A fascinating (and long) article about the lengths to which Iran goes to hide illicit oil and cargo shipments.  One moral of the story—it is much more expensive to run a criminal enterprise than to participate in the open market.  See “How a tanker and its crew that ‘disappeared’ for 10 days ended up in Iran,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2020.

In multiple Iranian cities during the past two days, there have been protests against the government’s particular use of the death penalty.  “Iranians Rally In Support Of Protesters Sentenced To Death,” RFE/RL, July 16, 2020.

“Will Iranian sea corridor compete with Suez Canal?,” Mohammad Hanafi, Al Monitor, July 16, 2020.  Good ideas pick up steam.  This idea won’t.  The Iranian Chabahar Free Trade Zone Organization announced July 5 that trade connections to Mumbai, Hamburg, and St. Petersburg will be made through Astrakhan (in Russia), Anzali and Chabahar (in Iran), and Nhava Sheva (in India) instead of the Suez Canal.  The notion of an Iranian International Transport Corridor dates to 2000 when the three countries signed a joint agreement to start establishing a transport route that includes maritime, land, and rail lines.  The route, he said, aims to transport goods and shipments from India and Iran to countries surrounding the Caspian Sea, and from there to Russia and Germany and vice versa over 4,660 miles.  Transport via this corridor, however, goes through four stages, so the cost is four times that of the Suez Canal.  And it takes 19 days to directly ship a container from India to Hamburg through Suez, compared to 20 plus days via the Iranian Corridor.  So, the Suez Canal is cheaper and faster.  This idea appears “dead in the water.”

“Brother Of Anti-Hijab Activist Sentenced To Eight Years In Iran,” Radio Farda, July 16, 2020.

What do you say?  The title and theme are so far removed from reality—So, what do you say?  The IRIB has announced it will show a 40-episode documentary starting in August on Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani.  The documentary will be titled “Commander of Peace.”  See “’Commander of Peace’: Iran produces documentary on Qasem Soleimani,” Jerusalem Post, July 16, 2020.

“Big Leak Reveals Iran Targeting US Military With Super Speedy Google Account Hacks,” Forbes, July 16, 2020.

“United Nations’ (UN) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief said ‘things will be bad’ for Iran inspectors are denied access to suspected nuclear sites by the end of July, i24 News reported.”  See “IAEA: ‘Things will be bad’ for Iran if inspectors denied access,” Middle East Monitor, July 16, 2020.

If this is a sabotage campaign, it is amazing.  But maybe the source of animosity is not a country but a group.  Or from within the government.  It is time to think beyond Israel and the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.  “Bushehr port: Seven ships ablaze in latest Iran mystery fires,” BBC, July 15, 2020.

A new report that shows how the Quds Force operates in Syria under and through various organizations (smuggling weapons, arms, and cash) and calls on the U.S. to designate three organizations as terror organizations.  The report was authored by Yossi Mansharof, an arms tracking expert and an Iran and Shiite analyst at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and at the Alma Center.  The three organizations are the Iranian Red Crescent, the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, and the Reconstruction Organization of the Holy Shrines. … “Iran is making sophisticated and cynical use of associations, charities and humanitarian organizations to export the Islamic revolution,” he added. “It has two objectives: to make strategic regions across Syria as Shi’ite as possible, and to turn Syria into a forward base for Israel, which would provide access for Hezbollah and meet Iran’s aspiration to reach the Mediterranean coast.””  See “How Iran uses charities and humanitarian organizations as cover to export its revolution,” Yaakov Lappin, Cleveland Jewish News, July 15, 2020.

“Iran’s Ghaani says ‘Zionist regime’ has difficult days ahead,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2020.

“Iran’s impregnable regime,” Micah Levinson, op-ed, Washington, Examiner, July 15, 2020.  Levinson takes the position that “Iran’s Islamist regime is thoroughly entrenched. American strategy for curbing Tehran’s destabilizing activities, which include attacks on Saudi oil-processing facilities and support for militias across the Middle East, should therefore prioritize containment. That consists of limiting Iran’s access to advanced weapons and the cash necessary to bankroll its regional proxies.”  Where I would differ with Levinson and Hong (below, and not his real name) is limiting the West to accepting containment for another bad actor.  And in the process ignoring the wishes of the people and the countries near Iran.

 “No, Iran isn’t going to be a Chinese client state,” Brendon Hong, op-ed, IranSource, July 15, 2020.

