“World Physicians appeal to Iran against doctor’s execution,” Vanguard, November 28, 2020.

The Iranian Football Federation General Assembly has met and removed the nation’s Sports Minister from its governing council, trying to meet FIFA’s requirement that the national government control the team. Their decisions will be sent to FIFA for review. “Iran football’s newly amended statutes approved,” Tehran Times, November 28, 2020.

Another Quote of the Day, and thoughts.  “Fakhrizadeh’s widow appeared unnamed on state television in a black chador, saying his death would spark a thousand others to take up his work. “He wanted to get martyred and his wish came true,” she said.”  Second, Absard is not a big town, and the 3? 4? 5? gunmen (on motorcycles?) had little time to escape.  But no one has caught them yet.  This is another case where Iran cannot make adequate security or investigation, maybe perhaps because they focus their national efforts and funding on missiles and terrorism instead of normal state activities such as policing and crime investigation.  See “Iran’s supreme leader vows revenge over slain scientist,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, November 28, 2020.  Last thought for now, the three Iranian prisoners in Thailand who were exchanged for the Australian professor hostage in Iran was just two days prior to the killing of Fakhrizadeh–whoever was involved in the shooting most likely waited until that transaction was completed.

The IRI has graduated from the theory of Israel responsibility to mercenaries hired by Israel, so most likely Iranian internal dissidents.  “Iran: President Rouhani accuses ‘Israeli mercenaries’ of scientist assassination,” DW, November 28, 2020.

“Iran: Pistachio exports increase 131 percent,” MENAFN, November 28, 2020.

“Iran tells regional countries not to establish relations with Israel,” MENAFN, November 28, 2020.

“COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: New Fatalities Continue to Decline,” IFP, November 28, 2020.