Iran Nation or Cause

“Iran claims case of UIA plane crash completed,” Ukrinform, January 6, 2021.

We go sideways to report on what Qatar and Saudi Arabia have just done, enlightening the regular news from Iran’s leadership.  “Qatar says deal to end Gulf crisis will not change its ties with Iran,” Andrew England, Financial Times, January 6, 2021.

They, including Hatami, still won’t say what the evidence is.  “Iran Has Strong Evidence of Israeli Role in Scientist’s Assassination: Defense Minister,” Tasnim, January 6, 2021.

Notice the picture of the unhappy family.  “Businessman Sanctioned By U.S. Over Ties To Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force,” Audrey Everist and Samuel Rubenfeld, Kharon, January 6, 2021.

“Spate of Attacks on Ships In Middle East Points to Iran-Backed Group,” H.I. Sutton, USNI News, January 6, 2021.

“In Beirut, a bronze bust of Iran general sparks controversy,” Sarah El Deeb, The Tribune, January 6, 2021.  The unveiling of a large statue of Soleimani “has sparked indignation among many … to lambast the celebration of a foreign military leader in Lebanon’s capital.” … The bronze bust about 3 meters (10 feet) high is located in a roundabout on a street named for the Iranian general and is linked to a highway named after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini — a reflection of growing Iranian influence in Lebanon. Giant posters of Soleimani were also installed along the airport highway and in streets and neighborhoods allied with Hezbollah, in some instances sparking angry reactions from locals. In the eastern Bekaa highway to the Brital area, unidentified men torched a billboard of Soleimani on Sunday, according to the local LBC TV channel. The following day, other portraits of Soleimani were burned north of Beirut in Nahr al-Kalb by men who brandished the portraits of Christian leader Bachir Gemayl, who was assassinated in 1982.”

“Cut Off Petty Thieves’ Hands, Iranian MP Suggests,” Radio Farda, January 6, 2021.

A disappointment to many countries.  “Qatar says deal to end Gulf crisis will not change its ties with Iran,” Andrew England, Financial Times, January 6, 2021.

“Iran Just Fired Its Sidewinder Missile Clone From A Drone,” Thomas Newdick, The War Zone, January 6, 2021.

Two developments.  First, the SK government apparently believes [sarcasm here] the IRGC version of events because “Seoul dispatched an acclaimed anti-piracy unit to the Strait of Hormuz following the tanker’s seizure. The Cheonghae Unit, which includes South Korean special forces, arrived in the strait on Tuesday aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Choi Yong, according to the South Korean defense ministry.”  Second, the SK business apparently believes [sarcasm here] the IRGC version of events because “the Hankuk Chemi’s owner said it was in contact with the South Korean consulate in Tehran and expected more information later in the day. The company added that it has asked its protection and indemnity insurance (P&I) club to investigate the seizure. The insurance club is expected to dispatch an investigator to Iran to check on the safety of the crew and to examine Iran’s claim that the tanker was seized due to environmental contamination.”  See “Armed Iranian troops boarded South Korean tanker, ship’s owner says,” Jake Kwon, Gawon Bae, and Zamira Rahim, CNN. January 5, 2021.

Iran says the SK ship was leaking oil.  The pictures of the seizure don’t show any oil streak or sheen.  We all look forward to hearing more about the environmental threat of the tanker and what steps needed to contain the spill.  “Footage shows chemical tanker seized by Iranian forces,” CNN, January 5, 2021.

Reminder–Iranians who travel to Israel can be sentenced to five years in prison and of course deprived of a passport.  “Iran temporarily frees Jewish prisoner for her crime of visiting Israel,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2021.

“Ukraine receives draft report on UIA plane crash from Iran – Kuleba,” Ukrinform, January 5, 2021.

“Iran issues Interpol notice for 48 US officials including Trump,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, January 5, 2021.

“Accord Towards Ending Gulf Dispute Result of Qatar’s ‘Brave Resistance’: Iran’s Zarif,” Reuters, USNWR, January 5, 2021.

“Eyeing Gulf detente, Saudi Arabia opens summit with call to counter Iran threat”,” Aziz El Yaakoubi, Reuters, January 5, 2021.

“Iran Can’t Afford to Avenge the Death of Qassem Soleimani,” Bobby Ghosh, op-ed, Bloomberg, January 5, 2021.

“Saudi Arabia And Qatar Lower Tensions In U.S.-Backed Agreement,” Elena Moore, NPR, January 5, 2021.

