Month: July 2021

Translated—Iran wants to control Syria, and push Russia out if needed.  “Iran welcomes expansion of ties with Syria: MP,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2021.

“Report: Belgium airport scare believed to be Iranian test of Israeli security protocols,” CJN, July 11, 2021.

Purposed to support peace is the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.  Not strong.  Hardly in the news.  “Iran signs agreement with Asian Parliamentary Assembly,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2021.

“Iran starts drilling oil in joint Forouzan field,” Xinhua, July 11, 2021.

Great read.  “Iran: On the survival of the impossible state,” Hamid Dabashi, op-ed, Middle East Eye, July 11, 2021.  “The regime’s pantomime of democracy primarily aims to determine whether there is any serious opposition to its tyranny, so it can crush it.”

“Amid mysterious explosions, Iranian ex-MP claims Mossad behind all attacks,” Times of Israel, July 11, 2021.

“Will The Next Iran-Iraq War be on Water?,” Albawaba, July 11, 2021.

But the Supreme Leader has taken his shot.  “Only about 2% of Iran’s 84 million people have been fully vaccinated.”  But mismanagement, corruption, and poor choices have resulted in too few vaccines available in Iran—and it doesn’t have to be this way.  See “Iranians, desperate for COVID vaccines, are crossing into Armenia to get them,” Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, Seattle Times, July 11, 2021.

Translated—Iran wants to control Syria, and push Russia out if needed.  “Iran welcomes expansion of ties with Syria: MP,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2021.

“Iran seeks oil strategy shift, sees Iran Deal as less important,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2021.

Humorous.  And the hackers listed the phone of the Supreme Leader for persons to call for information.  “Iran transport ministry hit by second apparent cyberattack in days,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, July 10, 2021.

“A strike that started amongst one section of oil workers in southern Iran has spread to all oil exploration, refinery, and petrochemical plants in the country and is gaining widespread support from other workers too.”  See “Iranian Workers Unite in Huge Protest,” The Bench, July 10, 2021.

“Russia, Iran, and Turkey reject Syrian Kurdish self-rule,” PanArmenian, July 10, 2021.

“Iraqi activist critical of Iran-aligned militias goes missing in Baghdad,” Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Kurdistan24, July 10, 2021.  Activists now fear that, after receiving repeated threats, Ali al-Mikdam may have been kidnapped by Iran-backed Iraqi militias.

The shoe is on the other foot.  “Iran and Russia express concern over US leaving Afghanistan,” Seth Frantzman,  Jerusalem Post, July 10, 2021.

“Armenia, Iran discuss construction process of 3rd power transmission line,” Armen Press, July 10, 2012.

“Iranian Officials Defend Production of Enriched Uranium Metal,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, July 10, 2021.

Aha!  The media post a story showing Iran’s control and influence (though not 100% over what they’ve created) regarding the militias in Iraq.  Thank You.  “Keeping up attacks, some Iraq militias challenge patron Iran,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Samya Kullab, Yahoo, July 9, 2021.

Malley and O’Brian have difficult jobs, trying to pry the hostages out of Iran’s grasp.  But is the current Admin insisting on First a release, then Talks?  “The Biden administration is insisting on the release of all Americans unjustly imprisoned in Iran and will not accept a “partial deal” in its negotiations with Tehran over detained citizens, according to the U.S. envoy, Robert Malley.”  See “Biden admin won’t accept ‘partial deal’ with Iran on release of American prisoners, U.S. envoy says,” Dan De Luce, NBC, July 9, 2021.

“Hackers breach Iran rail network, disrupt service,” Reuters, July 9, 2021.

Embarrassing.  “Turkmenistan Turns Away Iranian Airliner For Non-payment Of Fees,” Iran International, July 9, 2021.

“Former ambassador Gold: World powers must work to prevent Iran’s quest for hegemony,” Heritage Florida Jewish News, July 9, 2021.

Aha!  The media post a story showing Iran’s control and influence (though not 100% over what they’ve created) regarding the militias in Iraq.  Thank You.  “Keeping up attacks, some Iraq militias challenge patron Iran,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Samya Kullab, Yahoo, July 9, 2021.

“Iran and Russia move to fill diplomatic vacuum in Afghanistan,” Patrick Wintour, Guardian, July 9, 2021.

“Iran has declared war on the US in Iraq through its proxies – analysis,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 8, 2021.

“Iran Internet Bill Means Military Control of Cyberspace,” Hoshand Amiri, Iran Focus, July 8, 2021.