The entire article is quoted here for the shock value.  “A radio presenter and expert was lashed 74 times on June 27 for disclosing information on “receiving a bribe in one of the oil transactions”. Sajjad Sadeghi was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence last year for disclosing information about receiving a bribe in an oil deal and was sentenced to three sentences of 74 lashes upon the complaint filed by a member of the regime’s parliament, Hossein Afarideh. According to the verdict issued by the Criminal Court of Shahid Ghodoosi in Tehran, Sajjad Sadeghi was lashed 74 times, according to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which allows defendants to be punished with the maximum sentence in cases involving multiple convictions. The MP Hossein Afarideh had received a house in Tehran’s Zaferanieh neighbourhood and an apartment in Dubai for brokering an oil deal. The appeals court was supposed to be held in July 2020, but Branch 31 of the Tehran Appeal Court was held in absentia in June this year and convicted Mr. Sadeghi. Sajjad Sadeghi has been banned from working for the Radio and Television since June 2019, as well as writing or talking about political issues. Iran recently moved down three places to 173 as one of the worst violators of press right in the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2020 press freedom index. The RSF report says Iran has been one of the world’s most repressive countries for journalists for the past 40 years. According to the press freedom group’s report, at least 860 journalists and citizen-journalists were imprisoned or executed in the last four decades.”  See the article at “Radio Presenter Lashed For Disclosing Info Against Iran MP,” Iran-HRM, July 15, 2020.

“For the first time, an accredited Iranian diplomat – alleged also to be a senior official in the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) – is going on trial directly accused of involvement in terror on European soil. A court in Antwerp on Wednesday confirmed charges of “attempted murder of a terrorist nature” and “taking part in the actions of a terrorist organization” against Assadollah Assadi” and three co-accused.  See “Iranian Diplomat Goes on Trial for Foiled Bomb Plot in Europe,” Patrick Goodenough, CNS, July 15, 2020.

Quote of the Day candidate.  “It is about safeguarding international law and multilateralism,” Pres. Rouhani said in reference to the October expiration of the Iran arms embargo.  Of course, Iran’s sale of weapons for nefarious purposes is the antithesis of the peace aimed for by international law and multilaterialism.  “Rouhani warns against extension of Iran arms embargo,” Al Monitor, July 15, 2020.

Iran is allowing itself to be used by China to hold back India.  “Four years after India and Iran signed an agreement to construct a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border with Afghanistan, the Iranian government has decided to proceed with the construction on its own, citing delays from the Indian side in funding and starting the project.”  India has hesitated because of U.S. sanctions and the instable situation in Iran, but has increased its work at the Chabahar port (which China wants to push India out of).  “The development comes as China finalises a massive 25-year, $400 billion strategic partnership deal with Iran, which could cloud India’s plans.”  See “Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project, cites funding delay,” Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu, July 14, 2020.

Quote of the Day.  Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent representative to the IAEA, said, “Resolution was prompted by the fact that Iran had difficulties in providing access to the IAEA inspectors to two locations where nuclear activities could have taken place about 20 years ago.”  See “IAEA resolution against Iran ‘only makes things more complicated’: Ulyanov,” Tehran Times, July 14, 2020.

Consider the company that you keep.  “Abbas Mousavi, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said they were happy to see the opening of Hagia Sophia for Islamic worship.  Mousavi commented saying: “For the opening of Hagia Sophia for worship, which was accepted with satisfaction by the people of Turkey and Muslims, we also felt joy.”  …  Maulana Masood Azhar, leader of Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, said he welcomed the conversion of Hagia Sophia.  The Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas congratulated Turkey for its decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.  “Opening of Hagia Sophia to prayer is a proud moment for all Muslims,” said Rafat Murra, head of international press office of Hamas, in a written statement as reported on Greek City Times.”  See “Iran ‘felt joy’ when Hagia Sophia was converted,” Paul Antonopoulos, Greek City Times, July 14, 2020.

Tehran is paid $133 million a year by Qatar for use of airspace due to the blockade by Saudi Arabia.  “UN aviation ruling could deny Iran hundreds of millions of dollars,” Eric Shawn, Fox News, July 14, 2020.

Iran has executed a former employee, Reza Asgari, of the defense ministry who was convicted of spying for the CIA, passing on information about Iran’s missiles threatened and used against other countries.  See “Iran executes defense ministry staffer as alleged CIA spy,” AP, July 14, 2020.

