So many of us have been calling out Iran for years that its actions aim toward building a nuclear weapon despite it foreswearing such efforts.  Yet many in the media (and some countries) look the other way and say nothing.  Here is the most recent article showing that the IAEA certainly understands reality.  “The director-general stated that the Islamic Republic is enriching uranium at purity levels that “only countries making bombs are reaching.” He said that “a country enriching at 60% is a very serious thing,” calling it “very concerning.” Further, the UN nuclear watchdog chief said that “60% is almost weapons grade; commercial enrichment is 2%, 3%.””  See “IAEA chief: Iran nuke ‘genie cannot be put back in bottle’,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, May 26, 2021.

“Iran bans cryptocurrency mining for 4 months amid power cuts,” Reuters, May 26, 2021.

The rare signed article in the Tehran Times, which may mean that this is not the official Regime line.  On the other hand, it is consistent with the historic theme of victim.  Another interesting aspect of this article is that the author blames other countries for environmental damages but says nothing of how Iran has treated its own lands and people.  See “Iran is prime victim of climate change,” M.A. Saki, Tehran Times, May 26, 2021.

“Why The Iranian Regime Will Collapse,” Elahe Nafari Zavieh, op-ed, Iran News Wire, May 26, 2021.

“Facebook Says Most ‘Inauthentic’ Networks Start in Russia, Iran,” Kurt Wagner, Bloomberg, May 26, 2021.

“Iran’s Guards Tell Ahmadinejad Keep Silent He Warns Regime Change,” Iran International, May 26, 2021.

“Khomeini’s Grandson Slams Rejection Of Key Presidential Candidates,” Iran International, May 26, 2021.

“Iranian crude moving towards the light, in quality shift on Chinese preferences: sources,” Eklavya Gupte, SP Global, May 26, 2021.

“Hamas is Iran’s agent.  Why not stop this?  “The Biden Administration Must Hold Iran Accountable for Support of Hamas,” Joseph Lieberman and Mark Wallace, op-ed, Newsweek, May 26, 2021.

“Sentenced to prison simply because of their religion.  “Iran court sentences six Baha’is citizens to 73 years of prison,” Iran HRM, May 26, 2021.

“Iran cracks down on mass media, free speech ahead of elections,” Katey Hearth, Mission Network News, May 26, 2021.

“Three Christians Arrested Under Iran’s Amended Penal Code,” Persecution.org, May 26, 2021.

A lack of logic, and of math.  Read this and ask Max Boot if he really wants to give billions to the Regime.  And ask him what his solution to Iran’s push for nukes is—he provides none in this op-ed.  He fails to discuss how the sanctions have hampered and limited Iran in the last three years.  He almost appears as accepting not just the status quo but what Iran will become.  Finally, if Israel says not rejoining the JCPOA is a bad idea, that sounds like something to listen to—they have a lot of skin in the game.  See “The Gaza war isn’t an argument against the Iran nuclear deal,” Max Boot, op-ed, Washington Post, May 26, 2021.

Ponder if your country had a similar set-up, that there would be a committee who knocked out almost all presidential candidates and chose the few the committee wanted to be on the ballot–to control the outcome.  From 590 candidates to 7!  Thank you Guardian Council!  (now the ballot will be much simpler!).  Authoritarianism, certainly not democracy.  Here is news from today.  Also remember that many persons are considered for the next president and the next supreme leader years in advance by the current Supreme Leader and his staff—this is a controlled, Politburo type of process.  See “Iran Approves 7 for Presidential Vote, Bars Rouhani Allies,” AP, May 25, 2021.  The candidates are judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, who is linked to mass executions in 1988, and the best known of the seven; Saeed Jalili, a former JCPOA nuclear negotiator; Mohsen Rezaei, a former Revolutionary Guard commander; Ali Reza Zakani, a former lawmaker; Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh, a current lawmaker; Mohsen Mehralizadeh, a former provincial governor; and Abdolnasser Hemmati, the current head of Iran’s Central Bank.