Sold on the black market?  “Developer Says Over 12 Million Iran Covid Vaccines “Lost”,” Iran International, July 8, 2021.

“The EU resolution noted that “Iran has been actively imprisoning foreign nationals in order to blackmail foreign governments” and “at least a dozen EU nationals are being arbitrarily detained in Iran.””  See “EU Parliament seeks sanctions on Iran officials for human rights abuse,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, July 8, 2021.

“Raisi’s proposed Economic policy plan for Iran doesn’t make sense,” Ebad Ebadi, Atlantic Council, IranSource, July 8, 2021.

“With the Election of Iran’s Raisi, the JCPOA Is in Hot Water,” Erielle Davidson, Algemeiner, July 8, 2021.

“Will Iran’s New President be Held Accountable?,” Gissou Nia, op-ed, Just Security, July 8, 2021.

As Iran still has not made significant progress from being a cause instead of a country, it wants to influence the next outcome in neighboring Afghanistan, especially as U.S. forces leave.  An appearance by FM Zarif!  It remains to be seen if Iran can impose its will on the Taliban and the Afghans.  “Afghan gov’t delegation meets Taliban in Iran,” Al Jazeera, July 8, 2021.

“Iranian Diaspora Organizes Historic Online Event in Support of Democracy and Justice in Iran,” PRNewswire, July 8, 2021.  The largest international event dedicated to justice and human rights in Iran, the annual Free Iran World Summit, will livestream July 10-12 via social media and satellite television. The event is hosted by Iran Freedom, the most extensive grassroots network for Iranian liberation.  …  Following the success of last year’s event that hosted millions of viewers from five continents and 177 countries, the event will be broadcast live in an extended three-day summit where Iranians and resistance supporters from 50,000 locations across 105 countries and throughout Iran will join members of the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK/PMOI) in Ashraf 3. Simultaneously, thousands of Iranians will gather at Brandenburger Tor in Berlin and hold assemblies in 16 capitols and major cities around the world, including Paris, Washington, D.C., London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo, Vienna, Rome, Budapest and Geneva. In attendance at the summit will be 1,029 political dignitaries and over 250 lawmakers from Europe, Canada and the Middle East and North Africa region, along with 30 members of the U.S. Congress, 11 prime ministers and presidents, 70 former ministers from Europe and the Middle East, and 30 senior U.S. officials.”

“Iran: IRGC Unveils Ground-Based Anti-Tank Missile,” Tasnim, July 8, 2021.

“Iran’s doomsday clock for Israel’s end halts amid power cuts,” Times of Israel, July 7, 2021.  “Public timer, which is set to mark destruction of Jewish state in 2040 as predicted by Khamenei, reportedly stops working amid rolling blackouts that are crippling Iranian life.”

Can this be true?  Yes.  “Iran court overturns death sentence after execution,” Samir Salama, World, July 7, 2021.  “Iran’s Supreme Court has annulled a death sentence issued against a prisoner, 10 months after the inmate was hanged in Urmia prison in the west of the country, human rights groups said. The prisoner, Khidir Gui Del, was hanged last September, after being convicted of drug dealing charges in 2013. Human rights organisations said the death sentence was carried out while the lawsuit was underway in the Iranian Supreme Court, which did not issue a veto against the death sentence until after its implementation, according to Sky News Arabia. This strange incident sheds light once again on the phenomenal number of executions in Iran, which is believed to execute the most people per capita. Iran insists that the execution numbers human rights groups allege are “exaggerated,” and that executions are only carried out “after a lengthy judicial process.” Which takes us to our Quote of the Day:  “Iranian activist, Faryal Moeini, told Sky News Arabia: “Execution is at the core of the Iranian regime’s methodology, and it is a ruling philosophy and a method of extending absolute control, which explains its extensive application of this punishment, as it is one of its most important authoritarian weapons to spread terror and fear among people, and ensuring its survival.””

“Iran Distorts History of Iraqi Chemical Attacks’ Aftermath,” Fatima Tlis, Polygraph.info, July 7, 2021.

“With Lebanon on Brink of Collapse, Israel Does What It Can to Stave Off Iranian Influence,” Amos Harel, op-ed, Haaretz, July 7, 2021.

“UAE deputy PM, Iran envoy meet, discuss ‘enhancing bilateral cooperation’,” AFP, July 7, 2021.

“Ships are still a target in ‘shadow war’ between Israel and Iran,” Eric Martin, Trade Winds, July 7, 2021.

