Month: June 2021

“Hard-liner ushered in as new Iran president:  Voter turnout republic’s lowest ever,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, June 20, 2021.  “[O]ut of more than 59 million people eligible, only 28.9 million voted Friday. And some 3.7 million people either accidentally or intentionally voided their ballots, far beyond the amount seen in previous elections and suggesting that some wanted none of the four candidates.”  Ouch.

“Europeans, U.S. Warn Iran Nuclear Talks Won’t Be Open-Ended,” Reuters, USNWR, June 20, 2021.

“Clashes and Protests in Iran on Sunday,” Hamideh Taati, NCRI, June 20, 2021.

A good big picture article.  “Iran’s System Keeps Its Grip, Despite the Chaos (or Because of It),” Max Fisher, New York Times, June 20, 2021.

“Tehran Government Bans Iran Blockchain Association,” Lubomir Tassev, Bitcoin, June 19, 2021.

“Houthis Launch Attack with 10 Armed Drones Against Saudi Targets,” Iran International, June 19, 2021.

“Iran: Overseer of Mass Executions Elected President,” Human Rights Watch, June 19, 2021.

Bennett has been warned by three former top defense officials that the emerging deal could be worse than the 2015 version. In a missive circulated in the government, the officials claim they have received “reliable and worrying information” that the US is “willing to accept a reduced accord that will see most of the sanctions set by the Trump administration since 2018 removed. In return, Iran will roll back only some of the steps it has taken since 2019 to promote its nuclear program.” The missive by former Military Intelligence chief Aharon Zeevi-Farkash, and former top officials in the Israel Atomic Energy Commission claims Washington is willing to accept only partial limitations on Iran’s increased enrichment capacity and reduced UN inspections. They say the US will likely rebuff criticism by asserting it will deal with such issues as part of a broader, improved accord that will be negotiated down the line, but express doubts that such a deal is feasible. “Iran will be able to advance covertly and significantly reduce the time required to reach a nuclear arsenal,” they argue.  “Bennett said to ramp up engagement with US over its planned return to Iran deal,” Times of Israel, June 19, 2021.

Only four participated, Raeisi, Mohsen Rezaei, Abdolnasser Hemmati, and Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi.  The other three dropped out.  Wonderful system.  Second, someone needs to ask Tehran Times if the central numbers recorded in this article match the collective numbers from the regions.  “Raeisi wins presidential vote in Iran with a landslide victory,” Tehran Times, June 19, 2021.

When I read the headline, I thought that Iran was truly about to send a representative.  Then I read the story—Zarif (he makes an appearance!) still has demands that SA must meet first.  “Iran’s Zarif Says He’s Ready to Send Ambassador to Saudi Arabia,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, June 19, 2021.

An emotional Father’s Day plea.  “UK: daughter of British man jailed in Iran calls on Government to ‘save my dad’,” Amnesty International UK, June 18, 2021.

Quote of the Day:  “It is useless,” said Ali Hosseini, a 36-year-old unemployed resident in southern Tehran, about the exercise of voting in Iran.  See “In Iran’s subdued election, many voters appear to stay home,” Isabel Debre, AP, KRMG, June 18, 2021.  In a similar vein, “Apathy greets Iran presidential vote dominated by hard-liner,” Jon Gambrell, AP, June 18, 2021.  And again, “Latest Opinion Survey Shows 22 Percent Inclined to Vote in Iran Election,” Iran International, June 18, 2021.

“US officials: Iranian ships changing course away from Venezuela,” Lexi Lonas, The Hill, June 18, 2021.

Ignore the “expert opinion” that UNCLOS protects warships from boarding and their cargoes seized—sanctions and self-defense provide all the justification needed, as laid out in the article diplomatically, legally, and via military explanation provided by former officials Bolton (Rep.) and Stavridis (Dem.).  See “Iranian ships once believed to be headed toward Venezuela change course, U.S. officials say,” Lara Seligman and Nahal Toosi, Politico, June 17, 2021.

If Iran’s med was good, or in adequate amounts, or the same for what it supposedly is acquiring from Russia and China, then we wouldn’t have this.  And from where is the money coming for 20x to 50x the cost in the West per dose?  See “Iran: Pfizer Vaccine Sold For Up To $2,488 In Tehran,” Iran News Wire, June 17, 2021.

““This is really about the hardline, conservative core of the regime ensuring its survival”—Iran votes,” Economist, June 17, 2021.

