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“Garneau says still no black boxes from Iran in January shootdown of airliner,” Mike Blanchfield, National Post, May 29, 2020.

Thursday saw 50 pass away from the virus.  “Iran Reports Most New Cases in Nearly Two Months,” Bourse & Bazaar, May 29, 2020.

These three stories are all related.  Iran celebrates, then realizes that the party is getting smaller and smaller, and a veteran reporter misses the real story thinking that the party is still on.  “Fuel Shipments To Venezuela Hailed In Iran As ‘Humiliation For America’,” Golnaz Esfandiari, Radio Farda, May 28, 2020.  “Wielding Sanctions, U.S. Disrupts Iranian Fuel Shipments to Venezuela,” Benoit Faucon and Ian Talley, Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2020.  It is seemingly surprising that Jason Rezaian, himself a former hostage, would make this argument that sanctions are not working—just look at how few countries with which Iran can now trade?  They are on one, maybe two hands, and include Russia, China, and Cuba.  The sanctions are dwindling Iran’s options drastically.  See “Trump’s sanctions are failing. Venezuela and Iran just proved it,” Jason Rezaian, op-ed, Washington Post, May 29, 2020.

“Mystery Submarine May Reveal A Major New Capability For Iran,” H.I. Sutton, Forbes, May 29, 2020.

So Twitter is another actor that does not discourage Iran from malicious speech and behavior.  “Twitter censors Trump for glorifying violence, lets Iran threaten Israel,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 29, 2020.

“Regime change in Iran shouldn’t be a taboo,” Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh, FDD, Washington Post, May 29, 2020.

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Again, this blog exists to measure whether Iran government behavior changes toward normalcy within international relations.  This article immediately below is one piece of evidence about how Russia encourages Iran to maintain its trajectory toward proliferation and bad behavior among world countries.  Here’s a quote—“The United States’ decision to end sanctions waivers that had allowed some work to proceed at Iranian nuclear sites will only provoke Tehran into developing nuclear weapons, Interfax cited Russian Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov as saying on Thursday.  “The U.S. is pushing them and in the end they are provoking Iran to create a nuclear bomb, unequivocally,” said Dzhabarov, adding that Russia would continue to cooperate with Iran.”  See “Russian senator criticizes US for ending sanctions waivers on Iran nuclear sites,” New Hampshire Union Leader, May 28, 2020.

“Iran Guards Warn US After Receiving Over 100 New Combat Vessels,” WorldAgence France-Presse, NDTV, May 28, 2020.

“Speculation grows in Iran about outgoing parliament speaker’s possible presidential bid,” Sarbas Nazari, Al Monitor, May 28, 2020.

“We are taking these actions now because the regime continues to use its nuclear program to extort the international community,” Hook told reporters and added: “The Iranian regime’s threats are designed to intimidate nations into accepting Iran’s usual violent behavior for fear of something worse. We refuse to play by Iran’s rules”.  See “Brian Hook To Iran: Negotiate Or Manage Economic Collapse,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, May 28, 2020.

Wednesday deaths were 63.  “Iran records 63 new virus deaths, 2,258 more cases,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, May 28, 2020.

“Michel Foucault and Iran’s Ayatollahs,” Reza Parchizadeh, May 28, 2020.

“Berlin plans to ban pro-Iran, anitsemitic al-Quds rally in 2021,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 28, 2020.

“Victims of Iran-Afghan Border Drowning Deserve Justice,” Tara Sepehri Far, HRW, May 28, 2020.

“Iran Rejects US Cancellation of Nuclear Sanctions Waivers,” VOA, May 28, 2020.

“Iran Unveils” Four Mega Projects to Boost Digital Economy,” Iran Front Page, May 28, 2020.

“[W]hen an Iranian admiral says Tehran wants to prevent “any foreign agent” from playing a role there [in the Caspian], some in Moscow clearly fear he is speaking about the Russian Federation and not only the West.”  See “Iran Expanding Its Naval Presence in the Caspian,” Paul Goble, Eurasia Daily Monitor, May 28, 2020.

“Former Revolutionary Guards air force commander elected as Iran’s parliament speaker,” CGTN, May 28, 2020.