“Iran Rebuilds U.S. Navy Global Hawk UAV It Shot Down,” H.I. Sutton, Forbes, July 14, 2020.

The U.S. sanctions against Iran will result in Chinese businesses getting sanctioned if those two countries sign the proposed 25-year agreement.  “Oil tanker wanted by US is hijacked, now anchored near Iran: reports,” Greg Norman, Fox News, July 14, 2020.

“China and Iran are reported to have quietly drafted a comprehensive military and trade partnership. The deal would make way for about $400 billion worth of Chinese investments into Iran’s key sectors, such as energy and infrastructure, over the next 25 years. According to US officials, the agreement could also make way for Chinese military bases in Iran, fundamentally changing the region’s geopolitics.”  See “The China-Iran strategic partnership, and how it can change geopolitics in the Middle East,” The Print, Srijan Shukla, July 14, 2020.

Just as Libya weaseled its way into the communications networks of multiple African states some years ago, I wonder if China is aiming to do the same thing under its proposed agreement with Iran.  Seeing this article made me wonder how much the agreement will use Huawei to spy on Iran?  The key sentence from this article, and what led PM Johnson and his government to change their mind regarding the UK, is “Having previously advised ministers that the risk from Huawei could be mitigated, UK intelligence chiefs warned Mr Johnson that they could no longer be confident that new kit used by the Chinese company was secure.”  See the article at “UK orders ban of new Huawei equipment from end of year,” George Parker, Nic Fildes, and Helen Warrell, Financial Times, July 14, 2020.

These were on Monday.  “Iran reports 179 more fatalities from coronavirus,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 14, 2020.

“Iran says it has executed Iranian agent linked to CIA,” WHBL, Thomson Reuters, July 14, 2020.  According to Iran, Reza Asgari, while serving at the defense ministry, had sold the CIA information about Iran’s missile program.

“A judicial official in Iran has threatened that knowingly spreading the coronavirus should be punishable by death, based on the Islamic principle of an eye for an eye. A local news website quoted the Deputy of the Justice Minister for Human Rights and International affairs, Mahmoud Abbasi as saying, “Someone who is fully aware of his infection and without wearing a mask sneezes and coughs…spreads the coronavirus to others and ultimately causes their death. This means deliberate murder and is subject to Qisas”. In Islamic law, relatives of a murder victim can demand Qisas, or an eye for an eye. Abbasi called for hanging offenders.”  See “Iran Official Says Those Who Knowingly Spread Coronavirus Must Be Hanged,” Radio Farda, July 14, 2020.

Of note from this piece, the Leader continues his complete absence from public life, protecting himself from Covid.  He is medically fragile.  Also, the logistics for impeachment would about 9 months, and Rouhani will be automatically out of office in 10.  Also, the Leader called the parliament “the strongest and the most revolutionary Iranian parliament of all times” and said the turnout in its election was acceptable.  But the Majles election in Feb. had the lowest turnout in 40 years, with a national turnout of 42%.  See “Khamenei Strikes A Balance, Telling Iran’s Parliament Not To Impeach Rouhani,” Radio Farda, July 12, 2020.

ANOTHER explosion, this one outside of Mashhad.  Cheetahs of the Homeland strike again.  “Explosion as fire breaks out at Iranian industrial complex,” Reuters, July 13, 2020.

Lebanon is having a financial meltdown which marks the biggest threat to stability since the 1975-90 civil war.  For the second sermon in a row, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai stressed the importance of Lebanon’s neutrality, which is implicit criticism of the heavily armed Hezbollah over its support for Iran in conflicts with Sunni-led Gulf Arab states.  The President of Lebanon must be drawn in this sectarian system of government from the Maronite Church.  See “Lebanese Christian cleric seen to criticize Hezbollah, allies over crisis,” Reuters, July 12, 2020.

“Iran-backed Houthis fire ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 13, 2020.

Iran, PIJ, and Hamas are all threatened in their terror strategies by expansion of Israel and its political system.  Hamas and Islamic Jihad are working right now to have as good relations as possible with Tehran, and Iran has “announced that it will provide all necessary support to the Palestinians facing the Israeli annexation plan of the West Bank.”  That support is never in the form of diplomacy.  See “Iran offers unconditional support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad,” Rasha Abou Jalal, Al Monitor, July 13, 2020.