It can be dangerous to simply report the government’s own numbers.  “Iran sentenced a journalist for 3 months for reporting on COVID-19 outbreaks,” Bill Bostock, Insider, July 7, 2021.

“Explosive Laden Drone Aimed at US Base Hits Erbil Airport,” Iran International, July 7, 2021.

“Iran hosts high-level Afghan peace talks as fighting surges,” WRAL, July 7, 2021.

“Iranians protest over power outage crisis, chant ‘Death to Khamenei’,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, July 7, 2021.

“Geospatial imagery shows activity at Iranian nuclear facility,” Tracy Cozzens, GPS World, July 7, 2021.

“Normalizing Syria Only Gives More Power to Iran,” Mosaic, July 7, 2021.

And this is Tehran Times saying this.  “Iran nearly zeroes electricity exports amid surging domestic demand,” Tehran Times, July 7, 2021.

“Tens of thousands of people are held as political prisoners in Iranian jails, for charges including advocating for democracy and promoting women’s or workers’ rights.”  See “Daughter of Kurdish political activist arrested in Iran: watchdog,” Khazan Jangiz, Rudaw, July 7, 2021.

Remember, almost all attacks on U.S. troops are authorized by the IRGC/Quds, which means the Supreme Leader.  “Two injured in rocket attacks on Iraqi airbase housing US troops,” Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, Fox 10, July 7, 2021.

“Iran: Blackouts Hit Nation, Protesters Take To Streets,” Iran News Wire, July 6, 2021.

“Riyadh and Tehran have held two rounds of Iraqi-hosted talks, narrowly focused on Yemen; the next session may be held in Muscat, which would signal a far broader regional agenda.”  See “Saudi-Iran talks could move to Oman, an intriguing shift for Israel,” Lazar Berman, Times of Israel, July 6, 2021.

“Iran Blames Israel for Sabotage of Alleged Nuclear Centrifuge Plant in June,” Haaretz, July 6, 2021.  “Government spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Tuesday Israel was behind the June 23 attack on a building in Karaj that belongs to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. … Rabiei said the attack “caused a hole in the roof” of the building – which is suspected of being used for manufacturing centrifuge parts – and repairing it meant taking that part off to be replaced. He did not mention a fire.”  “Iran says Israel attacked Karaj site to thwart nuclear talks,” Maziar Motamedi, July 6, 2021.

For the core of a nuclear bomb, only.  Why won’t the world’s countries speak in unison that Iran’s nuclear program is not for isotopes, electricity, or water?  If there is a silver lining, it would be that the U.S. backs out of JCPOA negotiations.  Then again, the U.S. is not insisting on hostage release prior to negotiations, so that cause may be lost.  See “Iran Begins Process of Making Enriched Uranium Metal; U.S., E3 Dismayed,” Reuters, July 6, 2021.  See also “European powers decry latest nuclear move by Iran,” AP, Star Tribune, July 6, 2021.

We will see if this is enforced.  The leaders have a lot to gain from keeping crypto in place.  “Licensed Iranian crypto miners ordered to halt production ‘altogether’,” CoinTelegraph, July 6, 2021.

“Iran will establish a ‘commercial office’ in China,” Trend, War is Boring, July 6, 2021.

“After protests, Iran’s president apologizes over power blackouts,” Rahnuma Daily, July 6, 2021.

“Washington cautions Tehran to end its nuclear ‘brinkmanship’; Britain, France, Germany express ‘grave concern’ at latest move violating 2015 nuclear pact they are trying to save.”  See “US, Europeans warn nuclear talks in danger as Iran plans enrichment boost,” AFP, July 6, 2021.

“Is Iran preparing a new series of attacks on US, Israel with proxies?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 5, 2021.

And pictures.  Another example of Iran saying one thing, reports saying another.  “Experts reportedly see major damage in attack on Iran centrifuge plant,” Times of Israel, July 5, 2021.

“Iran power outage crisis leads politicians to slam their own policy,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 5, 2021.  And similar, “12 percent increase in Iranian electricity consumption drives country into darkness,” Dilan Sirwan, Rudaw, July 5, 2021.  See also “There are many speculations about the current electricity crisis in Iran. But the main reasons are the regime’s negligence in addressing the damaged infrastructure of power plants, exporting electricity to neighboring countries, and cryptocurrency mining to circumvent sanctions.”  This last phrase may include IRGC or other government officials benefitting (i.e., bribes or participation) directly from the huge amount of electricity required for mining.  “State Media: Iran’s Regime Profits $500 Million From Current Blackouts,” Shahriar Kia, NCRI, July 5, 2021.