“Iran’s Ahmadinejad barred from presidential elections,” Neta Bar, Israel Hayom, May 25, 2021.  “According to Iran’s Fars news agency close to the Revolutionary Guard has reported former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, and Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri were also disqualified. While Ahmadinejad’s rejection was widely anticipated, banning Larijani and Jahangiri from the race was surprising. Larijani was expected to be the main challenger to the likely winner of the election, Chief Justice Ebrahim Raeesi, who is backed by hardliners and is considered a confidant of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.”

Two things of note, but could write for hours on a this seemingly simple advertisement for vacation/touring in Iran under the Regime.  First, I will agree that it would be an “unforgettable” trip but for foreigners and dual citizens for reasons not listed in the advert.  Second, the advert does not explain that certain types of persons and certain persons/states are not allowed to come.  Third, some tourists have “minders”, controlling where you go and who you talk to.  See “Rent a Car and Explore Iran–2021 Summer with Rentkonim,” Tehran Times, May 25, 2021.

We can go ahead and announce the winner of the June election—Ebrahim Raisi.  “Iran’s Fars news agency close to the Revolutionary Guard has reported that the election watchdog, the Guardian Council, has finalized the list of candidates eligible to run in the June 18 presidential election, and has published a list of seven names. Fars said it has obtained the list and three crucial names are missing from the candidate line-up. Former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri. While Ahmadinejad’s rejection was widely anticipated, the other two hopefuls being disqualified is a big surprise. Larijani, who is a conservative and has been appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as special envoy for China, was expected to be the main challenger to the likely winner of the election, Ebrahim Raeesi, who is backed by hardliners. The disqualification of Jahangir would eliminate the main centrist candidate and will almost seal Raeesi’s victory.”  See “Iran Election Watchdog Disqualifies Three Main Candidates – Fars Report,” Iran International, May 25, 2021.

“Iran, world powers resume talks on US return to nuclear deal,” David Rising and Philipp Jenne, AP, May 25, 2021.

I include this article because it is 180 degrees different from other news on this topic over the past few years (and this article is straight from a Regime source).  “UN official: Iran’s behavior with Afghan refugees outstanding, exemplary,” Press TV, May 24, 2021.

“Iran intends to use Armenian route as part of North-South Transport Corridor – Minister,” Public Radio of Armenia, May 24, 2021.

“Iran Rejects Saudi Calls To Discuss Tehrans Missiles and Regional Role,” Iran International, May 24, 2021.

“Iran’s sham elections: The people know the truth,” Struan Stevenson, op-ed, UP, May 24, 2021.

Can’t run too many of these types of stories since this is a blog about Iran Regime decisions.  But China’s and Russia’s moves continue to enable Iran and partly explain its actions.  “President Xi says China supports Iran’s reasonable demands on nuclear issue in phone talks with Rouhani,” Global Times, May 24, 2021.

“UN nuclear watchdog says Iran agrees to one-month extension to the deal on surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites,” AP, May 24, 2021.

The type of news that makes your day.  “From May 22 and with the end of the three-month agreement, the agency will have no access to data collected by cameras inside the nuclear facilities agreed under the agreement,” Fars quoted Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as saying.  He is Iran’s parliamentary speaker, and this threat on Sunday to significantly limit access of international inspectors to nuclear sites and data increases tensions with the International Atomic Energy Agency and world powers as nuclear deal negotiations reach their apex.  “The threat came half a day after IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi announced that he would hold a press conference Sunday afternoon to update the world on the status of inspections, and as Iran, the US and world powers enter what could be a fateful week of negotiations to return to the 2015 nuclear deal. It was unclear if the threat was a last-second attempt at saber-rattling to try to get concessions from the US before a deal is cut or whether it was a sign that the Islamic Republic is ready to sabotage negotiations and engender a major crisis.”  See “Iran threatens more limits on nuclear inspections at height of negotiations,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, May 23, 2021.

“Assad takes from Syrians, gives resources to Iran, Russia,” Dilara Aslan, Daily Sabah, May 23, 2021.

“No sign yet Iran will comply with nuclear terms to have sanctions lifted -U.S.’s Blinken,” Reuters, May 23, 2021.

On this one I will agree—Iran is DM Hatami—Iran is among the world’s most effective missile powers because they threaten others with them more and they use them against others more.  See “Defense minister: Iran among world’s effective missile powers,” Press TV, May 23, 2021.

