“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.

“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.

“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.

From being a major oil exporter, to now dependent on Iran.  Poor Venezuela.  Who else will Iran ship gasoline to?  Who else will trade gold?  “First fuel tanker from Iranian flotilla reaches Venezuela’s economic zone,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, May 24, 2020.

“Shiite Iran marks end of Ramadan on two different days in rare event,” AFP, May 24, 2020.

“Rise in violent Iranian regime supporters in Berlin – Intel report,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 23, 2020.

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.

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.

Amnesty International found that more than 220 of the recorded 304 deaths of men, women, and children by Iran’s security forces took place over just two days, Nov. 16 and 17, and that new and extensive research has again found that the security forces’ use of lethal force against these was unlawful.  There was no evidence the people were in possession of firearms or that they posed an imminent threat to life that would have warranted the use of lethal force.  “Iran: Details released of 304 deaths during protests six months after security forces’ killing spree,” Philip Luther, Amnesty International, May 20, 2020.

“Venezuela’s Guaido says Iran fuel shipment ought to alarm Latin America,” Reuters, May 20, 2020.

“Iran arrests athlete for kissing girlfriend on roof in Tehran,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2020.

“Iran will support any nation or group that fights Israel: supreme leader,” Reuters, May 20, 2020.

Anyone who doubts the Shia Crescent is still a goal, look at this story.  “From Beirut to Bangui: inside Iran’s plan to take proxy wars to Africa,” Albin Szakola and Jack Losh, The National, May 20, 2020.

“Israel claims Iran sent Libya’s Haftar anti-tank arms,” Betul Yuruk, AA, May 20, 2020.

Etihad Airways flew 16 tons of aid for Palestinians via Tel Aviv in the first Gulf country flight to Israel.  “Iran’s leader accuses UAE of ‘treachery’ after first direct flight to Israel,” Times of Israel, May 20, 2020.

What a lovely gift for Quds Day!  The poster shows a conquered Jerusalem with the mosque and the dome, with photos of the late Quds Force general Qassem Soleimani.  “Iran’s supreme leader releases anti-Israel ‘final solution’ poster,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2020.

Monday there were 62 deaths, reported on Tuesday.  “Iran Reports Over 2,100 New Virus Cases,” AFP, May 19, 2020.

“Russia, Iran step up telephone diplomacy amid pandemic, says envoy,” TASS, May 19, 2020.

“U.S. Sanctions Chinese Company, Alleges Ties to Iran’s Mahan Air,” Mangqi Sun, Wall Street Journal, May 19, 2020.

This story is confusing, that the U.S. would set only 100 meters as the red line—that is so very close to an American military vessel, and we all remember the USS Cole.  The Navy retains, as always, the right of self-defense.  Perhaps this 100m circle was a compromise with the WH that a line would be drawn somewhere.  I would have put it 1,000 yards for these harassing missile speed boats of Iran.  See “Eyeing Iran, US warns to stay 100 metres away from its warships,” Al Jazeera, May 19, 2020.

See also, “US Navy issues new guidelines after close Iran encounters,” Jon Gambrell, AP, VOA, May 19, 2020.

“Israel behind cyberattack that caused ‘total disarray’ at Iran port – report,” Times of Israel, May 19, 2020.  This is in retaliation for Iran attempting to disable Israeli water Mekorot infrastructure two weeks earlier in April on 24-25, an attack against civilians—water and sewer.  The cyber action against Shahid Rajaee port terminal at Bandar Abbas on May 9 crashed computers that regulate the flow of vessels, trucks, and goods, creating massive backups on waterways and roads leading to the facility, the Washington Post reports and picked up by TOI.

Limited cooperation?  The NYT continues in its worldview, misunderstanding the Regime.  At least they quoted Brian Hook correctly that pressure works.  (can you say “Soleimani?”)  Last, let me include this—my blog documents for several years the machinations of the Supreme Leader and the IRI government, and those actions are not well reflected in this analysis by The Times.  See “Iran Quietly Lowers the Temperature With U.S.,” Alissa Rubin and Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, May 19, 2020.

“Iran Launches ‘Resistance’ Award Named After Soleimani,” Asharq Al-Awsat, May 19, 2020.  I am not making this up – and there is no other award like this in the world handed out by terrorist groups to honor a terrorist.  “The award is granted in the main category of “struggle and resistance” and six sub-fields of “people and society”, “culture and art”, “politics”, “education and research”, “media”, and “sports”. A 19-member body would oversee the award to be held biennially. The body consists of representatives from militias and factions allied with Tehran including Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine Jihad, and Houthis. It also includes, inter alia, the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Minister, and the head of the state-run Radio and Television Organization.”

“Iran’s Rouhani Says Country Needs ‘Two Or Three Main Political Parties’,” Radio Farda, May 19, 2020.

So notice what is happening here—the world’s largest sponsor of terror (who already supports the Palestinians and Hamas and Islamic Jihad) openly calls for countries to ship weapons to the Palestinians.  How brazen.  Will they be called out?  “Iran’s Khamenei calls to “arm” Palestinians,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 19, 2020.

What is going on here?  Who are these people?  What connections do they have to the government?  Where did they get the money?  This Iranian couple has been sentenced to death for having smuggled hard currency and laundering $200 million of money, as well as having been found with a stash of gold at their home. “Iran’s judiciary sentences couple to death over money laundering and gold hoard,” KFGO, Thomson Reuters, May 19, 2020.

“The Twilight of the Iranian Revolution,” Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, May 18, 2020.

“Iran’s Interior Ministry Claims No Responsibility For November Protests, Consequences,” Radio Farda, May 18, 2020.

“The dangers of Iran’s military mistakes,” Mohammed Al-Sulami, Arab News, May 18, 2020.

The Revolutionary Guard has continued to assert itself, and in the process marginalize Pres. Rouhani.  See “IRGC exploits pandemic to solidify control,” Steven Terner, Jerusalem Post, May 18, 2020.

“Iran claims fuel shipment to Venezuela perfectly legal,” Al Monitor, May 18, 2020.

“Iran No Longer Banking on European Support for JCPOA Rights,” Financial Tribune, May 18, 2020.

Don’t criticize the rulers.  “A prominent Iranian reformist lawmaker has been sentenced to 21 months in prison and given a fine after he called on the former head of the judiciary to make his finances public, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.  Mahmoud Sadeghi, who had appealed a preliminary sentence handed down in April, posted a picture of the court ruling on Twitter on Monday. It said that seven months of the jail term relate to his “insulting the head of the judiciary.”  In 2016, Sadeghi had written to cleric and then-judiciary chief Sadegh Larijani seeking the publication of his financial assets.”  See “Iran Jails Reformist Lawmaker for Criticizing Top Cleric,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, May 18, 2020.