Amazing.  Israel had a spy that was remained close to Fakhrizadeh, who recorded that Iran was working on five warheads.  In 2008.  That spy must be somewhere else now, in a safe place.  The Times of Israel says, “Report says ex-PM Olmert played top-secret recording of Fakhrizadeh for President Bush in decisive 2008 meeting that boosted US-Israel cooperation against Iran’s nuclear program.”  Here’s the amazing story—“‘Israel has tape of slain Iran nuke chief talking about building five warheads’,” Times of Israel, December 4, 2020.

“Iran tells IAEA it will accelerate underground uranium enrichment,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, December 4, 2020.

“Iran says won’t recognise Belgium verdict for diplomat,” Barron’s, AFP, December 4, 2020.“Belgian court to give verdict in Iran diplomat case on Jan 22,” France 24, December 4, 2020.

“Iran to accelerate underground uranium enrichment: IAEA,” Al Jazeera, December 4, 2020.

So let’s look at this from the point of Israel, whose very existence remains challenged by the growing number of missiles in Lebanon, controlled by Iran and Nasrallah, and the growing nuclear weapons program inside Iran.  And then let’s look at from the point of Hezbollah’s leader, Nasrallah, who practically lives underground most of the time.  He is apparently smart to move to Iran, but Iran has also shown it cannot protect persons living above ground, so he will stay undercover there—or underground.  See “Hezbollah’s Nasrallah to move to Iran amid regional tensions – report,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, December 3, 2020.

“Iran says it has identified suspects in Fakhrizadeh assassination,” Tobias Siegal, Jerusalem Post, December 3, 2020.

“Iran’s Zarif Rules Out Renegotiating Nuclear Deal With Biden,” John Follain, Golnar Motevalli, and Patrick Sykes, Bloomberg, December 3, 2020.

“Iran Rights Lawyer Sent Back to Prison,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, December 03, 2020.

So this turns into an important story, not yet spotlighted by the media or governments.  I wrote a couple of days ago on this blog that Iran would probably execute the Swedish scientist in retaliation for the killing of the nuclear scientist.  But here the Leader has made an exception, perhaps an opening.  Iran is under much pressure because it can’t explain the infiltration and escape of the Absard killers, nor protect its nuclear scientists or its IRGC kingpins.  The Leader may be looking to see now if the West will give something in exchange.  See “Iran reprieves scientist facing execution for espionage,” Patrick Wintour, Guardian, December 2, 2020.

“Iranian Arms, Fighters Bolster Maduro Government in Venezuela, U.S. Says,” Michael Gordon and Ian Talley, Wall Street Journal, December 2, 2020.

A very long but informative article about the reach of the Quds Force and IRGC into Iraq.  See “Special Report: Iran expands shrines and influence in Iraq,” WHBL, December 2, 2020.

“Iranian Arms, Fighters Bolster Maduro Government in Venezuela, U.S. Says,” Michael Gordon and Ian Talley, Wall Street Journal, December 2, 2020.

I suppose the Iran is also asking the IAEA to comment on whether Fakhrizadeh was working on nuclear weapons.  “Iran criticizes silence of IAEA on assassination nuclear scientist,” Prensa Latina, December 1, 2020.

“More Reported Attacks on Iranian Military, Intelligence Officials as Parliament Reacts,” Edward Yeranian, VOA, December 1, 2020.

“Iran opposition suspected alongside Israel in scientist’s killing,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, December 1, 2020.

“Iran’s Supreme Leader urged to release Iranian lawyer and activist Nasrin Sotoudeh,” Robert Fife, The Globe and Mail, December 1, 2020.

Another Quote of the Day:  Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told state TV, “Unfortunately, the operation was a very complicated operation and was carried out by using electronic devices.  No individual was present at the site.”  His remarks drastically change the story, as Iran authorities have so far said a truck exploded and then gunmen opened fire on the scientist.  See “Iranian official accuses Israel of using ‘electronic devices’ to remotely kill nuclear scientist,” AP, Fox, November 30, 2020.

