Since June, Iran has removed some of the cameras.  “Nuclear Monitors Say Surveillance Gear Missing in Iran,” Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, September 8, 2021.

“Iran Sentences 8 To Public Flogging For ‘Economic Misconduct’,” Iran News Wire, September 8, 2021.  ““The use of cruel and inhuman punishments such as flogging, amputation, and blinding are an appalling assault on human dignity and violate the absolute prohibition on torture and other degrading treatment or punishment under international law,” Amnesty’s Philip Luther said.”  “As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran is legally obliged to forbid torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment. It’s simply unacceptable that the Iranian authorities continue to allow such punishments and to justify them in the name of protecting religious morals.”  More than 100 “offenses” are punishable by flogging under Iranian law. The offenses include theft, assault, vandalism, defamation, and fraud.”

5,000 mass executions in 1988—Raisi responsible.  “Iran’s new president has blood on his hands,” Nasser Mohajer and Kaveh Yazdani, Iran Source, September 8, 2021.

Bakhtiari must be a mouthpiece for the Regime.  In his efforts to show how well the Regime has done, he drastically (by 3-5 x) misreports the number of Covid deaths in Iran.  “Iran vs. “unsanctioned” countries: who dealt better with the pandemic?,” Faranak Bakhtiari, Tehran Times, September 8, 2021.

“US Navy launches Mideast drone task force amid Iran tensions,” Jon Gambrell, AP, September 8, 2021.

“UN nuke watchdog: Iran pressing on with uranium enrichment,” AP, September 7, 2021.

This represents perhaps the largest effort to date against the Shia Crescent Program.  A very important article that must be read between the lines also.  “IDF chief says Israel accelerating Iran strike plans, acting throughout Mideast,” Times of Israel, September 7, 2021.

Apparently in contravention of U.S. sanctions.  “Russia signs deal with Iran in bid to boost aircraft sales,” Clement Charpentreau, Aerotime, September 7, 2021.

“Why Israel’s transfer to US Central Command could help deter Iran,” Bradley Bowman and Behnam Ben Taleblu, op-ed, Defense News, September 7, 2021.

Keep in mind what Iran means by “partners”—drug runners, gun traders, money washing, proliferators, etc.  See “Iran Looks for Partners in Latin America,” Julieta Pelcastre, Dialogo, September 7, 2021.

“Iran says two navy ships returned from unprecedented global voyage,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, September 7, 2021.

“Why Is Iran So Keen on Joining the SCO?,” Fardin Eftekhari, The Diplomat, September 7, 2021.

“Iran’s Foreign Minister in Talks With Former Afghan Leaders,” Yasna Haghdoost, Bloomberg, September 7, 2021.

“After The Taliban, Iran Eyes Victory Over US,” Dalia Al-Aqidi, op-ed, Arab News, September 6, 2021.

“Iran will dominate Antony Blinken’s schedule in 2021,” Omri Nahmias, Jerusalem Post, September 6, 2021.

“Examining Iran’s Ties to the Taliban,” Erfan Fard, Algemeiner, September 6, 2021.

“Iran says siege of Panjshir Valley contravenes international law,” Tehran Times, September 6, 2021.

“Reports: U.S. Arms Abandoned In Afghanistan Moved To Iran,” World Crunch, September 6, 2021.

“As its rivers shrink, Iraq thirsts for regional cooperation,” WHBL, September 6, 2021.

The fall of the Larijanis is almost complete.  “Latest Resignation In Iran Might Signal The Post Khamenei Period,” Iran International, September 6, 2021.

“Former Iran army chief, who accused West of using lizard spies, dies of COVID-19,” AFP, September 5, 2021.

“New postal museums to open across Iran,” Tehran Times, September 5, 2021.

“Can Raisi Build A Million New Homes Every Year In Iran?”, Iran International, September 5, 2021.

“Iraq’s 27 Billion Energy Deal With Total Can Reduce Reliance On Iran,” Iran International, September 5, 2021.

“Malley: US ‘Can’t Wait Forever’ for Iran to Rejoin Nuclear Talks,” Algemeiner, September 5, 2021.

So detached from reality?  There is a better explanaiton.  Is there an alternative to the Taliban?  “I know, I’m voting for ISIS-K!” says an Afghan.  “How about Ghani?” another says.  “Oh, he’s not available.”  What this statement from the president of Iran really is appears to be some sort of pretend support for democracy.  See “The Latest: Iran president calls for election in Afghanistan,” AP, September 4, 2021.

