Author: Neal Coates

If there is any condolence, it is that at the end of the day Russia and China will do what is in their own best interest.  Thus, the Iran government’s refusal to join FATF has apparently come home to haunt them as some banking transactions are sometimes being refused.  This is what happens when you use your banks to fund or launder terror monies.  “Chinese, Russian Banks Refuse Transactions With Iran,” Radio Farda, August 5, 2020.

“According to sources in the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), the Islamic Republic has offered the privilege of exploration and exploitation activities to Russia in return for the complete installation of the S-300 anti-aircraft system.”  See “Russia Extracts Gold from Varzaqan Mine, Northwest Iran,” Iran News Update, August 5, 2020.

“Outspoken former lawmaker Ali Motahari on Wednesday said a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official has admitted to him that Iran remains silent about the suppression of Chinese Muslims — mainly Uyghurs — because of economic dependence on China.”  See “Official Admitted Iran Ignores Suppression Of Chinese Muslims, Former Lawmaker Claims,” Radio Farda, August 5, 2020.

What former VP Biden and his advisers don’t say is that the Supreme Leader will never go back to the JCPOA or negotiating with the U.S.  He would rather die first.  And he is ill anyway.  It is beyond his power to convince the IRGC and the ayatollahs to convince them to give up the nuclear weapons program.  “Biden Foreign Policy Advisor: Here’s How We Would Fix the Iran Deal,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, August 5, 2020.

“Iran: Massive fire breaks out in Tehran’s industrial zone,” Middle East Memo, August 5, 2020.

The first thought I had was that missiles being transferred via boat from Iran to Hezbollah blew up due to mismanagement and corruption.  Second thought was we know from past acts that Israel is not defensively involved in this place and type of large explosion.  Here’s a quote from one of the first stories, from AP:  “The cause of the blast, which sparked fires, overturned cars and blew out windows and doors, was not immediately known. Abbas Ibrahim, chief of Lebanese General Security, said it might have been caused by highly explosive material that was confiscated from a ship some time ago and stored at the port. Local television channel LBC said the material was sodium nitrate. Witnesses reported seeing a strange orange-colored cloud over the site after the explosion. Orange clouds of toxic nitrogen dioxide gas often accompany an explosion involving nitrates.”  And “The explosion was reminiscent of massive blasts during Lebanon’s civil war and took place only three days before a U.N.-backed tribunal was set to give its verdict in the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a truck bombing more than 15 years ago.”  BBC has since cited Lebanon’s President as saying 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored for 6 years is to blame.   So, whose ammonium nitrate was confiscated?  See the AP story at “Massive Beirut blast kills more than 60, injures thousands,” Bassem Mroue, AP, August 4, 2020.

It appears the Supreme Leader’s Regime (its business interests) has taken control over at least one of the climbing routes, to benefit from the climbing fees.  “Iran religious endowment eyes slice of Mt Damavand,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, August 4, 2020.

“A new interactive map of Hezbollah’s activities has shown all the attacks, financing and plots by the terror group revealing for the first time its vast global reach. Researchers, the police and the public will be able to view the group’s activities across the world in a resource that includes information taken from declassified CIA and FBI files. The document is the painstaking work of former FBI agent Dr Matthew Levitt who hopes it will demonstrate the nature of Hezbollah to European countries that have yet to fully proscribe it as a terrorist organisation. If the map proves successful it could also be used as a template to help the fight against other terror groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS as well as international criminal gangs. The ‘Lebanese Hezbollah Select Worldwide Activity’ is the first-ever publicly available, interactive map and timeline of Hezbollah-related activities and counter-terrorism action taken against it. Dr Levitt said he committed to the project because during forums and seminars on Hezbollah there was always a lack of information. “Discussion about Hezbollah’s covert enterprises was rendered virtually impossible by the dearth of publicly available material on the group’s covert activities,” he said.”  The map and the rest of this great open source-based resource is found at https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/hezbollahinteractivemap  See “Interactive maps reveal full extent of Hezbollah’s global reach,” Thomas Harding, The National, August 4, 2020.

