Author: Neal Coates

For those of us harboring hope to peacefully climb Damavand one day—“In an odd and unprecedented ruling Iran’s Supreme Court has handed over the ownership of part of the country’s highest mountain, Mount Damavand, to an organization that operates under the direct supervision of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hamshahri newspaper in Tehran reported on Sunday July 26 that an official title deed has been issued to Iran’s Endowments Organization for one eleventh (1/11th) of Mount Damavand and the slopes leading to the summit. The “endowment” title deed gives 18,000 hectares (45,000 acres) of highlands to the organization which is part of Iran’s Culture Ministry, but its chief is directly appointed by Khamenei and is the administrative body in charge of shrines and holy sites and appoints clerics in charge of endowments it acquires. The Endowments Organization on Sunday afternoon denied the issuance of such a title deed and explained what has been donated is a pasture at the foot of the mountain, not part of the summit. But it is not clear who endowed such a large area and if the land already belonged to the state and simply deeded to organization that clerics control. Based on traditions and rules of the religious canon Shariah, endowments are “bequeathed for pious use” such as habitations for the poor and books for the use of learned men and women. Traditionally, many schools, water reservoirs, gardens, farmlands and other public facilities are part of the “endowments” bequeathed to be used for the good of the public. The ruling by the Iranian Supreme Court has been met with objections by environmentalists and members of the public. Mohammad Rajab Ali Pisheh, an official at the Natural Resources Office of Mazandaran Province told Hamshahri that the ruling has been issued without consulting the Forests and Pastures Organization. Meanwhile, the former chief of Iran’s Environment Protection Organization, Massoumeh Ebtekar has said in a tweet that what has been done is “against the Constitutional Law.” She said that the summit of Mount Damavand has been put under the protection of the Environment Protection Organization in 2002 and that based on the law, “the summit may not be delegated or exploited as real estate.” … Some Iranians on social media have said that the land has been given to the Friday Prayer Imam of Sari in Mazandaran Province to be used for development and building villas. The director General of Natural Resources Office in Mazandaran has called on Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raeesi to intervene in the matter and avert the decision. The Judiciary has still not reacted to the appeal. … Reports in recent years have estimated the annual income of 1,800,000 endowments under the organization’s control as more than 10 trillion rials or around $240 milion. According to Iranian media, the organization’s officials have never released a transparent report about its financial status and transactions. Almost all large organizations with business activities under the supervision of clerics and the Supreme Leader are never audited in a transparent fashion.”  See “Court Donates Part of Iran’s Highest Mountain To A Religious Organization,” Radio Farda, July 26, 2020.

Died on Saturday.  “Iran: 260 new virus deaths rise tally to 15,700,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 26, 2020.

“An alarming anniversary: The Iran deal, 5 years later,” David Weinberg, op-ed, Israel Hayom, July 26, 2020.  Weinberg takes the position that the 2015 JCPOA emboldened Iran’s hegemonic march across the Middle East, and has not halted Iran’s march towards nuclear weapons.

“A China-Iran partnership would make China the Middle East arbiter,” Dov Zakheim, op-ed, The Hill, July 26, 2020.  Zakheim makes a compelling argument that China will become the decision-maker for the Middle East, at least as far as Iran is involved.  And “Despite America’s major military presence in the region, in practice it will be China that will mediate between Tehran and Jerusalem in order to ensure that its sources of oil, gas and technology remain stable and secure.”

“Hezbollah will try to attack Israel’s gas rigs, top naval official warns,” Hanan Greenwood, Israel Hayom, July 26, 2020.

A threat against Jordan by Iran.  “Nour News also threatened Jordan that its support for U.S. military operations can have “consequences” and demanded Jordan’s chargé d’affaires in Tehran be summoned.”  “Iran Unofficially Accuses Jordan Of ‘Role’ In Interception Of Iran Airliner,” Radio Farda, July 26, 2020.