So, this sort of non-committal statement by Raisi could mean that the ISI will never come back to the negotiating table.  “Raisi: Iran ready to resume nuclear talks, but without Western ‘pressure’,” Times of Israel, September 4,  2021.

Interesting.  Bloomberg’s reporting was based on incorrect steel numbers from the Regime, per an Iranian official as reported by Iran International.  This should encourage Bloomberg to revisit its early report.  “Despite Government Claims, Iran’s Steel Production Down 50%,” Iran International, September 4, 2021.

“U.S. sanctions Iranians over alleged plot to kidnap NY-based journalist,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, September 3, 2021.  “The sanctions block all property of the four Iranians in the United States or in U.S. control, and prohibits any transactions between them and U.S. citizens. Other non-Americans who conduct certain transactions with the four could also be subjected to U.S. sanctions, the department added. Those sanctioned include senior Iran-based intelligence official Alireza Shahvaroghi Farahani as well as Iranian intelligence operatives Mahmoud Khazein, Kiya Sadeghi and Omid Noori.”

“Will Iran continue to threaten southern Syria after Deraa deal?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2021.

A target for the Israelis.  “Iranian fuel will be delivered by truck to Lebanon via Syria –sources,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2021.

Spot on.  “After Biden’s Afghanistan blunder, is the Iran nuclear deal finally dead?,” Andrew Latham, op-ed, The Hill, September 2, 2021.

“Siege of Deraa Shows Syria Regime’s Dependence on Russia and Iran,” Hauer, op-ed, Arab Weekly, September 2, 2021.

“Iranian fuel ship enters Syrian waters to help Hezbollah – report,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2021.

“Iran’s attacks on Israeli shipping in Gulf serves as lesson – opinion,” Gil Murciano, Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2021.

“Has the mystery of the ‘vanished’ tanker ‘Gulf Sky’ been solved? – analysis,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2021.  “Questions remain about how this ship was so easily hijacked and taken away. The case illustrates the lawlessness with which Iran operates in these areas.”

“U.S. Senators Warn Lebanon To Avoid Iranian Fuel, Despite Crisis,” RFE/RL, September 2, 2021.

“Islamic Republic of Iran receives third delivery of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility,” Relief Web, September 2, 2021.

“Boosted by China and Russia, Iran Digs In on Nuclear Talks,” Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, September 2, 2021.

“Will Iran continue to threaten southern Syria after Deraa deal?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2021.

Heavy news day.  So, hackers (who?) gained access to the computers and cameras of Evin Prison.  Will the world hold Iran accountable?  Don’t believe the headline that guards will be prosecuted—oh, they may, but the Regime already knew what they were doing there.  This is a show trial.  We know who should really be prosecuted.  “After leaked videos, Iran opens cases against prison guards,” AP, September 1, 2021.

A closed national internet is one more type of prison imposed by the Regime on its citizens.  “Iran eyes 2025 to complete controversial national intranet,” James Barton, Developing Telecoms, September 1, 2021.

The Taliban’s new leader will be the never seen Hibatullah Akhundzada.  See “Taliban to Follow Iran Model, Appoints Supreme Leader,” Kashmir Observer, September 1, 2021.

What does Iran do to woe Africa?  You don’t read this every day in the news.  “Africa emerges as next scene of confrontation between Israel, Iran,” Danny Citrinowicz, Al Monitor, September 1, 2021.  “Traditionally, Iran sees the African continent as an important arena in its global struggle for influence. It is competing for influence against Saudi Arabia and also against the West, exploiting anti-colonial sentiments in the continent. To establish influence in Africa, Iran had created over the years an infrastructure of mosques, cultural centers, charitable networks and educational institutions. These were used to spread its revolutionary ethos across the continent. Of course, Iran is not the only Muslim country exporting Islam to Africa and supporting its spread there. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other countries are also operating in a rather similar manner. Still, Iranian efforts at penetrating Africa also have other components. Experts believe that by exploiting fragile political structures in some African countries, and perhaps even with the support of the Lebanese diaspora, Iran and its affiliates have succeeded in building smuggling and crime networks. Through these networks, it is argued, Iran recruits local operatives, who then also join the Iranian religious cause. Experts point to evidence indicating that the Iranian Quds Force (through Unit 400) trains, funds and equips several separatist groups in Africa and provides training to Shiite groups, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. Iran has also used its ties with some African countries to bypass the economic sanctions that were enforced by Washington.”

