Iran Nation or Cause

The main scientist behind Iran’s nuclear program has been killed.  That is the story.  Behind that important fact, Politico and AP need to revisit how they label Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s position and thus diminish his threat.  Here’s what they said in the story’s first sentence—“An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.”  Disbanded program?  And thus he’s not a threat to Israel/world?  Neither are true.  But if they are true, why don’t Politico and AP go after Israel (if they indeed did it) for killing a harmless person?  They don’t.  See “Iran scientist linked to military nuclear program killed,” Politico, AP, November 27, 2020. Politico and AP also call “Hossein Dehghan, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and a presidential candidate in Iran’s 2021 election” but Dehghan has not yet formally declared to the best of my knowledge, he is just considering.  Finally, and I suppose this is the third example of “fake news”, certainly suspect, from this one story, it says “Meanwhile, an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility exploded in July in what Tehran now calls a sabotage attack.”  A link is offered to an AP story about the attack, but that link does not say that Iran has publicly declared the July event sabotage—instead, Iran’s public position is that they don’t know what happened, they don’t have evidence of why the event occurred.  Politico and AP need to be careful with their statements, they may create a reality that is not reality.  Here is instead a much better Sky news article about the killing of the Father of Iran’s nuclear program—“BREAKING: Senior Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated,” Sky News, November 27, 2020.

Quote of the Day:  IRGC chief Hossein Salami tweeted, “Assassinating nuclear scientists is the most violent confrontation to prevent us from reaching modern science.”  See “Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Senior Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated,” Lucia Binding, Sky News, November 27, 2020.

Here is a list from Reuters of the deceased scientists helping Iran attain to “modern science.” “Factbox: Attacks on scientists in Iran,” Reuters Staff, November 27, 2020.

“Iranian Diplomat Accused of Plotting to Bomb Dissidents Goes on Trial in Belgium,” Steven Erlanger, New York Times, November 27, 2020.

I had not read this article from Tehran Times yesterday, but did so today—Iran is threatening to kill Pres. Donald Trump now and after he leaves office.  “Judiciary tracking down culprits involved in Gen. Soleimani assassination,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2020.  The Tehran Times is controlled by the Foreign Ministry and is charged with promoting the 1979 Revolution.

“Iranian Worker flogged 74 times for “insulting” Labor Minister in Iran,” Iran HRM, November 27, 2020.

“It means sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be fully respected by all.” But Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi said nothing about Iran’s present-day controlling role over Syria.  See “Iran lambasts Israel’s continued aggressions against Syria’s sovereignty,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2020.

“Iran’s Rouhani Declares End of ‘Trumpism’,” David Brennan, Newsweek, November 27, 2020.

Three thoughts.  Look at the poor health/appearance of the professor from Australia, seen in the photo.  Second, multiple countries had to agree to this prisoner swap—Australia, Iran, Thailand, Israel, and the U.S.  Maybe others.  Last, we’re reminded of taking careful aim when throwing grenades—crime doesn’t pay.  See “Thailand approved transfer of 3 Iranians as Australian freed,” Tassanee Vejpongsa and Nick Perry, AP, November 26, 2020.

So the answer—Was this sub made in Iran for the South American drug trade?—is likely known by U.S. and other  intelligence agencies.  But the article mentioned something little known—there are an estimated 1,000 mini-subs used by the drug cartels.  See “Colombian navy captures fully submersible sub for drugs transport; possible origin North Korea or Iran,” Merco Press, November 26, 2020.

“Iran Ready To Increase Percentage Of Uranium Enrichment,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, November 26, 2020.

Iran has billions within its sovereign wealth fund.  It can buy vaccinations if it wants, unless it has already decided to spend that money on malicious activity.  “No Coronavirus Vaccine Anytime Soon for Iran,” Radio Farda, November 26, 2020.

His “trial and conviction were retribution for his refusal to spy for Iran while he was working in Sweden.”  Now his fellow academics call for “maximum pressure” against Iran, a position which the U.S. has been criticized for (the U.S. policy of “maximum pressure”).  See “Academics demand maximum pressure on Iran over VUB professor death sentence,” The Brussels Times, November 26, 2020.

On a related note, I have found today in the news this story, based on UANI research, of the inconsistent response by European countries to Iran’s hostage-taking.  Rightfully, the article supports the firmer response.  See “European dual-nationals and Iranian hostage diplomacy,” EU Reporter, November 26, 2020.

“Israel demands UN Security Council action against Iranian presence in Syria,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

So Prof. Kylie Moore-Gilbert lost more than two years of her life simply because she was an Australian.  She did nothing wrong.  “Iran says British-Australian academic freed for 3 Iranians,” AP, November 25, 2020.