“Report: Iran Commander Visited Lebanon, Asked Nasrallah Not to Provoke Israel,” Naharne, November 30, 2020.

“Belgium’s court spokesperson announced the verdict saying: “For the Iranian diplomat suspect in this case, a 20-year prison term. For the couple found in possession of the bomb, an 18-year prison term, and for the fourth suspect, a 15-year prison term. For these last three suspects, the federal prosecutor requested also the withdrawal of their Belgian nationality.””  See “Belgium: Iran diplomat receives 20-year prison term for terrorism,” Middle East Monitor, November 30, 2020.

“Belgium’s court spokesperson announced the verdict saying: “For the Iranian diplomat suspect in this case, a 20-year prison term. For the couple found in possession of the bomb, an 18-year prison term, and for the fourth suspect, a 15-year prison term. For these last three suspects, the federal prosecutor requested also the withdrawal of their Belgian nationality.””  See “Belgium: Iran diplomat receives 20-year prison term for terrorism,” Middle East Monitor, November 30, 2020.

“If Rouhani is serious about improving relations with the West and having sanctions removed on Iran, then he must immediately free the foreign nationals held unjustly in Iranian prisons. The world is watching.”  See “We must refuse to be pawns in Iran’s hostage game,” Editorial Board, Sydney Morning Herald, November 29, 2020.

“Iran newspaper: Strike Haifa if Israel killed scientist,” Politico, November 29, 2020.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said “Unfortunately, the Swedish authorities’ information on the situation of Mr. Ahmadreza Djalali, who is in prison due to security crimes, is incomplete and incorrect.  As Dr. Zarif … explained to Ms. Linde, Iran’s judiciary is independent and any meddling in the issuance or execution of judicial rulings is unacceptable.””  And Djalali will almost certainly not be spared after the killing of Iran’s main nuclear scientist two days ago.  See “Execution Of Iranian-Swedish Specialist Imminent,” Iran News Wire, November 29, 2020.

“Iran parliament demands end of nuclear inspections after murder,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 29, 2020.

Outstanding, and good for the people of Iran, if true.  “Iran Internet Penetration Rate Reaches 94 Percent,” Financial Tribune, November 29, 2020.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said “Unfortunately, the Swedish authorities’ information on the situation of Mr. Ahmadreza Djalali, who is in prison due to security crimes, is incomplete and incorrect.  As Dr. Zarif … explained to Ms. Linde, Iran’s judiciary is independent and any meddling in the issuance or execution of judicial rulings is unacceptable.””  And Djalali will almost certainly not be spared after the killing of Iran’s main nuclear scientist two days ago.  See “Execution Of Iranian-Swedish Specialist Imminent,” Iran News Wire, November 29, 2020.

“How Mossad executed Iran’s nuclear chief: Power to the entire region was cut as gun and bomb attack blasted his convoy before he was dragged from car and finished off… then the 12 assassins melted away,” Daily Mail, November 29, 2020.

“World Physicians appeal to Iran against doctor’s execution,” Vanguard, November 28, 2020.

The Iranian Football Federation General Assembly has met and removed the nation’s Sports Minister from its governing council, trying to meet FIFA’s requirement that the national government control the team. Their decisions will be sent to FIFA for review. “Iran football’s newly amended statutes approved,” Tehran Times, November 28, 2020.

Another Quote of the Day, and thoughts.  “Fakhrizadeh’s widow appeared unnamed on state television in a black chador, saying his death would spark a thousand others to take up his work. “He wanted to get martyred and his wish came true,” she said.”  Second, Absard is not a big town, and the 3? 4? 5? gunmen (on motorcycles?) had little time to escape.  But no one has caught them yet.  This is another case where Iran cannot make adequate security or investigation, maybe perhaps because they focus their national efforts and funding on missiles and terrorism instead of normal state activities such as policing and crime investigation.  See “Iran’s supreme leader vows revenge over slain scientist,” Amir Vahdat and Jon Gambrell, AP, November 28, 2020.  Last thought for now, the three Iranian prisoners in Thailand who were exchanged for the Australian professor hostage in Iran was just two days prior to the killing of Fakhrizadeh–whoever was involved in the shooting most likely waited until that transaction was completed.