Competent terrorists know who owns what ship.  “Iran hit ship thinking it’s owned by Israeli who had already sold stake,” WION, July 5, 2021.  “Israeli Officials Say Iran Behind Indian Ocean Attack on Cargo Ship,” Yaniv KubovichJack Khoury, Haaretz, July 3, 2021.  “Cargo Ship, Recently Israeli-Led, Is Struck in High Seas Encounter,” Ronen Bergman and Adam Rasgon, New York Times, July 3, 2021.

“Two imprisoned brothers one of whom was paralyzed due to being beaten in prison were executed in Iran on Sunday.”  “Iran executes two imprisoned brothers forced to “confess”,” Iran HRM, July 5, 2021.

“Iran displays autonomous underwater vehicle,” Israel Defense, July 5, 2021.

“Some reports claim that the warehouse is a state-owned facility, located off a road between Tehran and Karaj. The Iranian government has yet to officially respond to the reports.”  See “Large fire reported near Tehran, background unclear – report,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, July 5, 2021.  “The fire broke out in Karaj, south of Tehran, the city where an alleged attack targeted a nuclear facility reportedly used to produce centrifuges.”

Over 300,000 dead.  “Covid-19 Continues Its Toll In Iran,” Cyrus Yaqubi, op-ed, Eurasia Review, July 5, 2021.  This category of story is usually reported inaccurately in the national news.

From cemeteries to stop lights, interesting observation.  “Multiple Crises Bedevil Iran As No One Seems To Be In Charge,” Iran International, July 5, 2021.

“Iran reimposes virus restrictions as delta variant spreads,” AP, Yahoo, July 4, 2021.

“Ebrahim Raisi Will Unleash Mass Violence Upon Iran,” Majid Rafizadeh, National Interest, July 4, 2021.

Five Indians apparently being held hstage.  “Stranded in Iran for 18 Months, 5 Indians Move PM for ‘Ghar-wapasi’,” News 18, July 4, 2021.

Broken generator?  “Iran’s sole nuclear power plant up and running after closure,” Times of Israel, July 3, 2021.

Again?  Another wave?  Mismanagement, corruption, etc. persist.  “Iranian President Warns Of Fifth Wave Of COVID; Urges Iranians To Not Travel,” RFE/RL, July 3, 2021.

Married when she was 12, under Sharia and allowed in Iran.  “Thirteen-year-old Married Girl Dies During Childbirth In Iran,” Iran International, July 3, 2021.

“Israeli cargo ship damaged after being hit in Indian Ocean,” Anna Ahronheim and Idan Zonshine, Jerusalem Post, July 3, 2021.

“Turkish Citizen Arrested In Armenia After Massive Heroin Seizure,” Asbarez, July 3, 2021.

This journalist, like the Biden Administration, has this issue exactly backwards.  The hostages come first, not the JCPOA.  The hostages being released are a precondition to talks.  The Administration should have from the first, as I and others have advocated, required as a first step before holding talks with the Regime, that the human pawns be released and that Iran stop taking U.S. hostages.  They also hold a known 11 others from other countries, and who knows how many of their own citizens they use to blackmail Iranians.  So we will name again the four current U.S. hostages (there will be others unless we stop this insanity):  Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, and Emad Sharghi.  See “Iran nuclear talks seen as best chance to free US detainees,” Laura Kelly, The Hill, July 2, 2021.

“Iran’s New President and a Duplicitous Claim About Press Freedom,” Nisan Ahmado, Polygraph.info, July 2, 2021.

Solid story about the problems and opportunities of PM Kadhimi trying to help his country be independent of Iran and the Regime.  “Analysis:  Iraq Is Trying to Escape the Iranian Cage,” Zvi Bar’el, op-ed, Haaretz, July 2, 2021.

“Meet Iran’s US-sanctioned new judiciary chief,” Al Monitor, July 2, 2021.  Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei named Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei the new judiciary chief.

“What Iran’s Failed Satellite Launch Likely Signals,” Peter Brookes, op-ed, Heritage, July 2, 2021.

“As U.S. Leaves Bagram Air Base, Russia, Iran and China Weigh Options in Afghanistan,” Tom O’Connor, USNWR, July 2, 2021.

“Dozens of human rights violations in Iran’s Kurdish areas: watchdog,” Layal Shakir, Rudaw, July 2, 2021.