Veggie Tales makes Iran’s hit list.  Fars News Agency “published an antisemitic attack last week on the VeggieTales animated children’s movie “Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen.”  Nayime Movahed, writing for Fars News, argued that the show about Esther was “a Zionist hero [who] has infiltrated our streaming services.”  See “Iran stokes antisemitism about ‘Esther, The Girl who became Queen’,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, July 25, 2020.

Agreements with Russia, China part of Iran’s balanced policy – diplomat,” TASS, July 25, 2020.

“Allowing Iran Snapback Sanctions to Expire Would Be a Security Disaster,” Thomas Spoehr, National Interest, July 25, 2020.

“195 More Iranians Die of COVID-19 in 24 Hours,” IFP, July 25, 2020.

And while they’re at it, the passengers on the Mahan Air flight can also sue the pilot who strayed from the flight path, did not identify himself when called, and over-reacted when realizing an American jet was about 1,000 feet away.  Regardless, passenger claims under these facts, and international law under sovereign immunity, cannot proceed.  See “Iran says airline passengers can sue US after near collision with American jets,” Middle East Eye, July 25, 2020.

A fascinating analysis.  Apart from the Ministry of Intelligence not knowing what country(ies) are responsible for the explosions, this op-ed provides an explanation of the possibility that many of these explosions are due to internal competition in Iran.  “Iran regime grapples with its worst crisis, hamstrung by internal power struggle,” Avi Issacharoff, Times of Israel, July 25, 2020.

U.S. releases information that the Mahan Air plane strayed out of its flight path and into the 55 mile restricted zone that circles Tanf, would not respond to radio inquiries, flew over the base, and that the F-15 distance was 3,290 ft.  Undoubtedly there have been several flight crew meetings in Tehran about this now to get their pilots back “on course.”  See “New Details Emerge About F-15 Intercept Of Iranian Airbus Over Syria,” Joseph Trevithick, The Drive, July 24, 2020.

A contractor!  Not Israel!  Not the U.S.!  Not Saudi Arabia!  A local news site reports that the IRGC has concluded that Ershad Karimi, a facility contractor, is responsible for the Natanz explosion.  “Iran names alleged perpetrator of blast at Natanz nuclear site — report,” Times of Israel, July 24, 2020.

“Another Iran Regime Agent Expelled From Albania for Spying on MEK,” Mohammad Sadat Khansari, National Council of Resistance of Iran, July 24, 2020.

“Russia, China, Iran Trying To Interfere In U.S. Election, Counterintelligence Chief Warns,” Alison Durkee, Forbes, July 24, 2020.

Reported Friday that 215 died Thursday.  “Iran reports 215 more deaths from coronavirus,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 24, 2020.

“Ukraine: Black boxes confirm interference with jet downed in Iran,” Al Jazeera, July 24, 2020.

This clearly presents the IRGC Intelligence Organization as an arm of the Judiciary.  “The Revolutionary Guard’s Intelligence Unit has a free hand in arresting and interrogating politicians, journalists, student activists and even ordinary Iranians such as social media celebrities for what they call “breaking the norms of the society” and has a strong cyber-policing outfit.”  Frightening for Iranian citizens.  See “Iran’s IRGC Highlights Role As Judicial Enforcer With New Arrests, Business Closures,” Radio Farda, July 24, 2020.

A dangerous thing to say by Deputy Parliament Speaker Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh, “that the US. has wrongly assessed the results of its targeted killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, and seeks to repeat the action against other commanders of the “resistance front.””  See “Top Iranian official: US has decided to kill Hezbollah chief Nasrallah,” Neta Bar, Israel Hayom, July 24, 2020.

“Iran Central Bank Spent Nearly $1 Billion Recent Days To Support Falling Currency,” Radio Farda, July 24, 2020.

