Author: Neal Coates

Oh no, not again.  The picture chosen for this picture looks like a man in a football uniform for the women’s national team.  This was a problem several years ago when Iran snuck men onto the team and covered their heads.  “Iran Women’s Unchanged in FIFA Rankings,” Tasnim, August, 15, 2020.

This is the sort of thing that the world should not put up with.  “Iran’s Kayhan says UAE a ‘legitimate target’ after Israel deal,” Middle East Eye, August 15, 2020.  Note in the story that the Supreme Leader himself says the Regime and its “resistance” violence can now target the UAE, and that Pres. Rouhani states the UAE joined the agreement to help Pres. Trump be re-elected—so, Rouhani indicates who Iran doesn’t want to be U.S. president.

We’ll see what the OIC says about Iran’s proposal.  If this is a good idea, it probably would have already occurred.  “Iran’s Judiciary chief calls for forming an int’l Islamic court,” Trend, August 15, 2020.

A listing of some of the secret and detention facilities run by the IRGC and the Min. of Intelligence.  “IRGC Secret Dungeon Under Jamalzadeh Barracks in Iran Capital,” Iran News Update, August 15, 2020.

“Iran: US report on seized Iran oil cargoes false,” Middle East Memo, August 15, 2020.  Really funny—here is Iran’s most recent argument.  From the story, “Iran has confirmed that US reports on the seizing of Iranian fuel cargoes aboard ships bound for Venezuela are false, Iranian media reported on Friday.  Press TV reported informed Iranian sources stating that the fuel shipments in question had already been purchased and paid for, and that neither the vessels carrying them nor the shipments themselves were related to Iran.”  Here’s another story, quoting the President of Iran himself.  “Neither the ships nor the flag was Iranian. The whole story is a lie,” Rouhani was quoted by semi official news agency ISNA as stating.”  See “Iran refutes U.S. announcement of seizing Iranian oil tankers as “lie”,” Xinhua, August 15, 2020.  These stories, of who is telling the truth on any particular crisis, the U.S. or Iran, pop up every month or two.  Iran doesn’t have a good track record of winning these “who is telling the truth” events.

Careful readers of the news will note that when FM Zarif states Iran’s support for Palestine in a telephone conversation with Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas, Zarif is not talking with the leader of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.  Zarif instead speaks with the leader of the terror group Hamas.  See “Zarif Underlines Iran’s Support for Palestine in Talks with Hamas Chief,” Tasnim, August, 15, 2020.

Pursuant to the 2015 JCPOA, the conventional weapons ban on Iran will expire in mid-October.  A poor idea by those who negotiated on behalf of the West.  Imagine, just five more years of Iran not importing or exporting weapons.  Should have been 25 years, etc.  This was one of the reasons the U.S. bolted in 2018.  If the U.S. is now the country forced to lead the snapback charge on int’l sanctions bec of Iran’s repeated violations of the JCPOA, including enrichment and impeding inspections, one has to ask where are the other countries?  See “Trump says snapback sanctions against Iran could come next week,” Jason Hoffman, CNN, August 15, 2020.

Under the terms of the 2015 JCPOA, the conventional weapons ban on Iran will expire in mid-October.  A poor idea by those who negotiated on behalf of the West.  Imagine, just five more years of Iran not importing or exporting weapons.  Should have been 25 years, etc.  This was one of the reasons the U.S. bolted in 2018.  If the U.S. is now the country forced to lead the snapback charge on int’l sanctions bec of Iran’s repeated violations of the JCPOA, including enrichment and impeding inspections, one has to ask where are the other countries?  See “Trump says snapback sanctions against Iran could come next week,” Jason Hoffman, CNN, August 15, 2020.

This story publicly began yesterday.  Here are more details of the U.S. using a peaceful, international law method in which private companies participate, and no military force was used, to seize oil being used for nefarious purposes.  Impressive.  “US seizes Iranian gas heading for Venezuela: reports,” Al Jazeera, August 14, 2020.  Here’s another.  “U.S. Seizes Iranian Fuel Cargo for First Time,” Benoit Faucon and Aruna Viswanatha, Wall Street Journal, August 13, 2020.

“Iran, Not Israel, Now the Unifying Focus for Much of Middle East,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, August 14, 2020.