The IRI has graduated from the theory of Israel responsibility to mercenaries hired by Israel, so most likely Iranian internal dissidents.  “Iran: President Rouhani accuses ‘Israeli mercenaries’ of scientist assassination,” DW, November 28, 2020.

“Iran: Pistachio exports increase 131 percent,” MENAFN, November 28, 2020.

“Iran tells regional countries not to establish relations with Israel,” MENAFN, November 28, 2020.

“COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: New Fatalities Continue to Decline,” IFP, November 28, 2020.

The main scientist behind Iran’s nuclear program has been killed.  That is the story.  Behind that important fact, Politico and AP need to revisit how they label Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s position and thus diminish his threat.  Here’s what they said in the story’s first sentence—“An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.”  Disbanded program?  And thus he’s not a threat to Israel/world?  Neither are true.  But if they are true, why don’t Politico and AP go after Israel (if they indeed did it) for killing a harmless person?  They don’t.  See “Iran scientist linked to military nuclear program killed,” Politico, AP, November 27, 2020. Politico and AP also call “Hossein Dehghan, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and a presidential candidate in Iran’s 2021 election” but Dehghan has not yet formally declared to the best of my knowledge, he is just considering.  Finally, and I suppose this is the third example of “fake news”, certainly suspect, from this one story, it says “Meanwhile, an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility exploded in July in what Tehran now calls a sabotage attack.”  A link is offered to an AP story about the attack, but that link does not say that Iran has publicly declared the July event sabotage—instead, Iran’s public position is that they don’t know what happened, they don’t have evidence of why the event occurred.  Politico and AP need to be careful with their statements, they may create a reality that is not reality.  Here is instead a much better Sky news article about the killing of the Father of Iran’s nuclear program—“BREAKING: Senior Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated,” Sky News, November 27, 2020.

Quote of the Day:  IRGC chief Hossein Salami tweeted, “Assassinating nuclear scientists is the most violent confrontation to prevent us from reaching modern science.”  See “Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Senior Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated,” Lucia Binding, Sky News, November 27, 2020.

Here is a list from Reuters of the deceased scientists helping Iran attain to “modern science.” “Factbox: Attacks on scientists in Iran,” Reuters Staff, November 27, 2020.

“Iranian Diplomat Accused of Plotting to Bomb Dissidents Goes on Trial in Belgium,” Steven Erlanger, New York Times, November 27, 2020.

I had not read this article from Tehran Times yesterday, but did so today—Iran is threatening to kill Pres. Donald Trump now and after he leaves office.  “Judiciary tracking down culprits involved in Gen. Soleimani assassination,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2020.  The Tehran Times is controlled by the Foreign Ministry and is charged with promoting the 1979 Revolution.

“Iranian Worker flogged 74 times for “insulting” Labor Minister in Iran,” Iran HRM, November 27, 2020.

“It means sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be fully respected by all.” But Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi said nothing about Iran’s present-day controlling role over Syria.  See “Iran lambasts Israel’s continued aggressions against Syria’s sovereignty,” Tehran Times, November 27, 2020.

“Iran’s Rouhani Declares End of ‘Trumpism’,” David Brennan, Newsweek, November 27, 2020.

Three thoughts.  Look at the poor health/appearance of the professor from Australia, seen in the photo.  Second, multiple countries had to agree to this prisoner swap—Australia, Iran, Thailand, Israel, and the U.S.  Maybe others.  Last, we’re reminded of taking careful aim when throwing grenades—crime doesn’t pay.  See “Thailand approved transfer of 3 Iranians as Australian freed,” Tassanee Vejpongsa and Nick Perry, AP, November 26, 2020.

So the answer—Was this sub made in Iran for the South American drug trade?—is likely known by U.S. and other  intelligence agencies.  But the article mentioned something little known—there are an estimated 1,000 mini-subs used by the drug cartels.  See “Colombian navy captures fully submersible sub for drugs transport; possible origin North Korea or Iran,” Merco Press, November 26, 2020.