Al Tanf is in the news again, as the U.S. inspects a Mahan Air plane that apparently overflew (on purpose?) the U.S. military base, which is located inside Syria on the road between Baghdad and Damascus and intended to block overland weapons and missile deliveries from Iran to Syria and Hezbollah.  I’m guessing the U.S. has communicated beforehand that the regular flights from Tehran should not fly over Al Tanf (for surveillance purposes or to act as a suicide plane), and that on this particular flight the IRGC decided to send the U.S. a message.  Maybe pilot error.  So the U.S. sent the F-15 for a  look-over.  Most media are not covering the Al Tanf basis for the entire story, and are only reporting that the U.S. intercepted an Iranian commercial plane, came within 100 feet (the video doesn’t support that), and that a drop in altitude resulted in several injuries on board to persons not seat belted.  See  “US admits to intercepting Iranian passenger plane,” DW, July 23, 2020.   See also, “Iran says passenger plane ‘harassed’ over Syria by US jet,” Amir Vahdat, AP, July 23, 2020.

Al Tanf is in the news again, as the U.S. inspects a Mahan Air plane that apparently overflew (on purpose) the U.S. military base, which is located on the road between Baghdad and Damascus and intended to block overland weapons and missile deliveries.  I’m guessing the U.S. has communicated beforehand that the regular Tehran to Beirut flight should not fly over Al Tanf (for surveillance purposes or to act as a suicide plane), and that this particular flight decided to send the U.S. a message.  So the U.S. sent a message back with the F-15 look-over.  See  “US admits to intercepting Iranian passenger plane,” DW, July 23, 2020.

President Hassan Rouhani’s recent announcement that 25 million Iranians may have been infected with the coronavirus, a figure drastically higher than the country’s official tally, has left many perplexed and fearful.  “Confusion And Fear as Iran Says Millions May Have Virus,” Amir Havasi, Bourse & Bazaar, July 23, 2020.

“Iran Parliament Decision To Distribute $600 Million ‘Free Asphalt’ Ticket To Corruption,” Radio Farda, July 23, 2020.  “Critics say providing free asphalt to road construction contractors to help the development of rural roads only benefits the contractors and claim that contractors often use less asphalt in building roads than is actually required and sell the extra in the open market or illegally export it.”

Good detective reporting.  And notice where the advertising eventually ended up.  “Spain’s El Mundo on Thursday reported that the Economic and Fiscal Crime Division of the Spanish Police (UDEF) has announced that between 2012 and 2015 the media company belonging to Pablo Iglesias, the leader of the leftist, anti-corruption Podemos Party, received more than nine million euros from Iran through other companies. El Mondo said evidence gathered by the Police and anti-money laundering committee indicates that the 16 companies suspected of money laundering injected a total of 9.3 million euro of illicit Iranian money into the leftist politician’s company. … Hispan TV is run by Iranian citizen Mahmoud Alizadeh Azimi and its programs mainly target Latin American states such as Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Nicaragua and Mexico.”  See “Spanish Officials Say Anti-Corruption Party Received Money From Iran,” Radio Farda, July 23, 2020.

221 died on Wednesday, reported on Thursday, July 23.  “25 of Iran’s 31 provinces on coronavirus watch list,” Al Monitor, July 23, 2020.

Environmental protection has never been a priority of the Regime.  “According to the Statistics Center of Iran, the area of Iran’s forests in 1900 was about 19 million hectares, but this figure decreased to 14.4 million hectares by 2012, and in 2015 Iran’s forest areas shrunk to 10.7 million hectares and were destroyed by 43%.  …  The head of the Iranian Forestry Association says we predict that you may not see any forests in the north of the country in the next 30 years.”  See “Experts Warn That Iran’s Environment Is Moving Towards a Point of No Return,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, July 23, 2020.

“Iran’s Deteriorating Economy, Raging Coronavirus Have Raised Fears Of Renewed Street Protests,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, July 22, 2020.

“Iran’s maximum pressure on Iraq to remove US forces,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 22, 2020.

Good for a smile.  “Iran’s supreme leader to Iraqi PM: Iran does not interfere in Iraq-US relations,” Ali Mamouri, Al Monitor, July 22, 2020.

