From Reuters, no less.  “Khamenei set to tighten grip in Iran vote as frustrations grow,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, June 15, 2021.

Everyone in the world should say in unison—Iran lied, and is lying.  When it says it only wants nuclear power to generate electricity and medical isotopes, it needs very low enrichment.  As this story says, it is aiming for 90% enrichment for weapons grade.  “Iran Says It Produced 6.5 Kg of Uranium Enriched to 60%,” Reuters, June 15, 2021.

“Front-runner for Iran presidency is hardline judge sanctioned by U.S.,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, June 15, 2021.

“Who will save Iran?,” Mohamad Roshan, op-ed, Global Comment, June 15, 2021.

This is a great example of “If Iran Wants To Spend The Money, It Will.”  They said they didn’t have the 16M to pay their UN dues.  Here, they have 595M for Shia religious tourism.  “Ground broken for vast tourism complex in northeastern Iran,” Tehran Times, June 15, 2021.

“Khamenei set to tighten grip in Iran vote as frustrations grow,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, June 15, 2021.

This is a reminder of Chair Corker’s inability to have the 2015 Deal considered by the Senate through its treaty review powers.  “House Republicans cite 2015 law mandating congressional review of any Iran nuclear deal,” Adam Lucente, Al Monitor, June 15, 2021.

37 to 47 percent turnout expected per the elections chief.  And he got into hot water.  “Controversy Over Iran Election Turnout Brings Official Under Attack,” Iran International, June 15, 2021.

Ebrahim Raisi is much more a hardliner and has an effective and relied upon speed dial, thus this author predicts he won’t run afoul of the Supreme Leader.  See “The Perils of the Iranian Presidency,” Jay Mens, FP, June 15, 2021.

Good article.  But don’t let the “party” throw you—Iran is already a no-party state.  Robin Wright, an excellent writer, is communicating “much more like a dictatorship than every before.”  See “Iran Moves Toward a One-Party State,” Robin Wright, New Yorker, June 15, 2021.

“Khamenei Backed Paper Tries To Secure Presidential Frontrunner’s Win,” Iran International, June 14, 2021.

CNN has this story right.  “Raisi has played a decades-long role in a bloody crackdown on Iranian dissidents.”  See “Iran’s hardline presidential frontrunner could take the country back to a dark past, just as Iranians are itching for change,” CNN, June 14, 2021.

“Resistance in Iran’s holiest city where live music is banned,” The Irish Times, June 14, 2021.

“How dangerous is the new alleged Russia-Iran high resolution satellite?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, June 14, 2021.

“NATO summit statement: ‘We call on Iran to stop all ballistic missile activities’,” Arab Times, June 14, 2021.

The Los Angeles Times just ran a story about the miracle of Israel’s democracy in the dangerous region of the Middle East, and there is no greater threat than Iran.  And with all the markers of Iran, it is hard to call it glorious.  But hey, FM Zarif makes an appearance.  “FM Zarif:  Israel’s Tyrant Falls as Iran Continues March of Glory,” Kashmir Observer, June 14, 2021.

No details have been announced.  This may be bluster.  “Iran says outline agreed with U.S. to lift energy sanctions,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, June 14, 2021.

A destroyer Dena and a minesweeper.  “Iran’s navy receives two new warships,” The Economic Times, June 14, 2021.

“Iran’s Misery and the Miserable State of the Iranian Rial,” Steve Hanke, National Review, June 14, 2021.

“Revelation by Ex-Intelligence Minister Sheds Light Iran Election Process,” Iran International, June 14, 2021.

“With So Much Of The Debate Hampered Ahead Of Presidential Vote, Iranians Turn To Clubhouse,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, June 14, 2021.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Guardian Council ran their own poll before announcing the seven finalists so they could make sure their candidate, Raisi, would win.  Yes, polls are rare and unreliable in the Iran, but can be conducted.  “Exclusive:  Poll Finds Raeesi Easily Leading Iran- Vote,” Iran International, June 14, 2021.

“Iran approves first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine,” Olafimihan Oshin, The Hill, June 14, 2021.

“Iran says it has broad agreement with the US on lifting sanctions,” Arsalan ShahlaBloomberg, Bloomberg, June 14, 2021.

“Trial of activists in Iran delayed by 10 days over access to lawyers,” Paul Peachey, The National, June 14, 2021.

“Pro-Iran militias show off new drone air force,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, June 13, 2021.  The use by various militias of UAVs, often supplied by Iran, dates to at least 2019.

“Pakistan Closes Six Iranian-Funded Schools In Quetta,” Radio Mashaal, June 13, 2021.