It is not reassuring to read this story about Iran in China’s media.  The Iranian army aviation will be soon equipped with missiles with ranges of 20 km and 100 km, Iranian Army Aviation Chief Yousof Ghorbani announced.  “Iran’s army aviation to be soon equipped with new missiles: commander,” Xinhua, July 13, 2020.

Another sign of America’s geopolitical foes aligning.  “China-Iran deal envisions massive investments from Beijing,” Dave Lawler, Axios, July 13, 2020.

Will Iran act as a normal country, or as a revolutionary?  “US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo has said the US will back Lebanon as long as it carries out reforms and is “not subordinate to Iran.”  Tehran is not about to allow the US to engineer a breach with its allies in Beirut ….”  See “Iran vulnerable to sabotage on several fronts,” Michael Jansen, op-ed, Gulf Today, July 13, 2020.

This arrest of a Quds spy occurred in February, 2019 in Germany but is now making news.  “Report: German intelligence captured Iran Quds’ Force spy,” Cleveland Jewish News, July 13, 2020.

“Fire breaks out at gas plant in eastern Iran,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, July 13, 2020.

One of those stories that feels like it can’t be true, and is fallacious.  “US ‘begged’ Iran not to retaliate for Soleimani killing, deputy FM says,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, July 13, 2020.

Under the 25-year agreement, Beijing and Tehran to increase military cooperation, including weapons development and intel sharing; China would receive discount oil.  “China ‘strategic accord’ could give Iran a $400 billion boost, up military ties,” Times of Israel, July 13, 2020.

“Iran’s Rohani Calls For Temporary Ban On Weddings, Funerals As Coronavirus Cases Rise,” RFE/RL, Payvand, July 13, 2020.

Rare video of Saudi air force in action, but not a rare of Iranian missiles and drones to attack the Kingdom.  “Saudi F-15 jet shoots down Iranian drones above Yemen,” Josh Spires, Drone DJ, July 13, 2020.

“Iranian forces have been constructing a new heavily fortified base at Abu Kamal in eastern Syria since the summer of 2019. Iran has been expanding its military presence in Deir ez Zor province since 2017, when an Iranian, Russian, and Syrian Arab Army offensive took control of the area from the Islamic State. The Abu Kamal base is the first military facility of this scale that Iranian forces have built in Syria. The base has a new level of fortification, featuring a 400-foot-long underground tunnel and housing facilities for thousands of troops. Its underground storage facilities and large personnel encampment represent a long-term effort to entrench Iranian-controlled military assets and personnel in Syria.”  See “Iran’s entrenchment of strategic infrastructure in Syria threatens balance of deterrence in the Middle East,” Kyra Rauschenbach, Critical Threats, July 13, 2020.

It just occurred to me, and I haven’t seen this anywhere publicly, that after the multiple explosions in Iran during the past month and the massive loss of many advanced centrifuges at Natanz that Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, must be under tremendous pressure.  He is the one person most responsible for the nuclear weapons project.  This article also reminds readers that since the U.S. exited the JCPOA in May 2018, Iran has breached the agreement multiple terms—“it has enriched uranium beyond the permitted level, refused to ship out its enriched uranium, accelerated research and development of advanced centrifuges, and denied the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to two facilities.”  See “Did Iran Suffer a Nuclear Setback?,” Ray Takeyh, Council on Foreign Relations, July 13, 2020.

Iran has finally released an official from its Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization about the Jan. 8 Ukraine airliner shoot-down.  Iranian investigators blame a misaligned missile battery and miscommunication between soldiers and their IRGC commanders.  Remember, the shootdown happened the same night Iran after launched a ballistic missile attack targeting U.S. soldiers in Iraq, and Iran was expecting the U.S. to attack Tehran in response.  The U.S. made no retaliatory attack.  Iran’s civilians (and Ukraine’s civilians, and other country’s civilians who lost loved ones) know that mismanagement and corruption and poor military procedures have combined to shoot down a commercial airliner with a military missile.  But there is a little bit of good news—the Russian-made Tor system, the SA-15, does work.  See “Iran blames errors for jet shootdown,” AP, July 12, 2020.

“Iran reports 194 more fatalities from coronavirus,” Middle East Memo, July 12, 2020.

“Iran Guards Deny Suing Journalists For Army Interview Critical Of IRGC,” Radio Farda, July 12, 2020.

“Media Report: US Frees Convicted Terror Financier as Part of Deal with Iran,” VOA, July 13, 2020.