“Huge Oil Fields Could Help Iran To Seize Saudi Market Share In China,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, May 28, 2020.

“Iranian press review: Public unimpressed with car dealers sentenced to death,” Middle East Eye, May 28, 2020.

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“After Twitter flags Trump’s tweets, will it stand up to Iran? – analysis,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 27, 2020.

Surprising that Tehran Times would admit this since it is controlled by the government.  But sometimes reporters and editors make mistakes, and they might not have really wanted this news out.  “Recently, under United Nations (UN) auspices, there was a meeting of something called the “Six Plus Two.” Created after the Taliban seized control of most of Afghanistan in 1996, this format brings together the six neighbors of Afghanistan, Russia, and the United States to discuss how to stabilize Afghanistan.  In a digital chat with the Atlantic Council on May 20, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Undersecretary-General for Political and Peace-building Affairs, confirmed that Khalilzad had been present at a recent virtual Six Plus Two meeting, along with diplomats from Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan’s neighbors. She noted that this was a “unique” convening of American and Iranian officials at a time when other direct channels appear shut.”  See “Iran and the U.S. ‘meet’ again over Afghanistan: Atlantic Council,” Tehran Times, May 27, 2020.

“Former Mayor Accused Of Corruption Set To Become Iran’s Speaker Of Parliamen,” Radio Farda, May 27, 2020.

“It’s not known exactly how many Westerners are detained in Iran. Many families prefer not to publicize their cases, but it’s probably a few dozen.”  Think about that—holding people’s lives as bargaining chips.  The number of hostages is a closely guarded secret.  “Iran sends mixed signals on release of detained foreign prisoners,” Christopher Woolf, WKSU, May 27, 2020.

After just recently on this blog noting that Russia facilitates Iran’s continuing reticence to move toward actions reflective of other nation-states, here is a U.S.-based (!) information source that is also in need of reform, to better encourage Iran to act as a normal country.  “Why are US taxpayers funding a ‘Voice of the Mullahs’ in Iran?,” Brian Hook, New York Post, May 27, 2020.

“Iran’s Gonabadi Dervish Activists Face MoreHarsh Treatment by Government,” Michael Lipin and Ramin Haghjoo, VOA, May 27, 2020.

“US ends waivers for Iran’s civil nuclear programs in latest maximum pressure campaign move,” Nicole Gaouette and Jennifer Hansler, CNN, May 27, 2020.

“Iran is increasingly promoting antisemitic Houthi leader from Yemen,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 27, 2020.

“Iran changes tack in Iraqi politics after mastermind’s assassination,” John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters, May 27, 2020.

Sometimes news editors get it wrong, and Iran uses that to its advantage.  Here is an example.  Iran’s “prisoners’ are hostages, that they want to trade.  They committed no crime.  Those persons held by the U.S. actually committed a crime or spied.  “Iran, US prisoners held by two sides,” France24, May 27, 2020.

“An Alleged Letter To Bush In 2003 Reignites Controversy In Iran,” Radio Farda, May 27, 2020.

So if the French government complains, Iran threatens the hostages further.  “French criticisms complicate case of jailed academic, Iran says,” Reuters, May 27, 2020.

This story is great evidence of the criminal connection between Iran and Venezuela.  “A former Venezuelan politician was charged Wednesday with participating in a vast narco-terrorism conspiracy in which he traded drugs for weapons and recruited terrorists from Hezbollah and Hamas to orchestrate attacks against U.S. interests. The charges against Adel El Zabayar come two months after the Justice Department unsealed a sweeping indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several politicians, accusing them of taking a leading role in an international drug trafficking network. New York federal prosecutors say El Zabayar, acting under the direction of the president of the Venezuelan assembly, traveled to the Middle East in 2014 to obtain weapons and recruit members of Hezbollah and Hamas to train at hidden camps in Venezuela. The goal, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, was to “create a large terrorist cell capable of attacking United States interests on behalf of the Cartel de Los Soles.” U.S. authorities say the Cartel de Los Soles, or the Cartel of the Suns, is a criminal organization focused primarily on exporting cocaine to the U.S. The Justice Department has previously said the cartel works with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and other designated terror groups.”  See “Feds charge ex-Venezuelan politician with recruiting terrorists to attack U.S. interests,” Tom Winter and Pete Williams, NBC, May 27, 2020.