“Russia Denies Plans to Provide Iran With Advanced Satellite System,” Hamodia, June 13, 2021.

“Senior Clerics In Iran Urge People to Vote Friday as Polls Show Low Turnout,” Iran International, June 13, 2021.

“Iran’s Larijani rebuffed over election bar,” AFP, June 13, 2021.

So disappointing.  The U.S. has allowed Iran to save face at the UN, and didn’t get anything in return—no hostages, no nothing.  It is time for Joe Biden to speak about what it is that Iran is giving as the U.S. is giving.  “Iran regained its vote in the UN General Assembly on Friday after the United States enabled Tehran to use funds frozen in South Korea to pay some $16 million it owed to the world body. Iran lost its vote in the 193-member General Assembly in January because it was more than two years in arrears. It owed a total of more than $65 million, but paid the minimum amount needed to regain its vote.”  See “Iran regains UN vote after US enables UN payment,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, June  12, 2021.

“Iran’s ex-parliament speaker demands explanation for vote disqualification,” WTVBAM, June 12, 2021.  But Larijani won’t get an answer, and won’t get anywhere.

“Could Iran use Shi’ite centers in France to spread terror? – report,” Jerusalem Post, June 11, 2021.  The Alma Research and Education Center reported that two organizations in France, Al-Ghadir and Imam Al Khoei, could possibly be used to “spread the dangerous ideology of the radical Shi’ite axis led by Iran to youngsters and adults alike.”  The report states that the axis aims to develop “an active civilian and military integrated infrastructure” as a possible terror base in Europe.

Ah ha, the NYT uses its sources to rebut the State Dept. claim of “routine” sanctions relief given to some Iranian officials.  “News that Iran had paid the dues with previously impounded money was the second signal in two days from the Biden administration in attempting to show some flexibility over the sanctions as the nuclear talks progress. On Thursday, the administration lifted sanctions on three former Iranian government officials and two Iranian companies involved in the country’s oil industry.”  So we will return to the question from yesterday—What is Iran giving up?  Will they free hostages?  See “Iran Pays Delinquent U.N. Dues, Getting Its Vote Back,” Rick Gladstone, New York Times, June 11, 2021.

You can see China’s opposition to the U.S. and support for Iran in this article.  “China urges U.S. and Russian nuclear cuts and progress in Iran talks,” Stephanie Nebehay, Yahoo News, June 11, 2021.

Thank you Russia and Mr. Putin.  “The Russian-made Kanopus-V satellite with Russian hardware would be launched in Russia with Iran being able to use the satellite to spy on any targets, including U.S. troops in Iraq and military bases in Israel, whenever the country wanted.  …  The officials said the satellite could be launched in the next few months.  …  The news comes ahead of a highly anticipated first meeting between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.”  I suggest that once the satellite is available that it will become inoperable by some state action.  See “Russia to supply Iran with advanced satellite system, officials say,” Joby Warrick, Washington Post, June 10, 2021.  See also “Russia prepping to give Iran advanced satellite system that will boost military spying capabilities,” Lexi Lonas, The Hill, June 10, 2021.

“The Deadly Legacy of Khobar Towers,” Daniel Byman, Wall Street Journal, June 10, 2021.

“Iran judiciary chief stages 1st campaign rally despite virus,” Amir Vahdat, Washington Post, AP, June 10, 2021.

Well, if “Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Wednesday called for participation in the June 18 presidential elections, saying turnout in the elections will show “love for the country and concern over the fate of the future generation and children of Iran”, then we can say “the Leader adopting fair election procedures will show love for the country” and so forth.  See “Everyone who cares about Iran will attend presidential polls, parliament speaker says,” Tehran Times, June 9, 2021.

Don’t do it.  Covid is still rampant, and there’s little treatment available.  Travel there and get it and never … go home.  “Iran may open borders to travelers in July,” Tehran Times, June 9, 2021.

“On June 13, the Whole World Should Be Watching Iran, Demanding Justice and Calling to #FreeNahid and #FreeThemAll,” Mariam Claren, Ms. Magazine, June 9, 2021.

“New Report Confirms How Iran’s Regime Fake News And Propaganda Work,” Mahmoud Hakamian, NCRI, June 9, 2021.

“Iran’s Foreign Debt at $9b in Fiscal 2020-21,” Financial Tribune, June 9, 2021.

“U.S. warns Venezuela, Cuba to turn away Iranian ships believed to be carrying arms,” Lara Seligman, Andrew Desiderio, and Betsy Woodruff Swan, Politico, June 9, 2021.