“Fire Breaks Out at Petrochemical Facility in Southwest Iran,” Reuters, Haaretz, July 12, 2020.  A fire broke out at a facility belonging to the Shahid Tondgooyan Petrochemical Company in southwest Iran but was quickly contained, the official IRNA news agency reported on Sunday,

“Iran’s President Calls for Ban on Weddings, Wakes to Halt Virus Spread,” Reuters, July 12, 2020.

“As U.S. Moves To Exit Afghanistan, Rivals Prepare To Swoop In,” RFE/RL, Frud Bezhan, July 12, 2020.

Explosions were heard in western Tehran, Iran on July 10, and the explosions were followed by a power outage in the city suburbs.  “Iran: Explosion Reported In West Tehran, Official Deny Claims,” Shubham Bose, RepublicWorld.com, updated July 11, 2020.

The questions that enters our minds are two—Who is responsible for the suddenly accelerated attacks against Iran, and What will Russia say and do in reaction?  See “35 Iran-backed terrorists die in an airstrike in Syria,” Mohamad Misto, Ethem Emre Ozcan, AA, July 11, 2020.

“What the world is witnessing right now is someone hitting Iranian nuclear and conventional weapons and IRGC facilities practically at will.”  Whether Israel, MEK, U.S., Saudi Arabia, or others, Iran’s protector power and investigatory power are greatly diminished and unable to respond.  See “How have Iran’s intelligence forces broken down in face of explosions?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2020.

“Iran sought illegal goods for nuke program – German federal intel,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, July 11, 2020.

Good for new PM Kadhimi of Iraq, recognizing the corruption on both sides of the border.  Not what the Regime wants to hear, though.  “At Border with Iran, Iraq PM Vows to fight Customs Corruption,” Asharq al-Awsat, July 11, 2020.

“The Shadow Army of Iran’s Regime Extends Its Activities in Germany, Authorities Warn,” Pooya Stone, Iran Focus, July 11, 2020.

“Chabahar to become Iran’s 3rd trade hub soon,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2020.

Beyond the President/FM negotiating treaties and international agreements, there is of course the Supreme Leader that is the most important actor.  The IRGC certainly weighs in, the Majlis has a public role, and the Guardian Council will also be part of the review process.  See “Guardian Council backs Iran-China partnership plan,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2020.

Interesting points made by the main U.S. rep on Iran and Venezuela, and reflective of what other states in the Middle East and Latin America say.  Brian Hook said, “This is the price the regime pays for acting like an outlaw regime.” The Islamic Republic and Venezuela he said, “are rich countries that are governed by thieves”.  He also said that when someone visits Arab Gulf states and Israel it becomes clear that “the Iranian people have been robbed of decades of progress”.  “He added that the difference is the Gulf Arab states and Israel are “investing in their own people” while Iran “is squandering” its resources on terrorism and anti-Semitism.”  See “US Senior Diplomat Says Iran And Venezuela ‘Are Governed By Thieves’,” Radio Farda, July 11, 2020.

So we know that Iran’s military can defend Tehran from commercial jets.  Now we learn more about the recently announced joint cooperation agreement between Iran and Syria.  Wonder why the Russian S-300s aren’t effective or used?  “Citing “informed sources from Iran and Syria”, the daily said that the agreement has two military and political parts. It said the most important thing in the military part is for Iran to provide Syria with its advanced air defense systems such as the Bavar-373 and Khordad-3 missile systems, which means that the two countries have decided to change the rules of engagement in Syrian airspace and to respond to the repeated Israeli raids on Syrian soil. Bavar-373 is an Iranian-made long-range surface-to-air system, which was formally unveiled on August 22, 2019. The system is manufactured by the Iranian Defense Ministry. Khordad-3 is an indigenous air defense system, which has an operational range of between 50 and 75 kilometers. Iran has used the Khordad-3 system in the downing of the U.S. Global Hawk drone on June 20, 2019.”  See “Iran to deploy two air defense missile systems to Syria: report,” Tehran Times, July 11, 2020.

“Iran denounced for torture, abuse of prisoners, and unfair trials,” Christopher Hamill-Stewart, Arab News, July 11, 2020.

