting in Gaza between Palestinian terrorists and Israel, according to the editor-in-chief of a Lebanese daily affiliated with Hezbollah. … [O]fficers from the IRGC, Hamas and Hezbollah set up a joint military operations center in Beirut. The commander of the IRGC’s overseas Quds Force, Esmail Ghaani, visited the operations center twice during the military hostilities, according to Al-Amine. The newspaper editor claimed Hezbollah sent weapons and ammunition to Gaza and “moved a number of Palestinian resistance officers out of the Strip during the aggression,” according to Al-Manar.”  How did these personnel move and this support occur?

It is not normal in most countries for the military to back a candidate and take steps to ensure he wins.  “Iran Guards Say Not Supporting Any Candidate But ‘Educating’ Voters,” Iran International, May 29, 2021.

“From Tehran to Jerusalem via Gaza: A Hamas rocket’s trajectory,” Christian Science Monitor, May 28, 2021.

“Iran’s Rohani Congratulates Assad On Syria Election Victory,” RFE/RL, May 28, 2021.  “Iranian President Hassan Rohani has congratulated Syria’s Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth seven-year presidential term in an election dismissed as a sham by the opposition and Western governments, according to an Iranian presidential website. … Assad won the election on May 27 with a majority of 95 percent. The election was the second presidential vote since the country’s conflict began 10 years ago to challenge Assad’s authority following his takeover from his father in 2000, and featured no independent monitors. Assad ran against two little-known figures for Syria’s top post, which has been held by a member of the Assad family for five decades. … The Syrian civil war broke out in 2011 when anti-Assad protests turned into an armed insurgency in response to a brutal military crackdown. The fighting has left nearly half a million dead and half the country’s population displaced, including more than 5 million refugees outside Syria. With the help of Russia and Iran, Assad has crushed the insurgency and regained control over 70 percent of territory.”

NYT gives Milani a favorable quote.  “Today we are witnessing an unabashed attack on any semblance of republican principles in favor of the absolute power of the supreme leader,” said Abbas Milani, director of Iranian studies at Stanford University.  See “Iran Clears Way for Hard-line Judiciary Chief to Become President,” Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, May 28, 2021.

What will 80 lashes do to Narges Mohammadi, a campaigner against the death penalty, and spokeswoman for the Defenders of Human Rights Centre in Iran?  She was found guilty of “propaganda against the system.”  “Iran sentences activist to 30 months jail, flogging,” Arab News, AFP, May 27, 2021.

“Iran’s Khamenei backs hardliner versus hardliner presidential vote,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, May 27, 2021.

Bizzaro, on two fronts.  First, why would the Iranian Health Ministry have a picture of the dead Quds Force leader on the wall?  His life activities didn’t have too much to do with health, instead the opposite.  Second, Iranians have been moaning for months about the need from more inoculations.  Why export?  The home crowd needs these.  “Iran Says Mass Producing Covid 19 Vaccines, Ready For Export,” Kashmir Observer, May 27, 2021.

“Iran: Ukraine Airline Victims’ Families Harassed, Abused,” HRW, May 27, 2021.

“New Iranian Underwater Weapon Hints At Technology Advances,” David Hambling, Forbes, May 27, 2021.

On the other hand, after reading Max Boot’s op-ed from yesterday, take Mike Rogers’ piece.  Rogers is former chair of the House Intelligence Committee.  Read it and decided who has the better argument.  Rogers says Iran helped Hamas build up to some 30,000 rockets and mortars, especially the most advanced.  And the article names and quotes Hamas officials crediting Iran for its support.  Rogers says, “Iran’s policies in the Middle East have done nothing but bring ruin to the region, destabilize our allies and foment violence in areas that need assistance and support, not more arms and munitions.  “Iran’s destabilizing role has been exposed in Gaza,” Mike Rogers, op-ed, The Hill, May 27, 2021.

“Iranian agents linked to terrorist plot in Sweden against dissidents,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post,” May 27, 2021.

“Alarmists, including current Secretary of State Antony Blinken, warned that delivering on a decades-old promise to move the US embassy to Jerusalem would set fire to a regional tinderbox. Many of the same detractors said taking Iranian terrorist leader Qasem Soleimani off the battlefield would spark a war. In both cases, the opposite happened. Our potential partners, Arabs and Jews alike, saw that it was possible to break out of antiquated molds and approach old problems with new ideas – and would-be troublemakers realized there were real consequences to malign actions.”  See “Ex-US intel chief to ‘Post’: Biden is surrendering to Iran,” John Ratcliffe, Jerusalem Post, May 27, 2021.

“How Hamas Is Strengthening the Turkey-Iran-Qatar Axis,” Maya Carlin, National Interest, May 27, 2021.

The selected and very limited options for the next presidential election bode poorly for the country.  “The Islamic Republic’s Republic Is Dying,” Sina Toossi, Foreign Policy, May 27, 2021.

