Iran Nation or Cause

Crossed within 10 yards of Maui’s bow!  The IRGC speedboat could have been cut in two.  These actions, lasting about an hour, for some reason did not result in the U.S. Navy firing warning shots.  Or sinking just one of the Iranian boats.  This happened today, and below is the full story.  “IRGCN Vessels Conduct Unsafe, Unprofessional Interaction with U.S. Naval Forces in Arabian Gulf,” NAVCENT Public Affairs, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command U.S. 5th Fleet, Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, April 15, 2020.  “On April 15, eleven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels repeatedly conducted dangerous and harassing approaches of the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Firebolt (PC 10), USS Sirocco (PC 6), USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) and USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) while the U.S. vessels were conducting joint integration operations with U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in the international waters of the North Arabian Gulf. The IRGCN vessels repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds, including multiple crossings of the Puller with a 50 yard closest point of approach (CPA) and within 10 yards of Maui’s bow. The U.S. crews issued multiple warnings via bridge-to-bridge radio, five short blasts from the ships’ horns and long range acoustic noise maker devices, but received no response from the IRGCN. After approximately one hour, the IRGCN vessels responded to the bridge-to-bridge radio queries, then maneuvered away from the U.S. ships and opened distance between them. The IRGCN’s dangerous and provocative actions increased the risk of miscalculation and collision, were not in accordance with the internationally recognized Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) “rules of the road” or internationally recognized maritime customs, and were not in accordance with the obligation under international law to act with due regard for the safety of other vessels in the area. The U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Army have been conducting joint interoperability operations in the North Arabian Gulf since late March. U.S. naval forces continue to remain vigilant and are trained to act in a professional manner, while our commanding officers retain the inherent right to act in self-defense.”

Well, well, well.  The harassment by Iran today in the Persian Gulf was coordinated with harassment by Russia in the Mediterranean.  The headline of the Politico story gets it wrong, claiming these are separate.  “Russians, Iranians hassle U.S. military in separate incidents,” Lara Seligman, Politico, April 15, 2020.

94 died Tuesday, announced Wednesday.  “Iran’s coronavirus death toll rises to 4777: health official,” Reuters, April 15, 2020.

“Exclusive: Iran Pushing Ukraine Not To Take Action For Downed Plane,” Anna Raskaya, Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.  Iran is pushing Ukraine to sign a MOU obliging Ukraine and the families of victims of flight 752 to waive their right to pursue criminal and civil lawsuits.  Instead, they would accept “human error” as the cause of the crash.  In return,  Iran would pay compensation and release the plane’s flight recorder’s contents after they are analyzed (but by Iran).

“IMF’s assessment of Iran funding request is ‘taking time’: official,” Davide Barbuscia, Reuters, April 15, 2020.  It is not surprising that the IMF, with no contact or work with Iran since 1979, should take extra days to review Iran’s request—also because Iran has a long history of not being responsible/accountable for monies.

“IMF Says Iran’s GDP Will Decline By Six Percent In 2020,” Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.

Zeinab Soleimani wrote on Instagram about her father, “You told me you’d be happy if we were martyred together.”  This is a classic statement of psychotic suicide terrorist child rearing.  “Can Qasem Soleimani’s young daughter continue his path?,” Arash Azizi, Atlantic Council, April 14, 2020.

It is not surprising that in a time of cut funding from sanctions, etc. that Iran would task Hezbollah with seizing control of Lebanon’s banks.  “Hezbollah steps up campaign for control of Lebanon’s financial system,” Khaled Yacoub Oweis, The National, April 15, 2020.

Of course!  The U.S. created the disease!  “A pro-Iranian operation has spread coronavirus disinformation across Facebook and Twitter,” Makena Kelly, The Verge, April 15, 2020.

