“More German intel confirms Iran seeks tech for weapons of mass destruction,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, August 28, 2020.  “Iran’s regime has used German territory for surveillance and assassination operations targeting Iranian dissidents, pro-Israel advocates, and Israeli and Jewish institutions.” In addition, “[t]he domestic intelligence agency for the German state of Saarland added new weight to intelligence reports from its sister states that previously confirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran sought technology for weapons of mass destruction and missile carrier systems during time period of 2019. The Jerusalem Post reviewed the 112-page intelligence report, which was released last week, titled “Overview of the situation” that addresses security threats faced by the small West German state Saarland. “Iran, Pakistan and, to a lesser extent Syria, made efforts to procure goods and know-how for the further development of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems,” wrote the intelligence officials for the Saarland. “Delivery system” is typically defined as the capability to launch missiles. Israel, the United States and many Gulf nations believe Iran’s clerical regime seeks to develop nuclear weapons.”

“Detained Colombia businessman was negotiating with Iran for Venezuela, lawyers say,” Angus Berwick, WSAU, August 28, 2020.

“‘I Survived an Iranian Assassination Attempt’,” Nadette De Visser, Daily Beast, August 28, 2020.

“The Revolutionary Guards Are Poised to Take Over Iran,” Ali Reza Eshraghi and Amir Hossein Mahdavi, Foreign Affairs, August 27, 2020.

“Nasrallah in Lebanon and Iran focus on Israel tensions,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 27, 2020.

With pictures of the injuries after the protests.  “Locals in the Abolfazl Village in Ahvaz, capital of Iran’s Khuzestan Province were protesting the destruction of their homes and confiscation of their lands by one of Iran’s wealthiest bonyads owned by the regime’s Supreme Leader, the Mostazafan Foundation (Foundation for the Oppressed).”  See “Iran’s Security Forces Fire Shotgun Pellets at Protesting Villagers,” Iran HRM, August 27, 2020.

This article strongly indicates that China will become a, if not the, major importer of Iranian oil, not only challenging U.S. sanctions, but representing the largest impediment (even larger than Russia) to keeping Iran from moving away from its Revolutionary urge.  “China Resumes Reporting Oil Imports From Iran In July,” Dalga Khatinoglu, Radio Farda, August 27, 2020.

“A group of Iranian lawmakers is pushing to hand control of the country’s internet over to a committee composed of powerful elements of the regime, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Forty members of the Iranian parliament had signed the motion as of Monday, according to Radio Farda. The proposal—titled “Organizing Social Media Messaging,” would also ban foreign messaging apps and replace them with domestically-produced ones, which may hand the regime closer surveillance capabilities. The legislation would also introduce new penalties for anyone offering foreign messaging apps or ways around the restrictions, for example VPNs.”  See “Iran Pushes for Regime, Military Control of Internet After Year of Unrest,” David Brennan, Newsweek, August 27, 2020.  Likewise, remember that Iran has already blocked Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.  See also “Iran lawmakers launch motion to block all foreign messaging apps,” Middle East Monitor, August 26, 2020.

Amazing the amount of payments or “salaries” and corruption in the legislature.  “Lawmakers In Iran Abuse Their Power To Receive Free Housing And Cars,” Radio Farda, August 27, 2020.

Here’s the question—when the arms embargo on Iran ends in the month of October, what arms will Iran purchase from Moscow?  See “What’s next for Russia-Iran military partnership?,” Anton Mardasov, Al Monitor, August 27, 2020.

Perhaps the U.S. will seize the aluminum oxide under sanctions or to pay toward a judgment.  “Exclusive: Iranian vessel loads with Venezuelan alumina, amid closer ties – sources,” Maria Ramirez and Luc Cohen, Reuters, August 27, 2020.

“Chinese Data Shows Beijing Continues Iranian Oil Imports,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, August 27, 2020.

“Germany, Israel agree continued Iran arms embargo important,” David Rising, AP, August 27, 2020.

