A hostage, Michael White, has been freed by Iran, apparently in exchange for the Iranian citizen just returned by the U.S. after acquittal.  There are at least three hostages remaining held by Iran.  But … the Regime’s record is to release and then catch others.  Hostages are for trading.  “Michael White: Iran releases US navy veteran held for two years,” The National, June 4, 2020.   See “American and Western Hostages,” UANI, June 4, 2020.

The Regime has not convinced all Iranian citizens that Israel is the Little Satan.  “Israel Considering Asylum Requests From its Iran-Based Social Media Followers,” Michael Lipin, VOA, June 4, 2020.

This is another story about how Iran is enabled beyond its borders by other countries who want to hurt freedom and free markets and the U.S. and the West, and how Iran is enabled by greedy individuals.  “Federal prosecutors say former Alaskan laundered nearly $1 billion for Iran through United Arab Emirates,” Jon Gambrell, AP, June 4, 2020.  See also the statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, December 7, 2018, “Former Anchorage Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for International Money Laundering Conspiracy.”

59 died from coronavirus on Wednesday, announced Thursday.  “Iran: Number of daily virus cases quadruple,” Muhammet Kursun, AA, June 4, 2020.

“Iran signs two-year contract with Iraq to export electricity – IRNA,” Reuters, June 4, 2020.

“Facebook Starts Labeling Russian, Chinese, And Iranian State Media,” RFE/RL, June 4, 2020.

“Iran frees American, U.S. allows dual citizen to visit Iran in deal,” Humeyra Pamuk and Mark Hosenball, Reuters, June 4, 2020.

“Iranian citizenship law for children of foreign fathers approved,” Reza Shirmohammadi, InfoMigrants, June 4, 2020.

“Google says Iranian, Chinese hackers targeted Trump, Biden campaigns,” Zack Whittaker, TechCrunch, June 4, 2020.

Whenever you see another of these enabler stories, where the reporter sets it up as one country (Russia) versus another (U.S.) and doesn’t examine the arguments (simply reports what the parties say), and doesn’t consider other country’s viewpoint on the issue, ask a question such as “Hey Russia, what does Israel say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” or “Hey Russia, what does Saudi Arabia say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?” or “Hey Russia, what does Egypt say about Iran’s ballistic missile program?”  See “Russia defends Iran satellite launch against US opposition,” Edith Lederer, The Republic, June 4, 2020.

“Iran’s new tactics in Syria,” Middle East Eye, June 4, 2020.

The gruesome nature of this one honor killing is not the real story.  Inside the article is a statement—“A police official said in 2014 that about 20 percent of all murders in Iran had been honor killings.”  That is a statement that warrants further research.  See “Gruesome Death Of Iranian Teenager Shows Shame Of ‘Honor’ Killings,” Golnaz Esfandiari, Radio Farda, June 4, 2020.

Also enabling Iran are various media accounts over the years that don’t capture the reality on the ground.  For example, today Michael White’s mother said, “For the past 683 days my son, Michael, has been held hostage in Iran by the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and I have been living a nightmare. I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over, and my son is safely on his way home.”  But look at the headline and story from CNN, where White is not a hostage but a detainee.  “US Navy veteran detained in Iran has been released,” Vivian Salama and Jennifer Hansler, CNN, June 4, 2020.

“All the world is watching.”  This is a quote from Ben Crump, Floyd Family Attorney, “‘All the world is watching’: Son of George Floyd, family attorney speak at site of his death,” Newsbreak, Cleveland News, June 3, 2020.  There’s no doubt that it makes it more difficult to advocate for the rule of law and human rights and democracy when an event of police brutality occurs in the U.S.  If there is any silver lining, it is that George Floyd’s family will most likely receive justice, something that rarely happens in Iran.  But let’s not give the Supreme Leader any chances to make his hypocritical argument!  See “Floyd killing shows ‘true face’ of US: Iran’s Khamenei,” Agence-France Press, June 3, 2020.  See also “Iran and China are using the George Floyd protests to undermine US criticism of their own authoritarianism,” Sinead Baker, Business Insider, June 2, 2020.

“Exclusive: Huawei hid business operation in Iran after Reuters reported links to CFO,” Steve Stecklow and Babak Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, June 3, 2020.

“Huawei hid business operation in Iran after Reuters reported links to CFO,” Arab News, June 3, 2020.