More news from yesterday’s seizing of the SC Taipei chemical tanker, sailing in international waters.  Iranian guards in speedboats and IRGC sailors aboard took the vessel into Iranian waters while it had been sailing through the Gulf of Oman. “Iran Briefly Detained Hong Kong-Flagged Tanker, Sources Say,” Reuters, April 15, 2020.  The Bahrain-based International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), a Britain-led naval coalition in the Gulf, said a Hong Kong flagged tanker was boarded “by armed men” and sailed into Iranian waters before being released.  The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported on the incident, comprised of four IRGC speedboats.

“Iran says world learning US ‘kills people’ after WHO move,” AFP, Jordan Times, April 15, 2020.

Speaking on the Iranian state TV, an angry Rouhani asked why similar auditing is not being done regarding the IRGC, the Supreme Leader’s Office, and the Judiciary.  “Iran Chief Auditor’s Report On Missing Billions Angers Rouhani,” Radio Farda, April 15, 2020.

“An advisory report by the research arm of the Iranian parliament on Tuesday has estimated that the real number of coronavirus cases in the country may be up to 10 times higher than the cases identified by the Health Ministry while the real number of deaths may be nearly 8,700.”  See “Iran’s Covid-19 Cases May Be As High As 600,000: Parliament’s Research Arm,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 15, 2020.

“Iranian lawmakers say nation’s death toll likely double reported figure,” John Bowden, The Hill, April 15, 2020.  A report from Iran’s parliament claims that the country’s death toll from coronavirus may be twice as high as is reported due in part to undercounting and insufficient testing.  The AP reported that a report authored by Iran’s parliament research center claims the official death count may be higher than 8,500, with as many as 760,000 cases of the disease in the country.  If true, that would set Iran as the country with the most coronavirus infections anywhere in the world, vaulting it past the U.S. and European countries.

98 died Monday, reported by the Health Ministry on April 14.  “Iran death toll from coronavirus outbreak reaches 4,683 – health ministry spokesman,” Babak Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, April 14, 2020.  While the daily death numbers seem to be declining, do remember that daily they have been underreported per numerous sources.  See also, “Iran Reports Below 100 COVID-19 Deaths For First Time In One Month,” AFP, NDTV, April 14, 2020.

This is one of those news days that is rich with a variety of stories illustrating the panoply of problems that Iran has or presents because of the decisions of the Supreme Leader, the ruling clerics, the IRGC–the entire Regime–to not act as a normal country.  The first story is mismanagement and massive corruption.  “Almost $5 Billion Of Iran Government Money For Imports Is Missing,” Radio Farda, April 15, 2020.

The quick release of the ship, just a few hours, suggests Iran realized it had grabbed a Chinese vessel, rather than a Western one.  I’ve never seen them release a British or American or (fill in the blank) ship so fast.  Can you imagine what they said to the all-Chinese crew?  This also represents a mistake in the Iranians database/intelligence of ships coming in and out of Hormuz.  I imagine that we won’t see in the news, though, a report about the Iran FM calling Beijing to apologize.  “Armed men seize, release tanker off Iran by Strait of Hormuz,” KPLC, April 14, 2020.

This is the second story, the first a couple of days ago, that gives a good indication that Iran has had to cut back on its malign activities during the virus.  “Israeli spy agency deprioritizes Iran as national security threat during coronavirus pandemic,” Caitlin Yilek, Washington Examiner, April 14, 2020.

But the Regime has time for anti-semitic rhetoric and illogical finger-pointing.  Once again, Israel and/or Jews get blamed for something (without proof of course).  “Iranian health ministry holds antisemitic coronavirus cartoon contest,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 14, 2020.

“Iran Fires Two Health Officials for Admissions Over Coronavirus Cover-Up,” Iran Focus, April 14, 2020.

“Coronavirus: Are the bodies of victims undermining Iran’s official figures?,” Behrang Tajdin and Louise Adamou, BBC, April 14, 2020.

You can tell a lot about someone by the company they keep, right?  Another way of thinking about this is why are Iran and Venezuela announcing this, but not Iran and Brazil, or Iran and Colombia, or Iran and Chile, or Iran and (fill in the blank).  “Venezuela, Iran agree to boost anti-virus cooperation,” Yeni Safak, April 14, 2020.