Here is an article, the latest, about the Regime’s money-laundering in other countries, here it is in Bahrain.  “Bahrain fines Iranian banks implicated in money laundering,” Arab News, August 27, 2020.

117 died Wednesday per the Health Ministry.  “Iran reports 117 more virus deaths, nearly 2,200 cases,”  Ahmet Dursun, AA, August 27, 2020.

“Who Says Iran Is Impervious to Pressure?,” Bobby Ghosh, op-ed, Bloomberg, August 27, 2020.  Here is an excerpt:  Critics of the Trump administration’s sanctions campaign against Iran have long argued that the Islamic Republic is impervious to pressure. This claim never had a strong foundation: After all, extreme duress — prolonged diplomatic isolation, coupled with crippling economic sanctions — forced Tehran’s theocrats to begin negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear deal with the world powers. More proof, if it were needed, of Iran’s susceptibility to pressure came this week, when the regime pledged to expand its cooperation with inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency. This announcement came soon after the United Nations nuclear watchdog rebuked Iran for failing to provide access to two sites where previous nuclear activity is thought to have taken place. On Wednesday, during a visit to Tehran by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the regime said it had agreed to give inspectors access to the two sites. A joint statement didn’t say when the inspections would take place, but that dates for access have been agreed. The statement allows Iran to claim that it was “voluntarily” providing access to the sites. Grossi seems inclined to draw a curtain of charity over some of Iran’s more dubious behavior during previous inspections: In October, Tehran bizarrely claimed an IAEA inspector had tried to smuggle explosives into the enrichment facility in Natanz. But Grossi retains the right to yank the curtain back.”

Pressure works.  From the U.S., and from the IAEA.  “UN watchdog: Iran to allow access to 2 suspected nuke sites,” WGEM, August 26, 2020.  “The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency says Tehran has agreed to allow inspectors in to two sites where Iran is suspected of having stored or used undeclared nuclear material. The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Wednesday that Iran was “voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA.” It said dates for the inspections had been agreed, but did not say when they would take place. Iran had been resisting providing access to the sites, which are thought to be from the early 2000s, before it signed the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, maintaining the IAEA had no legal basis to visit them.”

“Russia and Iran’s Dangerous Energy Gambit in the Caucasus,” Irina Tsukerman, Algemeiner, August 26, 2020.

“As Turkey and Iran build dams, Iraqis watch twin rivers dry up,” AFP, August 26, 2020.

Kudos to NBC News for investigating how Iran is trying to sell oil (for continuing terrorism and its Revolution), and how U.S. pressure helps flagging states make a decision about who they will do business with—freedom-siding states or terror-siding states.  Pressure works.  See “Oil tankers stripped of flags after breaching U.S. sanctions to secretly ship Iranian oil,” Raf Sanchez, NBC, August 26, 2020.

This is also a result of pressure (there’s that word again) felt by Iran from the UAE agreement with Israel.  “Iran relents on IAEA inspections at two sites, ending standoff,” Parisa Hafezi and Francois Murphy, August 26, 2020.

Bad news if you’re an Iranian citizen.  And for those who insist that U.S. sanctions aren’t making a dent in Iran’s behavior or resources for terrorism, consider that the Supreme Leader is saying Iran is stuck for the next decade.  “Design Iran’s economy as if sanctions will apply for another decade says Khamenei,” bne IntelIiNews August 26, 2020.

“Four Americans Indicted for Conspiring to Illegally Sell Iranian Petroleum to a Chinese Refinery,” Jerry Lambea, Law and Crime, August 26, 2020.

Thank you St. Kitts and Nevis for following international law and aiming for peace and well-grounded economic relations.  “St. Kitts & Nevis Strips Oil Tankers Of Flag For Breaching US Sanctions On Iran,” Charles Kennedy, OilPrice.com, August 26, 2020.

Great, even if short, article displaying both the effects of sanctions but also the decision points that all countries must make—do they want to remain tied to violence and poverty, or turn toward freedoms and prosperity?  Let’s hope that Sudan moves away from Iran and toward the West.  See “US vies to weaken Sudan ties to Iran,” France 24, August 25, 2020.