“Explosions in Iran not toppling Ayatollahs – experts,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, July 22, 2020.  “The experts gave around a dozen reasons why Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule was not endangered, including: outside pressure causes Iranians to unify internally; support from a plethora of interest groups in Iran linked to the regime; the absence of a leader for disparate opposition groups; and the country being used to decades of sanctions and pressure.”

But these “youngsters” are in their 50s, they’re not really young—the young in Iran (in their 30s) do not support the government/Regime.  “To Secure His Legacy, Khamenei Is Packing Iran’s Government With Young Radicals,” Saeid Golkar and Asha Sawhney, FP, July 22, 2020.

219 died Tuesday, reported Wednesday, according to the Health Ministry.  “Iran reports 219 more deaths from coronavirus,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 22, 2020.

“Iran’s maximum pressure on Iraq to remove US forces,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 22, 2020.

From my perspective, and because of how the Regime continued its nuclear weapons program, missile program, human rights abuses, and expansion of the Crescent, and don’t forget terrorism, that Biden’s revisiting the JCPOA would only exacerbate the Iranian Problem.  “Democrats’ Presidential Platform Commits to Return to Iran Nuclear Deal,” Amir Tibon, Haaertz, July 22, 2020.

“First, Iran must admit its international legal responsibility for shooting down the Ukrainian plane. Second, Iran must apologize and provide assurance that such events will never happen again. Third, Iran must conduct a technical investigation in accordance with the requirements of the Chicago Convention. Fourth, Iran must conduct an impartial and independent criminal investigation and bring all the guilty to justice. I emphasize, all the guilty. Fifth, Iran must pay proper compensation,” Kuleba said.  See “Ukraine Rejects ‘Human Error’ As Iran’s Explanation For Downing Jetliner,” Radio Farda, July 22, 2020.

Iran and Hezbollah trained and funded planned attacks by a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine cell, which were prevented by Shin Bet it was announced today.  It is a very detailed article.  See “Shin Bet thwarts attacks by Iranian-backed PFLP cell in the West Bank,” Anna Ahroneheim, Jerusalem Post, July 21, 2020.

From the top—the ballistic missle attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq were not enough, despite what Iran said at the time.  The Leader has spoken, more attacks are required.  “Khameni: Iran to strike reciprocal blow against US for killing Soleimani,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, July 21, 2020.

The Sanctions Club.  The world’s newest international organization.  By invitation only.  Of course, there are other words that could be inserted for “Sanctions.”  Wouldn’t it be nice if the rest of the world’s countries called out bad actors?  Well, Iran gets credit for the idea of this club.  See “Iran Diplomat Proposes Sanctions Club With Russia, China, to Resist U.S.,” David Brennan, Newsweek, July 21, 2020.

Numbers are from those who died on Monday.  “Iran Hits Record 229 Deaths From Coronavirus in Past 24 Hours,” Reuters, Haaretz, July 21, 2020.

The newly-proposed 25-year deal between Iran and China threatens promises made to India and Pakistan, and the associated billions of dollars of investment for the future.  Which Arabian Sea port will be the winner—Jask (Iran), Chabahar (India), or Gwadar (Pakistan)?  “China-Iran deal overshadows Pakistan Belt and Road project,” Adnan Aamir, Nikkei Asian Review, July 21, 2020.

This article does not mean the courts have ruled on the appeal.  It records the “dismissive” comments by the court’s spokesman.  “Iran’s Judiciary Dismisses Online Campaign To Stop Executions,” Radio Farda, July 21, 2020.

A good reminder about why the Regime fights in Yemen.  “Iran Sets Its Sights on Mecca,” Irina Tsukerman, Algemeiner, July 21, 2020.

“Whether Mansouri’s death was a suicide or a murder [by falling out his hotel window] is not immediately clear. Given the Islamic Republic of Iran’s history of extraterritorial assassinations and the weight of Mansouri’s secrets, a targeted killing by the Iranian state is not beyond the realm of possibility.”  See “The defenestration of Bucharest: How Europe can help Iranian survivors of rights abuses,” Gissou Nia and Amanda Ghahremani, Atlantic Council, July 21, 2020.