“U.S. Seizes Iranian Fuel From 4 Tankers Bound For Venezuela,” Scott Neuman, NPR, August 14, 2020.  A senior U.S. official said no military force was used in the seizures and the ships were not confiscated.  Instead, U.S. officials threatened ship owners, insurers, and captains with sanctions and they hand over their Iranian cargo, which becomes U.S. property by order of the district court that issued the warrant.  Iran’s ambassador to Venezuela said reports that Iranian tankers had been seized were “yet another lie and psychological warfare” by the United States.  “The ships are not Iranian, and neither the owner nor its flag has anything to do with Iran,” Hojat Soltani said on Twitter in Spanish.  “This is another lie and act of psychological warfare perpetrated by the US propaganda machine,” Soltani said.  Soltani’s comments were not challenged by NPR.

The UN itself becomes an enabler for the Regime’s terrorism.  “The Security Council “rejected a reasonable resolution to extend the 13-year old arms embargo on Iran and paved the way for the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell conventional weapons without specific UN restrictions in place for the first time in over a decade,” Pompeo said in a statement. “The Security Council’s failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable.””  This is a quote from Sec. Pompeo, at “Pompeo lashes out as U.N. Security Council rejects extension to Iran arms embargo,” Matthew Choi, Politico, August 14, 2020.

““The Security Council’s failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable,” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. China’s U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said in a statement after the vote that the result “once again shows that unilateralism receives no support and bullying will fail.” The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback, even though President Donald Trump abandoned the accord in 2018. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but would face a tough, messy battle.”  See “U.S. loses Iran arms embargo bid as Putin pushes summit to avoid nuclear deal showdown,” Michelle Nichols and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Reuters, August 14, 2020.

The UN itself becomes an enabler for the Regime’s terrorism.  “The Security Council “rejected a reasonable resolution to extend the 13-year old arms embargo on Iran and paved the way for the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell conventional weapons without specific UN restrictions in place for the first time in over a decade,” Pompeo said in a statement. “The Security Council’s failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable.””  This is a quote from Sec. Pompeo, at “Pompeo lashes out as U.N. Security Council rejects extension to Iran arms embargo,” Matthew Choi, Politico, August 14, 2020.

““The Security Council’s failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable,” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. China’s U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said in a statement after the vote that the result “once again shows that unilateralism receives no support and bullying will fail.” The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback, even though President Donald Trump abandoned the accord in 2018. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but would face a tough, messy battle.”  See “U.S. loses Iran arms embargo bid as Putin pushes summit to avoid nuclear deal showdown,” Michelle Nichols and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Reuters, August 14, 2020.

One of the biggest events of the year occurred today (we need good news in 2020!)–Israel and the UAE agreed to normalize relations.  Now, three Arab states have agreed to peace with Israel, and this is important to long-term peace in the Middle East.  Congratulations to President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Crown Prince Al-Nahyan.  This agreement will greatly concern Iran and its plans for a Shia Crescent.  “Sources in Washington and Jerusalem said the Trump administration is in talks with other Gulf States to reach normalization agreements with Israel.  Bahrain is likely to be next.”  This is due to Israel’s “suspension” of assertions of sovereignty in the West Bank.  It is a brilliant act of diplomacy and international relations.  Finally, it cannot but be observed in this agreement that freedom is still the aim of the world, no matter where one lives.  See “Israel, UAE reach historic peace deal: ‘We can make a wonderful future’,” Lahav Harkov and Omri Nahmias, Jerusalem Post, August 13, 2020.

Iran’s movement into Syria forced this.  The IDF “has carried out about 1,000 airstrikes in Syria since 2017, most of them against Iranian and Hezbollah targets, as part of a campaign to hinder the establishment of Iranian strongholds in Syria and Hezbollah’s precision-guided missile project.  See “Israel Attacked 1,000 Iranian and Hezbollah Targets in Syria Since 2017,” Yaniv Kubovich, Haaretz, August 13, 2020.

No more Iranian oil goes to Venezuela!  The U.S. has been successful in enforcing sanctions, even if on the high seas.  “Officials: U.S. seizes Iranian gas heading for Venezuela,” AP, WTOC, August 13, 2020.  See also “Ship owners sailing four Iranian fuel cargoes to U.S. for seizure – sources,” Jonathan Saul and Marianna Parraga, Reuters, August 13, 2020.