Readers of this blog know the effects of the U.S. sanctions to date, how they have resulted in a gigantic economic squeeze on Iran and limited its available funds for terrorism and forced it to not be as robust in Syria as it would prefer.  We would certainly prefer if the UN would recognize the same need in response to Iran not living up to its commitments under the JCPOA—already the Europe-3 have called for consideration of these violations but put the consideration of such on hold.  The UK, France, and Germany need to hold Iran accountable.  And the UN itsel, UNSC Pres. Djani said Tuesday that the U.S. cannot snapback sanctions on Iran because that mechanism has not been triggered due to lack of UNSC member consensus.  U.S. Amb. Craft then criticized most members for not agreeing the U.S. has snapback power, and said “I only regret that other members of this council have lost their way, and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists.”  See “U.S. cannot ‘snapback’ sanctions on Iran, U.N. Security Council president says,” Sommer Brokaw, UPI, August 25, 2020.

An unusual and fine article, teaching and reminding readers of the seeming cultural demise of the country.  It is so unfortunate that the glories of Iran’s wonderful history are de-emphasized by the Regime—the country thus lacks due to this purposeful twisting and ignoring of history.  See “Iran’s neglect of its cultural heritage backfires,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, August 25, 2020.

“France concerned about Iran’s ‘destabilizing activities,’ says FM Le Drian,” Arab News, August 25, 2020.

Another threat.  “UAE to Blame for Any Israeli Move against Iran, Spokesman Warns,” IFP, August 25, 2020.

To give us warm, fuzzy feelings.  “‘There is no limit to expansion of Iran-Venezuela ties’,” Tehran Times, August 25, 2020.

“IAEA chief in Iran for key meeting on Monday,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, August 24, 2020.

“Iran sets June 18 as date for next presidential election,” ABC, AP, August 24, 2020.  “Iran’s constitutional watchdog on Monday set June 18 as date for the country’s next presidential election, a vote that will choose the successor to President Hassan Rouhani who has served two four-year terms in office. The watchdog, the Guardian Council, approved the date, Iranian election headquarters chief Jamal Orf told the official IRNA news agency. Candidates hoping to run in the balloting are to apply in early April for approval; the final list is to be announced in early June. Under Iranian law, an incumbent president cannot run for a third term if he has already served for two consecutive terms in office. Rouhani was first elected in 2013 and reelected four years later. … In February, Iran held parliamentary elections that saw a turnout of 42.57% — the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and a sign of widespread dissatisfaction and the state of the economy amid intense U.S. pressure. The newly elected house is dominated by conservative lawmakers.”

The thesis is that “Over the past couple of years, an alliance forged between the IRGC and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has gradually assumed near total control of all branches of the regime.”  See “How radicals conquered Iran’s government,” Ran Porat, ASPI Strategist, August 24, 2020.

“Veterans Sue Iran Over Alleged Terrorist Attacks in Iraq,” Martina Barash, Bloomberg Law, August 24, 2020.  “The Iranian state funded and supplied various terrorist groups in order to kill and maim members of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq, dozens of wounded veterans say in a new complaint. Families of service members killed in attacks in Iraq are also among those who sued Iran and several agencies and state-controlled businesses in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Aug. 21. The Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for acts of terrorism, “extrajudicial killings, attempted extrajudicial killings, torture and hostage takings,” the veterans and families say.”

“Iran plane crash: Cockpit exchange recorded after missile hit Ukraine jet,” BBC, August 23, 2020.

“Venezuela and Iran sign trade agreements,” Prensa Latina, August 23, 2020.

“Iran’s Navy to be equipped with long-ranged cruise missiles,” Mehr, August 23, 2020.

This story is not helpful.  It provides statements both ways, and does follow-up with any sort of explanation for the statement.  “Iran official says sabotage caused fire at Natanz nuclear site – TV,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, August 23, 2020.