This blog will continue to advocate for hostages held in Iran, and argue with much evidence they are held in terrible conditions.  And that being held in itself is violation of so many expectations of human interaction, violation of international law, and antithetical to international relations.  The very recent report of the Australian ambassador Lyndall Sachs is an aberration for their professor Kylie Moore-Gilbert—she is not “well.”  It is cruel to describe the situation as “Dr. Moore-Gilbert is well and has access to food, medical facilities and books,” the statement said. “We will continue to seek regular consular access to Dr. Moore-Gilbert.”  …  But “[t]he Center for Human Rights in Iran, a U.S.-based organization, said last week that Moore-Gilbert was being held with violent criminals under harsh conditions.”  …  “Moore-Gilbert has gone on hunger strikes during her time in custody and pleaded for the Australian government to do more to free her during almost two years in custody. She wrote to Australia’s prime minister last year that she has been “subjected to grievous violations of my legal and human rights, including psychological torture and spending prolonged periods of time in solitary confinement.””  See “Australia: British-Australian woman in Iran prison ‘is well’,” Rod McGuirk, AP, August 4, 2020.

“A story not receiving the attention it deserves.  “Iran rules out attack as cause of nuclear site incident,” The Nation, August 4, 2020.  “What is certain is that in our view, a drone, missile, bomb or rocket attack is not the case,” ISNA news agency quoted Mojtaba Zolnour, head of parliament’s national security and foreign affairs committee, as saying.”  So, if the Supreme Leader orders a retaliatory attack, it is based apparently on no evidence.

One of the more fascinating news pieces one will read, including Iran’s kidnapping practices, tracking phone information, and another hostage taken.  Unfortunantly, Mr. Sharmahd will never be released.  See “Iran Abducted California Man while in Dubai,” Naharnet, August 4, 2020.

“Iran’s regime targets critics’ relatives to silence dissent,” U.S. Embassy in Georgia, August 4, 2020.

“Iran praises Turkey’s conversion of Hagia Sophia again,” Paul Antonopoulos, Greek City Times, August 4, 2020.

“New satellite photos shared on social media appear to show that a giant mockup of a U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier built by Iran has capsized just outside the port of Bandar Abbas after being used for target practice in naval wargames a few days earlier.”  “Iran’s Giant Mock Aircraft Carrier Capsizes Returning To Port,” Sebastien Roblin, Forbes, July 31, 2020.  And even (funnier) more ironic, the “carrier” partially sank in 45 feet of water at the entrance to Bandar Abbas harbor, creating a hazard for Iran.  See “Iran Accidentally Sinks Fake Aircraft Carrier In Wrong Place,” H.I. Sutton, Forbes, August 3, 2020.

“Coronavirus: Iran cover-up of deaths revealed by data leak,” BBC, August 3, 2020.  As this blog has repeatedly said, based on under representing at the national level the local numbers that were also public reported, “The number of deaths from coronavirus in Iran is nearly triple what Iran’s government claims ….” In fact, “[t]he government’s own records appear to show almost 42,000 people died with Covid-19 symptoms up to 20 July, versus 14,405 reported by its health ministry. The number of people known to be infected is also almost double official figures: 451,024 as opposed to 278,827. The official numbers still make Iran the worst-hit in the Middle East.”

“Strikes In Iran’s Oil Sector Continue And Expand To Other Industries,” Radio Farda, August 3, 2020.

In light of the news analysis and reported by BBC, that the reported numbers are about 1/3 of reality, multiply 215 x 3.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 215 new deaths,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 3, 2020.

“Strikes In Iran’s Oil Sector Continue And Expand To Other Industries,” Radio Farda, August 3, 2020.

In light of the news analysis and reported by BBC, that the reported numbers are about 1/3 of reality, multiply 215 x 3.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 215 new deaths,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 3, 2020.

“Iran And South Korea Agree On More Humanitarian Trade,” Radio Farda, August 3, 2020.

A revealing, short news article from a government-controlled media.  When you read it and think about it, this piece does not indicate that the government has done much if anything to capture solar—so few farms, across such a large piece.  Instead, this article is written to make it look like much exists when much doesn’t.  See “Solar energy, an advantage for Iran,” Tehran Times, August 3, 2020.  The country also has a huge potential for the expansion of solar energy infrastructure. Currently, over 100 large-scale farms ranging from 2MW to 12MW and over 2,000 small-scale and rooftop solar power plants are operating across Iran, the number of which has noticeably been growing as Iranian households and small industries have embraced the new technology with open arms and investors also seem eager for more contribution in this area. Solar farms account for the lion’s share of electricity generation (44 percent) from renewable energy in Iran.”

He just earned tenure.  “Iranian professor: Burning more American flags will create solidarity with US protesters,” Cleveland Jewish News, August 3, 2020.

