“How Iran’s central bank currency system is manipulated to fund regional proxy wars,” Hollie McKay, Fox News, December 24, 2020.

“How Israel and the US combined media and military power to prevent war,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, December 24, 2020.

It occurred to me while posting this article, where else in the world today did one country shoot rockets at another country’s embassy?  It only happened in one place, Iran shooting at the U.S. embassy in Iraq.  That the U.S. did not retaliate and issued a warning is a testament to national interest, strategy, and that Iran did not kill any Americans.  What an interesting Christmas Eve.  See “Trump issues stern warning to Iran after rocket attack on US Embassy in Baghdad,” Edmund DeMarche, Fox News, December 24, 2020.

Here on Dec. 24, before Christmas Day, we’ll talk about the gift the Regime should have already given its people.  There will be other stories beyond today.  “Editorial—Why Iran’s Regime Refuses To Purchase COVID-19 Vaccine,” NCRI, December 24, 2020.

“Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said an Iranian bank had received backing from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to transfer the money to a Swiss bank to pay for the vaccines. … Iran would pay nearly $244m for initial imports of 16.8 million doses of the vaccines from COVAX, a multiagency group dedicated to assuring fair access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries. Iranian officials have repeatedly said the US sanctions are preventing them from making payments to COVAX, to which some 190 economies have signed up.” See “Iran says US approved its funds transfer to buy COVID vaccines,” Al Jazeera, December 24, 2020.

“Iran, Azerbaijan to build hydropower plants at common border,” Xinhua, December 24, 2020.  “Iran and Azerbaijan have agreed to reactivate the building of two hydroelectric power plants on the Aras river border, the Iranian Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian announced on Wednesday. … The dam has the potential to regulate 1.6 billion cubic meters of water throughout the year, irrigate up to 120,000 hectares of agricultural land and feed “two hydropower plants with a total capacity of 280 MW of electricity,” said the minister.”

“Iranian People Continue Protests; Nine Rallies and Strikes on December 23,” Mahmoud, Iran News Update, December 24, 2020.

Despite the Expediency Council saying they will take up the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and a bill amending Iran’s Combating the Financing of Terrorism law, the Leader and the IRGC do not want to make the banking system transparent.  This would impede using the banks to facilitate payments to a variety of bad/terror/criminal actors in and outside of the country.  See “Iran’s Expediency Council Says to Review FATF Bills,” Tasnim News Agency, December, 24, 2020.

Someone has finally said it (it doesn’t get said enough).  See “In offering its militias as security contractors, Iran is exporting its revolution,” Muhammad Hussein, Middle East Monitor, December 23, 2020.

“Iranian cyber actors were responsible for creating a website earlier this month featuring death threats aimed at U.S. election officials.”  … The “Enemies of the People website, which surfaced after the U.S. election but now appears dormant, demonstrated “an ongoing Iranian intent to create divisions and mistrust in the United States and undermine public confidence in the U.S. electoral process.” The agencies said they had previously warned that “Iranian cyber actors” likely were keen to influence and interfere with the 2020 U.S. election. … The site, along with several associated social media accounts, included photographs of Republican and Democratic officials, with rifle crosshairs superimposed on them. It also included officials’ purported home addresses. Those targeted by the website included FBI director Christopher Wray and Christopher Krebs, the former CISA director who was fired by President Donald Trump after publicly vouching for 2020 election results showing Joe Biden defeated Trump. The site also targeted several employees of Dominion Voting Systems.”  See “U.S. suspects Iranians created website threatening U.S. election officials,” Mark Hosenball, Reuters, December 23, 2020.

Someone has finally said it (it doesn’t get said enough).  See “In offering its militias as security contractors, Iran is exporting its revolution,” Muhammad Hussein, Middle East Monitor, December 23, 2020.

Despite Iran’s assurances.  “Yenin: Ukraine has not yet received Iran’s report on UIA plane crash,” Ukrinform, December 23, 2020.

“IRGC-affiliated Sadra Company has built the oceangoing oil tanker, an Aframax vessel able to transport up to 750,000 barrels of oil.”  See “Iran Unveils Own Oil Tanker In “Goodbye Party” For Trump,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, December 23, 2020.

“Iran Gov’t Approves Law Passed by Parliament to Expand Nuclear Activities If Bans Not Lifted,” IFP, December 23, 2020.

Same story, over and over again.  “Abducted German-Iranian Denied Choice of Attorney, Whereabouts Still Unknown,” Iran Human Rights, December 23, 2020.