“[E]xtreme internal and external pressure”—that is the phrase that bears repeating.  “Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at Washington-based think tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the newspaper [Times of Israel] that the latest attacks had led to “extreme internal and external pressure” on Iran as it grapples with an economic crisis and punishing US sanctions.”  Undoubtedly this is because Iran’s intelligence services cannot determine who committed the sabotage related to the Natanz and other explosions in the past two weeks.  Iran suddenly seems unable to defend itself.  See “Israel’s alleged Natanz strike ‘as complex as Stuxnet,’ a major blow to Iran,” Times of Israel, July 10, 2020.

“Iran government squeezed over ‘secretive’ deal with China,” Al Monitor, July 10, 2020.

“Probe reveals Pakistani crime boss spied for Iran in 2014,” Naimat Khan, Arab News, July 10, 2020.

“Iran Executes Man For Drinking Alcohol – Rights Monitor,” Radio Farda, July 10, 2020.

“Israel Will Never Let Iran Improve Syria’s Decrepit Air Defenses,” Paul Iddon, op-ed, Forbes, July 10, 2020.

A 31% increase in trade.  Russia is a facilitator, or if you prefer an enabler.  “Russian Exports To Iran Continue To Grow Despite Decline In Tehran’s Trade,” Radio Farda, July 10, 2020.

“The annual report of the German Federal Intelligence Service warned against Iran’s increasing use of IT infrastructures to access sensitive information with the aim to circumvent sanctions. … The intelligence report also spoke of widespread activity by Iranian intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force within German soil, adding that espionage operations were conducted against Jewish, pro-Jewish and Israeli targets. … It “pointed to the Islamic Center in Hamburg, which is considered “the most important representation of Iran in Germany”, in addition to the Iranian embassy. The report said that the center has established a national network of contacts within many Shiite mosques and societies and exerts a significant influence on them.”  See “German Intelligence Warns of Iranian Cyber Spying,” Raghida Bahnam, Asharq Al-Awsat, July 10, 2020.

It is not wise to declare something didn’t happen when you can’t control the video taken, evidence seized (including weapons with Iranian markings), the crew’s statements, and the existence of a third state at the seizure.  “Tehran Denies Seizure Of Iranian Weapons Shipment To Yemeni Rebels,” RFE/RL, July 9, 2020.

“”It takes a special kind of intellectual dishonesty to issue a report condemning the United States for acting in self-defense while whitewashing General Soleimani’s notorious past as one of the world’s deadliest terrorists,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.”  This quote from the article below is a story related to what I recently posted about the UN’s special investigator not fully understanding international relations and international law, and not taking into account Iran’s terrorist actions.  See “US: UN Report Critical Of Drone Strike ‘Whitewashing’ Iran’s Soleimani,” AFP, July 9, 2020.

Let’s hope this sticks.  “Lebanon not planning to negotiate with Iran on fuel imports: minister,” Reuters, July 9, 2020.

“Iran Hits Record One-Day Virus Death Toll of 221,” Bourse & Bazaar, July 9, 2020.

“Despite previous promises to pay compensation for downing Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 in January, Iran now refuses to even discuss the matter ….”  See “Foreign Ministry: Iran avoids discussing compensation for downed Ukrainian airliner,” Ekaterina Shengeliya, Kyiv Post, July 9, 2020.

“Iran’s Oil Storage Ready To Burst,” Julianne Geiger, OilPrice.com, July 9, 2020.

The State Department has released its annual Country Reports on Terrorism late in June, here’s an article about it.  No surprises.  “Iran Again Ranks as Top International Terrorism Supporter,” Eric Rozenman, Jewish Policy Center, July 9, 2020.

“Iran denies it will give China rights to islands for new trade deal,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, July 8, 2020.

“Pompeo Says US Seized Iranian Weapons on Way to Houthi Rebels in Yemen,” Reuters, VOA, July 8, 2020.  The U.S. and an unidentified “partner” interdicted a vessel off Yemen’s coast on June 28 that was carrying Iranian arms to Houthi rebels.  The weapons included 200 rocket-propelled grenades, 1,700 assault rifles, 21 surface-to-air and land-attack missiles, and anti-tank missiles.

“Iran-backed militia threatens escalation after Iraqi security raids group suspected of rocket attacks against US forces,” Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Samya Kullab, AP, July 8, 2020.  Hisham al-Hashimi was gunned down by attackers on motorcycles outside his Baghdad home. He had received death threats from the Islamic State group and Iran-backed militia groups.  Though the killers are currently unknown, look at the timing of the assassination, two weeks after the Iraqi raid on the headquarters of the Kataib Hezbollah militia south of Baghdad.  The message is clear to Iraq’s new PM—if you try to push back on Iran’s paramilitary groups, something bad will happen.