At first blush, this article is about the value of relations with another nation-state.  At a deeper level, notice the good question was asked whether the government of Iran was paid for the oil.  If the treasury was not repaid, then the gold from Venezuela went into the pockets of the Regime, not to the people.  “Did Iran’s fuel shipment to Venezuela really matter?,” Koruosh Ziabari, Asia Times, August 3, 2020.

“Iran, Not Hezbollah, Likely Behind Attempted Attack on Syrian Border, Israeli Officials Say,” Amos Harel, Haaertz, August 3, 2020.

Iran may be selling more oil to anyone else now to China, and to avoid some U.S. sanctions.  See “Despite Official Reports, China Has Been Hoarding Iranian Crude Oil,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, August 3, 2020.

Speculation and hope against hope continue among the people and businessmen of Iran.  This is an ongoing cycle, one of the few things they can hope for that is not tightly controlled from participation by the government.  “Iran’s stock market surges past key level to record high, as analysts warn of bubble,” Reuters, August 2, 2020.

“Iran’s stock market surges past key level to record high, as analysts warn of bubble,” Reuters, August 2, 2020.

“In rare talks, Iran and UAE foreign ministers discuss COVID-19,” Al Jazeera, August 2, 2020.

And the Supreme Leader “said that Iran would maintain its close alliances with militia groups in the region that it uses as proxies,” so it won’t negotiate, and will increase its nuclear program.  It sound like Iran is not yet withdrawing from using bad acts (even if reduced in funding in Syria).  The Revolution continues.  “Iran Will Expand Nuclear Program and Won’t Talk to U.S., Ayatollah Says,” Farnaz Fassihim New York Times, August 1, 2020.

This story is a little bit of a mystery.  We will learn more in following days.  “Iran says it has arrested the head of a United States-based “terrorist group” accused of bombing a mosque in 2008 that killed 14 people and wounded more than 200 others in the southern city of Shiraz. The group’s “Jamshid Sharmahd, who was leading armed and sabotage operations inside Iran, is now in the powerful hands” of Iran’s security forces, state television said in a report on Saturday, citing a statement from the intelligence ministry. The statement did not elaborate on where or when the leader of the opposition royalist group known as the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, known in Farsi as Anjoman-e Padeshahi-e Iran, or Tondar (Farsi for thunder), was arrested. The group seeks to restore Iran’s monarchy.”  See “Iran says it has arrested head of US-based ‘terrorist group’,” Al Jazeera, August 1, 2020.   See also “Who is Jamshid Sharmahd and what is the alleged US terror group ‘Thunder’?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 1, 2020.

“Explosions heard near Tabriz in Iran,” Jerusalem Post, July 31, 2020.  Just a short story—those aren’t fireworks.  “Explosions were heard on Friday afternoon near the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz. Several Iranian sources claim that the explosions came from a military base belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Other sources claim that the explosions were merely fireworks.”

You’ll have to look at the picture.  The Supreme Leader is looking more frail, more ill.  This struck me when looking at this unrelated article (he again talks about no negotiations with the U.S.).  “Supreme leader says Iran won’t negotiate with US,” AP, SFGate, July 31, 2020.

“Hardliner Politician In Iran Reportedly Gets Light Sentence After Accusation Of Rape,” Radio Farda, July 31, 2020.

This lengthy report lays out how the IRGC is “poised to complete their takeover of all branches of Iran’s Government, increase their control over the economy, and continue relentlessly funding and driving their weapons of mass destruction programs and terror proxies across the Middle East.”  See “The IRGC is taking over Iran,” Ran Porat, AIJAC, July 31, 2020.

We have a competition for names.  Opposing the Homeland Cheetahs are the Cyber Avengers!  See “Iran group claim attacks on 28 Israeli railway stations,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, July 31, 2020.

Quote of the Day.  “Even if we die, we will hold this year’s Muharram ceremonies splendidly,” Saeed Haddadian, a prominent eulogist, or “maddah,” who performs for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  See “To Weep Or Not To Weep: Iran Debates Holding Muharram During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Golnaz Esfandiari, Radio Farda, July 31, 2020.

Many countries will discount reports of details while still in negotiations.  Iran does so here with China.  It will be interesting to see what aspects of the final agreement are made public, and what aspects are not.  Iran is desperate, and China in a different way, and this agreement is not the typical trade agreement that countries make.  See “Iran Dismisses Leaked Details of Proposed China Deal,” Ayaz Gul, VOA, July 30, 2020.