Supposedly Iran will pay families of the victims of the Ukrainian flight it shot down, but the payment will come from an emergency fund for natural disasters, not the responsible party—the wealthy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for the missile attack.  See “Iran taps into emergency fund to compensate Ukraine flight victims,” Al Monitor, November 25, 2020.

Iran says it continues to shoot missiles at Saudi Arabia and plans to use them against Israel.  Keep in mind that the missiles supplied to the Yemen rebels are from Iran, and that Iran tells them when and how to use them.  “Iran-backed Houthis say missile that hit Saudi Arabia will also target Eilat,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s Mass Arrests of Activists and Their Families,” Iran Focus, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s close connections to Al-Qaeda should surprise no one,” Majid Rafizadeh, op-ed, Arab News, November 25, 2020.

Parliament offers a subsidy of $5 a month, the President offers $4.  Part of the Parliament’s plan is the sale of government shares in petrochemical and industrial firms, as well as banks, and insurance companies (guess what? The IRGC will buy them, leading to an ever-increasing ownership of the country).  But also, “If political groups promise the Iranian people they will increase cash subsidies in the run-up to the presidential elections but don’t specify exact budget sources, they will have to pay for the subsidies through having the central bank print more money.” … “That would be very bad and will only lead to more increases in inflation in Iran.”  See “Iran conservatives score key victory in battle over cash handouts,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 25, 2020.

“Oil Tanker In Red Sea Struck In Mine Attack With Similarities To Past Iranian Strikes,” Joseph Trevithick, The War Zone, November 25, 2020.

“[T]he law requires the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to redesign and optimize a new 40-megawatt heavy water reactor in Arak within four months.”  See “Iran’s parliament demands construction of heavy water reactor,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

“Four people are going on trial in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Friday accused of planning to bomb a rally of Iranian opposition supporters.”  100s could have died.  See “Iran diplomat on trial over plot to bomb opponents in France,” Samuel Petrequin, AP, November 25, 2020.

I keep on posting these stories about Iran’s refusal to provide compensation for the plane it shot down.  What is somewhat interesting about this article is that the IRI says it will act according to international standards—but it won’t, and hasn’t yet.  “Iran says will compensate Ukrainian plane crash victims according to int’l standards,” Xinhua, November 25, 2020.

Just as the innocent academic Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert is being released, Iran prepares to execute the innocent scientist Swedish Ahmadreza Djalali.  When will countries be more forceful to stop these hostage takings?  It is part of Iran’s foreign policy to hold people like pawns.  “Iran to execute Iran-Swedish scientist,” Al Monitor, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s supreme leader nixes new negotiations with West post-Trump,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, November 24, 2020.

“While the regime’s thugs drive around in their luxury cars and send their kids and money abroad, honest, hardworking Iranians are denied a livable wage.”  See “Iran cracks down on champion Iranian wrestler for street peddling,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, November 24, 2020.

“Iran reports 483 more virus deaths, over 13,700 cases,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, November 24, 2020.

“Iranian-German Dissident Captured by Iran Denied Access to Lawyer, Appears in New Forced Confession, Daughter Tells VOA,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, November 24, 2020.

“Female Peddlers in Iran Risking Death,” Iran Focus, November 24, 2020.

An unusual story, reflecting how environmentally conscious Israel is, and its saving a deer the IRI didn’t care about.  “Mossad, secrecy and Iran: How Israel reintroduced Persian fallow deer,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, November 24, 2020.

“Iran to Purchase 18m Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine,” Financial Tribune, November 24, 2020.

“The Russia-brokered pact is yet another blow to Iran’s self-image as a regional hegemon” and will limit the revolutionary impulse and ability.  Russia has drawn lines, Iran could only watch their being announced.  A reminder that Russia can be an enabler or a restricter.  “Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal a strategic disaster for Iran,” Dnyanesh Kamat, op-ed, Asia Times, November 23, 2020.

In addition to the Nov. 22 news, here is more information.  “Baha’i Homes Reportedly Raided In Cities Across Iran,” RFE/RL, November 23, 2020.  “Simin Fahandej, a spokesperson for the Baha’i International Community, told the BBC that the homes of at least 20 Baha’is in the cities of Tehran, Karaj, Kerman, Isfahan, and Mashhad had been targeted. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the homes of 30 to 50 Baha’is had been searched. Reports say security forces confiscated cellphones, laptops, and religious books.”

“H.R. McMaster: ‘Disaster’ for Biden to Return to Iran Deal,” WTMA, November 23, 2020.

We appreciate what Reuters does in this instance, to in the headline point out that Iran does anything but play an “advisory” role in Syria and regarding Assad.  See “Iran vows to crush any Israeli attempt to hit its ‘advisory’ role in Syria,” Reuters, Yahoo, November 22, 2020.

