“Britain says appalled by Iran’s new case against Zaghari-Ratcliffe,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, November 2, 2020.

“The head of the National Security Committee in the Iranian Parliament, Mojtaba Dhu al-Nour, announced on Sunday, the arrest of the head of the separatist “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz”, the dissident Habib Al-Kaabi. Dhul-Nour confirmed that Al-Kaabi was arrested outside Iran, and transferred inside the country. Iranian television reported that Tehran managed to lure Al-Kaabi to Turkey, arrest him there and transfer him to Iran, in cooperation with the Turkish security services.”  See “Iran arrests head of separatist group in special operation with Turkey,” AMN, November 2, 2020.

“Proxy Wars: How Turkey and Iran Employ Militias Abroad,” Maya Carlin, National Interest, November 2, 2020.

“FBI: Iranian hackers obtained voter data from at least 1 US state,” Ryan Morgan, American Military News, November 2, 2020.

“Iran announces joint Saudi oil field project in the Gulf,” Middle East Monitor, November 2, 2020.  “The Forouzan field is shared with the Saudi Marjan field and is located approximately 100 kilometres from the south of the Iranian island of Kharg. Iran’s share in the joint field is 11per cent while Saudi Arabia owns 89 per cent. The oil fields are some of the oldest oil and gas fields in the Gulf region. The Forouzan was discovered in 1966 and the Marjan, a year later. The latest state of Iran’s extraction from the Forouzan oil field, according to a research paper published this year by the University of Kashan, is about 40,000 barrels per day, while the Saudi company Aramco which owns the Marjan, extracts over 405,000 barrels of crude oil per day from its part of the field.”

More pressure on a hostage and on the UK.  “Britain says it’s appalled by Iran’s new case against Zaghari-Ratcliffe,” Reuters, November 2, 2020.

“Iran’s daily tally of coronavirus deaths hit a record high of 434 on Sunday, the health ministry announced, and the head of a top medical body said the actual toll was at least three times higher than the official count. The deaths, announced by Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari on state TV, take the official toll to 35,298 in the Middle East’s worst-hit country. She said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 7,719 to 620,491. The head of Iran’s Medical Council, Mohammadreza Zafarghandi, doubted the accuracy of the official toll and warned that Iran had reached a “catastrophic mortality rate”, the Students News Agency ISNA reported on Sunday. “The official death toll is only based on the number of registered patients,” Zafarghandi told ISNA. “Through field surveys in hospitals and cemeteries, our Council has obtained a figure at least three times higher than the official death toll.””  See “Iran’s daily COVID-19 deaths hit record; health official says true toll worse,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, November 1, 2020.

“Ahwazi group claims Iran ‘kidnapped’ former leader, Habib Asyud, in Turkey.”  See “Iran arrests leading Arab separatist figure abroad,” Kaamil Ahmed, Middle East Eye, November 1, 2020.

“Iran Imposes Travel Restrictions as Virus Deaths Hit Record,” Bourse and Bazaar, November 1, 2020.  “Iran on Sunday said it will restrict travel to the cities hit hardest by the novel coronavirus, state TV said, amid a record high of daily COVID-19 deaths. The measure takes effect at Monday midday and will last until Friday, the broadcaster reported, citing an order by the interior ministry. The restrictions prevent residents from leaving and non-residents from entering based on vehicle plate numbers, but do not apply to public transportation, it added. It applies to the capitals of 25 provinces considered “red”—the highest level on Iran’s colour-coded risk scale—and includes the capital Tehran with more than 8 million residents. Violators will be fined, the order added.”

Trick, not a Treat.  “Iranian hackers who posed as the Proud Boys accessed voter data in one state, feds say,” Donie O’Sullivan and Alex Marquardt, CNN, October 31, 2020.

Iraq won’t invade.  The GCC won’t.  Israel certainly won’t.  The U.S. won’t invade?  Why build up the supply of heavy armored vehicles?  Iranian citizens know.  “Iran’s Army Receives Over 500 Heavy Armored Vehicles,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, October 31, 2020.

“Iran and Hezbollah have war plans for the Golan Heights,” Alex Fishman, Ynet, October 31, 2020.

“Iranian hackers who posed as the Proud Boys accessed voter data in one state, feds say,” Donie O’Sullivan and Alex Marquardt, CNN, October 31, 2020.

“Iran criticises Minsk group’s peace efforts over Nagorno-Karabakh,” Al Jazeera, October 30, 2020.

“Iranian weapons exports will have lasting effects on regional dynamics,” Kyra Rauschenbach, Critical Threats, October 30, 2020.

This is happening in the U.S. and overseas.  “Pentagon leaders targeted by potential threats linked to killing of Iranian Gen. Soleimani,” Caitlin McFall, Fox News, October 30, 2020.

“Australia’s Kylie Moore-Gilbert returned to Iran’s Evin prison,” Al Jazeera, October 30, 2020.