Former Parliament Speaker (and now on the Expediency Council) Ali Larijani is positive again with Covid.  Because of the lack of science on the number of times a person can get Covid, we’ll have to see if this is pneumonia or something else also.  But his diagnosis will not be a public type of thing.  Here is an excerpt from the article–“Many other officials including First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri, Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, spokesman of the cabinet of President Ali Rabiei as well as several lawmakers have tested positive for the virus. The Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been in self-isolation since the very early days of the pandemic and cancelled all his public appearances but he did make an exception for the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi who he met in person on July 21.”  See “Former Iran Parliament Speaker In Hospital With COVID-19 For Second Time,” Radio Farda, July 30, 2020.

As this article reports as a possibility, we will see if Iran is supplying these weapons, for several reasons, next door in Afghanistan.  “Taliban fighters are reportedly using anti-tank missiles to down Afghan helicopters,” Jared Keller, Task & Purpose, July 30, 2020.

“Iran Releases Satellite Photos Of Largest US Base In The Middle East,” Kashmir Observer, July 30, 2020.

“Iranian Media Name Potential Candidates For 2021 Presidential Election,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, July 30, 2020.

Twitter is an enabler of Iran.  It tells a Knesset committee that the Supreme Leader’s tweets calling for Israel’s destruction do not violate company rules, and are “foreign policy saber-rattling.”  See “Twitter to MKs: Unlike Trump tweets, Khamenei’s ‘eliminate Israel’ posts are ok,” Raphael Ahran, Times of Israel, July 30, 2020.

Time for the bizarre at the end of July, but this is not really strange in the world of Twelvers.  I will let the story and his quotes talk for themselves.  “Iran’s former Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance said during a recent interview that the moon landings are a lie, and that travel to other planets will only become possible once the Hidden Imam arrives. Mohammad-Hadi Homayoun, a professor at Imam Sadegh University, told Iran’s Channel 4 on July 17 that when this happens, there will be no more diseases and people will be able to communicate with jinns. “Enormous things are going to take place,” said Homayoun. “Those who want regimes that are just must know that this will certainly happen [when the Hidden Imam appears]. If somebody wants to travel to other planets—this is also going to become possible. People say that [man] has gone to the moon and stuff like that, but they are almost certainly lying. Man has not yet left planet Earth. We have not yet gone to the moon.” Homayoun added that “according to our tradition, we will be able to go to other planets only after [the Hidden Imam] appears.” Communicating with jinns “will also become possible, and the jinns will serve man,” said Homayoun. “We won’t be afraid of the jinns like we are now. I am talking about God-fearing jinns.” He added that once the imam arrives, there will be no more disease.””  See “Iranian professor: Space travel will only be possible after Hidden Imam’s arrival,” MEMRI, Jewish News Syndicate, July 30, 2020.

What a crucial moment it would be one day if Iraq would decide to buy its electricity and gas for energy from the GCC states, and not Iran.  The Iraq PM trip to Washington will be an important step in keeping Iran from skirting U.S. sanctions.  “Issue of Iran-backed militias to top agenda of Kadhimi’s US visit,” Arab Weekly, July 30, 2020.

The Nour-1 was not peaceful, as Iran claimed.  “Iran Uses First Military Satellite to Map, Publish U.S. Base in Qatar,” David Brennan, Newsweek, July 30, 2020.

A new report explains that management, corruption, and other factors may explain the recent explosions as somewhat consistent with historical events in the country.  “Not every explosion or fire in Tehran is the result of foreign subterfuge. Recent research carried out by Tiziana Corda, a political science PhD candidate at the University of Milan, revealed that such events frequently occur in Iran. Thus, she argues that these present occurrences are not necessarily anomalies. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency’s archive, there were at least ninety-seven fires or explosions between mid-May 2019 and the end of July 2019. That averages out to more than one per day over a period of 2.5 months. The data shows that, just like this year, there were explosions or fires in power plants, factories, hospitals, research centers, naval vessels, and arms depots in 2019.”  See “When it comes to Iran, not everything that goes boom in the night is sabotage,” Raz Zimmt, Atlantic Council, July 30, 2020.

No word yet of what type or pictures of the Iranian arms-carrying ship.  “US informs Security Council of detention of Iranian ship off Yemen coast,” Middle East Monitor, July 30, 2020.

This is key, isn’t it?  The IRI’s past behavior, over 40 years, is indicative of future behavior.  “U.S., UANI Warn That Ending Restrictions On Iranian Arms Will Accelerate Global Terror Campaign,” UANI, July 30, 2020.