So many of us have been calling out Iran for years that its actions aim toward building a nuclear weapon despite it foreswearing such efforts.  Yet many in the media (and some countries) look the other way and say nothing.  Here is the most recent article showing that the IAEA certainly understands reality.  “The director-general stated that the Islamic Republic is enriching uranium at purity levels that “only countries making bombs are reaching.” He said that “a country enriching at 60% is a very serious thing,” calling it “very concerning.” Further, the UN nuclear watchdog chief said that “60% is almost weapons grade; commercial enrichment is 2%, 3%.””  See “IAEA chief: Iran nuke ‘genie cannot be put back in bottle’,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, May 26, 2021.

“Iran bans cryptocurrency mining for 4 months amid power cuts,” Reuters, May 26, 2021.

The rare signed article in the Tehran Times, which may mean that this is not the official Regime line.  On the other hand, it is consistent with the historic theme of victim.  Another interesting aspect of this article is that the author blames other countries for environmental damages but says nothing of how Iran has treated its own lands and people.  See “Iran is prime victim of climate change,” M.A. Saki, Tehran Times, May 26, 2021.

“Why The Iranian Regime Will Collapse,” Elahe Nafari Zavieh, op-ed, Iran News Wire, May 26, 2021.

“Facebook Says Most ‘Inauthentic’ Networks Start in Russia, Iran,” Kurt Wagner, Bloomberg, May 26, 2021.

“Iran’s Guards Tell Ahmadinejad Keep Silent He Warns Regime Change,” Iran International, May 26, 2021.

“Khomeini’s Grandson Slams Rejection Of Key Presidential Candidates,” Iran International, May 26, 2021.

“Iranian crude moving towards the light, in quality shift on Chinese preferences: sources,” Eklavya Gupte, SP Global, May 26, 2021.

“Hamas is Iran’s agent.  Why not stop this?  “The Biden Administration Must Hold Iran Accountable for Support of Hamas,” Joseph Lieberman and Mark Wallace, op-ed, Newsweek, May 26, 2021.

“Sentenced to prison simply because of their religion.  “Iran court sentences six Baha’is citizens to 73 years of prison,” Iran HRM, May 26, 2021.

“Iran cracks down on mass media, free speech ahead of elections,” Katey Hearth, Mission Network News, May 26, 2021.

“Three Christians Arrested Under Iran’s Amended Penal Code,” Persecution.org, May 26, 2021.

A lack of logic, and of math.  Read this and ask Max Boot if he really wants to give billions to the Regime.  And ask him what his solution to Iran’s push for nukes is—he provides none in this op-ed.  He fails to discuss how the sanctions have hampered and limited Iran in the last three years.  He almost appears as accepting not just the status quo but what Iran will become.  Finally, if Israel says not rejoining the JCPOA is a bad idea, that sounds like something to listen to—they have a lot of skin in the game.  See “The Gaza war isn’t an argument against the Iran nuclear deal,” Max Boot, op-ed, Washington Post, May 26, 2021.

Ponder if your country had a similar set-up, that there would be a committee who knocked out almost all presidential candidates and chose the few the committee wanted to be on the ballot–to control the outcome.  From 590 candidates to 7!  Thank you Guardian Council!  (now the ballot will be much simpler!).  Authoritarianism, certainly not democracy.  Here is news from today.  Also remember that many persons are considered for the next president and the next supreme leader years in advance by the current Supreme Leader and his staff—this is a controlled, Politburo type of process.  See “Iran Approves 7 for Presidential Vote, Bars Rouhani Allies,” AP, May 25, 2021.  The candidates are judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, who is linked to mass executions in 1988, and the best known of the seven; Saeed Jalili, a former JCPOA nuclear negotiator; Mohsen Rezaei, a former Revolutionary Guard commander; Ali Reza Zakani, a former lawmaker; Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh, a current lawmaker; Mohsen Mehralizadeh, a former provincial governor; and Abdolnasser Hemmati, the current head of Iran’s Central Bank.

“Iran’s Ahmadinejad barred from presidential elections,” Neta Bar, Israel Hayom, May 25, 2021.  “According to Iran’s Fars news agency close to the Revolutionary Guard has reported former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, and Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri were also disqualified. While Ahmadinejad’s rejection was widely anticipated, banning Larijani and Jahangiri from the race was surprising. Larijani was expected to be the main challenger to the likely winner of the election, Chief Justice Ebrahim Raeesi, who is backed by hardliners and is considered a confidant of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.”

Two things of note, but could write for hours on a this seemingly simple advertisement for vacation/touring in Iran under the Regime.  First, I will agree that it would be an “unforgettable” trip but for foreigners and dual citizens for reasons not listed in the advert.  Second, the advert does not explain that certain types of persons and certain persons/states are not allowed to come.  Third, some tourists have “minders”, controlling where you go and who you talk to.  See “Rent a Car and Explore Iran–2021 Summer with Rentkonim,” Tehran Times, May 25, 2021.