“The barrage of rockets launched at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Sunday was the largest attack on the capital’s Green Zone since 2010, numbering 21 missiles, the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East said.”  See “Rocket Attack on U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Largest in a Decade, General Says,” Michael Gordon and Gordon Lubold, Wall Street Journal, December 23, 2020.

“Iran Reports Launch of New Domestically Built Aframax Tanker,” Maritime Executive, December 23, 2020.

“Flight victims’ families reject Iran’s compensation, demand justice,” Al Monitor, December 23, 2020.

“Benny Gantz signs order to seize $4 million transferred from Iran to Hamas,” Udi Shaham, Jerusalem Post, December 22, 2020.

“Iran launches ‘indirect talks’ with US President-elect Joe Biden,” Middle East Monitor, December 22, 2020.

“Iran launches ‘indirect talks’ with US President-elect Joe Biden,” Middle East Monitor, December 22, 2020.

“Woman sets self on fire after city demolishes shelter, Iranians outraged,” Al Monitor, December 22, 2020.

“Al-Mustafa International University, a network of religious seminaries based in the Shi’ite holy city of Qom that has branches in some 50 countries. … The U.S. Treasury Department said Iran’s elite Quds Force, the overseas operations arm of the IRGC, used the university’s foreign branches as a “recruitment platform” for “intelligence collection and operations,” including recruitment for pro-Iranian militias. … Observers say Al-Mustafa has become Iran’s chief tool for promoting Shi’ism abroad. Saeed Ghasseminejad and Alireza Nader at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) wrote that three religious organizations — the Islamic Development Organization, Al-Mustafa International University, and the Islamic Propaganda Office of Qom Seminary — play a “central role in projecting [Iran’s] influence abroad.” They said that the three organizations were focused on “training Shi’ite clerics, sending missionaries across the globe, and disseminating Shi’ite propaganda” with the goal of creating a “network of native missionaries in each country who are loyal to Tehran.””  See “U.S. Sanctions Put Spotlight On Iran’s International Network Of Religious Seminaries,” Frud Bezhan, RFE/RL, December 22, 2020.

Afghan analysts criticized comments by the Iranian FM Zarif, where he suggested fighters from Fatemiyoun, an Iranian militia (and overseen by the Quds Force of the IRGC) made up of Afghan Shiite migrants, could help in Kabul’s fight against Daesh.”  We don’t need Iranian militia in Afghanistan.  (BTW, I just recently posted a story about L.A. Iranians also upset by his comments, on a different topic–he has angered people on both sides of the globe in the same week).  See “Iran’s foreign minister arouses Afghan anger,” Sayed Salahuddin, Arab News, December 21, 2020.

Fascinating information about Iranian society and Covid and government misrule.  “Iran Is Nearing Collapse Under the Strain of Covid-19,” Ahmad Jalalpour, The Nation, December 21, 2020.

Now, after the news of the U.S.S. Georgia transiting Hormuz publicly, Israel does the same in Suez.  More warnings against Iran terror.  And the sub movement was approved by Egypt.  “Israeli submarine reportedly crosses Suez Canal in ‘message’ to Iran,” Times of Israel, AFP, December 21, 2020.  And the story includes this–“Vessel said to have surfaced and faced Persian Gulf, in show of force amid threats over killing of nuclear scientist.”

Most analysts are commenting on the public warning to Iran.  But did you notice equating a Tomahawk and a Seal?  ““The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine’s presence in Mideast waterways signals the U.S. Navy’s “commitment to regional partners and maritime security,” the Navy said, demonstrating its readiness “to defend against any threat at any time.” The USS Georgia is armed with 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and can host up to 66 special operations forces, the Navy added.”  See “US Navy announces nuclear submarine passed through Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran,” Navy Times, AP, December 21, 2020.

“Iran: Lawmakers Must Urgently Drop the Bill That Criminalises Fundamental Rights and Freedoms,” Iran Press Watch, December 21, 2020.

“Railway link from Turkey to Pakistan, through Iran to start in 2021,” Middle East Monitor, December 21, 2020.

“Iran Sends New Flotilla To International Waters,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, December 21, 2020.

“China And Iran Start Drilling In This Super Giant Gas Field,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, December 21, 2020.

“Iran’s foreign assets blocked abroad due to FATF-related issues,” MENAFN, December 21, 2020.  “Iran’s $30 billion worth of foreign assets is blocked, due to the country’s not being a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), former member of the parliament Ghassem Mirzaei told Trend in an interview. … “Iran’s review of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) related bills would prevent possible violation in money transfers, ” he said. … “Iran’s strategic partners including China and Russia have stated that if the issue of the FATF related bills are not resolved, they would not work with Iran,” he said.”