Excellent article.  “The Iranian Nuclear Program as a Catalyst for the Israel-UAE Peace Agreement,” Raphael Ofek, Algemeiner, August 23, 2020.

Sad but true.  “Iran Convicts Fourteen Activists While Those Who Killed Protesters Remain Free,” Radio Farda, August 23, 2020.

“Middle East’s extremism and sectarianism can be traced back to Iran,” Mohammed Al-Sulami, op-ed, Arab News, August 23, 2020.

It seems to be a sign of the winds shifting, and Iran opposes these changes.  “The UAE-Israel announcement proves the folly of warming to Iran,” Michael Oren, op-ed, CNN, August 23, 2020.

“Compensation talks for victims of downed jetliner to start in October: Iran,” Penticton Western News, August, 23, 2020.

3% or 15% or More?  “Rouhani Underestimates Impact Of Pandemic On Iran’s Economy, Khamenei Demands Reforms,” Radio Farda, August 23, 2020.

Be wary of pro-Regime news sources like Xinhua, the official state-run press service of the PRC, and be wary of headlines like the below.  Iran may say that it is ready to pay, but notice that the article doesn’t say how much compensation.  That is because Iran is not prepared to be a fair amount, just a low amount and close the file.  See “Iran says ready to pay compensations in crashed Ukrainian plane case,” Xinhua, August 22, 2020.

“Maduro Says Venezuela Buying Iranian Missiles ‘a Good Idea’,” Reuters, New York Times, August 22, 2020.

“Parts of Iran’s beloved Mount Damavand ‘could be turned into luxury villas ‘,” James Rothwell and Ahmed Vahdat, Telegraph, August 22, 2020.

“Now Is the Time to Force Hezbollah out of Lebanon,” Carine Hajjar, National Review, August 22, 2020.

“Iran Seizes UAE Vessel in “Tit-for-Tat” Over Death of Two Fishermen,” The Maritime Executive, August 22, 2020.

“Hardliners Attack Veteran Football Coach Saying Iran Must Recognize Israel,” Radio Farda, August 22, 2020.

“Iran unveils new ballistic cruise missiles after US triggers snapback sanctions,” Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, August 21, 2020.

“Iran denies that ‘new’ cruise missile is just an old one with new paint,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 21, 2020.

“Former Iran National Soccer Team Coach Under Fire After Criticizing Hostility Against Israel,” Radio Farda, August 21, 2020.

“President Faure: Missing Seychellois linked to drug network in Iran, shared intel shows,” Betymie Bonnelame, Seychelles News Agency, August 21, 2020.

“Pompeo Rebukes Allies on Iran, Hands UN Sanctions Demand,” David Wainer and Nick Wadhams, MSN, August 21, 2020.

“The man who said no: how Iran coerces expats to inform on friends,” Julian Borger, Guardian, August 21, 2020.

We will be learning more about this event that occurred just a few hours ago, amidst the threats Iran has made against its Persian Gulf neighbor for making peace with Israel.  “Iran detains UAE ship and its crew after fishermen killed,” Al Jazeera, August 20, 2020.

We know a little more from open sources today than yesterday, but still no specifics.  “Report: Hezbollah received ammonium nitrate from Iran,” Arutz Sheva, August 20, 2020.  A German newspaper, Die Welt, is reporting that Iran sent Hezbollah many shipments of ammonium nitrate, what caused the huge explosion in Beirut’s port early in August.  The report quoted anonymous intelligence sources from Western countries, and stated documentation exists proving Hezbollah had ammonium nitrate.  The IRGC and its Quds Force and Gen. Qassem Soleimani were involved.

“Iran to drill new phase at giant South Pars field,” Argus Media, August 20, 2020.

“Iran Unveils New Missiles Named for Leaders Killed in US Strike, State TV Says,” NBC DFW, August 20, 2020.

