We will be learning more about this event that occurred just a few hours ago, amidst the threats Iran has made against its Persian Gulf neighbor for making peace with Israel. “Iran detains UAE ship and its crew after fishermen killed,” Al Jazeera, August 20, 2020.
We know a little more from open sources today than yesterday, but still no specifics. “Report: Hezbollah received ammonium nitrate from Iran,” Arutz Sheva, August 20, 2020. A German newspaper, Die Welt, is reporting that Iran sent Hezbollah many shipments of ammonium nitrate, what caused the huge explosion in Beirut’s port early in August. The report quoted anonymous intelligence sources from Western countries, and stated documentation exists proving Hezbollah had ammonium nitrate. The IRGC and its Quds Force and Gen. Qassem Soleimani were involved.
“Iran to drill new phase at giant South Pars field,” Argus Media, August 20, 2020.
“Iran Unveils New Missiles Named for Leaders Killed in US Strike, State TV Says,” NBC DFW, August 20, 2020.
“US Charges 3 in Scheme to Move US Currency to Iran,” VOA, August 20, 2020. “The Justice Department alleges Zaidi, Chawla and other members of an organization called Islamic Pulse received permission from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to collect a religious tax on Khamenei’s behalf and send half the money to Yemen. … Prosecutors say after the United States imposed sanctions on Khamenei in 2019, the group continued to collect U.S. dollars in the United States and send it to Iran, “structured in a such a way as to avoid reporting requirements.””
“Pompeo Tries Starting ‘Snapback’ Clock To Restore Sanctions Against Iran By U.N.,” David Welna, NPR, August 20, 2020.
“Iran says takes “big steps” to boost uranium enrichment capacity,” Xinhua|, August 20, 2020.
“Head Of Khamenei Charity In Iran ‘Apologizes’ For Exposing Top Officials, Entities,” Radio Farda, August 20, 2020.
“Iran announces locally made ballistic and cruise missiles amid U.S. tensions,” Reuters, Newsbreak, August 20, 2020.
“Colombian leader says Venezuela trying to acquire Iran missiles,” AFP, France 24, August 20, 2020. “Colombia’s President Ivan Duque claimed Thursday that the government of President Nicolas Maduro in neighboring Venezuela was working to acquire missiles from its ally Iran. “There is information from international intelligence agencies which work with us showing that there is an interest from the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro to acquire some medium- and long-range missiles through Iran,” the right-wing Colombian leader said. According to Duque, the missiles “have not yet arrived” in Venezuela, but the country’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino had been put in charge of Venezuela’s “approaches” to Iran over acquiring the weapons.”