“Why Iranian authorities force women to wear a veil,” DW, December 21, 2020.

Only 28 organizations (for example, AI did not join) complained the U.S. was not assuring Iran and international banks that Covid medicine could be obtained sanctions free.  This blog has catalogued several stories that this is not a concern, that the U.S. is not blocking Covid meds, and that it is Iran who makes this accusation but is actually not taking the steps and spending the money it has to acquire such.  It is unfortunate these 28 entities give Iran ammunition for these charges.  See “Joint Statement: Ensure Iranians Equitable Access to Covid-19 Vaccines,” Human Rights Watch, December 21, 2020.

Daily numbers of coronavirus cases have slowed since more restrictive measures were implemented.  See “Coronavirus claims 191 more lives in Iran,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, December 21, 2020.

“Eight rockets target US embassy in Baghdad: Iraq army,” Al Jazeera, December 20, 2020.

“12 inmates executed in just one week; Iran steps up executions,” Iran Human Rights Monitor, December 20, 2020.

“Iran-linked group claims to hack Israeli defense firm, releases employee data,” Judah Gross, Times of Israel, December 20, 2020.

Government harassment campaign continues against the wrestler’s family.  See “Source: Iran Damages Gravesite of Executed Wrestler-Activist in Escalating Harassment of His Family,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, December 20, 2020.

“EU Parliament seeks targeted sanctions on Iran for killing of Afkari, Zam,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, December 20, 2020.

“IAEA head says new Iran deal necessary due to multiple violations since 2015,” JNS, December 20, 2020.

Great article explaining Covid medicine/immunizations are there for the taking if Iran would simply spend the money.  And U.S. sanctions are not hindering Iran in any way.  They just want the world to think the U.S. is being cruel to Iranian citizens and blocking those persons from life-saving medicine.  See “Iran has route to obtain COVID-19 vaccines despite sanctions,” Jon Gambrell, Times of Israel, December 19, 2020.

“The UN “takes seriously” the travel restrictions and arguments of the “two Missions” that say they are hindered in their functions, the text added.”  This is categorically untrue.  UN delegations like to have all diplomats have freedom to visit receptions and events in NYC.  Again, categorically, Iran and Russia’s staffs are not hindered by visa or travel restrictions—they can do their job.  See “UN Calls For Lifting Restrictions On Iran Diplomats,” Radio Farda, December 19, 2020.

“The United States has imposed sanctions on two Iranian judges whom it accuses of having punished Iranian citizens and dual nationals for exercising their freedoms of speech and assembly, the U.S. Treasury said on Thursday. The judges, Abolghassem Salavati and Mohammad Moghisseh, “oversaw the Iranian regime’s miscarriage of justice in show trials in which journalists, attorneys, political activists, and members of Iran’s ethnic and religious minority groups were penalized for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, lashes, and even execution,” the Treasury said in a statement.”  See “U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Two Iranian Judges For ‘Oppression’,” Reuters, Radio Farda, December 19, 2020.

“While 70 countries improved their human freedom ranking in the past year, Iran remained in the 154th place among the 162 countries in the Human Freedom Index (HFI). The index which measures personal, civil and economic freedom at a global level, covers areas such as rule of law, security and safety, size of government, property rights, religion, civil society and expression.”  See “Iran Still Amongst Lowest In Human Freedom Index,” Radio Farda, December 19, 2020.

“L.A.’s Iranian Jews denounce Iran Foreign Minister Zarif’s use of derogatory word for Jews,” Karmel Melamed, Forward, December 18, 2020.

“The defense chief did not elaborate on the countries with which Iran has signed arms deals.”  See “Iran has inked arms deal with other countries: defense minister,” Tehran Times, December 18, 2020.

“Saudi-Led coalition destroys Iranian-made mine in Red Sea – state TV,” Reuters, December 18, 2020.

“Iran Transfers Ninth Female Dissident to Harsher Prison,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, December 18, 2020.

After Rafael Grossi, who heads the IAEA, “said there had been too many breaches by Iran for the agreement to simply snap back into place when U.S. President-elect Joe Biden takes office next month.”  See “Iran rejects IAEA chief’s call that new agreement needed after Biden takes office –tweet,” Reuters, December 18, 2020.