300 anti-terror SK troops.  Wow.  “South Korea Sends Military Forces To Strait Of Hormuz After Tanker Seizure,” Irina Slav, OilPrice.com, January 5, 2021.

Classic.  IRGC speedboats order a South Korean tanker (MT Hankuk Chemi) out of the Strait of Hormuz and into Iranian waters to hold it hostage, as a SK diplomat was due to arrive in Iran to negotiate over billions of dollars in  assets frozen in Seoul.  “Iran starts 20% uranium enrichment, seizes tanker in strait,” Jon Gambrell and Isabel Debre, AP, January 4, 2021.

But remember, Iran must be bluffing, right?  20% enrichment is more than needed for electricity and cancer isotopes, and they’ve always said their program is peaceful and not aiming for nuclear weapons.  “Iran says it begins 20% uranium enrichment amid US tensions,” AP, Fox, January 4, 2021.

With thousands of Israel citizens pouring into UAE for tourism and business, UAE intel have arrested an Iranian squad preparing to kill some of them.  See “Iranian investigated in UAE for suspected terror plot against Israelis,” Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2021.

“Iran’s railway ambitions go beyond Afghanistan,” Maysam Bizaer, Atlantic Council, January 4, 2021.

“Lebanese Bristle Over Iran Commander’s Comments Regarding Hezbollah Missile Capabilities,” Dale Gavlak, VOA, January 4, 2021.

“S.Korea says reviewing planned diplomat visit to Tehran after Iran seizes tanker,” Sangmi Cha and Josh Smith, Reuters, January 4, 2021.

Drills can be pretenses for attacks on other countries, especially when 100s of drones are involved over a wide area.  “Iran Army Announces Large-Scale Drone Drill,” The Defense Post, January 4, 2021.

According to the Iran Foreign Ministry–only if SA changes, not IRI.  “Iran expresses readiness to restore ties with Saudi Arabia,” Tehran Times, January 4, 2021.

For many years Iran was silent on its arming of Hezbollah.  Now it is blatant.  “Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the chief of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, had told Hizbullah’s al-Manar TV on Saturday that “all the missile capabilities that Gaza and Lebanon possess were achieved through Iran’s support.” “They are the frontline for the confrontation” against Israel, he added.”  See “Aoun Responds to Iranian General’s Remarks about Lebanon,” Naharnet, January 3, 2021.

“Iran, Siemens Bring First of Several New Gas-Fired Plants Online,” Darrell Proctor, Powermag, January 3, 2021.

We don’t read something this funny about the Quds Force too often.  “Former Mossad director Shabtai Shavit told the Post that, “the Iranians’ patience is never-ending.” Shavit said that the killing of Soleimani in January 2020 along with the assassination of Iran military nuclear program chief Mohsen Fakrhizadeh in November was “a double blow against its military activity in the Middle East” which it has not recovered from. The Mossad chief between 1989-1996 said that Esmail Ghaani who replaced Soleimani “isn’t at a level even close to the same capabilities and importance and managerial ability.” Whereas Shavit said there is a continuous debate about whether assassinations make sense, he said in the cases of Soleimani and Fakrhrizadeh, there was no doubt. “Some say they are not useful because one goes and the next one comes into line and replaces him…the level of talent of the one who entered his [Soleimani’s] shoes disproves that argument,” said the former spymaster.” Shavit’s comments about Ghanni are consistent with other reports.  See “Mossad chiefs: Iran may avenge Soleimani killing after Biden inauguration,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, January 3, 2021.

Two comments.  First, isn’t Nasrallah still hiding underground in Tehran?  Second, notice this paragraph, and that the Supreme Leader doesn’t want to attack Jerusalem.  “A top Iranian commander said Saturday that Khamenei had given an order for Tehran-backed terror groups to destroy Haifa and Tel Aviv if “any foolishness is committed against Iran,” warning that the Islamic Republic has been working for years on developing the capabilities of its proxies in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.”  See “A year on, Hezbollah says Iran ‘doesn’t need help’ avenging its top general,” Times of Israel, January 3, 2021.

“Iran’s Cabinet Passes Bill on Preventing Violence against Women,” IFP, January 3, 2021.