“Iran Judiciary Says Prison Guards Involved In Jail Riot In Northwestern City,” Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.

Of course this is not new but follows the Regime’s established model of Hezbollah in Lebanon—using aid to tie the emotions and reliance of the people to the military.  And notice that the Iranian Red Crescent Society is not included (allowed to assist).  The article says, “Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday announced that it has formed a new command center to aid families who have been hit by the coronavirus crisis.  The Revolutionary Guard Commander Major General Hossein Salami on Tuesday said the new command center dubbed as “Imam Hassan Headquarters” will work with other entities to plan and execute the activities required for aiding those in need.  In a televised speech April 6 Iran’s Supreme Leader called on Iranians to start an “Aid by the Pious” campaign to help families who are facing difficulties as a result of the coronavirus crisis.  The Basij paramilitary volunteer militia is to distribute “support packages” to Iranian families in need of financial support in the first phase of the campaign, General Salami said.  The entities helping the Revolutionary Guard include Mostazafan Foundation, Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, Executive Headquarters For Implementation of Imam Khomeini’s Decree and Astan-e Qods-e Razavi. These entities control some of the largest holdings in Iran and have access to vast financial resources.  According to the Revolutionary Guard affiliated Tasnim News Agency the first meeting of the members of the new headquarter was held at the Revolutionary Guard’s General Command Headquarters on Tuesday. The new IRGC body’s first task will be distributing “aid packages” to 3.5 million families through the Basij militia network.”  The article is “Revolutionary Guard Forms Command Center To Aid Families In Need,” Radio Farda, April 14, 2020.

“Baha’i Leader: Iran Keeping Up to 100 Baha’is in Prisons Under Virus Threat,” Michael Lipin, VOA, April 14, 2020.

This blog exists for the purpose of measuring and evaluating whether the Regime will alter its behavior.  This article below addresses this from the perspective that the Islamic Republic as it is currently constituted and operated will never evolve into a responsible regional country.  “The Next Iranian Revolution,” Eric Edelman and Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, May/June 2020.

Iran reports 111 virus deaths on Sunday.  “Iran’s health ministry on Monday reported another 111 deaths, raising total to 4,585,” AFP, Times of India, April 13, 2020.

“Iranian Medical Staff Wearing Masks Speak via Poems on their Suits,” IFP, April 13, 2020.

“Former Football Chief Says Iran Always Lied To FIFA About Government Control,” Radio Farda, April 13, 2020.

“Iran no longer poses imminent threat to Israel: Mossad to NYT,” AMN, April 13, 2020.

“Iran’s president has left nation open to second Covid-19 wave – critics,” Patrick Wintour, Guardian, April 13, 2020.

“Iran’s regime executes Kurdish political prisoner,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 12, 2020.

“Thousands Of Labor And Civic Activists In Iran Demand Renegotiation Over Wages,” Radio Farda, April 13, 2020.

This means the black boxes will most likely never leave Iran—they will use to delay, and because Iran’s pandemic will continue for months.  “Canada asks Iran to postpone decryption of downed PS752 black boxes,” UNIAN, April 13, 2020.

It is much easier if the Regime will simply take steps that will induce the U.S. to end sanctions.  But instead, “Iran to send trade attaches to number of countries,” Elnur Baghishov, Trend, April 13, 2020.

“Iran Says US Has No Legal Right to Veto IMF’s Measures,” IFP, April 13, 2020.

“Iran: Dams 69% Full But Water Use Soaring,” Financial Tribune, April 13, 2020.

This story is not as significant for what it says, but for who said it—the VP, who had been stricken with coronavirus.  “Iran’s vice-president calls for economic aid from private sector,” Yasmine Mosimann, Rudaw, April 13, 2020.

This is a type of story I’ve not seen before—let’s hope it reflects reality and not just a Regime headline.  “The top echelon of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have agreed to take a 20 percent pay cut to help efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic in Iran, the Middle Eastern country hit the hardest by the outbreak, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported Sunday.”  See “Iran’s Revolutionary Guard To Donate Nearly A Quarter Of Their Pay To Help With Virus Effort,” Joshua Finkelberg, Schpiel, April 13, 2020.

