Explosions were heard in western Tehran, Iran on July 10, and the explosions were followed by a power outage in the city suburbs. “Iran: Explosion Reported In West Tehran, Official Deny Claims,” Shubham Bose, RepublicWorld.com, updated July 11, 2020.
The questions that enters our minds are two—Who is responsible for the suddenly accelerated attacks against Iran, and What will Russia say and do in reaction? See “35 Iran-backed terrorists die in an airstrike in Syria,” Mohamad Misto, Ethem Emre Ozcan, AA, July 11, 2020.
“What the world is witnessing right now is someone hitting Iranian nuclear and conventional weapons and IRGC facilities practically at will.” Whether Israel, MEK, U.S., Saudi Arabia, or others, Iran’s protector power and investigatory power are greatly diminished and unable to respond. See “How have Iran’s intelligence forces broken down in face of explosions?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2020.
“Iran sought illegal goods for nuke program – German federal intel,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2020.
Good for new PM Kadhimi of Iraq, recognizing the corruption on both sides of the border. Not what the Regime wants to hear, though. “At Border with Iran, Iraq PM Vows to fight Customs Corruption,” Asharq al-Awsat, July 11, 2020.
“The Shadow Army of Iran’s Regime Extends Its Activities in Germany, Authorities Warn,” Pooya Stone, Iran Focus, July 11, 2020.
“Chabahar to become Iran’s 3rd trade hub soon,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2020.
Beyond the President/FM negotiating treaties and international agreements, there is of course the Supreme Leader that is the most important actor. The IRGC certainly weighs in, the Majlis has a public role, and the Guardian Council will also be part of the review process. See “Guardian Council backs Iran-China partnership plan,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2020.
Interesting points made by the main U.S. rep on Iran and Venezuela, and reflective of what other states in the Middle East and Latin America say. Brian Hook said, “This is the price the regime pays for acting like an outlaw regime.” The Islamic Republic and Venezuela he said, “are rich countries that are governed by thieves”. He also said that when someone visits Arab Gulf states and Israel it becomes clear that “the Iranian people have been robbed of decades of progress”. “He added that the difference is the Gulf Arab states and Israel are “investing in their own people” while Iran “is squandering” its resources on terrorism and anti-Semitism.” See “US Senior Diplomat Says Iran And Venezuela ‘Are Governed By Thieves’,” Radio Farda, July 11, 2020.
So we know that Iran’s military can defend Tehran from commercial jets. Now we learn more about the recently announced joint cooperation agreement between Iran and Syria. Wonder why the Russian S-300s aren’t effective or used? “Citing “informed sources from Iran and Syria”, the daily said that the agreement has two military and political parts. It said the most important thing in the military part is for Iran to provide Syria with its advanced air defense systems such as the Bavar-373 and Khordad-3 missile systems, which means that the two countries have decided to change the rules of engagement in Syrian airspace and to respond to the repeated Israeli raids on Syrian soil. Bavar-373 is an Iranian-made long-range surface-to-air system, which was formally unveiled on August 22, 2019. The system is manufactured by the Iranian Defense Ministry. Khordad-3 is an indigenous air defense system, which has an operational range of between 50 and 75 kilometers. Iran has used the Khordad-3 system in the downing of the U.S. Global Hawk drone on June 20, 2019.” See “Iran to deploy two air defense missile systems to Syria: report,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2020.
“Iran denounced for torture, abuse of prisoners, and unfair trials,” Christopher Hamill-Stewart, Arab News, July 11, 2020.