Iran Nation or Cause

“Lebanon will be “another Iran-dominated, corruption-riddled failed state” if critical steps are not taken soon to end government corruption in the country, tackle the economic challenges it is facing and address the “crippling” issue of Hezbollah’s violence. This is the conclusion of a report published on Tuesday by two leading Middle East think tanks based in Washington, the American Task Force on Lebanon and the Middle East Institute. To mark the occasion they hosted a webinar during which panelists discussed ways in which the report’s powerful conclusions might be implemented and order restored to Lebanon. A major part of the discussion focused on the role of Hezbollah, and participants noted that the outcome of the ongoing US negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program could have significant ramifications for Lebanon. … [The greatest] challenge is the continuing presence and power of Hezbollah as a non-state actor with allegiance to Iran.”  See “Saving Lebanon can help prevent Iran’s web of terror from spreading in region, activists argue,” Ray Hanania, Arab News, February 2, 2022.

“Saving Lebanon Can Help Prevent Iran’s Web Of Terror From Spreading In Region,” Ray Hanania, op-ed, Arab News, February 2, 2022.

“US to send warship, fighter jets to UAE after missile attacks by Iran-backed Houthis,” AFP, Times of Israel, February 2, 2022.

If this occurs, the IRGC will crack down on citizens.  “’State Of Explosion’: Leaked IRGC Document Warns Of Rising Discontent In Iran,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL’s Radio Farda, February 2, 2022.

“Iran shifts centrifuge work away from site allegedly struck by Israel — UN watchdog,” AFP, February 1, 2022.  “European diplomat says centrifuge plant at Karaj has been moved to ‘better protected’ facility in Isfahan; IAEA says cameras installed at new site.”

“Iran Sets New Record in Number Of Executions,” Hossein Beizayl, op-ed, Iran News Wire, February 1, 2022.  “Terrified of protests and uprisings, the clerical regime has accelerated executions to instill an atmosphere of terror. Twelve prisoners were hanged on January 19 and 20, six each day, bringing to at least 45 the number of executions recorded in the past 30 days (the 10th month in the Persian calendar). On Thursday, January 20, Idris Gomshadzehi, a Baluch citizen, was executed in Zahedan Prison; Parviz Akbari-Rad, Jamaluddin Gorgich, and Dadshah Sarani were hanged in Zabul Prison; Ali Yazdani and Eshaq Mohammad Amin (an Afghan national) were hanged in Rasht and Isfahan prisons, respectively. On Wednesday, January 19, in an unprecedented act of barbarity, Juma Mohammadi from Izeh, was executed after 20 years in prison. A large crowd attended his funeral in Izeh and expressed revulsion towards the regime by firing bird shots. The same day, five other prisoners, Eqbal Mostofi and Houshang Khanmohammadi, were executed in Khorramabad, Hamed Manouchehri, Sobhan Shohani, and Mohammad Karimnejad were hanged in Ilam. According to VOA Persian, in 2020, the Islamic Republic of Iran ranked second with 246 executions, and according to Amnesty International, Iran, alone was responsible for half of all registered executions in the world in 2020. It is not only the number of executions that is appalling but also the nature of some of them. These executions have involved juveniles, women, and individuals from ethnic and religious minority groups, including Ahwazi Arabs, Kurds, and Sunnis. Although Iran has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Iran’s government has made no effort to alter the country’s Penal Code, which allows girls as young as nine to be executed.”

“Iran’s iconic tower flashes red for Chinese New Year,” Xinhua, February 1, 2022.

“Iran Says In talks With Russia, China Over New Airports,” Iran International, February 1, 2022.

“If there’s a poster child for a govt’s poor Covid response anywhere in the world, it’s Iran,” Jon Alterman, The Print, February, 1, 2022.

“Morocco-Iran Rift Surges As Tehran Sets Sights on Africa,” Issam Toutate, Morocco World News, February 1, 2022.

“Iranian tanker carrying condensate docks in Venezuela,” Regina Garcia Cano, AP, Titusville Herald, February 1, 2022.

“Next phase of China-Iran ties depends on nuclear talks,” Sabena Siddiqui, Al Monitor, February 1, 2022.

Ouch.  The national legislature has to close due to Iran’s mismanagement of the virus.  “COVID: Iran’s parliament suspended amid rapid spread of Omicron,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, January 31, 2022.

“Iran moves centrifuge-parts production out of disputed workshop, IAEA says,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, January 31, 2022.

An accurate statement that this story concludes with – “Many countries in the region accuse Iran of interference in the domestic affairs of its neighboring countries.”  See “Iran Rejects Morocco’s Accusation Of Spreading Shiism In Africa,” Iran International, January 31, 2022.

Quote of the Day (and which will not happen):  “Luxury goods that have been smuggled in must be thrown into compactors and crushers,” Khamenei said on his official Twitter account.  See “Iran’s Khamenei orders crackdown on smuggled luxury goods,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, The Gazette, January 30, 2022.

It is nearly $10,000, but average salaries are $200 a month.  “Iran To Allow Buy-Out Of Military Service, For The Rich,” Iran International, January 30, 2022.