Notice how the Regime has destroyed the wrestler’s entire family.  And notice the video response by Masih Alinejad, a well-known dissident journalist/activist and the organizer of the United for Navid campaign (about the wrester who was executed), and who has herself faced many death threats.  She made this video after the authorities executed dissident journalist Rouhollah Zam.  She makes the great point that the weak Regime can’t fight back against countries more powerful (and defending themselves) so it takes out is frustration on citizens and families of Iran.  See “Iran arrests father and brother of executed wrestler while cleaning grave,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2020.

“A United Nations resolution calling on the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect the rights of its citizens—and which refers to the violations faced by Iranian Baha’is—passed today at the General Assembly in New York.”  See “International support for Iran’s Baha’is highlights growing rights violations,” Iran Press Watch, December 17, 2020.

So then Iran said—“Iran Deplores Adoption of Human Rights Resolution at UNGA,” Iran Front Page, December 17, 2020.  The IRI’s position is that the resolution lacks legal credibility, and the countries who passed it were hypocrites.  Iran never addresses the specific allegations of these types of resolutions.  And rarely does anything about the claims.

“The details of the kidnapping and judicial murder of Ruhollah Zam reveal both the deep penetration by Iranian state agencies of exiled opposition circles and, no less gravely, the extent to which certain agencies of the official Iraqi state now appear to be openly doing the bidding of Tehran.”  See “Who betrayed Iranian journalist Ruhollah Zam?,” Jonathan Spyer, Jerusalem Post  Middle East, December 17, 2020.

But will they dip into their sovereign fund to pay for the immunizations?  “Iran’s Aviation Organization Announces Readiness to Import Pfizer Vaccine,” Trend News Agency, Aviation Pros, December 17, 2020.

Despite the hardline repeated public statements against negotiations, the Leader really wants relief.  “Iranian press review: Supreme leader gives green light for new talks with US,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2020.

No longer in a hospital bed, at least for the moment.  “Iran’s Supreme Leader reappears in public, hits out at U.S.,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, December 16, 2020.

So, now he will be in public.  And an interesting choice of event—“The media reports said Khamenei would meet organizers of events to mark the first anniversary of the killing of Iran’s top commander Qassem Soleimani in a US drone attack in Iraq.”  See “Iran’s Supreme Leader to hold first function since health rumors – report,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, December 16, 2020.

Another enabler of Iran, which causes one to not act normal.  “US refuses to share intel with Qatar due to its support for Iran,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, December 16, 2020.

“MPs urge UK to designate Iran’s IRGC a terrorist group,” Arab News, December 16, 2020.

Sweden is very patient; it takes a lot to get the Swedes to complain publicly.  And this is another person snatched from Turkey.  “Sweden says Iran has denied access to detained dissident,” AFP, December 16, 2020.

“US Blacklists Chinese, UAE-based Companies Over Sale of Iranian Petrochemicals,” Reuters, VOA, December 16, 2020.

“Iran Lifts Nuclear Research Group’s Budget by 256 Percent After Scientist Killing,” David Brennan, Newsweek, December 15, 2020.

“Israel’s historic missile test: A message to Iran, Hezbollah, allies,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2020.  Israel is the only country in the world that has developed an effective missile defense system, and it is for low, mid, and high altitudes.  The recurring threat from Iran is the main reason during the past decade that Israel has developed its three systems.  Iran does not have to threaten Israel with extermination–that is not what normal countries do.

“How Iran Has Brought Israel and Arab States Together,” Marc Champion, Bloomberg, December 15, 2020.

“U.S. designates Bahrain-based group as terrorist, accusing it of having Iran backing,” Reuters, December 15, 2020.

Good article on the supposed difference between hardliners and moderates.  “The myth of the agenda struggle in Iran’s regime,” Salem al-Ketbi, Israel Hayom, December 15, 2020.

223 died Monday.  “Iran reports over 7,700 new virus cases, 223 deaths,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, December 15, 2020.

“Iran hopes to unveil homemade coronavirus vaccine in March,” Al Monitor, December 15, 2020.

“Iran flexes muscles ahead of Biden’s inauguration,” The Arab Weekly, December 15, 2020.

This was almost a year ago!  Iran still refuses to cooperate with other countries for the airplane it shot down.  “Iran’s probe into downing of airliner has major flaws: Canada report,” David Ljunggren, Reuters, December 15, 2020.

“Iranian Oil Exports Rise as Tehran Circumvents Sanctions, Finds New Buyers,” Benoit Faucon, Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2020.