“Iran welcomes Iraq’s new prime minister,” Al-Monitor, April 13, 2020.

I don’t usually post stories from Breitbart, but this headline captures the wide-spread situation.  “Iran Digs 10,000 Coronavirus Graves near Tehran but Claims Less than 5,000 Deaths Nationwide,” John Hayward, Breitbart, April 13, 2020.

This article talks about Iran’s actions in the context of why the U.S. should not lift sanctions—because the Regime won’t use the money to aid people, but for terrorism and other improper activities, saying “They will spend the money in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine. They will not spend it on Iranians.”  See “Father of son murdered by Iran: Sanctions-lift will aid regime, not people,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 13, 2020.

Slow day in the West, with coronavirus closures, even for the Easter Mass at the Vatican.  Not many news stories out of Iran today, but two, the first being “Iran Officials Still In Disagreement Over Lockdown, Resumption of Business Activities,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 12, 2020.

“Tehran Municipality Preparing 10,000 New Graves For Possible Coronavirus Victims,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 12, 2020.

125 died Saturday.  “Iran: Coronavirus death toll jumps to 4,357,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, April 11, 2020.

“Iran To Unveil 122 Nuclear Achievements After Coronavirus Passes,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, April 11, 2020.

Many countries have inspectors general and appointed accountants to oversee large relief, emergency, and conflict funding.  Iran has appointed none of these for the one billion just allocated from its sovereign fund, which means that some of that money will disappear into corruption.  “As Unemployment Soars In Iran No One Talks About One Billion Euros Taken From Reserves,” Radio Farda, April 11, 2020.

“Countries extend lockdowns while Iran loosens,” Daily Star, April 11, 2020.

“What The Pentagon Learned From Its Up-Close-And-Personal Experience With Iran’s Qiam Missiles,” Sebastien Roblin, National Interest, April 11, 2020.

“The Deteriorating Situation in Iran’s Hospitals,” Iran News Update, April 11, 2020.

“Iran begins lifting virus restrictions,” Amir Vahdat, Illawarra Mercury, April 11, 2020.

Muhammad Kawtharani is a senior official of Hezbollah and is coordinating pro-Iran groups in Iraq, a job earlier held by Gen. Soleimani.  “US offers $10 million for information on Hezbollah leader,” DW, April 11, 2020.

Hamas was directed by Iran to do this because it is not in the Regime’s interests to have peace, with the U.S. or with most other states.  “Hamas arrests peace activists in Gaza over Zoom call with Israelis,” Louis Casiano, Fox News, April 11, 2020.

The key claim is that the machine can “detect and spot narcotics and explosives in one to two seconds.”  Not.  “Iran Develops Homegrown Device to Find Narcotics, Explosives,” IFP, April 11, 2020.

Jomhouri-ye Eslami newspaper is paid for by the Supreme Leader’s office; its editor Masih Mohajeri wrote the article.  “Newspaper In Iran Calls For Khamenei’s Financial Empire To Assist The People,” Radio Farda, April 11, 2020.

The article correctly states, “As a rule, Khamenei and his extremist supporters believe that all international bodies are, one way or another, agents of the West, specifically the U.S.A., and their only aim is to strike fatal blows at the Islamic establishment in Iran.”  See “Iran Hardliner Cleric Says UNICEF Is America’s Agent,” Radio Farda, April 11, 2020.

122 is the official number of those who died Thursday, reported Friday by the Health Ministry.  “COVID-19: Iran Reports 122 New Deaths; Pakistan Mulls Reopening ‘Key Sectors’,” RFE/RL, April 10, 2020.