Here is the latest quote I’ve seen that the ballistic missile attacks in Iraq were supposed to be the retaliation for the killing of Soleimani, this one from Mahmoud Vaezi, the Iran president’s chief of staff.  ““In terms of the military response, you definitely know that the Islamic Republic of Iran poured missiles down on the American base involved in the assassination of martyr Soleimani. This targeted attack sent a clear message to the Americans that attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran and crossing its red lines will certainly not pass without a response,” Vaezi said in an interview with Al-Ahed News.”  See “Full pullout of U.S. from the region is main response to Soleimani assassination: Iran’s Vaezi,” Tehran Times, January 3, 2021.

“Trump, others linked to Soleimani killing ‘will not be safe on Earth,’ Iran official warns,” Dom Calicchio, Fox News, January 2, 2021.

Efficacy?  “Iran talks joint COVID-19 vaccine production with Cuba,” MENAFN, January 2, 2021.

Consider that the vaccine names Pfizer and Moderna are nowhere to be found in this article about Iran and Russia providing for their citizens.  Then consider mismanagement and corruption, and that citizens will needlessly die.  “Iran and Russia preparing meeting on coronavirus vaccines, envoy says,” TASS, January 2, 2021.

“Soleimani’s shadow: How the general’s death upended Iranian strategy in Iraq,” Suadad al-Salhy, Middle East Eye, January 2, 2021.  Best analysis I’ve read about Quds in Iraq and how the removal of Soleimani has really upset the applecart of Iran’s control and actions there.  “Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, the new commander of the Quds Force, Iran’s elite unit tasked with overseas operations, boasts none of the same qualities and appears uninterested in replicating them.  In fact, despite a tumultuous year when conflict with the United States seemed a distinct possibility, Qaani has met Iraq’s Shia leaders only a handful of times. His manner, the head of a prominent Shia political party said, resembled “an official only concerned with delivering messages and instructions”.”  Iran is having to re-evaluate and retool with the loss of Soleimani, the incoming Biden administration, and splits in the PMUs.

In 2019, the U.S. blamed Iran for several limpet mine attacks on oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.  “Iraq explosives experts working to defuse limpet mine on oil tanker,” Sydney Morning Herald, January 2, 2021.

While they’re at it, they need to follow-through and announce the names of those who killed the nuclear scientist outside of Tehran.  Iran said they had made arrests, but names have been announced.  Maybe they haven’t figured it out yet.  “Identities of assassins of Iranian general will be disclosed in Iraq,” Prensa Latina, January 2, 2021.

Consider that the vaccine names Pfizer and Moderna are nowhere to be found in this article about Iran and Russia providing for their citizens.  Then consider mismanagement and corruption, and that citizens will needlessly die.  “Iran and Russia preparing meeting on coronavirus vaccines, envoy says,” TASS, January 2, 2021.

“Analysis | As Iran Marks One Year to General’s Killing, the Mideast Is Riddled With Warning Signs,” Amos Harel, op-ed, Haaretz, January 1, 2021.

Heed the warning from former hostage and Princeton scholar Xiyue Wang.  “Former Iran hostage on life after release and diplomacy with Iran,” CBS News, January 1, 2021.  “The Ministry of Intelligence interrogator told me clearly that they need me as a spy to convict me so that they can do a deal with the United States,” he said. “You’re not the first American and you can be assured that you’re not the last American to be in Iranian jail,” the interrogator said, according to Xiyue. … “Xiyue is urging Mr. Biden to make the release of Americans held hostage his first priority. “Without their return: no deal with Iran,” he said.”  That should be the words of every communication regarding Iran, from government or private communications.  But already the incoming Biden administration is not doing this.

“Iran tells IAEA it plans to enrich uranium to up to 20% at Fordow site,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, January 1, 2021.  ““Iran has informed the Agency that in order to comply with a legal act recently passed by the country’s parliament, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran intends to produce low-enriched uranium (LEU) up to 20 percent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant,” the IAEA said in a statement.”

“Bahrain Accuses Future Bank, Iranian Banks of Money Laundering,” Asharq Al-Awsat, January 1, 2021.

“Crackdown on smuggling of Iranian fuel criticized,” Dawn, January 1, 2021.

“How an anti-elite TV drama became Iran’s lockdown hit,” Holly Dagres, Guardian, January 1, 2021.

“Poster of Iran’s Soleimani sparks controversy in Gaza Strip,” Hazem Balousha, Arab News, January 1, 2021.  Vandalized, torn down, arrested.  Despite Hamas’ praise of Soleimani, “Palestinians and Arabs view Soleimani as a war criminal, involved in massacres against Syrian and Iraqi civilians through his direct intervention in military operations in both countries.”