“Former diplomat says Iran-China partnership will threaten U.S. hegemony,” Tehran Tims, July 21, 2020.

“Well-Connected Suspects In Large Corruption Cases In Iran Are Often Off The Hook,” Radio Farda, July 21, 2020.

So, the 20-year agreement with Russia?  This goes along with the proposed 25-year agreement with China.  Iran is trying to line up powerful friends for cover.  And to keep on it current “Revolutionary” trajectory.  What are the terms?  What are the unwritten terms?  “Iran’s Zarif Offers A New Long-Term Cooperation Agreement To Russia,” Radio Farda, July 21, 2020.

PM Kadhimi is more than the Supreme Leader bargained for.  He wants sovereignty.  “The people of Iraq want good relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries,” he told the news conference, carried live by Iranian state television.  See “Iraq PM vows he ‘won’t allow threats’ to Iran from Iraqi soil,” Al Jazeera, July 21, 2020.

According to Mission Network News, “the new law makes online ministry or Christianity in nearly every conceivable form illegal. Online church services, teaching seminars, discipleship chat sessions, or distributing Christian material are all considered psychological manipulation. It’s not just creators of this kind of content; anyone downloading or viewing these materials could face legal action, too. If it’s Christian and digital, it’s criminal.”  See “New law leads to wave of arrests of Iranian Christians,” Alex Anhalt, Mission Network News, July 21, 2020.

Another power struggle in Iran, this one between the Guardian Council and the Parliament.  “Iran’s Hardliner Watchdog Aims To Expand Power Over Parliament,” Radio Farda, July 21, 2020.  The main player in the Guardian Council, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, has announced expanding the body’s authority, for the Council to draft laws and have the authority to remove “wrong-doing” lawmakers from Majles.  Ouch.  What is Parliament for?  And not only will the GC select persons for the election ballot, it could remove members later!

“US Allows Iran To Use Financial Channel For International Humanitarian Aid,” Radio Farda, July 21, 2020.

The background conversations and threats between the advisers of both countries before this meeting, and the actual conversation between the Leader and the Iraq PM must have been fascinating.  Iran continues on its dangerous quest of trying to control Iraq and must rid the region of the U.S.  But Iraq wants to be a sovereign state, so it is a balancing act by the Leader when the PM is before him.  “Iran will strike a reciprocal blow against America for killing of top commander Soleimani: Iran supreme leader,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, July 21, 2020.

Another Quote of the Day, several of these recently.  “Reacting to more than 11 million tweets calling for an end to executions in Iran, the Islamic Republic Judiciary spokesman has said, “We are not obliged to listen to the counter-revolutionaries, aggressive opposition movements and the media empire.” Furthermore, Gholam Hossein Esmaeili dismissed the record-breaking and unprecedented online campaign as “produced by robots.” The hashtag, “No to Death Penalty,” launched July 14 was initially used to stop the execution of three young men who were arrested during last November’s protests in Iran. But the hashtag quickly turned into a call to abolish capital punishment. … The trio sentenced to death are in their twenties and identified as Mohammad Rajabi, Amirhossein Moradi, and Saeed Tamjidi. They were arrested for taking part in the nationwide protests in November 2019, triggered by economic hardship and anti-regime sentiments.”  “Iran’s Judiciary Dismisses Online Campaign To Stop Executions,” Radio Farda, July 21, 2020.

In just one day (!) the black box is successfully opened and the data read.  After Iran shot down the Ukraine International Airlines jet on Jan. 8 and killing 176 people, the Regime hung onto the black box and its evidence until July 18.  The long standoff with Canada, Ukraine, and France, and apparently whatever concessions or payments Iran demanded were rightly not met.  The data extraction is being conducted with an Iranian investigator present and observed by Canadian, U.S., Swedish, and British experts, along with and representatives from UIA, Boeing, and engine maker Safran.  This could have been done in January.  “Voice data recovered from downed Ukraine jet, Canada sceptical about Iran explanation,” Laurence Frost and David Ljunggren, Reuters, July 20, 2020.