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“Russian chief rabbi wants Moscow to pressure Iran to repair Esther’s Tomb,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 26, 2020.

Never fear, Iran’s embassy in Moscow shouldn’t be worried.  Despite the embassy’s media department complaining of losing its Twitter account for no reason, the Supreme Leader still has his Twitter account, and the Moscow embassy can call for Israel’s destruction on that account.  See “Twitter closes Iranian embassy’s account,” Tehran Times, May 26, 2020.

“Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi dismissed the U.S. State Department allegations that the Iranian regime has carried out more than 360 assassinations and terrorist operations across the world since 1979.  In a fact sheet published last Friday, the U.S. Department of State highlighted allegations that since coming to power in 1979, the Iranian regime has been involved in more than 360 assassinations, terrorist plots, and terrorist attacks in more than 40 countries.”  See “Iran Spokesman Rejects State Department Allegations Of Extraterritorial Terrorism,” Radio Farda, May 26, 2020.

Shocking.  The father beheaded the daughter with a sickle in an honor killing.  But “[a]lthough Romina’s father has been arrested, according to Article 220 of the Islamic Penal Code, as the guardian of the murdered girl, he will not be punished by death. Many on social media speculate that he will receive a light sentence.”  See “Police In Iran Arrest Father Of 13-Year-Old Girl For ‘Honor Killing’,” Radio Farda, May 26, 2020.

The research center of the Majlis (Parliament) announced that the National Iranian Oil Company owes $34 billion to the country’s banking system including the Central Bank of Iran.  “The company’s lack of resources has led to the company’s large debt to the banking system, the National Development Fund, and private contractors;  In this respect, the oil company is on the verge of collapse.”  See “Iran’s Main Oil Company Owes $34-billion to the Banking System,” Iran Focus, May 26, 2020.

57 more die Monday, reported Tuesday.  “Iran: Virus deaths cross 7,500, cases near 140,000,” Mahmoud Mohamed Barakat, AA, May 26, 2020.

Protesting because you need water can be hazardous to your health.  “Khamenei Representative Apologizes After Plastic Bullets Fired At Iranian Protesters,” RFE/RL, May 26, 2020.

The relationship between Iran and Venezuela is not to defy Imperialism.  It is to support a nacro-terrorism enterprise—hardly a call to high-minded democracy or socialism or government for the good of the people.  “Over a decade ago, former Presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela established a special relationship—finding common cause under a banner of “anti-imperialism.” Iran began pledging to invest millions in economic development projects bolstering Venezuela’s petrochemical and small-arms ammunition factories. Iranian diplomatic missions began growing in size and strategic value. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force members descended on the region.  The two countries also created an “Aeroterror” flight, with stops in Caracas, Damascus and Tehran, reportedly carrying arms, cash and drugs twice per month. Later, ProPublica reported on evidence they established a joint intelligence program and increased the ease of travel for Iranian operatives and the transfer of air freight.  See “It’s Time to Crack Down on Iran-Venezuela Relations,” Jason Brodsky, op-ed, Newsweek, May 26, 2020.

“Iran’s president orders implementation of law banning all use of Israeli tech,” Times of Israel, May 26, 2020.

“Iran claims it circumvents US sanctions with shipments to Venezuela,” Al Monitor, May 26, 2020.

This story is illustrative of how twisted things can become in Iran.  Because the government is dead set against Israel, it is blind to the good things Israel has provided such as technology improvements.  See “Iran’s president orders implementation of law banning all use of Israeli,” Times of Israel, May 26, 2020.