Yazdi is dead.  A major player in the 1979 Revolution, hardliner, anti-U.S., biased against Jews, against the press and Iranian citizens, mentor to Ahmadinejad, and influential member of the Assembly of Experts.  “Iranian conservative cleric dies, according to state-run media,” Sugam Pokharel, CNN, January 1, 2021.

Take a look at this poster that Iran has hanging alongside highways in Iraq, and ask yourself what other country has the audacity to assert itself over another like that (not many).  It is the Shia Crescent.  “One year after US killed Iran general Qasem Soleimani, Iraq tensions boil,” Ammar Karim and Maya Gebeily, Times of Israel, December 31, 2020.

Take a look at this poster that Iran has hanging alongside highways in Iraq, and ask yourself what other country has the audacity to assert itself over another like that.  The Shia Crescent.  “One year after US killed Iran general Qasem Soleimani, Iraq tensions boil,” Ammar Karim and Maya Gebeily, Times of Israel, December 31, 2020.

“US to move aircraft carrier out of Mideast amid Iran tension,” Robert Burns, AP, December 31, 2020.

Iran apparently used the group Ansar Allah, the Zaidi Shiite Muslim.  “Yemen Claims ‘Iranian Experts’ Present at Airport Attack, Iran Blames Saudis,” Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, December 31, 2020.

Compare this story to the long article in Middle East Eye on January 2.  One seems to be clear-eyed, the other fawning.  Which was he?  “Iran honours ‘martyr’ Soleimani, killed a year ago by US,” Ahmad Parhizi and Karim Abou Merhi, Jordan Times, December 31, 2020.

“New Iran-Pakistan border crossing has implications beyond trade,” Sabena Siddiqui, Al Monitor, December 31, 2020.

This sheds light on attempts to erase opponents of the Regime.  “Kidnapping the Dead, Attacking the Graves; Islamic Republic Not Letting Go of Its Opponents’ Afterlife,” Radio Farda, December 31, 2020.

“Canadian man who lost family in Iran plane crash calls compensation ‘a slap in the face’,” Amy Judd, Global News, December 31, 2020.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Again Acknowledges Constant Coordination With the Terrorist Quds Force,” Mahmoud Hakamian, NCR, December 31, 2020.

He was 16.  “‘There are deeply troubling allegations that forced confessions extracted through torture were used’: UN spokesperson.”  See “UN denounces Iran’s execution of child offender,” Arab News, December 31, 2020.

There were 176 victims, so that’s $26,400,000.  And it’s almost been a year.  So I’ll contrast that with the story from yesterday, “Soleimani handed him cash-filled suitcases,” in which on one 2006 day in Tehran the Palestinian Hamas FM Mahmoud al-Zahar told Quds Force leader Soleimani that Hamas needed financial assistance, and the next day was given nine suitcases filled with $22 million.  Don’t ever let someone say that Iran doesn’t have money to spend on what it wants to spend it on.  See “Iran allocates $150,000 for families of each victim of Ukraine plane crash – IRNA,” Reuters, December 30, 2020.

“Iran says prepares uranium enrichment of 20 pct purity,” Xinhua, December 30,  2020.

The Houthis don’t do anything this major without approval.  “Deadly Explosion Rocks Yemeni Airport Just As New Government Members Land,” NPR, December 30, 2020.

The game board of national heroes features on its cover a picture of Quds Force terrorist head Commander Qassem Soleimani.  Wonder if these will be available at Target?  See “Iranian board game promoting national heroes produced,” Tehran Times, December 30, 2020.

“World War 3: Iran-backed Hezbollah claims it has added more missiles to its arsenal,” Econo Times, December 30, 2020.

“Russia Says Facing No Restrictions on Its Military Cooperation with Iran,” Tasnim, December, 30, 2020.

“Iran launches website on Commander Qassem Soleimani,” Tehran Times, December 30, 2020.

“Iranian Olympic, Paralympic medal winners’ busts unveiled,” Tehran Times, December 30, 2020.

Russia, China, and now Iran.  “Can Venezuela’s Oil Industry Bounce Back With The Help Of Iran?,” Matthew Smith, OilPrice.com, December 30, 2020.

“US again sends B-52 bombers to deter Iran as tensions peak,” Jared, Szuba, Al Monitor, December 30, 2020.