So what effect has Covid-19 had on Iran’s will to spread the Revolution, and on the readiness of its armed forces?  There are different opinions, and based on what we are seeing Iran doing, some momentary recalculation but also no retreat from supplying asymmetric groups.  I will post several stories here together.  “Iran’s Military Likely Can’t Fight Thanks to Coronavirus,” Michael Rubin, National Interest, April 10, 2020; “Coronavirus hasn’t slowed Iran’s terrorism and proxy wars, analysts say,” Hollie McKayBy Hollie McKay, Fox, April 10, 2020; “Senior Official Says Iran Threat to US Troops in Iraq Remains ‘Significant’,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April 10, 2020; and “’After coronavirus: Iran may provoke more on nuke front’ – ex-CIA official,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, April 10, 2020.  The last article includes, “Tehran is unlikely to stop its use of asymmetrical proxy terrorist attacks that have featured prominently in the regime’s foreign policy since 1979. The economic and coronavirus crises in Tehran may encourage the regime to undertake desperate measures and double down on this policy. That would likely include additional aggression against American diplomats and service members in Iraq and elsewhere.”  See “Patriot deployment to Iraq is helpful, but insufficient against Iran,” Bradley Bowman and Liane Zivitski, Defense News, April 9, 2020.

“The US State Department accuses Tehran of “nuclear extortion”,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 10, 2020.

“Gaza is the world’s biggest prison, says Iran’s Judiciary chief,” Tehran Times, April 10, 2020.  No, I think that I’d vote North Korea.  But NK and Iran are allies.

“S. Korea gains U.S. license approval for humanitarian exports to Iran: official,” Yonhap News, April 10, 2020.

“Prominent Iran Lawmaker Demands Foreign Ministry To Summon China’s Ambassador,” Radio Farda, April 10, 2020.

“Coronavirus crisis: lessons for the Iranian government,” Kourosh Ziabari, Responsible Statecraft, April 10, 2020.

“Iran obliges businesses to obtain permit from health ministry,” Trend, April 10, 2020.

“Transferring shares of state-run companies should be expedited: Rouhani,” Tehran Times, April 10, 2020.

“All residents of a neighborhood in southwest Iran contract coronavirus,” Iran Human Rights Monitor, April 10, 2020.

“Iran’s regional ambitions are not going anywhere,” Raz Zimmt, Atlantic Council, April 10, 2020.

“Coronavirus And Death: The Changing Roles of Iran’s Clerics And Military Men,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, April 10, 2020.

“Iran May Bar Mass Ramadan Events Over Virus: Khamenei,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April 9, 2020.

“British Council worker temporarily freed from Iranian jail,” Paul Peachey, The National, April 9, 2020.

“916,000 In Iran Have Coronavirus: Expert,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 9, 2020.

117 died on Wednesday.  “Iran says 117 new virus deaths take total past 4,000,” Deccan Herald, AFP, April 9 2020.

“Iran: Al-Kadhimi Named New Prime Minister-designate,” Republic, AP, April 9, 2020.

121 died on Tuesday per the Health Ministry, announced Wednesday.   “Coronavirus death toll in Iran rises to 4,003,” Mustafa Melih Ahishali, AA, April 8, 2020.

“Pompeo Says Iran Will Have Less Money To Spend On Proxies,” Radio Farda, April 8, 2020.

“Previously Undisclosed Iranian Nuclear Weapons Site Identified,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, April 8, 2020.

“How Much Does Iran Actually Spend On Coronavirus?,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 8, 2020.

“WHO Official Says Coronavirs Numbers May Be Flattening In Iran,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 8, 2020.

“Iran Guards Censure Health Official For Criticizing China’s Coronavirus Data,” Maryam Sinaiee, April 8, 2020.

“Iranian proxy in Iraq threatens US-led coalition air base,” Caleb Weiss and Joe Truzman, FDD’s Long War Journal, April 8, 2020.

“Iran Nuclear Chief Says New Centrifuges To Come Online Soon,” Radio Farda, April 8, 2020.