Normal countries build infrastructure and roads.  “The mentioned mines are situated in South Khorasan, Yazd, Semnan, West Azarbaijan, Zanjan, and Qazvin provinces, according to Divdideh. He added that with the completion of this project, the essential road and rail network will be offered for the growth of 70 mines in the country. The government projects to pay out seven trillion rials (about USD167 million) for offering mining infrastructure by the end of the next Iranian calendar year (March 2022), as told by IRNA.  See “Iran to provide essential infrastructure for 30 mines,” MENAFN, November 22, 2020.

This blog focuses on the Regime.  Here is different sort of story, reminding us of the good nature of the people of Iran.  “Iranian Teacher Spends Inheritance on Buying Tablets for Deprived Students,” IFP, November 22, 2020.

“On the morning of Sunday, November 22, in simultaneous operations in various cities across Iran, security agents ransacked the homes of tens of Baha’is. Their personal effects, mobile phones, computers, laptops and religious books and pictures were all confiscated, and in a number of cases, the agents also reportedly took away any cash they found, along with national ID cards. The reason for this wave of raids is not yet known. According to two Baha’is whose homes were searched, the warrant only specified that it was for “searching the home and workplace and seizure of equipment.” As of now, there have been no reports of any arrests. At the time of writing raids on the homes of Baha’is in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan and its suburbs, Mashhad and Kerman had been confirmed.  See “Breaking: An All-Out Assault on Baha’is Across Iran,” Iran Press Watch, November 22, 2020.

$100,000 is very little.  The article expounds to say “1,300 passenger cars … were exported to nine countries in this period including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Spain, China, Iraq and Turkey.”  See “Iran exports $100,000 worth of sedans to Spain: IRICA,” Mehr, November 22, 2020.

“Indonesia to study Iran’s proposal to build oil refinery,” Mehr News Agency, November 22, 2020.

This article poses one of the challenges the new U.S. administration will face—a huge unreasonable claim.  “U.S., Europe should pay Iran $200 billion in compensation over JCPOA failure: senior MP,” Tehran Times, November 22, 2020.

First, the reason for the existence of this blog was mentioned again, this time by Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador to the U.S., Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, who said, “While we all aspire to have Iran back as a normal peaceful nation-state within the international community, the last forty years’ experience with the Iranian regime is not encouraging,” said in a speech to the National Council on US-Arab Relations.  Second, Sen. Chris Coons is correct, no re-entry of anything like the JCPOA unless Iran limits itsballistic missiles and support for proxy groups.  See “Top Democratic senator opposes reentering Iran deal under previous terms,” Times of Israel, November 21, 2020.

Uh oh, second one in less than a week.  How sad.  “Discriminatory Treatment of the Poor in Iran, Single Mother Self-Immolates,” Iran HRM, November 21, 2020.

“Tehran, Moscow to Boost Tourism Cooperation after Pandemic,” IFP, November 21, 2020.

“Iran imposes nationwide COVID-19 restrictions but no lockdown,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 21, 2020.

“On Wednesday, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) inside the U.S. Treasury issued sanctions against Iran’s Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation (Bonyad Mostazafan). They said that rather than being a charitable organization, it is “an immense conglomerate” with 160 holdings in the sectors of finance, energy, construction, logistics, information technology, and mining, which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei uses to enrich his office and his allies, as well as punish dissidents.”  See “U.S. Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Mostazafan Foundation,” Iran Focus, November 21, 2020.

“A local cobbler set himself on fire outside the Social Security Org. in protest to his unemployment insurance being cut off. He said he didn’t have money to provide treatment for his mother, who is suffering from cancer.”  He died on Nov. 18 in the hospital.  “Iranian Worker, 45, Sets Himself On Fire Due to Financial Straits,” Iran HRM, November 21, 2020.

“Iran, Oman eyeing cultural cooperation,” Trend, November 21, 2020.

“Iran: Two Senior Officials of Health Ministry Resign in a Day,” Iran News Update, November 21, 2020.

“New Wave of Arrests of MEK Supporters in Tehran and Across the Country,” Iran HRM, November 21, 2020.

A welcome article, this is what normal countries do.  The Majlis announced allocation of $950M from its budget for badly needed road projects.  “Iran allocates funds to boost road construction,” Argus Media, November 20, 2020.

“Venezuelan bishop warns of Iran’s rising influence in the country,” Inés San Martín, Crux Now, November 20, 2020.

“Why Was Iran Hiding Al Qaeda’s No. 2 in Tehran?,” James Phillips, National Interest, November 20, 2020.

“COVID-19 kills 479 more people in Iran: Official,” Kazinform, November 20, 2020.

“Iran reportedly seizes Panama-flagged tanker over fuel smuggling,” Tradewinds, November 20, 2020.

