So missiles in Lebanon, and in Yemen missiles already and now drones.  That looks like a Shia Crescent.  “Iran has apparently sent its Houthi allies in Yemen “suicide drones” capable of reaching Israel or striking other U.S., Saudi or Gulf targets within a 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) range, Newsweek reported on Thursday.”  They are called “Shahed-136 loitering munitions, known as “suicide drones,” deployed to the northern Yemeni province of Al-Jawf, which is controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.”  And “The drones are believed to have an effective range of 2,000 to 2,200 kilometers (1,240 to 1,370 miles), putting the Red Sea –  a vital shipping route for oil transit that links the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean – within striking distance.”  See the article at “Iran Sent Yemen’s Houthi Rebels ‘Suicide Drones’ That Can Reach Israel, Report Says,” Haaertz, January 14, 2021.

This story is shocking but true.  “Khamenei deprives Iranian people of COVID-19 vaccines,” US Embassy in Georgia, January 14, 2021.  And a related story that I missed in November, “Iran’s Khamenei funds terrorism over COVID-19 aid workers,” ShareAmerica, November 16, 2020.

“Iran, Pakistan Discuss Closer Trade Cooperation,” Emad Askarieh, IFP, January 14, 2021.

“Turkey tells UN that drug traffickers were involved in kidnapping of Habib Chaab by Iranian intelligence,” Nrdic Monitor, January 14, 2021.

Good article, but fails to include important point that Iran also uses commercial lines as human shields.  “Year after Ukrainian plane downed by Iran, civilian airliners are still at risk,” Elizabeth Palmer, CBS, January 14, 2021.

A response to the NYT.  “Iran: The Land of Love and Innocence?,” Aylin Sedighi-Gabbaizadeh, Times of Israel, January 14, 2021.

“Iran Is Assembling Gear Able to Produce Key Nuclear-Weapons Material,” Laurence Norman, Wall Street Journal, January 13, 2021.  “Iran has taken a new step toward possible atomic-weapons production, United Nations inspectors said in a confidential report, starting work on an assembly line to manufacture a key material at the core of nuclear warheads and raising the stakes in Tehran’s standoff with Washington ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The International Atomic Energy Agency, in a report for member states viewed Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal, said Iran told the watchdog that it would install equipment to produce uranium metal at a site in Isfahan over the next four to five months. Uranium metal can be used to build the core of a nuclear weapon. The IAEA said that in January 2019, Iran informed the agency it intended to produce more advanced fuel for its Tehran Research Reactor. After being repeatedly pressed by the agency, it set out a plan in mid-December saying it would make uranium metal to make an advanced fuel for the Tehran reactor. Iran hasn’t made uranium metal so far, senior Western officials said. The IAEA said Tehran had given it no timeline for when it would do so. Still, the development brings Iran closer to crossing the line between nuclear operations with a potential civilian use, such as enriching nuclear fuel for power-generating reactors, and nuclear-weapons work, something it has long denied ever carrying out.”

“Iranian Bill Seeks to Destroy Israel by 2041, Avenge Soleimani,” KMJN, January 13, 2021.  “Iran is proposing legislation seeking to destroy Israel in 20 years, according to The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP). The bill introduced to the Iranian parliament lists the goal of eliminating Israel by 2041 and the four main goals of the legislation include, per the report: Exact “decisive act of revenge” on the U.S. for the killing of Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani and evicting the U.S. from the Middle East. Continue Soleimani’s mission of destroying Israel. Counter alleged economic sanctions, which is deemed “terrorism.” Install a defiant foreign policy. The bill, which the think tank predicts will be passed in weeks, brands Israel an “aggressor Zionist regime” as a threat to Iran, vowing to ramp up military operations against Israel and the U.S. The bill lists Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and groups in the Gaza Strip as potential allies in the above stated goals, The Washington Free Beacon reported. Also, Iran will seek trade relations with U.S. antagonists China, Russia, and Venezuela, per the reports.”