“Iran said beating out Assad regime for influence in key Syrian border province,” Times of Israel, January 29, 2022.

“Iran-Backed Militias Escalate Attacks on U.S., United Arab Emirates,” James Phillips and Nicole Robinson, Heritage, January 29, 2022.

“Iran’s Corruption of Justice Cannot Go Unpunished,” Struan Stevenson, National Interest, January 29, 2022.

“Iran Ready to Broaden Ties with Nicaragua: FM,” Tasnim, January, 29, 2022.

“Teachers, Nurses Protest In Iran Amid High Inflation,” Iran International, January 29, 2022.

“Iran nuclear talks reaching final stage – E3 negotiators,” Reuters, January 28, 2022.

“Iranian women allowed to watch landmark moment as Iran qualifies for World Cup in Qatar,” Aleks Klosok, CNN, January 28, 2022.

And Malley complimented Iran for allowing women into the soccer stadium.  “US nuclear negotiator congratulates Iran on qualifying for World Cup,” AFP, January 28, 2022.

OWP does not understand that jettisoning hostages does not result in peace.  The Regime has had years to quit taking hostages.  “No Decision Yet on Direct Talks with U.S.” – Iran Foreign Minister,” Miriam Donovan, Organization for World Peace, January 28, 2022.

“Dissidents hack Iran state TV, broadcast call for Khamenei’s death,” AP, January 27, 2022.

Incentive from FIFA works.  “Some women allowed into stadium as Iran secures World Cup spot,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, January 27, 2022.

“Though vulnerable, Tehran is the ideal Middle East partner in an alliance to destroy the U.S.-led order.”  See “Why Russia and China Build Up Iran,” Bryan Clark and Michael Doran, op-ed, WSJ, January 27, 2022.

“Full Iran-Turkey gas flow to resume in 10-15 days, Erdoğan says,” Daily Sabah, January 27, 2022.

“Qatar’s top envoy visits Iran as Tehran and Washington consider direct nuclear talks,” Parisa Hafezi and Andrew Mills, Reuters, January 27, 2022.

“Israeli researchers: Iran nuclear breakout could occur ‘within a space of weeks,’ regional cooperation necessary,” Israel Kasnett, JNS, January 27, 2022.

Shamkhani was the trial balloon for the Supreme Leader, and his comment that direct talks with the U.S. might be possible were derided by the hardliners.  “Top Iran security official retracts comments on talks with US,” Al Monitor, January 27, 2022.

“‘I got 12 years and 74 lashes’: Confess, the band jailed for playing metal in Iran,” Matt Mills, Guardian, January 26, 2022.

“Iran pushes to increase ballistic-missile range to cover Europe,” Michael Segall, JNS, January 26, 2022.

“Under Raisi, Iran’s Ongoing Persecution of the Baha’i Community Intensifies,” Iran Press Watch, January 26, 2022.

“Analysis: Lebanon slips further into Iran’s orbit as Hariri bows out,” Tom Perry and Laila Bassam, op-ed, Reuters, January 26, 2022.

“Iran president says nuke deal possible if sanctions lifted,” AP, Ynet, January 25, 2022.

“Ukraine Crisis Could Have an Unexpected Winner: Iran.” James Dorsey, Algemeiner, January 25, 2022.

“French Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Iran Prison for Spying,” Reuters, January 25, 2022.

We quickly see Iran’s response to yesterday’s news from the U.S., that hostages (human pawns) must be released.  Iran says No.  “Iran Rules Out U.S. Prisoner Release as Nuclear Talks Precondition,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, January 24, 2022.

Very unlikely based on the Regime’s track record on these types of questions.  “Iran Will Consider Direct Nuclear Talks With U.S. For ‘Good Agreement,’ Hints At Prisoner Swap,” RFE/RL, January 24, 2022.

“In Iran, women do not choose to wear the hijab, it is enforced. In fact, recent polling revealed that 72 percent of people in Iran oppose the compulsory hijab.”  See “#LetUsTalk: Stop Silencing Iranian Women,” Kasra Aarabi, op-ed, Newsweek, January 24, 2022.

“UAE intercepts 2 ballistic missiles over Abu Dhabi fired by Iran-backed Houthis,” Times of Israel, January 24, 2022.

“Iran can achieve nuclear capability within weeks, INSS annual report says,” Itamar Eichner, Ynet, January 24, 2022.

“Taking up Tehran’s offer, US says ‘prepared to meet directly’ with Iran,” Times of Israel, January 24, 2022.

Quote of the Day.  “The policy of cooperation with the East and comprehensive development with China and Russia has astonished and inactivated Western enemies and regional rivals,” Major General Rahim Safavi told the National Conference on Iran and Neighbors.”  See “Leader advisor: A new era has begun in Iran’s foreign policy,” Tehran Times, January 24, 2022.

So, Iran feels confident enough to shoot more ballistic missiles at SA and UAE, and Iran is not getting a red light from Russia or China.  “Houthi missiles target Saudi Arabia and UAE as escalation grows,” Al Jazeera, January 24, 2022.