Just the most recent meeting between Iran and an enabler of the Regime’s disaster in Syria.  “Russian, Iranian FMs to discuss nuclear deal in Moscow,” Xinhua, July 2020.

“Iran Security Official Says ‘Instigators Of Protests In Behbahan’ Arrested,” Radio Farda, July 20, 2020.

These deaths occurred Sunday per Iran.  “Iran reports 217 more deaths from coronavirus,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 20, 2020.

“Iran signs $1.3 billion deal to double output at South Azadegan oil field,” Aresu Eqbal, S&P Global, July 20, 2020.   “Iran awarded a $1.3 billion development plan to more than double oil production at the South Azadegan field, the second oil project signed this month with local companies as US sanctions bar IOC’s from stepping into its energy sector. The contract was awarded to Petropars, and signed with Petroleum Engineering & Development to boost production capacity to 320,000 b/d from 140,000 b/d over 30 months, according to the country’s oil ministry. The field is on the border with Iraq. Earlier this month, Iran awarded a $300 million contract to develop the Yaran oil field to another local contractor Persia Oil and Gas Industry Development Co.”  That earlier contract was corruption, pure and simple.  In short, the National Iranian Oil Company’s contract is with the Supreme Leader through his Persia Oil and Gas Industry Development Company, which belongs to Imam’s Executive Headquarters.

“Iran executes man accused of spying for CIA, Mossad,” Darryl Coote, UPI, July 20, 2020.  “Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi Majd was executed after being sentenced to death by an Iranian court for informing the United States of the movements and location of Qassem Soleimani, the slain commander of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, Iran’s judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaeili said, according to Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency.”

All they did was peacefully protest in November.  But that can be deadly.  The temporary review of the case is due to a large hashtag and social media campaign, embarrassing the Regime.  “Iran’s state TV says the country has halted the execution of three young man who participated in a November protest after the country’s Supreme Court decided to review their case,” Journal-News, July 20, 2020.

Tehran Times is controlled by the Regime.  Note what they say here, and I quote.  “Iran has not officially declared whether the incident at the Natanz complex was an accident or an act of sabotage, but the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said the main cause has been determined and will be announced at an appropriate time. Some reports suggested Tel Aviv’s alleged role, but Israeli officials neither confirmed nor denied the regime’s involvement. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have said much of the speculation linking the incident to Israel is nothing but bluster which pleased Israeli leaders, warning Tel Aviv of serious consequences if it turned out to be true.”  So, from this quote we read that the Iranian government KNOWS what caused the explosion at Natanz but still doesn’t know WHO is responsible.  As reported earlier on this blog, after so many explosions, if the Ministry of Intelligence can’t figure this out, they will have to drop the name “Intelligence.”  See “Iran denounces Bloomberg article for promoting violence, terrorism,” Tehran Times, July 19, 2020.

“Days before the 26th anniversary of the Buenos Aires AMIA Jewish center bombing that killed 85 in 1994, Jewish community leaders called for international action against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah. The head of the AMIA Jewish Center in Buenos Aires, Ariel Eichbaum, said Friday, July 17, the international community should investigate the massacre that also left 300 injured.”  See “Argentina’s Jewish Community Calls For Action Against Iran, Hezbollah For 1994 Bombing,” Radio Farda, July 20, 2020.

Note that “the ship could have been seized by the Iranian authorities to stop the United States getting access to it amid allegations of oil smuggling.”  See “UN agency confirms ‘hijacked’ tanker taken to Iranian waters,” Hellenic Shipping News,” July 20, 2020.