This news story reflects the environmental impact of the poor choices to pursue an illegtimate form or economic trading.  “The push by many in Iran to establish the country as a mecca for crypto miners may be having some unintended environmental consequences. According to a Bloomberg report, the energy requirements of Bitcoin (BTC) and crypto mining in Iran coupled with the demand for heat in an exceptionally cold winter have contributed to a natural gas shortage, forcing power plants to allegedly burn “low-grade fuel oils” to meet the country’s electrical needs. The result has been “thick layers of toxic smog” across many Iranian cities and blackouts as some power plants have closed.”  See “Crypto mining allegedly worsening air pollution in Iran,” Turner Wright, Coin Telegraph, January 13, 2021.

The U.S. has for years avoided sanctioning the Leader’s EIKO so that he would still have something, to try to entice him to treaty.  “The Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), allegedly enabled Iran’s elite to “control large portions of the Iranian economy, including assets seized from political dissidents and religious minorities,” the agency said in a statement. “EIKO has systematically violated the rights of dissidents by confiscating land and property from opponents of the regime, including political opponents, religious minorities, and exiled Iranians,” the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement.”  See “US Targets Foundations Controlled by Iran’s Supreme Leader,” VOA, January 13, 2021.

First, there is no other country at present for which this debate exists.  Second, Iran insists their program is peaceful.  But still, we see a story like this which indicates other countries are questioning Iran’s actions.  “Ex-intel, atomic chiefs: Why are there so many Iran nuke estimates?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, January 12, 2021.

We’ll see if this call drives Iran to negotiate.  Hasn’t yet.  Is something to throw to the Biden team, or to stall.  But it is issued by Ali Akbar Velayati, the top foreign policy adviser to the Supreme Leader, and someone who has more power than the President.  See “Iran Calls for Future Nuclear Talks to Drop Sanctions ‘Snapback’,” Patrick Sykes, Bloomberg, January 12, 2021.

“Pompeo, in Tuesday speech, to accuse Iran of al Qaeda links: sources,” Humeyra Pamuk and Matt Spetalnick, Metro, January 12, 2021.

Though Iran earlier claimed said the SK vessel was seized because of any environmental emergency, it now move the ship (like a person/hostage) into the jurisdiction of the Iran’s courts.  See “Iran tells S. Korea not to politicise seizure of tanker,” Straits Times, January 12, 2021.

“Pompeo says Al Qaeda has new home base in Iran,” Reuters, January 12, 2021.

“Iran, Iraq to increase trade to 20 bln USD annually: Iranian official,” Xinhua, January 12, 2021.

“Iran: Facebook deletes Press TV page,” DW, January 12, 2021.

“Iran, Cuba, Under U.S. Sanctions, Team Up for Covid-19 Vaccine Trials,” Sune Engel Rasmussen and Aresu Eqbali, Wall Street Journal January 12, 2021.

98 official number of deaths on Monday.  The real toll is 3-4 times higher.  “Iran reveals COVID-19 data for January 12,” Elnur Baghishov, MENAFN, January 12, 2021.

Ah, an opportunity to mention that the crew of the SK ship are being held hostage, not just the ship.  “Negotiations continue between South Korea and Iran over release of tanker,” Arab News, January 12, 2021.

“Iran Commissions Its Massive Oil Tanker Turned Sea Base Into Service,” Thomas Newdick, The Drive, January 12, 2021.

Ironic given the following story (and on the same day) on PMUs in Iraq.  “No country has right to intervene in Cuba’s internal affairs, says Iran’s Foreign Ministry.”  See “Iran slams US move to rename Cuba to terror list,” Bilal Guler, AA, January 12, 2021.

There are only a few countries in the world where the paramilitary units of another country have seemingly free reign.  “Pro-Iran militias remain Iraqi PM Al-Kadhimi’s biggest challenge,” Osama Al-Sharif, Arab News, January 12, 2021.

