Lots of relevant news today.
Only country in the world doing this. “Iran using drones and apps to enforce women’s dress code,” BBC, 3-14-25. This reminds me, along with the next story about the Picasso exhibition, of the 2024 award-winning movie “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” which was combined with images of the 2022–2023 protests in Iran after Mahsa Amini was killed–those nationwide protests were violently suppressed by the Iranian state.
Multiple women without hijab in the public galleries/showing, you can see in the story’s video. The exhibition may get shut down, let’s see. “Picasso exhibition unveiled in Iran after spending decades locked away,” NBC, 3-14-25.
What are “illegal” sanctions? “China calls for lifting of ‘illegal unilateral sanctions’ on Iran,” AFP, Times of Israel, 3-14-25.
“Singapore-based shipping firm hit with US sanctions over Iran oil links,” The Straits Times, 3-14-25.
Both the Golbon and the Jairan are thinking they are fortunate not to be sunk along the way. “Exclusive: Second Iranian ship suspected of carrying missile ingredient leaves China,” VOA, 3-14-25. “Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to the news reports in a Jan. 23 press briefing, asserting that China abides by its own export controls and international obligations and rejects other countries’ imposition of what Beijing considers illegal unilateral sanctions.”
“High stakes as Iran nuclear issue reaches crunch moment,” BBC, 3-14-25.
$71 for the day! For Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. “Iran’s central bank increases daily cash withdrawal limits,” Central Banking, 3-14-25.
“Iran’s Nuclear Disarmament: The Only Deal That Protects U.S. and Allied Security,” FDD, 3-14-25.
“How a Russian Mobster Stalked an Iranian Dissident in Brooklyn,” NYT, 3-14-25.
Notice the source. “China, Russia affirm Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” Tehran Times, 3-14-25.
“UN Says Iran’s Crimes Against Humanity Demand Expanded Investigation,” Center for Human Rights in Iran, 3-14-25.
“3 Christian converts in Iran sentenced to over 40 years in prison,” Catholic News Agency, 3-14-25.