Now it has become known that the U.S. has legally seized not only oil from terror-organized Iran, but also has legally seized crypto from crime-organized terror groups.  Take a bite out of crime!  “U.S. seizes $2 million from more than 300 cryptocurrency accounts used by terror groups,” Amanda Macias, CNBC, August 13, 2020.

There were a number of anti-U.S. and anti-Brian Hook articles when his resignation was announced.  Here’s one.  In light of the Aug. 13 announcement of the UAE (!) to recognize Israel, I wonder if IFP will issue a retraction.  Otherwise it is an enabler.  See “Hook’s Resignation Triggered by Failure of Anti-Iran Efforts: Analyst,” IFP Editorial Staff, August 11, 2020.   And see “US Iran envoy says peace between Israel and Arabs is Tehran’s ‘worst nightmare’,” Zachary Halaschak, Washington Examiner, August 13, 2020.

Very true.  “What will be left will be a new potential for a growing regional anti-Iran coalition, a major strategic setback for Tehran. Along those same lines, it is a strategic opportunity for the other Gulf states. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and even Qatar will likely wait to see the outcome of the coming diplomacy between the UAE and Israel and the exact contours of the resulting normalization agreement.”  See “A rare strategic victory—for everyone except Iran,” William Wechsler, Atlantic Council, August 13, 2020.

IAEA reportedly says Iran is moving advanced centrifuges to the nuclear facility targeted by mysterious blast in July, to set up new cascades.  See “Iran said readying to ratchet up enrichment at Natanz, violating nuke deal,” Times of Israel, August 13, 2020.

“Lithuania designates Hezbollah as a terrorist organization,” Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 13, 2020.

“Iranian official reveals claims of corruption at highest levels,” Al Monitor, August 13, 2020.  “Parviz Fattah, an official under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s administration (2005-13), gave an interview to Iranian state TV on Aug. 1 that continues to rock Iranian media, even leading to speculation of a run for the presidency. A former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) member who served as Ahmadinejad’s energy minister and as head of the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation for four years, Fattah has since 2019 been head of the Mostazafan Foundation, a charitable organization that is often described as the second wealthiest institution in Iran next to the Oil Ministry. In his time at the foundation, he has already become a household name. What has made Fattah the headlines of several newspapers and the top story on several websites is not his past job experiences but his very frank conversations about the one thing that remains on every Iranian’s mind: corruption. During the television interview, the soft-spoken and mild-mannered Fattah called out corruption at some of the top institutions in the Islamic Republic. … The interview continues to make waves in Iranian media because very rarely will a top official, chosen by the supreme leader, criticize other individuals or organizations that operate under the supreme leader. Typically when such things are done, it is to settle intra-party or partisan scores. However, that a conservative figure like Fattah claimed corruption against other conservatives has caught many by surprise. And Iranian media outlets, despite quoting him as saying that he has no political ambition and he only wishes to serve his job as head of the foundation, continue to speculate about whether the interview suggests he has political ambitions for the 2021 presidential election.”  This is an unusual move by the Supreme Leader, who controls Mostazafan, and indicates he must be wanting to put aside selected opponents.

“U.S. Says Iran Forces Boarded Ship in International Waters,” Sebastian Tong, Stephen Stapczynski, and Kevin Varley, Bloomberg, August 12, 2020.

This article details some of the bad actors Iran uses to spread weapons and ideology in the Crescent.  It is up to the UN and its interested member states to keep this list as up to date as possible.  And enforce it.  “Renew the Travel Ban on Iran,” Jason Brodsky, op-ed, Newsweek, August 12, 2020.

Call it a Revolution or Resistance.  “The head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Yadallah Jawani, revealed the “main reason” for the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force, General Qassem Soleimani, by the U.S., claiming that “it was a strategic goal through which they sought to stop the resistance in the region and change the course of developments that were in the interest of the resistance.””  See “Iran’s IRGC Reveals ‘Main Reason’ Qassem Soleimani Was Assassinated,” Kashmir Observer, August 12, 2020.

“Iranian courts sentenced two men to 10 years each in jail for spying on the country for the United Kingdom, Germany and Israel in separate cases.”  “Iran convicts citizens for spying for foreign powers,” Al Jazeera, August 11, 2020.

“Iranian Oil Exports Much Higher Than Official Data Suggests,” Charles Kennedy, OilPrice.com, August 11, 2020.