The very man who inspired this blog makes a statement.  “Kissinger: Return to Iran deal could spark Middle East nuclear arms race,” Lahav Harkov, Jerusalem Post, January 11, 2021. “The new US administration should not return to the spirit of the Iran deal, which could spark an arms race in the Middle East, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger said Monday at a Jewish People Policy Institute online conference. He criticized the 2015 Iran deal, which President Donald Trump left in 2018. President-elect Joe Biden seeks to return to it if Iran agrees to comply again with the agreement’s limitations on its nuclear program. “We should not fool ourselves,” the 97-year-old diplomat, consultant and author said. “I don’t believe that the spirit [of the Iran deal], with a time limit and so many escape clauses, will do anything other than bring nuclear weapons all over the Middle East and therefore create a situation of latent tension that sooner or later will break out.” The current leaders in Iran “don’t seem to find it possible to give up this combination of Islamist imperialism and threat,” Kissinger said. “The test case is the evolution of nuclear capacities in Iran, if these can be avoided.” “I do not say we shouldn’t talk to them,” he added. Dennis Ross, a former adviser to presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, interviewed Kissinger at the JPPI farewell event for its founding director, Avinoam Bar-Yosef. Ross asked Kissinger what he would advise Biden and his administration to do to take advantage of the Abraham Accords, in which four Arab states normalized ties with Israel. “We should not give up on what has recently been achieved in these agreements between the Arab world and the Israeli world,” he said. “I would tell the incoming administration that we are on a good course.” The accords “have opened a window of opportunity for a new Middle East,” Kissinger said. “Arab countries understood that they could not survive in constant tension with parts of the West and with Israel, so they decided they had to take care of themselves.” Normalizations with Israel show that the four states taking part “have come to the conclusion that their national interests transcend their ideological interests,” said the secretary of state and national security advisor to presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford in the 1970s. “So they have decided, and Israel has advocated, that they should pursue their interests and come together, and they will take into account Arab concerns where they clash.” That idea “has worked out very well,” Kissinger said, adding that he always opposed the idea of finding “all-out solutions” to peace in the Middle East, advocating for the US “to work out the solutions that we can because they can build on themselves.” The Palestinians need to give up on their “ultimate aims” and look for possible interim achievements, Kissinger said.”

“Iran: 33,000 People Die Annually Due To Air Pollution – OpEd,” Hassan Mahmoudi, Eurasia Review, January 11, 2021.

“Claims by Hamas about $22 million from Soleimani sparks outrage in Iran,” Michael Segall, Cleveland Jewish News, January 11, 2021.

“Iran: Foreign Oil Firms Must Accept New Terms To Work In Country,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, January 11, 2021.

From $40B to about $20B, per the governor of the Iranian Central Bank, Abdolnaser Hemmati.  See “U.S. Sanctions Halve Iran’s Oil Revenues,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, January 11, 2021.

“Iran Cancels Pfizer Order After Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Bans Vaccines From UK And US Calling Them ‘Untrustworthy’,” Swarajya, January 11, 2021.

What this story does not delve into is the relationship between Iran and Cuba.  “Trump administration puts Cuba on state-sponsor-of-terror list alongside Iran, Syria and North Korea,” AP, Market Watch, January 11, 2021.

“U.S. to Designate Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen as Terrorist Group,” Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal, January 11, 2021.

Quotes of the Day:  “Cameron Khansarinia, the Policy Director for the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), a nonpartisan organization of Iranian-Americans, told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday that “while most athletes fear the further cancellation of sporting events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, athletes in Iran fear being murdered by the Islamic Republic. After murdering champion wrestler Navid Afkari, the criminal regime occupying Iran intends to put fellow wrestler Mehdi Ali Hosseini to death.” Khansarinia continued that “the International Olympic Committee has as yet refused to take any serious actions against the regime in Tehran for its bloody assault against athletes, despite a coordinated campaign by Iranian athletic champions. The regime should be banned from all Olympic and international sports activities until it stops murdering athletes and lifts its gender apartheid laws towards female athletes and fans. The disregard for the lives of Iranians shown by international organizations including the IOC has removed any and all of their legitimacy as humanitarian bodies.” The Post sent press queries on Saturday to the IOC and United World Wrestling (UWW). Mariam Memarsadeghi, an Iranian-American expert on human rights in the Islamic Republic and leading proponent for a democratic Iran, told The Jerusalem Post: “Khamenei is ramping up executions, foreign kidnappings and assassinations, taking of foreign hostages, and torture in the dungeon to try and repress his way out of the mounting failures and crises inherent to his ideological regime.” She added that “He is testing the will of the Free World. The Biden administration and Europe will do him a big favor if they go back to the Iran Deal and business as usual.””  See “Iran’s regime to execute another champion wrestler,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, January 10, 2021.

