If there is any condolence, it is that at the end of the day Russia and China will do what is in their own best interest.  Thus, the Iran government’s refusal to join FATF has apparently come home to haunt them as some banking transactions are sometimes being refused.  This is what happens when you use your banks to fund or launder terror monies.  “Chinese, Russian Banks Refuse Transactions With Iran,” Radio Farda, August 5, 2020.

“According to sources in the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), the Islamic Republic has offered the privilege of exploration and exploitation activities to Russia in return for the complete installation of the S-300 anti-aircraft system.”  See “Russia Extracts Gold from Varzaqan Mine, Northwest Iran,” Iran News Update, August 5, 2020.

“Outspoken former lawmaker Ali Motahari on Wednesday said a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official has admitted to him that Iran remains silent about the suppression of Chinese Muslims — mainly Uyghurs — because of economic dependence on China.”  See “Official Admitted Iran Ignores Suppression Of Chinese Muslims, Former Lawmaker Claims,” Radio Farda, August 5, 2020.

What former VP Biden and his advisers don’t say is that the Supreme Leader will never go back to the JCPOA or negotiating with the U.S.  He would rather die first.  And he is ill anyway.  It is beyond his power to convince the IRGC and the ayatollahs to convince them to give up the nuclear weapons program.  “Biden Foreign Policy Advisor: Here’s How We Would Fix the Iran Deal,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, August 5, 2020.

“Iran: Massive fire breaks out in Tehran’s industrial zone,” Middle East Memo, August 5, 2020.