“Sixty Percent Of Buildings In Iran’s Capital ‘Don’t Comply’ With Earthquake Standards,” RFE/RL, September 1, 2021.  “An Iranian newspaper has quoted a Tehran risk management official as saying that 6-in-10 of the city’s buildings don’t meet seismic standards and would be heavily damaged if a major earthquake hit. The report in the Hamshahri newspaper quotes city risk management department head Reza Karami-Mohammadi as saying 1-in-5 of Tehran’s buildings would be “completely destroyed” in a big earthquake. Iran lies on the Iranian Plateau at the juncture of the Eurasian Plate to the north and the Indian Plate to the southeast and is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. “Sixty percent of the buildings do not comply with the anti-seismic standards and will be seriously damaged” if a magnitude-6.5 or bigger quake were to strike, Karami-Mohammadi was quoted as saying.”

No surprise here.  But how with the U.S. respond to this feet-dragging?  “Iran says nuclear talks might not resume for 2-3 months,” AFP, September 1, 2021.

“To take on Iran, Lapid sketches out vision for a regional ‘alliance of life’,” Lazar Berman, Times of Israel, September 1, 2021.  “Foreign minister’s ambitious plan would establish a broad axis stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic, but can he make it happen?”

“Lebanese Government Says No Permission Sought To Import Iranian Fuel,” Iran International, September 1, 2021.

Only took a couple of days to drive over to Iran.  “Taliban Reportedly Deliver American Military Hardware To Iran,” Iran International, September 1, 2021.

“The Takeaway: Iranian foreign policy under Raisi takes shape,” Al Monitor, September 1, 2021.

“Report: Tankers Under Way to Lebanon With Sanctioned Iranian Fuel,” Maritime Executive, September 1, 2021.

“As COVID-19 Spikes, Iran Pirouettes on Western Vaccine Ban,” Nisan Ahmado, Polygraph.info, September 1, 2021.

“Iran and Saudi Arabia expected to resume direct talks soon,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, August 31, 2021.

“Iran Test-Fires Domestic Missile System,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, August 31, 2021.

It is not surprising, and this decision was made by Iran over a year ago, shortly after the plane was shot down.  “Families Say Top Iran Officials Have Immunity Over Downed Airliner,” Iran International, August 31, 2021.

“Iran plans to hold 4th round of talks with Saudi Arabia,” i24, Reuters, August 31, 2021.

“Gulf Sky: ‘Our ship was hijacked and taken to Iran’,” Joshua Cheetham, BBC, August 31, 2021.

One of those stories that let’s us all know that Iran is not serious about negotiating.  It would be funny if what is at stake wasn’t so serious.  “Iran Appoints New Atomic Energy Chief With No Nuclear Expertise,” RFE/RL, August 30, 2021.  “Mohammad Eslami, who previously served as housing and transport minister, will lead the civilian Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. He replaces U.S. educated scientist Ali Akbar Salehi, a former foreign minister and longtime head of the atomic agency who played a crucial role in diplomacy that led to the now-moribund 2015 nuclear accord with world powers.”  But wait, it gets better.  “Iran taps UN-sanctioned minister as new chief of nuclear agency,” AP, August 29, 2021.  So, on its surface Eslami is being appointed to simply do the Regime’s purposes in Vienna, not to really be able to understand and oversee a peaceful nuclear program.  What is he known for?  “In 2008, when Eslami served as head of Iran’s Defense Industries Training and Research Institute, the United Nations sanctioned him for “being engaged in, directly associated with or providing support for Iran’s proliferation sensitive nuclear activities or for the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.” The UN linked the blacklisting to his “involvement in procurement of prohibited items, goods, equipment, materials and technology,” without elaborating.”  He is a sanctioned proliferator, not a public servant.

“Iran Continues Religious Persecution, Two Bahais Sentenced To Prison In Tehran,” Iran News Wire, August 30, 2021.

Iran Continues Religious Persecution, Two Bahais Sentenced To Prison In Tehran

“Where Iran Stands on the Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan,” Ray Takeyh, CFR, August 30, 2021.

“Iran’s Bet on Autonomous Weapons,” Evan Omeed Lisman, op-ed, War on the Rocks, August 30, 2021.