“Former Lawmaker Arrested For Massive Corruption Involving Iran Parliament Speaker,” Radio Farda, August 11, 2020.

Yet another Iranian official who will need to issue a retraction about Brian Hook “failing.”  If only Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, had waited a day or two until the surprise UAE-Israel-U.S. agreement.  Shamkhani claimed Hook is leaving his post without success, “After Hook, [Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo may also be forced to pack and leave before Donald Trump’s departure.””  See “Iran’s judiciary calls to file lawsuit against ex-US envoy Brian Hook,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, August 11, 2020.

“Hezbollah pushes Lebanon toward Iranian domination,” Edy Cohen, op-ed, Israel Hayom, August 11, 2020.

“Iran exporting over twice as much oil as US estimated – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 11, 2020.  “TankerTrackers has found that Iran has conducted maneuvers with foreign tankers many times to transfer and export millions of barrels of oils and bypass US sanctions.”

“Iran fears loss of Hezbollah after Beirut blast,” Ahmad Parhizi, Asia Times, August 11, 2020.

Great advice in this article.  And everytime some says “Iran” they should instead say “Hostage-taking Iran”.  Here’s the advice—“Herein lies the path to Moore-Gilbert’s release, and that of other hostages immorally and illegally held by the Islamic Republic. While the Iranian government is happy to use Western ambassadors as props to give the regime an air of acceptance and even endorsement, they remain sensitive to isolation. Simply put, neither the Australian ambassador nor those of any other Western country should accept any meeting or make any public appearance that does not directly relate to the release of hostages held in Iran. Rather than praise Iran’s government, every diplomat and foreign ministry official (or, in the U.S., congressmen, senators, and campaign operatives) should castigate Iran’s hostage-taking at every opportunity. Every ambassador from a country whose citizens are held should stand in solidarity, and their publics should shout loudly: The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Only then will Iran’s hostage-takers understand they can neither cut separate deals nor win cash and concessions for rogue behavior.”  See “If Australia wants hostage released from Iran, it should learn from America’s errors,” Michael Rubin, Washington Examiner, August 10, 2020.

Quote of the Day.  “The Ukrainian plane is insured by European companies in Ukraine and not by Iranian companies. Therefore, the compensation should be paid by those European companies,” said Gholamreza Soleimani, head of Iran’s Central Insurance Organization.  Hmm.  Sounds like if a burglar breaks into an insured house, then the burglar doesn’t have to pay for any damages, because insurance is what makes the insured whole–there is no incentive not to do the crime!  See “Ukraine jet shot down near Tehran in January,” Al Monitor, August 10, 2020.

“How Iran Regime Uses Its Embassies for Terrorism – Remarks by Tom Ridge at Free Iran Global Summit,” Mahmoud Hakamian, NCRI, August 10, 2020.

Such a rare story, and welcome.  “Iran charity chief slams officials over posh properties,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, August 10, 2020.

The Regime shut down a newspaper today after it published remarks by an expert who claimed the official Health Ministry figures on coronavirus cases and deaths account for only 5% of the actual numbers.  “Iran shutters newspaper after expert questions virus numbers,” AP, August 10, 2020.

“FBI says an Iranian hacking group is attacking F5 networking devices,” Catalin Cimpanu, ZDNet, August 10, 2020.  The hacker group is known as Fox Kitten or Parasite.

Iran doesn’t know where its ship is unless another country’s official notifies them?  Doesn’t Iran have a shore to ship phone?  A radio?  Satellite connection?  Navy vessel?  “Iran not officially notified of ship seizure off Pakistan,” Mehn News, August 10, 2020.

Iran doesn’t know where its ships are unless another country’s official notifies them?  Doesn’t Iran have a shore to ship phone?  A radio?  Satellite connection?  Navy vessel?  “Iran not officially notified of ship seizure off Pakistan,” Mehr News, August 10, 2020.

“Iran’s Oil Strikes Hint at Regime’s Weakness, Future Unrest,” David Brennan, Newsweek, August 10, 2020.

“Iran’s real virus figures higher than announced: Expert,” Mustafa Melih Ahishali, AA, August 10, 2020.

“Amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of workers in Iran’s southern provinces have carried out wildcat strikes in recent days in the critical oil and petrochemical sectors. Washington’s campaign of “maximum pressure” on Iran—including punishing economic sanctions, a de facto embargo on medical equipment and drugs, and military threats—has exacerbated the social and economic crisis in the country, which has also been compounded by the Islamic Republic’s disastrous response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to reports, at least 10,000 workers have participated in a wave of strikes at nearly 30 oil and petrochemical facilities, including the Abadan, Parsian and Qeshm refineries.”  See “Iranian oil workers mount wave of strikes as COVID-19 rages across the country,” Ulaş Ateşci, WSWS, August 10, 2020.

Great news for peace in the Middle East.  The Cooperation Council has been divided over Qatar and Iran’s relationship for three years, and this decision today is a step forward.  “GCC unites to seek U.N. extension of Iran arms embargo,” Reuters, August 9, 2020.

Somewhat difficult to confirm, would take brave researchers in selected provinces.  Iran is claiming “The literacy rate difference between men and women has declined from 26 percent before the 1979 Islamic Revolution to 2.8 percent,” according to the head of the Literacy Movement Organization.  See “Gender gap in literacy rate declines significantly in Iran,” Tehran Times, August 9, 2020.

Iran has over 125 military outposts and bases across Syria, including dozens in governorates closer to Israel, such as Deraa (37, just N of Jordan) and Quneitra (5, just E of Golan).  “Turkish study maps out Iran’s entrenchment in Syria,” Dean Shmuel Elmas, Israel Hayom, August 9, 2020.

“Iran’s president has said that the application of tough measures in the country to stem the spread of the virus was “not possible.” Speaking during a meeting of Iran’s anti-coronavirus task force in Tehran, Hassan Rouhani opted for a “moderate path” between a total lockdown and ending restrictions fully. He said the application of tough measures against the pandemic in Iran “leads to depression and anxiety in the society.””  And possible civil rebellion.  See “Iran’s Rouhani says tough virus measures ‘not possible’– latest updates,” TRTWorld, August 9, 2020.

“Russia to Build $1.6b Port to Boost Trade With Iran, India, China,” Financial Tribune, August 9, 2020.  This is an effort to boost trade with China and India across Iran.

Irony?  Quote of the Day candidate?  “’Although Saudi Arabia is a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and signed a comprehensive bilateral safeguard agreement with the IAEA, it refuses to allow inspections by the agency,’ he said.”  See “Iran calls for transparency in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program,” Prensa Latina, August 9, 2020.

“Iran-linked drug trafficking on rise amid financial crisis,” Majid Rafizadeh, Arab News, August 9, 2020.

“Why doesn’t Iranian media and regime care about Lebanon’s disaster?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 8, 2020.

We hope this is accurate.  “Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS) delivered some 15 tons of food to Lebanon’s Red Cross to distribute among those affected by a devastating blast in Beirut, according to a senior IRCS official, Trend reports citing IRNA.  …  The relief agency said that diagnosis kits, and medicine needed by COVID-19 and cancer patients are the most urgent needs of the Lebanese people affected by blast in Beirut. Face masks, alcohol, disinfectants, first aid kits and the equipment needed for performing minor surgeries are other items mostly needed by the people injured in the explosion in Beirut port.”  See “Iran Red Crescent delivers 15 tons of food to Lebanon Red Cross,” Trend, August 8, 2020.

“Europe must wake to Iran threat before it is too late,” Moshe Kantor, op-ed, Ynet, August 8, 2020.

“Top US security official says Iran is trying to sway election,” Middle East Eye, August 8, 2020.  “The warning comes weeks after Google said that Iranian and Chinese hackers had targeted the election campaigns of US President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden, respectively.”

“Four Zeros on New ‘Iran Check’ Will Have Light Color: Hemmati,” Financial Tribune, August 8, 2020.

Statement of the Day.  Iranian parliamentary advisor Hossein Amir-Abdollahian criticized Pres. Macron’s trip to Lebanon.  The article says, “Lebanon needs assistance and solidarity, not intervention by third parties.”  Isn’t that what Iran is doing?  “Iran condemns French President’s interference in Lebanon,” Prensa Latina, August 8, 2020.

“Iraq’s New Prime Minister Wants to Control the Iran-Backed Militias. It Won’t Be Easy,” Shelly Kittleson, Foreign Policy, August 7, 2020.

A funny but serious op-ed, that makes a good point about good governance in Iran.  “Is everything about Iran fake?,” A.J. Caschetta, op-ed, The Hill, August 7, 2020.