“Iran expert: Election candidates offer no roadmap to solve country’s crises,” Charlie Peters, Arab News, June 9, 2021.

Not a good sign, that there was “not enough” evidence.  “Iraq Releases Iran-Aligned Commander Arrested on Terror Charges,” Reuters, June 9, 2021.

This spokesman speaks truth—only the Supreme Leader makes negotiating decisions.  “Iran says nuclear talks policy won’t change after presidential vote,” Reuters, June 8, 2021.

But the candidates won’t blame the Supreme Leader—only the President.  “Iran debate puts problems on one man: the outgoing president,” Amir Vahdat, Westport News, AP, June 8, 2021.

“Blinken: ‘We don’t know if Iran is willing, able to comply with JCPOA’,” Omri Nahmias, Jerusalem Post, June 8, 2021.  “Even in the event of a return to compliance with the JCPOA, hundreds of sanctions will remain in place,” Secretary Blinken told lawmakers at the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.

“All-Important Wetlands in Iran Dried Up,” Sia Rajabi, Iran Focus, June 8, 2021.

“Iranian Diplomat Discusses Oil Agenda With OPEC Chief,” Charles Kennedy, OilPrice.com, June 8, 2021.

“Iran: 80% Of Child Laborers On Streets To Help Impoverished Families,” Iran News Wire, June 8, 2021.

“Is Iran Suffering From ‘Simple Sabotage?’,” Seth Frantzman, op-ed, Newsweek, June 8, 2021.

“Iran cleric who founded Hezbollah, survived book bomb, dies,” Jon Gambrell, AP, June 7, 2021.

“Hamas gets over 50% weapons, budget support from Iran, says Israel,” Manish Upadhyay, Free Press, June 7, 2021.

“Iran’s Threat to Iraq Is a Threat to the US,” Times of Israel, June 7, 2021.

Because crypto is associated with sanctions busting, tax evasion, crime, and terrorism.  “Government Cannot Stand in the Way of Crypto Technologies, Iran Minister Says,” Lubomir Tassev, Bitcoin.com, June 7, 2021.

“Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Prestige Falls against the Background of the Iranian Presidential Elections,” Michael Segall, JCPA, June 7, 2021.

“Iran nuclear ‘breakout time’ could be weeks if not restrained –Blinken,” Reuters, June 7, 2021.

“[I]n comments Monday to the IAEA’s board of governors, Grossi said “after many months, Iran has not provided the necessary explanation for the presence of the nuclear material particles at any of the three locations where the agency has conducted complementary accesses.” He said Iran also hasn’t answered questions regarding another undeclared location.”  See “IAEA head: Iran hasn’t answered questions on uranium find,” NEWS4JAX, June 7, 2021.

“Exclusive: Iran Steps up Efforts to Sow Discord Inside the U.S.,” Brian Bennett, Time, June 7, 2021.

“Iran hopes Russia and China oppose US role in MidEast, Central Asia,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, June 7, 2021.

Mismanagement and corruption cause multiple accidents in Iran every year.  “Steel-Plant Fire in Iran Is Latest in Spate of Incidents,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, June 6, 2021.  “A blaze broke out at a steel factory in Iran’s southern Kerman province Sunday morning, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said, the country’s fifth reported infrastructure fire in little more than two weeks. … Iran has suffered a flurry of incidents in recent days. An oil pipeline caught fire in the southwest of the country on Thursday, a day after a blaze engulfed a refinery in southern Tehran. A week earlier, a worker was killed when an oxygen pipeline exploded at a petrochemical plant in Assalouyeh, and on May 22, three people were injured in a fire at a unit of the Abadan refinery in southwest Iran.”

27 and counting.  But the big news is that Israel’s F-35s “take part in exercise alongside Italian, US, UK pilots in their largest, farthest-away drill yet” explicitly to prepare for Iran’s acts.  “In first, Israeli F-35s train in Italy — with Iran in their sights,” Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel, June 6, 2021.

“Iran’s Presidential Race: Who is Ultra-conservative Favourite Ebrahim Raisi,” France 24, June 6, 2021.

This could be a regular crime story, but it rings a little unusual—is it a wider example of organized crime from Iran?  “Three Iran nationals nabbed for attention diversion cases in Hyderabad,” New Indian Express, June 6, 2021.

“Iran reaches new economic turning point,” John Bambridge, Middle East Business Intelligence, June 6, 2021.

“Fire and Explosion Hit Iran Steel Mill, Third Such Incident in Five Days,” Iran International, June 6, 2021.