“New Bill Allows Guardian Council to Assess Iran Presidential Candidates’ Plans,” Tasnim, January, 10, 2021.

“Twitter removes Iran’s top leader Khamenei’s vaccine tweet for ‘violating’ rules,” Livemint, January 10 2021.

Iran has set a deadline of Feb. 21.  “Iran will expel U.N. nuclear inspectors unless sanctions are lifted: lawmaker,” Reuters, January 9, 2021.

“AEOI: Iran ranks among 5 manufacturers of high-power lasers in world,” MENAFN, January 9, 2021.

“Iran bans import of UK and US Covid-19 vaccines, saying they’re ‘completely untrustworthy’,” France 24, January 9, 2021.

So the Leader is threatening incoming President Biden.  “‘Iran to Expel IAEA Inspectors on Feb. 21 If US Sanctions Not Lifted’,” IFP, January 9, 2021.

Iran has set a deadline of Jan. 21.  “Iran will expel U.N. nuclear inspectors unless sanctions are lifted: lawmaker,” Reuters, January 9, 2021.

No Pfizer or Moderna or AstraZeneca for Iranian citizens.  “Iran leader bans COVID vaccines from UK and US,” DW, January 8, 2021.

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveil underground missile base in Gulf: state media,” Reuters, January 8, 2021.

“5 nations want Iran to deliver justice on downed plane,” AP, January 8, 2021.

Three thoughts.  Syria will still have difficulty convincing Hamas to return to the Syrian orbit since the “regime arrested some Hamas members who remained in Syrian territories and confiscated their properties and the wider movement’s assets.”  Second, note that Quds Force head Ghanni is nowhere to be seen in this story, he is not very effective.  Last, isn’t Nasrallah still hiding in Iran?  See “Iran, Hezbollah lead mediation to restore Hamas-Damascus ties,” Ahmad Abu Amer, Al Monitor, January 8, 2021.

No surprise with this statement.  “Iran President Says Western Democracy “Fragile” After US Capitol Siege,” WorldAgence France-Presse, NDTV, January 7, 2021.

“Iran in Africa: Ideology comes at the expense of diplomacy and business,” Sara Saïdi, The Africa Report, January 7, 2021.

A reminder that Iran said they had performed retribution for the killing of Soleimani when they shot 15 missiles at U.S. troops at Iraqi bases—10 missiles hit al-Asad base, one hit Erbil International Airport, and four failed in flight.  “Exclusive: How the Space Force foiled an Iranian missile attack with a critical early warning,” Nathan Strout, C4ISRNET, January 7, 2021.  And a year ago, “Iran signaled Tuesday night that there will be no more strikes targeting U.S. troops unless the U.S retaliates.”  So why I am stressing this?  Because a year later in January 2021 Iran is talking again about retaliation for Soleimani.  They can’t keep their word on killing!  See “No US casualties in Iran missile strike, preliminary reports say,” Shawn Snow and Howard Altman, Military Times, January 7, 2020.

Wednesday 103 died.  “103 deaths, 6,360 infections in 24h,” Mehr, January 7, 2021.

“Iran Hasn’t Said a Word About Its New Warship. That’s Suspicious,” Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, January 7, 2021.

“Iranian ship arrives at Venezuelan port, data shows,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, January 7, 2021.

“Iran can “easily” enrich uranium to 90 pct purity: nuke spokesman,” Xinhua, January 7, 2021.

“Iran Refuses To Negotiate Korean Fuel Tanker Release,” Irina Slav, OilPrice.com, January 7, 2021.

“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.