Ignore the “expert opinion” that UNCLOS protects warships from boarding and their cargoes seized—sanctions and self-defense provide all the justification needed, as laid diplomatically, legally, and via military explanation provided by former officials Bolton (Rep.) and Stavridis (Dem.).  See “Iranian ships once believed to be headed toward Venezuela change course, U.S. officials say,” Lara Seligman and Nahal Toosi, Politico, June 17, 2021.

“’I’m Through With Politics’: Outrage And Apathy Ahead Of Iran’s Presidential Vote,” Stuart Greer, RFE/RL, Radio Farda, June 17, 2021.

“Iran regime-backed Hezbollah builds stronghold in France – report,” Benjamin Weinthal and Sarah Chemla, Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2021.

As you will read here, by “fake” it is meant nothing as compared to fair democratic elections—they are “show” elections, common in authoritarian socieities.  “Iran Officials Admit That Elections Are Fake,” Pooya Stone, Iran Focus, June 16, 2021.

“Iran is draining its aquifers dry,” Nature, June 16, 2021.  Mismanagement and corruption are depleting ground and surface waters across the country.

“Biden urged to secure release of Americans left behind in Iran,” Elizabeth Hagedorn, Al Monitor, June 16, 2021.

“Ebrahim Raisi poised to sweep into Iranian presidency despite weak religious credentials,” Joseph Hammond, Washington Post, Religion News Service, June 16, 2021.

Will Putin follow through?  “Biden Says He and Putin Agreed to Work to Keep Iran From Getting Nuclear Weapons,” Reuters, June 16, 2021.

“Four wild Iran nuclear standoff developments,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2021.

“Suspected Iranian hackers exploit VPN, Telegram to monitor dissidents,” Cyberscoop, June 16, 2021.

“Iran’s Rigged Election:  A Handpicked President Won’t Stand in the Supreme Leader’s Way,” Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, June 16, 2021.

“Four wild Iran nuclear standoff developments,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2021.

From Reuters, no less.  “Khamenei set to tighten grip in Iran vote as frustrations grow,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, June 15, 2021.

Everyone in the world should say in unison—Iran lied, and is lying.  When it says it only wants nuclear power to generate electricity and medical isotopes, it needs very low enrichment.  As this story says, it is aiming for 90% enrichment for weapons grade.  “Iran Says It Produced 6.5 Kg of Uranium Enriched to 60%,” Reuters, June 15, 2021.

“Front-runner for Iran presidency is hardline judge sanctioned by U.S.,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, June 15, 2021.

“Who will save Iran?,” Mohamad Roshan, op-ed, Global Comment, June 15, 2021.

This is a great example of “If Iran Wants To Spend The Money, It Will.”  They said they didn’t have the 16M to pay their UN dues.  Here, they have 595M for Shia religious tourism.  “Ground broken for vast tourism complex in northeastern Iran,” Tehran Times, June 15, 2021.

“Khamenei set to tighten grip in Iran vote as frustrations grow,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, June 15, 2021.

This is a reminder of Chair Corker’s inability to have the 2015 Deal considered by the Senate through its treaty review powers.  “House Republicans cite 2015 law mandating congressional review of any Iran nuclear deal,” Adam Lucente, Al Monitor, June 15, 2021.

37 to 47 percent turnout expected per the elections chief.  And he got into hot water.  “Controversy Over Iran Election Turnout Brings Official Under Attack,” Iran International, June 15, 2021.

Ebrahim Raisi is much more a hardliner and has an effective and relied upon speed dial, thus this author predicts he won’t run afoul of the Supreme Leader.  See “The Perils of the Iranian Presidency,” Jay Mens, FP, June 15, 2021.

Good article.  But don’t let the “party” throw you—Iran is already a no-party state.  Robin Wright, an excellent writer, is communicating “much more like a dictatorship than every before.”  See “Iran Moves Toward a One-Party State,” Robin Wright, New Yorker, June 15, 2021.

“Khamenei Backed Paper Tries To Secure Presidential Frontrunner’s Win,” Iran International, June 14, 2021.

CNN has this story right.  “Raisi has played a decades-long role in a bloody crackdown on Iranian dissidents.”  See “Iran’s hardline presidential frontrunner could take the country back to a dark past, just as Iranians are itching for change,” CNN, June 14, 2021.

“Resistance in Iran’s holiest city where live music is banned,” The Irish Times, June 14, 2021.

“How dangerous is the new alleged Russia-Iran high resolution satellite?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, June 14, 2021.