AI provides this quote, giving readers just a glimpse of what it is like to be in prison in Iran.  “Diaku Rasoulzadeh and Saber Sheikh Abdollah, who were in their early 20s and 30s respectively, were taken outside their cells in Urumieh prison on July 13. According to information leaked from inside prison, they were deceptively told by prison officials that their death sentences had been quashed by the Supreme Court and they were being taken outside prison to start their retrial process. Instead, the prison officials transferred them to solitary confinement and executed them in the early hours of the following day, without their lawyers receiving prior notice.”  See “Two Kurds In Iran Executed Amid Increasing Use Of Death Penalty As Weapon Of Repression,” Amnesty International, July 20, 2020.

The headline does not match the article content.  And the headline is not supported in the article–no evidence.  But this is from Tehran Times.  Here is the headline “Iran has managed to prove peaceful nature of its nuclear program: Russian analyst,” Tehran Times, July 20, 2020.

“Iran interested in buying new Russian weapons – ambassador,” TASS, July 20, 2020.

No casualties again.  How can these explosions be managed so that no deaths are occurring?  In addition to this one at a power plant, a second fire occurred at a cellophane factory in Sheikh Hassan.  “Blast at power plant in Iran’s central Isfahan province – IRNA,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, July 19, 2020.

Zarif probably laid a wreath at the site of the killing of the Quds Force head terrorist.  The article does say, “Upon his arrival, Zarif paid a visit to the site where Soleimani was killed.”  See “Iran FM visits Baghdad ahead of Iraq PM trip to Saudi Arabia,” Samya Kullab and Qassim Abdul-zahra, AP, July 19, 2020.

This op-ed explains self-defense that is allowed under international law in response to Iran’s nuclear weapons program.  “Acting against Iran,” Michael Calvo, op-ed, Israel Hayom, July 19, 2020.

“Iran’s Zarif in Iraq on his first visit since Soleimani’s killing,” Al Jazeera, July 19, 2020.

Great logic.  “US Concern over Tehran-Beijing Deal Shows It’s Right Thing to Do: Iran,” IFP Editorial Staff, July 19, 2020.

Another candidate for Quote of the Day.  The Taliban has no office in Iran, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.  Taliban “may have established a council” in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, “but this does not concern us,” he told Press TV.  So I guess a council is not an office.  Let’s ask the Taliban.  See “Taliban has no office in Iran: Iranian Foreign Ministry,” Xinhua, July 19, 2020.

“Iran suspends execution of three men linked to protests, lawyer says,” Reuters, July 19, 2020. “Rights activists had said the death sentences were aimed at intimidating future protesters. With hardship mounting because of U.S. sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic, Iran’s clerical rulers have been trying to prevent a revival of anti-government protests that took place in November last year, when hundreds are believed to have been killed in the worst street violence since the 1979 revolution. Last Thursday, security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the southwestern city of Behbahan, witnesses said, who were protesting against the economic problems but also the death sentences against the three men. The Farsi hashtag “Don’t execute” was tweeted millions of times last week. In a rare acknowledgement of popular dissent, government spokesman Ali Rabiei wrote a commentary in Saturday’s Iran newspaper, saying that the tweets were “a civil action by citizens (trying) to be heard”.”

“Lawmaker Says Giving Control Of Iran Islands To China Scrapped After Popular Outcry,” Radio Farda, July 19, 2020.

“Father Of Slain Protester Opposing Deal With China Taken To Jail In Southern Iran,” Radio Farda, July 19, 2020.

Finally.  “Iran sends black box of Ukrainian plane to France,” BBC, July 18, 2020.

India continues to find itself more isolated as Iran moves toward China and its worldview and practices.  “After rail, Iran set to drop India from key gas project,” Pakistan Today, July 18, 2020.

“Iranian Hackers Accidentally Exposed Training Videos,” Akshaya Asokan, Bank Info Security, July 18, 2020.

“In latest in series of blasts, explosion reported at Iranian oil pipeline,” Times of Israel, July 18, 2020.