The arms were from the Quds Force arm of the IRGC and headed for militant groups in Yemen.  “US touts largest ever seizure of Iranian oil and weapons,” Nicole Gaouette and Kylie Atwood, CNN, October 29, 2020.

415 died on Oct. 28.  “Iran records highest Covid-19 deaths for 2nd consecutive day,” IANS, Mangalorean, October 29, 2020.

Two quotes to consider from this story.  “Macron has defended secular values following the killing of 47-year-old schoolteacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded after showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in his classroom after allowing any students who might be offended to leave. Macron has paid tribute to Paty, saying he was “killed because he was teaching students about freedom of speech, the freedom to believe and to not believe.””  And, “Khamenei’s tweets were met with criticism, including by Jonathan Greensblatt, the national director and chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), who said, “Holocaust denialism is hate, pure & simple.” “Why is Khamenei allowed to consistently espouse anti-Semitism that clearly violates Twitter policy on hate speech?” added Greensblatt, who is the grandson of a Holocaust survivor who escaped Nazi Germany.”  See “Iran’s Supreme Leader Criticized For Equating Cartoons Of Prophet Muhammad With Holocaust Denial,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, October 29, 2020.

“Iran Amends Law to Allow Imports to Be Funded With Cryptocurrency,” Coindesk, October 29, 2020.

Announced as planned for the port city of Jask–remember that many announced projects to not come to fruition.  “Iran proposes building largest commercial port east of Strait of Hormuz,” Middle East Memo, October 29, 2020.

“Iran tries to mediate cease-fire between Azerbaijan, Armenia,” Al Monitor, October 29, 2020.

As this blog has pointed out several times over several months, the reporting of cases has been at least three times too small when numbers from cities are considered—combined they are much higher than the overall numbers reported by the national government.  “Iran’s Covid death toll may be four times the government’s official tally, says top doctor,” Dan De Luce and Leila Gharagozlou, NBC, October 28, 2020.

No surprise.  Having it above ground made the plant susceptible to criticism, opposition,sabotage, and attack.  “Beware of Iran’s underground nuclear facility – analysis,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, 28, 2020.

What did the plane carry?  “Iranian plane sanctioned by US lands in Venezuela,” Al Monitor, October 28, 2020.

“Satellite photos show construction at Iran nuclear site,” Jon Gambrell, AP, October 28, 2020.

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-dubai-iran-iran-nuclear-2f6574ec6585a928e1417c184dbf5f65

“Iran has begun construction at its Natanz nuclear facility, satellite images released Wednesday show, just as the U.N. nuclear agency acknowledged Tehran is building an underground advanced centrifuge assembly plant after its last one exploded in a reported sabotage attack last summer.”

“Iran’s Khamenei says pictures of Muhammad same as Holocaust denial,” Times of Israel, AFP, October 28, 2020.

“The head of the Iran-South Korea Chamber of Commerce, Hossein Tanhaei, has said that Iran’s blocked money in South Korea amounts to “$8.5 billion” and the release of the money “depends on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.””  See “Billions Of Iran’s Frozen Assets Await US Presidential Election,” Radio Farda, October 28, 2020.

Iran sends emails directly to participants to trick them into giving personal information.  “Microsoft warns that Iranian hackers are targeting the Munich Security Conference,” Duncan Riley, Silicon Angle, October 28, 2020.

Because Iran has no claim on the land where Israel is, this threat is very concerning.  “Iran vows to liberate Golan Heights from Israel,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, October 28, 2020.

“Beware of Iran’s underground nuclear facility – analysis,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, October 28, 2020.

“Iranian Trolls Who Posed as Proud Boys Spread Wild Claims on Facebook,” Adam Rawnsley, Daily Beast, October 27, 2020.

But it more than just the killing of one wrestler.  “A clear pattern is emerging of an attempt to silence public dissent over the social, economic and political situation in Iran.”  See “UN rapporteur slams Iran’s regime for execution of wrestler,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, 27, 2020.

“Non-Compliance With FATF Rules Harming Iran’s Int’l Financial Ties,” Financial Tribune, October 27, 2020.  Not complying with standards of the Financial Action Task Force, the international anti-money laundering watchdog, has further undermined Iran’s access to international banking and financial services, government spokesman Ali Rabiei said.

“Iran Sentences Protesters to Long Prison Terms, Thousands of Lashes,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, October 27, 2020.  “Iran has imposed harsh sentences on 36 residents of a southwestern city who joined the nation’s last major wave of anti-government protests in November 2019, according to a knowledgeable source who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. Speaking to VOA from Iran on Friday, the source said the 36 protesters from Behbahan in Khuzestan province were handed their sentences by the city’s criminal court October 22. The source said the defendants were sentenced to a cumulative total of 109 years in prison and 2,590 lashes, while each individual was fined more than 3 million tomans, equivalent to roughly $700. A copy of the verdict, provided by the source and verified by VOA Persian, showed the protesters were convicted of disturbing public order, disobeying security agents and vandalizing public property. The source said the Behbahan court’s presiding judge, Rasoul Asadpour, barred defendants and their lawyers from the courtroom for the October 12 trial session, allowing them to submit only a written defense. Prosecutors presented no evidence for many of the charges, the source asserted.”

