Month: September 2023

If there is any slightly good news, but also proof that Iran can act rationally, the five Iranians who released were nothing like the recent swap with Russia involving Viktor Bout.  These five men were for the most part involved with unlawful exporting.  “Who is being freed in the Iran prisoner swap?,” BBC, 9-19-23.

Is there a country in the world that agrees with Raisi?  “Iran’s President denies sending drones and other weapons to Russia, decries U.S. meddling,” The Hindu, 9-19-23.

“Russia Defense Chief Shoigu Makes Iran Visit,” The Moscow Times, 9-19-23.

Raisi threatens countries who establish relations with Israel.  Other countries shouldn’t put up with these threats of terrorism and internal political pressure.  “Iran’s president warns against normalization with Israel,” Times of Israel, 9-19-23.

“Daughter of Abandoned Hostage Says Prisoner Deal Was Timed for Iran President’s ‘Horrific’ NYC Trip,” National Review, 9-19-23.

“Iran Update,” Institute for the Study of War, 10-19-23.  See the Iran Update which aims to inform national security policy by providing timely, relevant, and independent open-source analysis of developments pertaining to Iran and its Axis of Resistance.  This update covers political, military, and economic events and trends that affect the stability and decision-making of the Iranian regime.  It also provides insights into Iranian and Iranian-sponsored activities abroad that undermine regional stability and threaten US forces and interests.  The Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute with support from the Institute for the Study of War provides these updates Monday through Friday.

The dictionary editors are busy on the word “ransom.”  The USG under Pres. Biden is taking the position that frozen funds because of Iran’s bad acts can be unfrozen without any consideration (“consideration” is one of the basic concepts from contract law in law school classes).  Second, if we really take the position that these South Korean “frozen” funds should be sent back to Iran, why didn’t we already do it?  Third, and how about the other frozen funds in various banks around the world?  Let’s send those back, too.  Finally, the USG argument also fails because a specific amount, $6B, was chosen–this was the negotiated price for the U.S. hostages.  Here’s the quote of the day by White House coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby.  “This is not a payment of any kind, it’s not ransom, these aren’t US taxpayer dollars, and we haven’t lifted a single one of our sanctions on Iran – Iran will be getting no sanctions relief.”  See “How Iran can use the $6 billion involved in the release of 5 Americans,” CNN, 9-18-23.

Remember, the USG did not insist, nor did Iran agree to, that Iran will stop taking American hostages.  “Five Americans head home in $6bn US-Iran prisoner swap deal,” Guardian, 9-18-23.

“Treasury Designates Former President of Iran,” U.S. Department of Treasury, Press Release, 9-18-23.

Iran kicks out IAEA nuclear inspectors.  “Joint statement on Iran’s de-designation of experienced IAEA inspectors, September 2023,” UK Foreign Ministry, 9-18-23.

Good for Roya Hakakian, tell it like it is.  “Ebrahim Raisi Has Blood on His Hands,” The Atlantic, 9-17-23.  The Council on Foreign Relations is a friendly venue, hiding behind the cloak of promoting dialogue.  Pres. Raisi will not be asked about the mass killings he participated in at the CFR.  CFR should not have invited this mass murder criminal.  And wonder if CFR will ask about the $6 billion coming to Iran, supplementing its $53 billion annual budget by 11%.  In short, if CFR wants to promote dialogue and improve the world, it will ask the tough questions too, not just the softball questions.

Democrats and Republicans are both complaining about this move by President Biden.  $6 Billion, basically a billion per hostage, is a world record of dubious sorts.  The previous payment high was $400 million/person during the Obama Administration.  These payments, which will not be limited to humanitarian goods per the Regime’s own announcements, are empowering terrorism and the lack of reform in Iran.  See “US Lawmakers Slam Biden’s Hostage Ransom Deal With Iran On 9/11,” Iran International, 9-12-23.

These are criminals involved in nuclear proliferation, etc. who the U.S. has agreed to exchange for innocent persons.  “Iran Identifies 5 Prisoners It Wants from US in Swap for Iranian-Americans and Billions in Assets,” Military.com, 9-12-23.

“US to pay $6bn to Iran to free five hostages including British citizen Morad Tahbaz,” Sky News, 9-12-23.

“Iran confirms it arrested Swedish citizen,” DW, 9-12-23.  Why did the EU wait 500 days to publicize their employee’s detention?

“Israel accuses Iran of building airport in southern Lebanon to launch attacks against Israelis,” AP, 9-12-23.

This is from Massad–short and long-range missiles.  Basically Iran has declared war on Ukraine.  Will the world respond?  “Top Israeli spy warns Iran plots to arm Russia with extensive missile arsenal in addition to drones,” Yahoo, 9-11-23.

“Iran yet to provide an explanation on uranium traces to IAEA,” CNN, 9-11-23.

“Spotlight on Iran,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, 9-11-23.

Israel has allowed this airport to be built to show that Iran does not act as a normal country (neither does its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon act as a normal government).  “Iran building airport in southern Lebanon to attack Israelis, Gallant says,” Times of Israel, 9-11-23.

Terrible news to hear on 9-11.  “Biden Administration Said To Issue $6 Billion Sanctions Waiver Amid Signs Of U.S.-Iran Prisoner Swap,” RFE/RL, 9-11-23.

“Families of terror victims sue to block release of $40 billion in frozen Iran funds,” Ynet, 9-10-23.

“Ebrahim Raisi: Any change in region is Iran’s red line,” AM News, 9-9-23.

“Iran Designing New Hypersonic Missiles to Counter Israel: Commander,” Tasnim, 9-9-23.

“US says it disrupts illicit oil shipment by Iran’s IRGC, seizes contraband crude,” AM Intelligence, 9-8-23.

“Shirin Ebadi to deliver lecture: ‘Women, Life, Liberty: Human Rights and the Women’s Uprising in Iran’,” University of Toronto News, 9-8-23.

“Iran Could Have Nuclear Weapon in Just 12 Days, Breakout Would Be Difficult to Detect: Report,” Algemeiner, 9-8-23.

Does Syria owe Iran $50 billion?  “A Closer Look At The Frequent Visits of Iran’s Foreign Minister to Syria,” Iran News Update, 9-8-23.

100s (!) of ships the Quds Force uses to trade oil illegally.  Fascinating article.  “Greek shipper pleads guilty to smuggling Iranian crude oil and will pay $2.4 million fine,” Sentinel, 9-7-23.

“Iran’s $6 Billion Hostage Business,” WSJ, 9-6-23.

“Iran fears Israel will soon normalize ties with more Muslim countries – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, 9-6-23.