“Iran begins track laying on Chabahar – Zahedan railway,” Oliver Cuenca, International Railway Journal, July 8, 2020.

“Pompeo: We are trying to prevent Iran from selling crude oil to Hezbollah,” Arab News, July 8, 2020.

“Damage to the Iran Centrifuge Assembly Center (ICAC) at Natanz Is Far More Severe and Extensive Than Previously Reported,” David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, and Frank Pabian, Institute for Science and International Security, July 8, 2020.  This is significant news, and important for keeping Iran away from having a nuclear weapon for now.

“Iran Risks New Nationwide Protests As Economy Keeps Sinking,” Roshanak Astaraki, op-ed, World Crunch, Kayhan, July 8, 2020.

When the school teacher says do your homework if you want to later go to recess, you shouldn’t blame the teacher when recess comes and you haven’t done your homework.  At least that’s how must people are taught.  Not a perfect analogy, but that Iran’s health minister blames the virus in Iran on U.S. sanctions is unfortunate—he only has the IRI government to blame for not addressing the underlying reasons for the sanctions.  See “Iran Blames Growing COVID-19 Toll on ‘Criminal US’,” IFP, July 8, 2020.

“Iran: Inflation and Regime’s Role in Increasing It,” Siavosh Hosseini, The Media Express, July 8, 2020.

“Iran Court Sentences Seven Political Activists to Prison,” Iran HRM, July 8, 2020.

I am still trying to figure out what this agreement means.  The article doesn’t say, and the existing S-300s are meaningless.  “Iran Signs Military Deal with Syria to Boost Air Defenses, Challenge U.S.,” Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, July 8, 2020.

“Tehran Mayor Sees ‘Threat’ in Iranians’ Dissatisfaction,” Amir Havasi,” AFP, Bourse and Bazaar, July 8, 2020.

Not surprising, but attempted suicides have leaped 23% in the past three months in Iran.  “Why Iranians, rattled by suicides, point a finger at leaders,” Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, July 8, 2020.

When appropriate, this blog will note a story about another country or entity that provides cover for Iranian government action.  This is one of those stories, that is also tied to the growing influence in China’s becoming a possible lifeline to Iran.  “Beijing Backs Diplomatic Resolution of Iran Nuclear Issue,” Financial Tribune, July 8, 2020.

A very unusual video of Iran’s Navy is towing one of its three attack submarines—on land.  This is reportedly moving from a shipyard back to the main naval base at Bandar Abbas.  (BTW, the sub was purchased from Russia in the 1990s).  It is moving from the Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex back to the base at Bandar Abbas, 15 miles.  For some reason unknown to the media, the sub can’t make the trip by water and must travel over land.  According to Combat Fleets of the World, Iran’s three subs had battery cooling problems, poor training, and inadequate maintenance, and by 2001, two were already considered non-operational.  Per submarine authority H.I. Sutton, the subs have had issues with their anechoic coatings, the layer of rubber on their hull to reduce noise.  See “Well, That’s One Way To Tow a 2,300-Ton Submarine,” Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, July 8, 2020.

“Explosion near Iran’s capital kills two, damages factory: IRNA,” Reuters, July 7, 2020.  Two people were killed in an explosion at a factory in the south of Tehran, state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday, in the latest in a series of fires and explosions, some of which have hit sensitive sites. “Human error was the cause of the blast in a factory … Two people were killed and three others were injured,” said local official Amin Babai, adding that the explosion happened in “an industrial zone” at Baqershahr near Tehran. “The explosion that was caused by some workers’ negligent handling of oxygen tanks…. was so powerful that the walls of a factory nearby were also totally destroyed.”

Moral of the story—don’t protest and organize protests in prison.  “Jailed Iranian Dissident Hit with 2nd Conviction for Peaceful Prison Protests,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, July 8, 2020.

“What Iran Wants in Afghanistan,” Colin Clarke and Ariane Tabatabai, Foreign Affairs, July 8, 2020.

“Controversy Over Iran-China ‘Pact’ Continues As Text Is Leaked,” Radio Farda, July 8, 2020.

“Analysis Experts: Natanz Explosion Set Back Iran’s Nuclear Program by More Than a Year,” Amos Harel, Haaretz, July 8, 2020.