Interesting.  “Iran’s foreign minister said Thursday that the US and its ally Israel constitute a “nuclear threat” to the Middle East, on the 75th anniversary of the atomic attack on Hiroshima.  “Today, US & Israeli nukes threaten our region,” Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.”  So, how exactly do US and Israeli (if they have them) nuclear weapons threaten the region?  No one else is making this claim.  And there is no saber rattling.  See “Iranian FM: US, Israel pose ‘nuclear threat’ to Middle East,” Israel Hayom, August 7, 2020.

Update on Beirut blast.  “”There is a possibility that fireworks, petrol and weapons were stored together,” another intelligence source told Fox News. “Officially, the blast happened at the fireworks and petrol warehouse.” An investigation is underway into the cause of the explosion, which killed at least 157 people, injured more than 5,000 and left 300,000 homeless. Reuters reported that a fire started at warehouse 9—according to the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International possibly as a result of welding—before spreading to warehouse 12 where some 2,750 tons of explosive ammonium nitrate was stored.”  See “Iran-Backed Hezbollah Under Pressure in Lebanon as Explosion Anger Grows,” David Brennan, Newsweek, August 7, 2020.

“Iran Sentences 10 Bahai Citizens to Prison for Following Banned Faith,” Iran Press Watch, August 7, 2020.

“Google closes YouTube accounts linked to Iranian government,” Al Monitor, August 7, 2020.  “Google announced it terminated 16 YouTube accounts in April that were allegedly linked to the Iranian state-sponsored International Union of Virtual Media network. … The accounts in question allegedly took part in “coordinated influence operations,” which refers to coordinated behavior from accounts related to certain information. The users posted in Arabic about the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and US-Saudi relations, according to Google.”

This NYT op-ed cites bureaucratic incompetence, but says nothing of terrorism and Hezbollah.  “Why Did Lebanon Let a Bomb-in-Waiting Sit in a Warehouse for 6 Years?,” Faysal Itani, op-ed, New York Times, August 5, 2020.  The following article, on the other hand, makes the point that the US Treasury and Israel believe that the terror group controls Lebanon’s port where the blast occurred.  It wasn’t just the ills of bureaucracy in a divided country without enough resources.  First, after the ammonium nitrate was abandoned by Russian businessman Igor Grechushkin, they should have become the property of the Lebanese government via forfeiture, who could then sell them for fertilizer.  But Hezbollah, who likes to stockpile weapons, undoubtedly wanted to hold on to free 2,750 tons of explosives.  See “Was Hezbollah connected to the explosives that devastated Beirut?,” Meira Svirsky, Clarion Project, August 6, 2020.

I am disappointed by the Council on Foreign Relations and its framing of the U.S. and Iran relationship as starting in 1953, with the CIA and British involvement in the Iranian movement against PM Mossadeq.  In actuality, the First Iranian Crisis was in 1945-47, and Pres. Truman stood up to the Soviets and their attempt to seize oil-rich territory in northern Iran.  This was the first of the U.S. containment policy being put into place, and kept Iran from becoming another Soviet state.  Starting with 1953 ignores the service the U.S. played in keeping Iran from becoming controlled as a communist territory after World War II.  See “U.S. Relations With Iran: 1953 – 2020,” Council on Foreign Relations, August 6, 2020.

Because of the importance of framing the issues by the media, and how this can influence Iran or how everyone else understands Iran, this blog entry covers how a headline can reflect a source’s leaning.  The first entry is from the NYT.  See “Iran Envoy Brian Hook, a ‘Survivor’ on Trump’s Team, to Quit,” David Sanger and Michael Crowley, New York Times, August 6, 2020.  Here’s another–“Elliott Abrams, convicted of lying about Iran-Contra, named special representative for Iran,” Kathryn Watson, CBS, August 6, 2020.  In contrast, here is a more reasoned, descriptive headline–“U.S. Iran envoy Brian Hook stepping down as key U.N. arms embargo vote looms,” Humeyra Pamuk and Michelle Nichols, Reuters, August 6, 2020.

“US ambassador says Iran is world No. 1 sponsor of terrorism,” AP, August 6, 2020.  “The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations [Kelly Craft] is calling Iran “the world’s number one sponsor of terrorism” and warning Russia and China that they will become “co-sponsors” if they block a resolution to extend the U.N. arms embargo on Iran.”