“NATO summit statement: ‘We call on Iran to stop all ballistic missile activities’,” Arab Times, June 14, 2021.

The Los Angeles Times just ran a story about the miracle of Israel’s democracy in the dangerous region of the Middle East, and there is no greater threat than Iran.  And with all the markers of Iran, it is hard to call it glorious.  But hey, FM Zarif makes an appearance.  “FM Zarif:  Israel’s Tyrant Falls as Iran Continues March of Glory,” Kashmir Observer, June 14, 2021.

No details have been announced.  This may be bluster.  “Iran says outline agreed with U.S. to lift energy sanctions,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, June 14, 2021.

A destroyer Dena and a minesweeper.  “Iran’s navy receives two new warships,” The Economic Times, June 14, 2021.

“Iran’s Misery and the Miserable State of the Iranian Rial,” Steve Hanke, National Review, June 14, 2021.

“Revelation by Ex-Intelligence Minister Sheds Light Iran Election Process,” Iran International, June 14, 2021.

“With So Much Of The Debate Hampered Ahead Of Presidential Vote, Iranians Turn To Clubhouse,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, June 14, 2021.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Guardian Council ran their own poll before announcing the seven finalists so they could make sure their candidate, Raisi, would win.  Yes, polls are rare and unreliable in the Iran, but can be conducted.  “Exclusive:  Poll Finds Raeesi Easily Leading Iran- Vote,” Iran International, June 14, 2021.

“Iran approves first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine,” Olafimihan Oshin, The Hill, June 14, 2021.

“Iran says it has broad agreement with the US on lifting sanctions,” Arsalan ShahlaBloomberg, Bloomberg, June 14, 2021.

“Trial of activists in Iran delayed by 10 days over access to lawyers,” Paul Peachey, The National, June 14, 2021.

“Pro-Iran militias show off new drone air force,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, June 13, 2021.  The use by various militias of UAVs, often supplied by Iran, dates to at least 2019.

“Pakistan Closes Six Iranian-Funded Schools In Quetta,” Radio Mashaal, June 13, 2021.

“Russia Denies Plans to Provide Iran With Advanced Satellite System,” Hamodia, June 13, 2021.

“Senior Clerics In Iran Urge People to Vote Friday as Polls Show Low Turnout,” Iran International, June 13, 2021.

“Iran’s Larijani rebuffed over election bar,” AFP, June 13, 2021.

So disappointing.  The U.S. has allowed Iran to save face at the UN, and didn’t get anything in return—no hostages, no nothing.  It is time for Joe Biden to speak about what it is that Iran is giving as the U.S. is giving.  “Iran regained its vote in the UN General Assembly on Friday after the United States enabled Tehran to use funds frozen in South Korea to pay some $16 million it owed to the world body. Iran lost its vote in the 193-member General Assembly in January because it was more than two years in arrears. It owed a total of more than $65 million, but paid the minimum amount needed to regain its vote.”  See “Iran regains UN vote after US enables UN payment,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, June  12, 2021.

“Iran’s ex-parliament speaker demands explanation for vote disqualification,” WTVBAM, June 12, 2021.  But Larijani won’t get an answer, and won’t get anywhere.

“Could Iran use Shi’ite centers in France to spread terror? – report,” Jerusalem Post, June 11, 2021.  The Alma Research and Education Center reported that two organizations in France, Al-Ghadir and Imam Al Khoei, could possibly be used to “spread the dangerous ideology of the radical Shi’ite axis led by Iran to youngsters and adults alike.”  The report states that the axis aims to develop “an active civilian and military integrated infrastructure” as a possible terror base in Europe.

Ah ha, the NYT uses its sources to rebut the State Dept. claim of “routine” sanctions relief given to some Iranian officials.  “News that Iran had paid the dues with previously impounded money was the second signal in two days from the Biden administration in attempting to show some flexibility over the sanctions as the nuclear talks progress. On Thursday, the administration lifted sanctions on three former Iranian government officials and two Iranian companies involved in the country’s oil industry.”  So we will return to the question from yesterday—What is Iran giving up?  Will they free hostages?  See “Iran Pays Delinquent U.N. Dues, Getting Its Vote Back,” Rick Gladstone, New York Times, June 11, 2021.

You can see China’s opposition to the U.S. and support for Iran in this article.  “China urges U.S. and Russian nuclear cuts and progress in Iran talks,” Stephanie Nebehay, Yahoo News, June 11, 2021.