Quote of the Day.  “We will stand fast against the world of arrogance. We will not rest until we have raised the banner of Islam over the White House.”  Ali Shirazi, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s representative in the Quds Force, in “Unrealistic to expect Iranian regime to change its behavior,” Majid Rafizadeh, Arab News, July 30, 2020.

“Iran-Syria air defense pact could cause Russian-Iranian friction,” Mark Katz, MENA, July 30, 2020.

Despite the drill in Hormuz, if you step back and think about it, the situation can even be described as comical.  Almost a dozen explosions over the past month that Iran cannot explain, and their only recourse is to tow a barge into Hormuz and shoot at a sitting duck.  This is a very low-tech shooting range, and so unsophisticated compared to the external or internal agent(s) that have afflicted the Regime during July.  See “Iran launches underground ballistic missiles during exercise,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, July 29, 2020.

Talk about funny money.  Well, the economics of it will eventually dry up this market except for criminal enterprises.  “Power Plants in Iran Now Authorized to Mine Bitcoin,” Kevin Helms, Bitcoin.com, July 29, 2020.

Ashura yes, funerals no.  “Iran to Hold Religious Gatherings and Exams Despite Virus Surge,” Golnar Motevalli and Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, July 29, 2020.

Iran has allowed one of its militias in Iraq, Harakat Hezbollah Al-Nujaba, to use Telegram to threaten the UK ambassador in Baghdad, Stephen Hickey.  “UK envoy to Iraq threatened by pro-Iran militias,” Arab News, July 29, 2020.

“Iran records 196 more deaths from COVID-19,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 29, 2020.

It took just over a year.  But that is fast compared to the years that Brits, Americans, and many other persons, who have committed no crime, are being held by Iran.  The Regime most likely traded something to Pakistan for these people.  But it goes to show that Iran will release on “humanitarian” grounds if it so decides.  See “Iran extradites 14 Pakistani inmates,” Trend, July 29, 2020.

“The Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, has written to Iran’s Foreign Minister, Muhammad Javad Zarif, condemning the recent escalation of the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran, the largest non-Muslim religious minority in the country. The letter is part of a new wave of support for Iran’s Baha’is by Members of the European Parliament (EP) as well as numerous parliamentarians and prominent figures in Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Finland and Ireland.”  See “Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Writes to Iranian Counterpart in Wave of Support for Iran’s Persecuted Baha’is,” Iran Press Watch, July 29, 2020.

To pressure the UK, and to punish the professor.  “British-Australian woman jailed in Tehran moved to Iran’s notorious and remote Qarchak prison,” Stephen Sorace, Fox News, July 28, 2020.

In contrast to the story yesterday of the Supreme Leader’s controversial NGO called the Mostazafan Foundation, here is an NGO that really fights poverty, the Imam Ali Society.  But because the government can’t own it or control it, the NGO’s officers have been arrested and the organization will be shut down.  “More Than 500 Public Figures In Iran Call For Release Of Anti-Poverty NGO Founder,” Radio Farda, July 28, 2020.

And again, no causalities.  Other than the gas leak at the clinic in North Tehran (19 dead there), it is amazing how few deaths.  “Fuel tank explosion in Iran latest in string of mystery blasts,” Al Monitor, July 28, 2020.

Charles Dunaway, a “political commentator” from Oregon, (and what are his qualifications?) is one of the few Americans who support the Regime.  “The world is fortunate that Iran is dominated by clear-headed thinkers, says American analyst,” Amir Mohammad Esmaeili, Tehran Times, July 28, 2020.

Monday deaths were 235, reported Tuesday.  “Iran registers a record 235 coronavirus deaths in 24-hour period,” WHTC, July 28, 2020.

China’s enabling, and trying to get ahead, is empowering Iran.  “While China Says No Oil From Iran In June, Three Tankers Arrived In Recent Weeks,” Dalga Khatinoglu, Radio Farda, July 28, 2020.

To help us understand why the Regime can spend more on its own people, and not spend money on terror.  “Iran’s External Debt Is $8.6b, Assets $54b,” Financial Tribune, July 28, 2020.

These types of projects didn’t work in the USSR.  Iran says it will transfer water from the Gulf to Iran’s southwestern Kerman Province, a 300-km pipeline with 7 pumping stations for 200 million cubic meters of desalinated water.  The start is the Bandar Abbas desalination plant.  See “Iran plans to transfer Gulf water to Kerman province in SW,” Xinhua, July 28, 2020.

