91 died Sunday per the IRI Health Ministry.  “Iran death toll from new coronavirus outbreak rises by 91 to 5,209 – health ministry official,” Reuters, April 20, 2020.

Personal visits between Iran representatives and Syrian are always interesting to watch in the context of regional affairs and the current plans of Iran, particularly since the removal of Soleimani.  Today FM Zarif carries direction from Ayatollah Khamenei to Pres. Assad.  “Iran’s Zarif To Meet Syrian Leader In Damascus,” RFE/RL, April 20, 2020.

How did Syria get coronavirus?  “The presence of thousands of Iranian militias fighting alongside Assad’s forces in Syria and Iranian pilgrims have been cited by some medics and humanitarian workers as a main source of the contagion in Syria.”  Thank you Iran.  See “Wearing face masks, Syria’s Assad and Iran’s Zarif condemn West at Damascus meeting,” Reuters, April 20, 2020.

“Iran Responds To Trump: No Talks Under Economic Sanctions, Even With Biden,” Radio Farda, April 20, 2020.

“Industrial Bank of Korea settles U.S., New York criminal probes over $1 billion Iran transfer,” Jonathan Stempel, Reuters, April 20, 2020.

“Ex-Mossad official: Iran nuke submarine idea cover for uranium enrichment,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, April 20, 2020.

“Rouhani Aide Attacks Watchdog Saying No Money Disappeared From Iran’s Budget,” Radio Farda, April 20, 2020.

“Iran’s Guard says it has higher range anti-warship missiles,” Nasser Karimi, AP, April 20, 2020.