Hisham al-Hashimi was shot dead by motorcycle gunmen outside his home in Baghdad yesterday.  He was a security advisor to Iraq’s government and the U.S. coalition, and appeared regularly in Iraqi media.  “Weeks before his death, al-Hashimi had told confidantes he feared Iran-backed militias were out to get him. Friends had advised him to flee to the northern city of Irbil, in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.”  See “Prominent Iraqi critic of Iran, proxy groups shot dead in Baghdad,” AP, July 7, 2020.

First Venezuela, now Lebanon.  Who will Iran fleece next with gasoline sales at cheap rates?  “Lebanon’s Hezbollah talks to government about Iran fuel idea,” Thomson Reuters, WKZO, July 7, 2020.

“These incidents at Ahvaz came exactly two days after the Natanz incident, which was exactly two days after the incident in Tehran’s Tarjish Square Sina Athar clinic, which in turn was exactly two days after the events in Khojir and Shiraz.  …  One thing is clear, in a country where the population deeply suspects its official news services, conspiracy theories will abound. Regardless of what has actually happened in these several events, the perception popularly is that the regime is under attack. Few will accept these as all coincidental accidents. Moreover, the climate of corruption leading to incompetence is a huge problem bedeviling the Iranian regime. When the incompetence leads to perceived impotence, the regime faces a potentially fatal upheaval. Even if the last event was a piggy-back attack, indeed, even if it were a genuine accident, the regime is endangered by a reputation for incompetent impotence.”  See “Iran’s really, really bad week,” David Wurmser, op-ed, Israel Hayom, July 7, 2020.

“Iran Ordered to Pay $879 Million to Khobar Towers Bombing Survivors,” PR Newswire, July 7, 2020.  This is a very important reminder about a horrific terror attack by Iran.  Now to make them pay.  “A Washington, D.C. federal court has ordered the Islamic Republic of Iran to pay $879 million in its decision after finding the Iranian defendants directed the 1996 terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia where U.S. forces were housed, according to MM~LAW LLC and co-counsel. … The plaintiffs, which include 14 injured U.S. Air Force members and 21 of their immediate family members, brought the lawsuit under the terrorism exception to the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The defendants are the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The court ruled that the Iranian government directed and provided material support to Hizbollah terrorists that detonated a 5,000-pound truck bomb at the Khobar Towers complex in Dhahran. The blast killed 19 U.S. airmen and injured more than 400 others at the site charged with monitoring Iraqi compliance with United Nations security council resolutions. U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell found the defendants liable and awarded plaintiffs $132 million for pain and suffering as well as prejudgment interest for a total compensatory damage award of $747 million and $132 million for punitive damages. The plaintiffs will be eligible for partial payments from the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, the concept and legislation of which was originated by MM~LAW, to compensate American victims of acts of international terrorism with funds obtained from fines and forfeitures levied against companies caught illegally laundering money for sanctioned countries and persons. The attorneys also intend to pursue enforcement of the judgments through litigation intended to seize Iranian assets. … Plaintiff Glenn Tyler Christie, a retired Air Force staff sergeant crew chief severely injured in the bombing, said, “The physical and psychological toll on our families has been extremely high, but this judgment is welcome news. More than 20 years on, we want the world to remember the evil that Iran did at the Khobar Towers. Through the work of our attorneys, we intend to do just that.” … The case is “Glenn Tyler Christie, et al., v. The Islamic Republic of Iran,” et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-01289-BAH, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.”

“Middle East Countries Want Iran’s Arms Embargo Extended, Pompeo Says,” Radio Farda, July 7, 2020.

“12 Christians Arrested in Iran Last Week,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, July 7, 2020.

“Mysterious explosions escalate Israel, Iran tensions,” Ben Caspit, Al Monitor, July 7, 2020.

Iran’s stockpile of low-enriched uranium continues to grow in violation of the limits imposed by the 2015 JCPOA, but according to the IAEA the country is abiding by the monitoring and verification mechanisms put in place.  “Iran Continues to Stockpile Uranium,” Arms Control Association, Kelsey Davenport, July/August 2020.

Iran announced on Tuesday 200 more deaths during Monday from the coronavirus, the most in a single day since the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak began.  See “Iran Reports Record One-Day Coronavirus Death Toll of 200,” Bourse and Bazaar, July 7, 2020.

“Ukraine Set To Sue Iran In International Courts Over Downed Airliner,” Radio Farda, July 7, 2020.