The story says it all. “Iran’s supreme leader has received the first coronavirus vaccine developed by the Islamic Republic, state TV reported Friday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that he was not interested in taking foreign-made vaccines, because it is better to “wait for the Iranian vaccine because we have to be proud of this national honor.” In January, Khamenei banned imports of the American and Britain vaccines, a reflection of mistrust toward the West. Iranian pharmaceutical company Shifafarmed made the COVIran Barekat vaccine based on deactivated virus, and the first study of the safety and effectiveness began in late December. The emergency authorization was approved last week after the country, which is the worst-hit nation in the Middle East, faced problems importing enough vaccines [from Russia and China]. Iran has not published data about efficacy of the vaccine.” “Iran’s top leader receives its home-made corona vaccine,” AP, ABC, June 25, 2021.
“Iran election result ‘will mean hardship for the Church’,” Madeleine Davies, Church Times, June 25, 2021.
Rare footage of Leader moving his disabled arm. “Khamenei receives Iran-developed COVID-19 shot,” NHK World—Japan, June 25, 2021.
“US, France fear Iran’s nuclear activities may advance if talks drag,” The News, June 25, 2021. Remember, it has always been a concern that the nuclear bomb efforts will continue and speed up while the world is distracted with talking.
If the IRI wants the JCPOA to be reinstituted, it has no choice but to be monitored. Then again, Iran does not act as a rational government or normal state (that is part of what got us into this situation). “Iran says has no obligation to respond to IAEA request on monitoring deal,” Reuters, June 25, 2021.
Off the coast of Senegal as of June 24. As I’m now seeing this story they could be well to the W or the N. “Iranian Naval Passage Through Atlantic Prompts US Concern,” Carla Babb, VOA, June 25, 2021.
Another fascinating article about holding back Iran’s nuclear program. “Iranian Nuke Centrifuge Plant Badly Damaged By Drones,” Arie Egozi, Breaking Defense, June 25, 2021.
“Iran’s Absentee Voting Events at US Hotels Raise Sanctions, Ethics Questions,” Michael Lipin, VOA, June 25, 2021. So the Administration apparently gave licenses to these hotels to hold events for Iran (Canada refused), and these hotels accepted payment to assist Iran. Not good. The voting could have been held online, for example. Or they could have mailed in ballots. There are other ways, also.
“UPDATE 1-IAEA wants ‘immediate response’ from Iran on extending monitoring deal,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, June 25, 2021.
Not a matter of the normal trade that occurs between countries, but an example of control and use of another country for one’s dark purposes. “Iran-Syria port and maritime co-op on the rise,” Tehran Times, June 25, 2021.