“Iran Ready To Increase Percentage Of Uranium Enrichment,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, November 26, 2020.

Iran has billions within its sovereign wealth fund.  It can buy vaccinations if it wants, unless it has already decided to spend that money on malicious activity.  “No Coronavirus Vaccine Anytime Soon for Iran,” Radio Farda, November 26, 2020.

His “trial and conviction were retribution for his refusal to spy for Iran while he was working in Sweden.”  Now his fellow academics call for “maximum pressure” against Iran, a position which the U.S. has been criticized for (the U.S. policy of “maximum pressure”).  See “Academics demand maximum pressure on Iran over VUB professor death sentence,” The Brussels Times, November 26, 2020.

On a related note, I have found today in the news this story, based on UANI research, of the inconsistent response by European countries to Iran’s hostage-taking.  Rightfully, the article supports the firmer response.  See “European dual-nationals and Iranian hostage diplomacy,” EU Reporter, November 26, 2020.

“Israel demands UN Security Council action against Iranian presence in Syria,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

So Prof. Kylie Moore-Gilbert lost more than two years of her life simply because she was an Australian.  She did nothing wrong.  “Iran says British-Australian academic freed for 3 Iranians,” AP, November 25, 2020.

Supposedly Iran will pay families of the victims of the Ukrainian flight it shot down, but the payment will come from an emergency fund for natural disasters, not the responsible party—the wealthy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for the missile attack.  See “Iran taps into emergency fund to compensate Ukraine flight victims,” Al Monitor, November 25, 2020.

Iran says it continues to shoot missiles at Saudi Arabia and plans to use them against Israel.  Keep in mind that the missiles supplied to the Yemen rebels are from Iran, and that Iran tells them when and how to use them.  “Iran-backed Houthis say missile that hit Saudi Arabia will also target Eilat,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s Mass Arrests of Activists and Their Families,” Iran Focus, November 25, 2020.

“Iran’s close connections to Al-Qaeda should surprise no one,” Majid Rafizadeh, op-ed, Arab News, November 25, 2020.

Parliament offers a subsidy of $5 a month, the President offers $4.  Part of the Parliament’s plan is the sale of government shares in petrochemical and industrial firms, as well as banks, and insurance companies (guess what? The IRGC will buy them, leading to an ever-increasing ownership of the country).  But also, “If political groups promise the Iranian people they will increase cash subsidies in the run-up to the presidential elections but don’t specify exact budget sources, they will have to pay for the subsidies through having the central bank print more money.” … “That would be very bad and will only lead to more increases in inflation in Iran.”  See “Iran conservatives score key victory in battle over cash handouts,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, November 25, 2020.

“Oil Tanker In Red Sea Struck In Mine Attack With Similarities To Past Iranian Strikes,” Joseph Trevithick, The War Zone, November 25, 2020.

“[T]he law requires the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to redesign and optimize a new 40-megawatt heavy water reactor in Arak within four months.”  See “Iran’s parliament demands construction of heavy water reactor,” Times of Israel, November 25, 2020.

“Four people are going on trial in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Friday accused of planning to bomb a rally of Iranian opposition supporters.”  100s could have died.  See “Iran diplomat on trial over plot to bomb opponents in France,” Samuel Petrequin, AP, November 25, 2020.

I keep on posting these stories about Iran’s refusal to provide compensation for the plane it shot down.  What is somewhat interesting about this article is that the IRI says it will act according to international standards—but it won’t, and hasn’t yet.  “Iran says will compensate Ukrainian plane crash victims according to int’l standards,” Xinhua, November 25, 2020.

Just as the innocent academic Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert is being released, Iran prepares to execute the innocent scientist Swedish Ahmadreza Djalali.  When will countries be more forceful to stop these hostage takings?  It is part of Iran’s foreign policy to hold people like pawns.  “Iran to execute Iran-Swedish scientist,” Al Monitor, November 25, 2020.