“Iran’s Economy Suffers from State-Backed Mafia, Not Sanctions,” Esmaeil Mohades, Iran Focus, November 20, 2020.

Dehghan is possible presidential candidate.  “US attack risks ‘full-fledged war,’ says adviser to Iran’s leader,” Nasser Karimi, Jon Gambrell, AP, November 20, 2020.

“Astan-e Quds Razavi, A Pillar of Khamenei’s Economic Empire in Iran,” Iran News Update, November 20, 2020.

“Lifting of Sanctions Precursor to Potential Talks with JCPOA Parties: Iran,” IFP, November 19, 2020.

“Iran: Teachers Struggle for Inherent Rights,” Iran News Update, November 19, 2020.

“Iran may be shipping military equipment to Venezuela,” Nicholas Carl, Critical Threats, November 19, 2020.

“Unit 840, a subdivision of the Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, operates in both the Damascus area and in the Syrian Golan. Israeli intelligence suggests the unit is behind two events, one last week and one in August, in which explosives were placed on the Israeli side of the Syrian border.”  See “Israel’s Latest Syria Strike Targeted Iranian Unit That Paid Locals to Plant Explosives on Border,” Amos Harel, Haaretz, November 19, 2020.

“Iranian attacks are down, but not over, CENTCOM commander says,” Meghann Myers, Military Times, November 19, 2020.

About the bomb trial beginning Nov. 27 in Antwerp, including for defendant Assadollah Assadi, an Iran diplomat.  “Iran’s Regime Diplomat-Terrorist on Trail: The Bomb,” Mohammad Sadat Khansari, NCRI, November 19, 2020.

“Baha’i University Candidates Summoned for Interrogation,” Iran Press Watch, November 19, 2020.

“Iran Unveils Its New Sea Base Warship That Looks Like A Floating Arms Bazaar,” Thomas Newdick, The Drive, November 19, 2020.  See also “VIDEO: Iran Inducts New Special Operations Ship,” H.I. Sutton, USNI News, November 19, 2020.

“Iranian Activists Who Celebrated Ancient Persian Ruler’s Birthday Get Long Prison Terms,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, November 19, 2020.

We all want Iran to move toward the normalcy, certainly the relative normalcy, of some of its neighbors to the West across the Gulf.  Bahrain is one of those countries who refuses to enable Iran’s revolutionary path.  “Exclusive: Biden must consult Gulf states before new Iran deal, Bahrain foreign minister says,” Barak Ravid, Barak Ravid, Axios, November 18, 2020.

“Rockets apparently fired by Iran-backed Iraqi militia hit US complex in Baghdad,” Karen DeYoung, Louisa Loveluck, and Ellen Nakashima, Guam Daily Post, Washington Post, November 18, 2020.

“Iran’s Most-wanted Terrorist & Former Pak Army Conspirator Killed; Had Abducted Kulbhushan,” Republic World, November 18, 2020.  “In a massive development, Pakistani police have allegedly killed Iran’s top wanted terrorist and their own military’s former conspirator Mulla Omar in Turbat city of Balochistan. As per media reports, he used to work for Pakistan Army and was the one who kidnapped and handed over Kulbhushan Jadhav to Pakistan. He has been killed days after Iran’s FM Javad Zarif met senior Pakistan Army leadership, allegedly at the behest of the Pak Army.”

“Bonyad Mostazafan is ostensibly a charitable organization charged with providing benefits to the poor and oppressed. Its holdings are expropriated from the Iranian people and are used by the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to enrich his office, reward his political allies and persecute the regime’s enemies.”  See “In New Iran Sanctions, US Targets Khamenei-Controlled Foundation,” VOA, November 18, 2020.

“Iran feeds uranium gas into advanced centrifuges underground -IAEA report,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, November 18, 2020.  But what the headline doesn’t say about violation the article quickly announces—“ Iran has fired up advanced uranium-enriching centrifuges that it had installed underground at its Natanz site, in the latest breach of its nuclear deal with major powers, a report by the U.N. atomic watchdog obtained by Reuters on Wednesday showed. Natanz is Iran’s main uranium-enrichment site and the one that U.S. President Donald Trump recently asked for options on attacking, according to a source who confirmed a New York Times report. The deal states that Iran can only accumulate enriched uranium with first-generation IR-1 machines and that those are the only centrifuges it can operate at its underground plant at Natanz, apparently built to withstand aerial bombardment.”

After Iran planted explosives close to an Israeli military base in the Golan Heights.  “Israel strikes widely in Syria, sending signal of aggressive post-Trump posture,” Reuters, November 18, 2020.

“Iranian Christian gets 80 lashes for drinking Communion wine,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, November 18, 2020.