“IRGC says Iran to ‘mobilize’ to help Lebanon after blast,” Al-Monitor, August 6, 2020.

“The situation in Iran and Russia regarding their interfering in the upcoming U.S. elections has gotten to the point where on Wednesday Secretary Pompeo announced the U.S. was now offering up to $10 million “for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, interferes with U.S. elections by engaging in certain criminal cyber activities.” Written in Farsi, the Iran text messages say: “The United States pays up to $10 million for any information on foreign interference in American elections.” They carry a link to the U.S. Rewards for Justice Program, which offers cash bounties in return for information on threats to American national security.  See “Iranians, Russians receive text messages seeking U.S. election hacking info,” Raphael Satter, Reuters, August 6, 2020.

“World’s Biggest Methanol Plant Opens in Iran,” Tasnim News, The Iranian, August 6, 2020.

Ask yourself, why would Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri send separate messages to Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun and to Hezbollah Secretary General Seyed Hassan Nasrallah?  Does Iran consider them equals?  “Top General: Iran Armed Forces Ready to Assist Lebanon,” Tasnim News Agency, August 6, 2020.

Grotesque, but all too common.  “New information from inside Iran indicates that Iranian protester Mostafa Salehi who was hanged on August 5, 2020, in Isfahan had been subjected to vicious tortures to confess the killing on an IRGV member. He never accepted the charges but was still hanged despite the lack of evidence. A source said that Mostafa Salehi had been severely tortured in the past two years to confess the killing of Sajjad Shahsanaei a member of the IRGC Basij forces. “Mostafa’s hand and both legs had been broken during interrogations. Agents also used needles to puncture under his nails,” the source said. “The tortures were so severe that his neck and spinal cord became injured. They tortured him to confess but he never did,” the source said.”  See “Executed Iranian Protester Tortured to Make False Confession,” Iran HRM, August 6, 2020.

“3 Iranian planes landed in Beirut after explosion – what did they bring?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 6, 2020.  If Iran was moving medical supplies, as Iran’s leaders have said they would like to provide, then why not have photos and news media on hand to document the delivery of the Iranian aid?

“Prison Authorities Incite Attacks on Political Prisoners in Iran Jails,” Iran HRM, August 6, 2020.

“Khamenei should be blamed for Iran’s financial crisis,” Majid Rafizadeh, op-ed, Arab News, August 6, 2020.

Died on Wednesday.  “Coronavirus claims another 174 lives in Iran,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 6, 2020.

I am disappointed but not surprised by the Council on Foreign Relations and its framing of the U.S. and Iran relationship as starting in 1953, and with its decision to highlight the CIA and British involvement in the Iranian movement against PM Mossadeq.  In actuality, the First Iranian Crisis was in 1945-47, and Pres. Truman stood up to the Soviets and their attempt to seize oil-rich territory in northern Iran.  This was the first of the U.S. containment polidy against the USSR being put into place, and kept Iran from becoming another Soviet state.  The CFR starting with 1953 ignores the service the U.S. played in keeping Iran from becoming controlled as a communist territory after World War II.  See “U.S. Relations With Iran: 1953 – 2020,” Council on Foreign Relations, August 6, 2020.

“Iran sees disaster as opportunity to advance regional interests,” Shahar Kleiman, Israel Hayom, August 6, 2020.

“Former Obama Official Says Despite ‘Maximum Pressure’ Iran Not Closer To Talks,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, August 6, 2020.

“On July 14, 2020, Kurdish language teacher and civil society activist, Zara (also Zahra) Mohammadi was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Courts. Zara was first arrested in her hometown Sine (also known as Sanandaj), in the Kurdistan Province of Iran, on 23 May 2019. Prior to her arrest, she had been subject to several lengthy interrogations by Iran’s Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. She was later released on bail in December 2, 2019, after some six months in prison, where she said she endured Kafkaesque interrogations and was tortured to make false “confessions.” What was Zara’s ‘crime’? Teaching Kurdish, her mother tongue. The 10 year verdict was precisely calculated by the Islamic revolutionary judge: each year of teaching was punished by a year of imprisonment.”  See “Iran: how to kill a language,” Haidar Khezri, Open Democracy, August 6, 2020.

“Former Obama Official Says Despite ‘Maximum Pressure’ Iran Not Closer To Talks,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, August 6, 2020.