Iran has 83 million people for reference to this headline, and the official fatality number is almost 14,000.  “Iran pres. says estimated 25 mil. Iranians infected with coronavirus,” Kyodo News, July 18, 2020.

Citizens converged after being called on social media to each other to complain about the terrible economy and three death sentences that were upheld by the Judiciary.  Iranian security forces responded to Shiraz, Rasht, and Behbahan.  “Iranians Angered by Faltering Economy Stage Rare Protest,” Michael Lipin and Arash Sigarchi, VOA, Updated July 17, 2020.  And see “Iran police vow to deal ‘decisively’ with any further protests,” Al Jazeera, July 17, 2020.

“Iranian security forces clash with protesters chanting ‘No Gaza, no Lebanon’,” July 17, 2020.

“The Iranian regime has made the decision to respond militarily to what it believes is a series of Israeli and American attacks on its soil, Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai reported on Thursday. “Tehran’s decision to retaliate to the Israeli and American attacks has already been made and will be implemented at the right time and place,” sources in Lebanon told Al Rai, which traditionally propagates anti-Zionist and anti-Israel views. The report also said that Iran and its regional allies were planning for the possibility of an “all-out war.” The statements, which haven’t been corroborated elsewhere, ….”  So, Al Rai seems to be the only “source” that Israel is responsible, but its sources are annonymous.  Thus, there is not yet evidence.  See “Report: Iran has already decided to strike back against Israel,” Neta Bar, Israel Hayom, July 17, 2020.

“The senior spokesman of Iran’s Armed Forces has insisted that only eight Iranian servicemen have been killed in Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military bases in Syria in recent years. An Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)-linked news agency, Fars, cited Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi as denying on Thursday, July 16, reports that “hundreds” or even “thousands” of Iranians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes in war-torn Syria. The IRGC Brigadier General maintained that only eight Iranian military personnel have been killed in Israeli raids. The airstrikes attributed to Israel started after the civil war broke out in 2011 in Syria and Iranian forces were dispatched to help the Assad regime and thy began establishing themselves in the country.” See “Iran Military Insists Only Eight Servicemen Killed In All Israeli Air Raids In Syria,” Radio Farda, July 17, 2020.

“Iran’s Currency Falls To A New Low Of 240,000 Against The US Dollar,” Radio Farda, July 17, 2020.

“In Somalia, Iran Is Replicating Russia’s Afghan Strategy,” Muhammad Fraser-Rahim and Mo Fatah, FP, July 17, 2020.  Iranian forces are supporting al-Shabab and allegedly offering bounties to attack the U.S. military and other foreign forces in Somalia and in the region.  Iran is making money on arms sales and oil sales and working to spread the Shia Crescent.  “Using financial inducements as their means for recruitment, Iran has a proxy network in Somalia and uses facilitators to provide support to violent extremist organizations to counter the influence of the United States and Persian Gulf states. Iran has a proxy network in Somalia and uses facilitators to provide support to violent extremist organizations to counter the influence of the United States and Persian Gulf states, including using Somalia to funnel weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen and to transit weapons to other countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Central African Republic. Iranian engagement on the African continent is not new. In particular, Iranian religious groups and intelligence agencies have worked for decades to establish missionary and influence operations on the African continent. These include providing religious scholarship opportunities throughout sub-Saharan Africa and in the Horn region competing and countering Gulf states’ influences. Furthermore, these educational efforts have allowed Africans to study in Shiite religious centers such as Qom in Iran, and then go back to their countries to engage in both direct and indirect proselytizing in favor of Tehran’s activities, making many of them witting or unwitting accomplices to those pursuing Tehran’s intelligence objectives in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is the main Iranian organization in Somalia, and its Quds Force has established relations with extremist groups and criminal networks, according to Somali officials. Somali police and finance ministry officials claim the Quds Force uses these networks to smuggle Iranian oil into Somalia and then sell cheap oil across Africa to subvert U.S. sanctions, with some of the proceeds used to support militants in Yemen and Somalia.”