“According to Fars, the legislation states that any cooperation or spying for “the Zionist regime” is to be considered “equal to enmity towards God and corruption on earth,” and “activities of the Israeli software platforms in Iran and using its hardware and software products are forbidden.”  …  According to Saul Singer, co-author of the book “Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle,” the law, if fully implemented, would set Iran back at least half a century, with computers, the internet and smartphones off-limits, exports hobbled and healthcare ravaged. An Iran without “Israel inside,” Singer told The Times of Israel last week, “would make North Korea look advanced and cosmopolitan. Essentially, Iran would go back to the world of 50 years ago, maybe more. It would look like a huge Amish colony in Muslim garb.”  “It’s endless,” Singer added, when considering the impact the Majlis ban on all things Israeli would have. “If you count all the Fortune 500 companies that have critical development centers in Israel — including Siemens, an Iranian favorite, IBM, GE… — there’s not much left. I guess they would have to go back to pen and paper, horses, and home visits by doctors with stethoscopes and World War II-era hospitals.”

The merger of the government/military/police banks comes at a time when the country’s banking system is in a fragile situation due to corruption, mismanagement, U.S. sanctions, and poor economic conditions.  And it is said that most banks in Iran would fail without infusion of printed money.  See “Iran’s Central Bank To Merge Several Military-Owned Banks Amid Economic Crisis,” Radio Farda, May 26, 2020.

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“Unpaid workers protest in Iran amid economic downturn,” Arab News, May 25, 2020.

“Iran: Is another White Revolution brewing?,” Shahir Shahidsaless, Middle East Eye, May 25, 2020.

“Worker protests have broken out in multiple locations around the country in recent weeks, as municipalities and employers fail to pay employees.”  See “Protests in southwest Iran over water shortage,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, May 25, 2020.

“Worker Protests Spring Up In Iran, As Sanctions, Coronavirus Weaken Economy,” Roozbeh Bolhari, Radio Farda, May 25, 2020.

“Iran to halt condensates exports to make more gasoline, petchem feedstocks at home,” Aresu Eqbali, SP Global, May 25, 2020.

“Regime Infighting Again in Iran,” Siavosh Hosseini, The Media Express, May 25, 2020.

News for weeks now that the new PM wants to put Shiite militias under Baghdad’s control.  See “Iraq Can Now Wrest Its Sovereignty From Iran,” Hamdi Malik, Foreign Affairs, May 25, 2020.

“Iran reopens major Shia shrines after two-month closure,” Al Jazeera, May 25, 2020.

“Iran – Who Is IRGC Brigadier General Abdolreza Shahlaei, and Where Is He?,” Iran Focus, May 25, 2020.

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Iran calls for the “final solution”—the total destruction of Israel and its people in a series of 25 tweets from the Supreme Leader—on Quds Day, the only national holiday in the world which advocates and organizes demonstrations for the annihilation of another country.  The world and the United Nations should join the U.S. government and Israel and a few other brave states (who are not afraid of Iran’s terrorism) and condemn the annual Quds Day celebrations.  See “On Quds Day, Iran’s leader says Zionism ‘a virus that must be eliminated’,” Times of Israel, May 22, 2020.

Likewise, the FM piles on to Israel in honor of Quds Day.  “Iran’s Zarif says Israel ‘greatest threat to international security’,” Leon Sverdlov, Jerusalem Post  May 22, 2020.

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Iran has spent as much as $30 billion to help Syria win its civil war and keep President Bashar Al-Assad in power, and maintain its campaign to fully control Lebanon and one day eliminate Israel.  MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, who has been a vital part of Iran’s national security and foreign policy commission, revealed this yesterday to the Iranian state-affiliated Etemad newspaper.  See “Iran MP: We have spent $30bn defending Assad, Syria must pay us back,” Middle East Monitor, May 21, 2020.

“Could the Coronavirus Pandemic Change Iran’s Political Future?,” Dorothy Wickenden, New Yorker, May 21, 2020.

“Iran has banned all use of Israeli tech. Really? That would set it back 50 years,” David Horovitz, op-ed, Times of Israel, May 21, 2020.

“Iran aims to disrupt 2020 elections via cyber hacking, intelligence officials say,” John Solomon and Susan Katz Keating, Just the News, May 21, 2020.

“Could the Coronavirus Pandemic Change Iran’s Political Future?,” Dorothy Wickenden, New Yorker, May 21, 2020.