“A member of the National Coronavirus Combat Task Force for the Islamic Republic of Iran revealed on Monday that half a million people in the country are suffering from the deadly virus.  Hamid Souri told Iran’s news agency IRNA that many patients afflicted with the coronavirus have not been detected.  …  “The coronavirus curve has not flattened in any of the country’s 31 provinces,” Souri told IRNA.”  …  The current figures are officially 55,743 sufferers and 3,452 dead.  The current death toll is apparently much higher.  On Sunday, it was 12,380, according to Western security sources.”  …  Ebrahim Raisi, the Islamic Republic’s chief judge and a possible successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ordered that thousands of coronavirus deaths be attributed to diseases such as heart failure or pneumonia.”  “Iran has 500,000 people infected with coronavirus,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 7, 2020.

133 died on Monday in Iran.  “Iran Says Coronavirus Death Toll Nearing 4,000,” Reuters, New York Times, April 7, 2020.

“Iran’s Parliament Rejects Bill To Introduce One-Month National Lockdown,” Radio Farda, April 7, 2020.

“Case Filed Against Iranian MP for Remarks over Downed Ukrainian Plane,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April 7, 2020.

“Iran Parliament Reconvenes Even as Coronavirus Infects Its Ranks,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, April 7, 2020.

Key conclusion—“Western states must remain cautious should Russia and/or China broker a deal to provide the IAEA access to locations in Iran. Especially if the deal’s provisions at the same time reduce the IAEA’s verification authority or effectiveness.”  See “Is Iran’s Nuclear Future in the Hands of Russia and China?,” Mark Hibbs, Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, April 7, 2020.

“Speaking to reporters by phone in early March, IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman said the spread of the virus has affected Israel’s enemies, who have decreased their hostile activities to focus on containing it.  While he did not refer to Iran by name, he said “there are enemy countries that have been hit much more strongly than us by the coronavirus, and therefore their activities have decreased.””  See “IDF’s Military Intelligence adds coronavirus to list of ‘enemy’ targets,” Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post, April 7, 2020.

“Israeli security agency says it arrested alleged Iran spy,” AP, April 7, 2020.

“Dozens Of Political Prisoners In Iran Moved To Unknown Location After Unrest,” Radio Farda, April 7, 2020.

“Iran Deploys Missiles Covering The Strait Of Hormuz,” H.I. Sutton, Forbes, April 7, 2020.

“Iran to give money to 23 million households amid ongoing coronavirus crisis,” AMN, April 7, 2020.

“Iranian officials contradict one another on coronavirus projections, state assistance,” Al-Monitor, April 7, 2020.

136 people died on Sunday.  “Iran: Coronavirus death toll rises to 3,739,” Zehra Nur Duz, AA, April 6, 2020.

“‘Trump more dangerous than coronavirus’: Iranian admiral,” April 6, 2020, and “Human Rights Watch Urges US to Ease Sanctions on Iran Amidst Growing Pandemic,” VOA. April 6, 2020.  With regard to the calls from several to release sanctions because Iranians are suffering from coronavirus, I have four observations.  The Regime for 40 years has squandered its immense hundreds of billions of dollars of oil and gas wealth to spread the Revolution, intimidate neighbors, and use terror.  No other country acts as Iran.  Second, this huge wealth was and is mismanaged and not spent on public health, schools, infrastructure, etc. as it should.  Third, Iran refuses to comply with FATF global money-laundering rules.  Last, in this year’s budget, just this budget year, if Iran would give up its regime of terror against other states it would have enough money itself to take care of its people and their coronavirus needs.  Per capita, Iran has so much in sovereign wealth for its people if it would only choose to spend the money the way it should.

“Iranian official backtracks after calling Chinese Covid-19 figures a ‘joke’,” Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, April 6, 2020.

Didn’t take long for the previous story to be addressed.  “Questioning China’s Coronavirus Numbers Causes Diplomatic, Political Uproar In Iran,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 6, 2020.

Pres. Rouhani says two-thirds of government employees will return to their offices on April 11.  “Iran to resume low-risk economic activities amid COVID-19 crisis,” Al Jazeera, April 6, 2020.

“Iran’s funeral traditions crumble as bereaved mourn in coronavirus isolation,” Rohollah Faghihi, Middle East Eye, April 6, 2020.