Surprised?  “At least 9 injured in blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries; Netanyahu on Thursday said explosive drone downed by IDF was launched by Iran.”  See “Iran reports explosion at plant that reportedly produces UAVs,” Times of Israel, May 23, 2021.

Another informative article from Iran Focus, this one on the environmental disaster of the Regime.  “Iran Loses 360 Square Meters of Its Nature Every Second,” Sia Rajabi, Iran Focus, May 23, 2021.

If this story is accurate, the government will use this for spying on its citizens during the election.  “Internet to be free of charge in Iran Minister,” MENAFN, May 23, 2021.

“Hamas’ Haniyeh vows to destabilize Jerusalem, thanks Iran for support,” Tobias Siegal, Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2021.  Haniyeh concluded his speech by thanking “the Islamic Republic of Iran, who did not hold back with money, weapons and technical support” and by suggesting that others will soon join.

“Iran deliberately shot down plane full of passengers in act of terrorism, Canadian judge rules,” Oliver O’Connell, Independent, May 22, 2012.

Sneaky.  And the type of thing for which there should be a punishment.  “Ship owners suspect their satnav systems are being “spoofed” in the Strait of Hormuz by the IRGC to lure vessels off course and to pirate them.  Ships relying on GPS signals can be fooled by sending counterfeit signals.  See “Why vessels passing near Iran may have trouble staying on course,” Economist, May 22, 2021.

“The State of Iran’s Misery Index,” Pooya Stone, Iran Focus, May 22, 2021

“Iran says international inspectors may no longer access images of nuclear sites,” AP, May 22, 2021.

Ah, this is why.  But there’s also the reason that it is associated with organized crime (and disorganized!).  And corruption.  “Iran uses crypto mining to lessen impact of sanctions, study finds,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, May 21, 2021.

“In tactical shift, Iran grows new, loyal elite from among Iraqi militias,” John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters, May 21, 2021.

“Iran uses crypto mining to lessen impact of sanctions, study finds,” Reuters, May 21, 2021.

“How Iran’s latest drones tested Israel’s Iron Dome defence system,” Thomas Nathan, The Nation, May 21, 2021.

Both thrown from a second floor and torture continued afterward.  RIP Ahad Yektavatan and Amir Rezaei.   “Two Inmates Tortured to Death in NW Iran,” Poorang Novak, Iran News Update, May 21, 2021.

“Iran’s Khamenei calls on other nations to provide ‘military’ or ‘financial’ support to Gaza Strip,” Tal Axelrod, The Hill, May 21, 2021.

“Israel shot down armed Iranian drone – Netanyahu,” Lahav Harkov, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2021.  “While we were busy fighting, a few days ago, Iran sent an armed drone into Israel from Iraq or Syria,” Netanyahu told German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who was in Jerusalem. “Iranian forces launched an armed drone, which our forces shot down at the border between Israel and Jordan. I think that says everything about the real patron of terror in the Middle East and the world – Iran.”

“Iran: Female Journalist Beaten, Finger Broken For Refusing To Delete Vaccine Interviews,” Iran News Wire, Eurasia Review, May 20, 2021.

“Sen. Daines to Newsmax TV: Iran Paying $30M a Month to Crack Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’,” 790 KABC, May 20, 2021.

“Iran president gives his most upbeat view yet of nuke talks,” Nasser Karimi, AP, May 20, 2021.

“Ontario court rules deadly shootdown of Flight 752 in Iran was act of terrorism,” Canadian Press, May 20, 2021.

“With Iranian Help, Hamas Builds ‘Made in Gaza’ Rockets and Drones to Target Israel,” Dion Nissenbaum, Sune Engel Rasmussen, and Benoit Faucon, Wall Street Journal, May 20, 2021.

“’Agreement shaping up’ on Iran nuclear talks, say negotiators,” The National, May 20, 2021.

“IRGC head praises Hamas commander Mohammed Deif as ‘living martyr’ – analysis,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2021.