“US Charges 3 in Scheme to Move US Currency to Iran,” VOA, August 20, 2020.  “The Justice Department alleges Zaidi, Chawla and other members of an organization called Islamic Pulse received permission from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to collect a religious tax on Khamenei’s behalf and send half the money to Yemen. … Prosecutors say after the United States imposed sanctions on Khamenei in 2019, the group continued to collect U.S. dollars in the United States and send it to Iran, “structured in a such a way as to avoid reporting requirements.””

“Pompeo Tries Starting ‘Snapback’ Clock To Restore Sanctions Against Iran By U.N.,” David Welna, NPR, August 20, 2020.

“Iran says takes “big steps” to boost uranium enrichment capacity,” Xinhua|, August 20, 2020.

“Head Of Khamenei Charity In Iran ‘Apologizes’ For Exposing Top Officials, Entities,” Radio Farda, August 20, 2020.

“Iran announces locally made ballistic and cruise missiles amid U.S. tensions,” Reuters, Newsbreak, August 20, 2020.

“Colombian leader says Venezuela trying to acquire Iran missiles,” AFP, France 24, August 20, 2020.  “Colombia’s President Ivan Duque claimed Thursday that the government of President Nicolas Maduro in neighboring Venezuela was working to acquire missiles from its ally Iran. “There is information from international intelligence agencies which work with us showing that there is an interest from the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro to acquire some medium- and long-range missiles through Iran,” the right-wing Colombian leader said. According to Duque, the missiles “have not yet arrived” in Venezuela, but the country’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino had been put in charge of Venezuela’s “approaches” to Iran over acquiring the weapons.”

“The Russian-Iranian Partnership: An Eternal Honeymoon,” Ghoncheh Tazmini, Valdai Discussion Club, August 19, 2020.

All we know at present.  “Hezbollah has received large quantities of ammonium nitrate from Iran, the same substance that caused the massive explosion at the port of Beirut earlier this month. This is according to a report by the German news agency DEWALT.”  See “Hezbollah received shipments from Iran of the chemical that exploded in Beirut,” Zeev Avrahami|, Ynet, August 19, 2020.

“The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is going to launch five satellites in cooperation with the Defence Ministry by the end of the year (March 2021).”  See “Iran Says Planning to Launch 5 New Satellites by March 2021,” IFP, August 19, 2020.

“Pro-Iran Groups Escalate Violence as Iraq PM Heads to US,” AFP, The Defense Post, August 19, 2020.

The UN investigation of the assassination of PM Hariri has failed.  Here are three articles.  Only one person was held accountable–no Hezbollah, no Iran, no one.  “Hezbollah Still Has a Knife at Lebanon’s Throat After Hariri Verdict,” Oz Katerji, Foreign Policy, August 19, 2020; “Tribunal Convicts Hezbollah Member in Hariri Assassination, Acquits Three Others,” Jared Malsin, Wall Street Journal, August 18, 2020.  “Shattered Lebanon finds little peace in Hariri verdict,” Najia Houssari, Arab News, August 19, 2020.

Under the terms of Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrined the nuclear deal and to which the U.S. remains a party, the invocation of snapback for significant Iranian noncompliance starts a 30-day clock during which the council must vote affirmatively to continue the sanctions relief that Iran was given in return for curbs on its nuclear program. Pompeo is expected to present evidence of significant noncompliance, likely the latest reports of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Thursday. Iran does not deny violating some terms of the deal but says its actions have been forced by the U.S. withdrawal and the Trump administration’s reimposition of U.S. sanctions.  See “US to demand UN sanctions for Iran in complicated procedure that evades veto, “ AP, Daily Sabah, August 19, 2020.

“The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is going to launch five satellites in cooperation with the Defence Ministry by the end of the year (March 2021).”  See “Iran Says Planning to Launch 5 New Satellites by March 2021,” IFP, August 19, 2020.

“Pro-Iran Groups Escalate Violence as Iraq PM Heads to US,” AFP, The Defense Post, August 19, 2020.

“U.S. imposes sanctions on two UAE-based companies for aiding Iran’s biggest airline,” Amanda Macias, CNBC, August 19, 2020.