Tuesday 149 died of Covid.  “Iranian Health Ministry’s Updates on COVID-19 – December 30,” IFP, December 30, 2020.

“The message has been clearly sent: Iran’s hardline revolutionaries are willing to hang their own children before they rise up and devour them.”  See “Iran will kill dissidents abroad to stop them inspiring protesters at home,” Faisal Al Yafai, op-ed, The Daily Star, December 29, 2020.

$22 million, given to Hamas.  “Soleimani handed him cash-filled suitcases,” Al Monitor, December 29, 2020.

“The deaths, lies that keep Canada and Iran apart,” Kourosh Ziabari, December 29, 2020.

“Iran to resume gas flows to Iraq after agreement reached on unpaid bills -Iraq ministry,” Reuters, December 29, 2020.

“The message has been clearly sent: Iran’s hardline revolutionaries are willing to hang their own children before they rise up and devour them.”  See “Iran will kill dissidents abroad to stop them inspiring protesters at home,” Faisal Al Yafai, op-ed, The Daily Star, December 29, 2020.

“There are 4,000 idle mines in Iran,” Tehran Times, December 29, 2020.

“Iran considers new religious expression bill,” Kevin Zeller, MNN, December 29, 2020.Yes, a show of force by Iran.  “Gaza militants fire rockets into the sea in first joint exercise,” Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters, December 29, 2020.

The Qaher-313 has disappeared.  “Qaher-313: How Powerful Is Iran’s Fifth-Gen’ Fighter Jet That Looks To Challenge US’ F-35, F-22 Raptors?,” Younis Dar, Eurasian Times, December 29, 2020.

“Soleimani handed him cash-filled suitcases,” Al Monitor, December 29, 2020.

“Online Gambling May Be Punishable by Death Sentence in Iran,” Jerome García, Gambling News, December 29, 2020.

I guess the ballistic missile attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq don’t count.  Iran at the time said they did.  See “Revenge for Assassination of Gen. Soleimani Not Necessarily Military: Iran’s Envoy,” Tasnim, December, 29, 2020.

These next two stories go together.  “Iran starts human trials of Covid vaccine it developed, targets summer release,” Arsalan Shahla, The Print, December 29, 2020.

“167 Pharmacists Call Iran’s Claim Of Making COVID-19 Vaccine ‘A Joke’ – OpEd,” Iran News Wire, December 29, 2020.

Who are the Good Samaritans from America?  “Iran says that an unidentified group of U.S.-based philanthropists plans to send 150,000 of doses of the Pfizer vaccine to Iran in the coming weeks.”  See “Iran says Pfizer vaccine batch expected from US benefactors,” Nasser Karimi, AP, December 28, 2020.

“The secret of Iran’s intelligence “success” is its use of criminal organizations to kidnap exiled political activists and journalists around the world and transfer them to Iran for execution.”  See “Iran’s links to international organized crime and narco-terrorism,” Michael Segall, JNS, December 28, 2020.

“Today or tomorrow the report will be officially presented .…”  See “Iran says to “officially” release report of crashed Ukrainian passenger plane,” Xinhua, December 28, 2020.

Besides the continual lifeline thrown to Iran, and to disrupt U.S. influence, this article points out that Russia supporting Iran’s gas is to control how much it comes into Europe—Russia does not want its power over Europe diminished, including its ability to turn off the gas.  See “Russian To Aid Iran In Major Sanction-Skirting Energy Megaprojects,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, December 28, 2020.

“As reported previously by Al-Monitor, the Assembly of Experts has a secret subcommission of three persons elected to put together a list of potential successors. The committee updates its list and keeps it classified until the day comes.”  See “Does Iran have a plan for a successor to Khamenei?,” Ali Hashem, December 28, 2020.

So we see there are not sanctions slowing medicine.  “US approves Iranian funds transfer to buy COVID vaccines, says Iran central bank chief,” Al Monitor, December 28, 2020.

“Alleged Mastermind Of Attack On Saudi Embassy Appointed To Iran’s Judo Federation,” RFE/RL, December 28, 2020.

We will see if this actually occurred.  Months of delays and obfuscation so far.  Iran is claiming it has delivered the report of the Ukrainian plane crash to Ukraine.  See “Iran Delivers Report of Ukrainian Plane Crash to Ukraine,” Trend News Agency, December 28, 2020.

“Iranian Authorities File New Charges Against Political Prisoner Soheil Arabi,” Shahin Mahmoudi, Iran Focus, December 28, 2020.