We can go ahead and announce the winner of the June election—Ebrahim Raisi.  “Iran’s Fars news agency close to the Revolutionary Guard has reported that the election watchdog, the Guardian Council, has finalized the list of candidates eligible to run in the June 18 presidential election, and has published a list of seven names. Fars said it has obtained the list and three crucial names are missing from the candidate line-up. Former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri. While Ahmadinejad’s rejection was widely anticipated, the other two hopefuls being disqualified is a big surprise. Larijani, who is a conservative and has been appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as special envoy for China, was expected to be the main challenger to the likely winner of the election, Ebrahim Raeesi, who is backed by hardliners. The disqualification of Jahangir would eliminate the main centrist candidate and will almost seal Raeesi’s victory.”  See “Iran Election Watchdog Disqualifies Three Main Candidates – Fars Report,” Iran International, May 25, 2021.

“Iran, world powers resume talks on US return to nuclear deal,” David Rising and Philipp Jenne, AP, May 25, 2021.

I include this article because it is 180 degrees different from other news on this topic over the past few years (and this article is straight from a Regime source).  “UN official: Iran’s behavior with Afghan refugees outstanding, exemplary,” Press TV, May 24, 2021.

“Iran intends to use Armenian route as part of North-South Transport Corridor – Minister,” Public Radio of Armenia, May 24, 2021.

“Iran Rejects Saudi Calls To Discuss Tehrans Missiles and Regional Role,” Iran International, May 24, 2021.

“Iran’s sham elections: The people know the truth,” Struan Stevenson, op-ed, UP, May 24, 2021.

Can’t run too many of these types of stories since this is a blog about Iran Regime decisions.  But China’s and Russia’s moves continue to enable Iran and partly explain its actions.  “President Xi says China supports Iran’s reasonable demands on nuclear issue in phone talks with Rouhani,” Global Times, May 24, 2021.

“UN nuclear watchdog says Iran agrees to one-month extension to the deal on surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites,” AP, May 24, 2021.

The type of news that makes your day.  “From May 22 and with the end of the three-month agreement, the agency will have no access to data collected by cameras inside the nuclear facilities agreed under the agreement,” Fars quoted Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as saying.  He is Iran’s parliamentary speaker, and this threat on Sunday to significantly limit access of international inspectors to nuclear sites and data increases tensions with the International Atomic Energy Agency and world powers as nuclear deal negotiations reach their apex.  “The threat came half a day after IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi announced that he would hold a press conference Sunday afternoon to update the world on the status of inspections, and as Iran, the US and world powers enter what could be a fateful week of negotiations to return to the 2015 nuclear deal. It was unclear if the threat was a last-second attempt at saber-rattling to try to get concessions from the US before a deal is cut or whether it was a sign that the Islamic Republic is ready to sabotage negotiations and engender a major crisis.”  See “Iran threatens more limits on nuclear inspections at height of negotiations,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, May 23, 2021.

“Assad takes from Syrians, gives resources to Iran, Russia,” Dilara Aslan, Daily Sabah, May 23, 2021.

“No sign yet Iran will comply with nuclear terms to have sanctions lifted -U.S.’s Blinken,” Reuters, May 23, 2021.

On this one I will agree—Iran is DM Hatami—Iran is among the world’s most effective missile powers because they threaten others with them more and they use them against others more.  See “Defense minister: Iran among world’s effective missile powers,” Press TV, May 23, 2021.

Surprised?  “At least 9 injured in blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries; Netanyahu on Thursday said explosive drone downed by IDF was launched by Iran.”  See “Iran reports explosion at plant that reportedly produces UAVs,” Times of Israel, May 23, 2021.

Another informative article from Iran Focus, this one on the environmental disaster of the Regime.  “Iran Loses 360 Square Meters of Its Nature Every Second,” Sia Rajabi, Iran Focus, May 23, 2021.

If this story is accurate, the government will use this for spying on its citizens during the election.  “Internet to be free of charge in Iran Minister,” MENAFN, May 23, 2021.

“Hamas’ Haniyeh vows to destabilize Jerusalem, thanks Iran for support,” Tobias Siegal, Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2021.  Haniyeh concluded his speech by thanking “the Islamic Republic of Iran, who did not hold back with money, weapons and technical support” and by suggesting that others will soon join.

“Iran deliberately shot down plane full of passengers in act of terrorism, Canadian judge rules,” Oliver O’Connell, Independent, May 22, 2012.

Sneaky.  And the type of thing for which there should be a punishment.  “Ship owners suspect their satnav systems are being “spoofed” in the Strait of Hormuz by the IRGC to lure vessels off course and to pirate them.  Ships relying on GPS signals can be fooled by sending counterfeit signals.  See “Why vessels passing near Iran may have trouble staying on course,” Economist, May 22, 2021.

“The State of Iran’s Misery Index,” Pooya Stone, Iran Focus, May 22, 2021

“Iran says international inspectors may no longer access images of nuclear sites,” AP, May 22, 2021.