“Iranian Trolls Who Posed as Proud Boys Spread Wild Claims on Facebook,” Adam Rawnsley, Daily Beast, October 27, 2020.

“Iran would hail US return to nuclear deal – with ‘guarantees’,” AFP, WION, October 27, 2020.

“Iran Boosts Border Defense Against Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict, Israel and ISIS,” Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, October 27, 2020.

Whether social distancing or not, the theaters were told they must shut.  Hardliners do not mind because they do not want this form of expression anyway.  “Iran’s Dramatic Arts Center disagrees with theaters’ shutdown,” Tehran Times, October 27, 2020.

Every drone attack and ballistic missile attack against Saudi Arabia is cleared and/or ordered by Iran.  “Houthis, Iran condemned over new drone attacks on KSA,” Mohammed Al-Kinani, Arab News, October 26, 2020.

They’ve given them to Hezbollah and to the Houthis.  The U.S. has now responded that the transfer of long-range missiles from Iran to Venezuela ‘will not be tolerated or permitted,’ says Elliott Abrams.  See “US says will eliminate Iran missiles sent to Venezuela,” Beyza Binnur Donmez, AA, October 26, 2020.

“Murderered businessman was arms dealer for Iran,” Philip Willan, The Times, October 26 2020.

“Israel-Sudan Treaty Deals Blow to Iran, Terrorism,” Yoav Limor, JNS, October 26, 2020.

“Iran Private Ports Gain Ground,” Financial Tribune, October 26, 2020.

Saviz “is anchored off the Yemen coast at the southern end of the Red Sea, near to where Bab el-Mandeb Strait forms a natural choke point. Automated Information System transmissions and analysis of commercial satellite images show the ship has barely moved in the past three years. From its position, the ship can provide constant surveillance of maritime traffic….”  See “Iranian Spy Ship Commands Strategic Position on Vital Oil Route,” H.I. Sutton, USNI News, October 26, 2020.

“Iran Introduces Package to Support Coronavirus-Hit Tourism Industry,” IFP,  October 26, 2020.

Iran wants Hezbollah to benefit from some of the oil discovered offshore.  “Israel, Lebanon to Start Maritime Border Talks,” Dale Gavlak, VOA, October 26, 2020.

“Why is Iran suddenly interested in Palestinian Islamic Jihad again?,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, October 25, 2020.

“’Enough is enough’: Iranians frustrated over police drive to enforce hijab-wearing in cars,” Rohollah Faghihi, Middle East Eye, October 25, 2020.

“Iranian-German rights activist Nahid Taghavi arrested in Tehran,” Arab News, October 25, 2020.

“Iran confronts growing criticism of gov’t at home,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, October 25, 2020.

On Oct. 24, 296 died.  “Iran reveals its COVID-19 data for October 25,” Elnur Baghishov, Trend News Agency, October 25, 2020.

“Iran says U.S.-brokered Sudan-Israel deal secured by ‘ransom’,” Reuters, October 24, 2020.

What is not said in the op-ed but is beginning to become evident is that a Biden presidency will mean that the U.S. is not encouraging more Middle East or Arab or Islamic countries to recognize Israel.  What has been accomplished for the region by the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan decisions will be diminished if the U.S. pivots toward relinquishing sanctions on Iran and open negotiations with them.  The U.S., at this point, has to pick between Sunnis and the Shias, between the western side of the Gulf and the Supreme Leader of Iran.  This has great implications for whether Iran will change to become more like a normal country or retain its revolutionary status without as much motivation to change.  See “Iran, China and North Korea have the most to gain from a Biden presidency,” Jed Babbin, op-ed, Washington Times, October 24, 2020.

“Murder Of Iranian Dissident In Toronto Raises Questions About Iran’s Footprint In Canada,” Radio Farda, October 24, 2020.

So, this story follows the Canada murder story.  The Regime’s threatening words about showing cartoons, and the attack that occurred in the street in front of the school—the teacher was beheaded—is alarming.  “Iran Condemns Continued Insults in France to Prophet Muhammad,” Iran Front Page Editorial Staff, October 24, 2020.

It is never a good thing when a hostage is moved to an unknown location.  “Hopes for Kylie Moore-Gilbert after detained academic moved out of Iran’s Qarchak prison,” Ben Doherty and Helen Davidson, Guardian, October 24, 2020.

“Six Inmates Commit Suicide in NW Iran Prison,” Iran News Update, October 24, 2020.

“Iran and North Korea Remain on FATF Blacklist,” Doris Mkwaya, Communal News, October 24, 2020.

“U.S. Sanctions Iraj Masjedi “Iran’s Secret Governor of Iraq,” Mohammad Sadat Khansari, NCRI, October 24, 2020.

“Iran militias reinforce Assad forces in Idlib,” Middle East Monitor, October 24, 2020.