80 died Tuesday, reported Wednesday. “80 More Iranians Die of COVID-19 in 24 Hours,” IFP, April 29, 2020.
One reason that Iran does not act as a normal country is that some others often do not, and they protect each other. Case in point, the UN Human Rights Council in its Feb-Mar 2020 five-year report on the Islamic Republic of Iran, gave praise to the despotic regime. This is despite Execution by stoning, Execution by hanging, Execution by firing squad, Execution by beheading, Execution by throwing from a height, Amputation, Blinding, Flogging, on-going abuse of women—restrictions on marriage, divorce and child custody to enforced wearing of the hijab, long imprisonment, floggings, and frequent executions, and that Iran’s political dissidents in prison are treated harshly; freedom of expression and criticism of the regime are severely curtailed. Non-violent political opponents are often executed. See “The United Nations Human Rights Council Praises Iran,” Denis MacEoin, Gatestone Institute, April 29, 2020.
“US asks allies to help rein in Iran-Venezuela flights,” Al Jazeera, April 29, 2020.
“Thanks to the grace of God we are a superpower today. I say this decisively. America, and even greater powers, will not dare do anything.” Quote of the Day, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force. See “Iran now ‘a superpower,’ Iranian general boasts after satellite launch,” Times of Israel, April 30, 2020.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has published its 2020 report on states which persecute religious minorities. See “Iran is the ‘world’s chief trafficker in antisemitism,’ says US monitor,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 29, 2020.
Abu Musa, one of three islands along with Greater and Lesser Tunbs, have been the subject of dispute between Iran and the UAE for years. See “Khamenei Orders Iran’s Guards To Make Persian Gulf Islands Habitable,” Radio Farda, April 29, 2020.
“Iran Says 3,600 Arrested For Spreading Coronavirus-Related Rumors,” RFE/RL, April 29, 2020.
“Pompeo: U.S. will not let Iran buy weapons once ban expires,” Darryl Coote, UPI, April 29, 2020.