“Iranian Ballistic Missile Launch Briefly Raises Alarm at Al Udeid, Al Dhafra,” Brian Everstine, Air Force Magazine, July 28, 2020.

Khamenei, by many measures already the world’s richest or second-richest man, increased his wealth by at least 34% the in the most recent Iranian fiscal year.  The Mostazafan Foundation, at a press conference, said their revenues increased $2.5 billion in the Iranian calendar year ending March 20.  The Supreme Leader and the several organizations he controls pay no tax and are not required by the Parliament or any law to provide financial accountability or reporting.  The Foundation is the second-largest economic entity in Iran after the National Iranian Oil Company, and owns nearly 200 factories and many financial firms including a bank as well as numerous real estate holdings.  The Mostazafan Foundation (the Foundation for the Underprivileged) is meant to be a charitable foundation with the mission to eradicate poverty.  It does perform some nominal projects.  (But the rest of us are obviously in the wrong line of work.)  See “Khamenei-Controlled Financial Conglomerate In Iran Nets $2.5 Billion In Profits,” Radio Farda, June 27, 2020.

What to make of this story?  “Farhikhtegan [The Learned] newspaper, affiliated with the hardliner, conservative-dominated Islamic Azad University, dedicated its front page on Monday to the matter and also wrote on its Twitter page that “Less than 100 days before the U.S. presidential elections, some Iranian political groups are advocating the illusion of a good America.” The daily added that there seems to be “a task force in Tehran formed of those who support presidential candidate Joe Biden.””  See “Iran Papers React To Democratic Party’s ‘No Regime Change, Return To JCPOA’ Policy,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, July 27, 2020.

It is too early, not enough information known, to know if this was government-based or criminal in nature.  “US-Based Zoroastrian Priest Killed On A Visit To Iran,” AFP, July 27, 2020.

“Iran government spokesman tests positive for coronavirus,” Reuters, July 27, 2020.

The Homeland Cheetahs?  As a sort of pun, would corruption and mismanagement been at fault in at least some of these explosions?  “Who — And What — Is Behind Mystery Explosions In Iran?,” David Hambling, Forbes, July 27, 2020.

Completion of this line to Basra I think has a good chance of actually being completed, and not just an announcement that Iran never carries through (there have been scores of infrastructure declarations over the years that were never funded or completed).  “Construction of Major Iran-Iraq Railway Will Begin Soon,” MENAFN, July 27, 2020.

The 25-year agreement with China begs otherwise.  “We have a balanced foreign policy approach vis-a-vis both China and India, says Iran,” Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, The Economic Times, July 27, 2020.

The Regime’s “support” of Lebanon is not the regular support of one country of another in international relations—Iran basically controls Lebanon through Hezbollah.  “Iran says it supports Lebanon, warns Israel against ‘madness’,” Tehran Times, July 27, 2020.

“Multiple Explosions Hit Iraq Weapons Depot Used By Pro-Iran Militia,” Radio Farda, July 27, 2020.

Because Iran needs buyers, Hezbollah (run by Iran) is inflating the need for Lebanon to buy oil from Iran.  See “Does Lebanon Really Need Iranian Or Iraqi Fuel Supplies?,” Noam Raydan, Forbes, July 27, 2020.

“Two key questions logically arise from last week’s announcement from Iran’s Petroleum Ministry that it has awarded a US$1.3 billion development deal to more than double oil production at the supergiant South Azadegan oilfield, the second such oil project signed this month, the other being a US$300 million development contract for Yaran. The first question is, given the fact that Iran is technically bankrupt, how can it afford such projects? The second is, given the swingeing U.S. sanctions still in place – including against the main tanker fleets of the National Iranian Tanker Company and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line – where is any of this increased oil supply meant to go? The answer to both questions is the same – China”.  See “China Signs Series Of Deals To Develop Supergiant Oilfield In Iran,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, July 27, 2020.

“First Swiss deal with Iran via humanitarian channel goes through,” Al Jazeera, July 27, 2020.

It is too early, not enough information known, to know if this was government-based or criminal in nature.  “US-Based Zoroastrian Priest Killed On A Visit To Iran,” AFP, July 27, 2020.

Died Sunday, reported Monday.  “Iran records over 210 more deaths from COVID-19,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 27, 2020.

They couldn’t sink it the first time?!  “Iran Looks Set To Blow Up Its Fake Aircraft Carrier Again,” Joseph Trevithick, The Drive, July 27, 2020.