No release of hostages, No cessation of terrorism, No diminishment of the missile program, No relief of human rights abuses.  The Administration is giving in.  Here’s what The Guardian says—“The talks are focused on three main issues: the precise sanctions the US is prepared to lift; the time Iran is allowed to reverse its steps away from the deal; and how to handle the knowledge Iran has acquired in the many months in which it has not been in full compliance with the deal, including its enrichment of uranium to 60% purity.”  See “US and Iran aim for final round of talks on reviving nuclear deal,” Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, May 19, 2021.  Also of note, this story predicts that the Guardian Council will allow “a maximum of six candidates … to go forward, and the reformists will rally around a single candidate, either the vice-president, Eshagh Jahangiri, a fluent TV debater, or the former speaker Ali Larijani.”  It is a farce that the Leader selects the Council who selects the candidates—the Leader is the puppet master.

“At Least 26 Arrested In Iran For Chanting In Memory Of Dead Protesters,” Iran International, May 19, 2021.

Again, no mention of hostages, terror, missiles, human rights, etc.  “Signs mount Iran, US will seal nuclear deal revival within month,” bne IntelIiNews, May 19, 2021.

“Iraqi Mediators Join Iran-Saudi Talks on Normalizing Relations,” Edward Yeranian, VOA, May 19, 2021.

“Leaked Letter Orders Iran Internet Crackdown To Stop Internet Protests,” Iran Internatioanl, May 19, 2021.

“More than Three-Quarters of Iran’s Land is Under Extreme Groundwater Overdraft,” AZO Cleantech, May 19, 2021.

“Iran To Bypass Key Oil Chokepoint By Exporting From Jask Terminal,” OilPrice.com, May 19, 2021.

And against Saudi Arabia, Yemen, ….  “With Iranian support, drones are becoming a larger threat to Israel –analysis,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 18, 2021.

“Iran Rules Out ‘Initial Deal’ In Vienna JCPOA Talks,” Eurasia Review, May 18, 2021.

The NYT reports how the Biden Administration is allowing Iran to sell more and more oil even during the JCPOA negotiations.  Bad omen.  “Iran’s Oil Exports Rise as U.S. Looks to Rejoin Nuclear Accord,” Lara Jakes, New York Times, May 18, 2021.

“Russia Envoy Dials Back Talk of Major Breakthrough on Iran Deal,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, May 18, 2021.

Between Basra and Shalamjah.  “Iraq and Iran close in on deal to build cross-border railway,” Mina Aldroubi, The National, May 18, 2021.

“Bahrain to Prosecute 13 Iranian Financial Institutions on Money Laundering Charges,” Hudhaifa Ebrahim, Media Line, May 18, 2021.

“For Iran’s Lawyers, Defending Dissidents Is Getting Dangerous,” Jasmin Ramsey, World Politics Review, Center for Human Rights in Iran, May 18, 2021.

“Who Are The Early Contenders For Iran’s Looming Presidential Vote?,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, May 18, 2021.

“Iran arrests 16 Ahwazi Arabs including elderly mother of slain protester,” Iran HRM, May 18, 2021.

“The Closed Circle Of The Power Struggle In Iran Over The Presidency,” Cyrus Yaqubi, op-ed, Eurasia Review, May 18, 2021.

Which if not both of the companies are run by the IRGC?  So the military gets richer.  “Petropars Group to develop the country’s Farzad B gas field,” Reuters, May 17, 2021.

I believe this is one of the longest anti-Israel statements or any other topic but out by the FM and the Tehran Times.  “Iran censures Israeli aggression against Palestine,” Tehran Times, May 17, 2021.

“Over a Decade of Iran Trafficking Arms to Houthis in Yemen amid Political Instability,” Asharq Al-Awsat, May 17, 2021.

“What does ‘voting’ mean in Iran?,” Hamid Dabashi, Al Jazeera, May 17, May 2021.

As just mentioned in this blog, the IRGC will control and benefit from more oil development.  The private sector continues to be squeezed in Iran.  “Iran to go it alone at offshore Farzad-B gas field,” Argus, May 17, 2021.

“Iran Calls on Muslim Countries to Confront Israeli ‘Aggression’,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, May 17, 2021.

“Iran: Khamenei’s Pick For The Presidency,” Cyrus Yaqubi, op-ed, Eurasia Review, May 17, 2021.