“Ambassador lists China’s humanitarian aid to Iran,” Tehran Times, April 5, 2020.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mousavi Says Tehran Has Not And Will Not Ask U.S. For Help Amid Coronavirus – State TV,” Reuters, April 6, 2020.

“Five missiles fired at ‘American’ oil company in Iraq – Iranian media,” Seth Frantzman, April 6, 2020.

It will be interesting to see if the announced funding actually reaches the transport businesses.  “$500m Allocated to Compensate for Losses of Iranian Transport Companies,” IFP, April 6, 2020.

“Pro-Iran factions in Iraq maneuver to topple another PM-designate,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, April 6, 2020.

“300 medical workers infected with coronavirus in Iran,” MENAFM, AP, April 6, 2020.

Another claim that the U.S. caused the virus, but no production of evidence of such.  “Iranian official calls for probe into US role in creation of coronavirus,” Jerusalem Post, April 6, 2020.  The Head of Iran’s Civil Defense Organization, Brig. Gen. Gholam Reza Jalali, also said, “The US has been always [been] accused of having a role, either intentionally or accidentally, in the biological events, like the (outbreak of) Ebola.”

“Iran’s virus deaths soar over 10,000 as regime deceives public – report,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, April 6, 2020.  A long posting from this article.  “The rulers of the Islamic Republic of Iran have fabricated the number of Iranian coronavirus deaths in the Middle East’s epicenter of the deadly disease, with the real count of victims exceeding 10,000 people, according to Western security sources. “The number of corona deaths in Iran is many times higher than the authorities there have previously admitted… the death toll passed the 10,000 mark about 10 days ago when Iran officially reported slightly more than 2,000 deaths,” German paper Die Welt reported Sunday.  The death rate in Iran is “four to five times higher than the regime admitted then,” the report said. “The current figures are currently officially 55,743 sufferers and 3,452 dead. The current death toll is apparently much higher. On Sunday, it was 12,380, according to Western security sources.”  Ebrahim Raisi, the Islamic Republic’s chief judge and a possible successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ordered that thousands of coronavirus deaths be attributed to diseases such as heart failure or pneumonia, Die Welt reported.  The mass deception by Raisi involved directives to issue fake death certificates.  “The cover-up by the mullahs is not only a health risk for the Iranians, but also for other countries,” the report said. “Around 50,000 Iranians traveled to Southeast Asia, Europe or Canada in the last two weeks of March.”  Some 1,000 Iranians traveled to Germany and 900 traveled to the United Kingdom during the second half of March. …  In late March, Radio Farda, the Iranian branch of US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, said 4,298 people have died due to the virus. Tehran said 2,500 people have died.  “The data collected by Radio Farda is also a very conservative estimate, and the real number of the victims could be much higher,” it said. “The data shows that most of the novel coronavirus victims belong to the provinces of Isfahan, Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, Khorasan Razavi, Tehran and Qom.”  Iran refuses to release the number of coronavirus victims for each of the country’s 31 provinces.”

“Iran’s military did “well” by downing Ukrainian plane, MP says,” Staff, Jerusalem Post, April 6, 2020.  “Iranian MP Hassan Norouzi told media in the country that the Iranian military did “well” by downing a civilian Ukrainian airliner in January during an Iranian missile attack on the Ain Al-Asad base in Iraq, according to Al Arabiya.  …  Norouzi told the state-run Hamdeli daily on Sunday that the military “carried out their duties well. The movement of the plane was very suspicious.”  “The plane was no longer under the control of the watchtower and appeared to have come under America’s control,” Norouzi said, according to news outlet Al Arabiya. “The plane was in Israel the week before and was tampered with.”  Norouzi claimed that the plane had “special targets” in Iran.”

“Iran: China leading fight against COVID-19, generously aiding other countries,” Tehran Times, April 6, 2020.

“French researcher chronicles nine months of misery in Iran jail,” AFP, April 6, 2020.

“Iran to gradually ease anti-coronavirus restrictions,” Daiji World, April 6, 2020.

“Iran taps sovereign wealth fund to fight coronavirus,” Lauren Meier, Washington Times, April 6, 2020.