“Iran reported its highest number of daily coronavirus infections in two months, a surge that nears March’s peak levels and suggests the Middle Eastern country struck hardest by the disease is in the throes of a second wave. Authorities reported 3,134 new cases on Wednesday, a 50% increase from a week earlier, according to official government figures. The total number of cases so far is 160,696, including more than 8,000 deaths.”  Remember, as noted repeatedly in media and other accounts on this blog, the Regime’s numbers are regularly underreported by perhaps half.  See “Second Wave of Covid-19 Infections Hits in Iran, Golnar Motevalli and Arsalan Shahla,” Bloomberg, June 3, 2020.

“A Stray Missile Killed 19 Iranian Sailors—Possibly While Testing A New Seeker,” David Axe, Forbes, June 3, 2020.

Pres. Rouhani says trips should only be made for necessary work.  “Iranian People Urged to Avoid Nonessential Travel as COVID-19 Surges Again,” IFP, June 3, 2020.

Monday 70 died.  “3,134 more COVID-19 cases, 70 new related deaths confirmed in Iran,” MENAFN, June 3, 2020.

“Iran debates ‘honor killings’ after girl’s murder shocks country,” Shabnam von Hein, DW, June 3, 2020.

“Is Iran losing its influence in Iraq?,” Colin Freeman, The Telegraph, June 3, 2020.

“The Glass House: The Damascus office block housing Iran’s top brass in Syria,” Gareth Browne, The National, June 3, 2020.

 “In Iran’s oil-rich Gheyzanieh, residents don’t even have access to water,” Kourosh Ziabari,” The New Arab, June 3, 2020.

“The Ending of Iran Nuclear Deal Sanction Waivers | Opinion,” Shoshana Bryen, op-ed, Newsweek, June 3, 2020.

“Parliament’s Think Tank Chief Calls For Reforms To Save Iran’s Failing Economy,” Behrouz Turani, Radio Farda, June 3, 2020.

Will Iran release innocent hostages?  “Iranian professor acquitted of sanctions busting leaves US, Zarif says,” Jerusalem Post, Reuters, June 2, 2020.

June 3 is the 31st death anniversary of the first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.  The USG judges his personal influence as the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran such that the Revolution would not have taken place but for him.  As a result, Khomeinism is an ideology and system of governance credited with repression in country and fostered revolutions in some other countries targeted for the Shia Crescent.  UANI’s new resource, “Khomeinism”, outlines the movement’s features, and explains the differences between the leaderships of Khomeini and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  See “Khomeinism,” UANI, June 2, 2020.

Because June 4 is also the 31st anniversary of Khamenei’s designation as supreme leader, UANI has documented the succession process as well as possible contenders.  See “Who Will Be Iran’s Next Supreme Leader?,” UANI, June 2, 2020.

“As Iran’s Exports Drop, Pressure Rises On Its Currency Reserves,” Radio Farda, June 2, 2020.

“Iranian scientist acquitted of stealing research deported by US,” BBC, June 2, 2020.

“Iran and China are using the George Floyd protests to undermine US criticism of their own authoritarianism,” Sinead Baker, Business Insider, June 2, 2020.

“After Crushing Anti-Government Rallies At Home, Iran Expresses Support For U.S. Protesters,” RFE/RL, June 2, 2020.

“Hope for prisoner swap fades as US deports Iranian scientist, but no Americans freed,” Conor Finnegan, ABC, June 2, 2020.

“Iran’s Majles: A Parliament Of IRGC Commanders,” Morad Vaisibiame, Radio Farda, June 2, 2020.

“A U.S. court has ruled that Iran and Syria are liable for compensation for American citizens wounded and killed in a series of attacks by Palestinians in Israel, including the killing of a U.S. Army veteran. Judge Randolph D. Moss in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that Americans wounded and killed in seven attacks carried out by Palestinians were eligible for damages from Iran and Syria because they provided “material support” to militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.”  See “US court orders Iran, Syria liable for attacks in Israel,” AP, June 2, 2020.

Sunday had 81 deaths.  “Prepare for the worst, Iranians are warned as virus kills 81 in one day,” Arab News, June 2, 2020.

64 people died on Monday.  “Iran Records Highest Number of New COVID-19 Infections,” Iran Front Page, June 2, 2020.

Iran’s recent and almost successful cyberattack on Israel’s water system attempted to poison civilians with chlorine.  “Iran cyberattack on Israel’s water supply could have sickened hundreds – report,” Times of Israel, June 1, 2020.

“Iran says scientist jailed in US expected to return home within days,” France24, June 1, 2020.

“Iran says it is ready to continue fuel shipments to Venezuela,” Reuters, June 1, 2020.

“Venezuela’s Maduro says he will visit Iran soon, sign agreements,” Reuters, June 1, 2020.

“Iran Says U.S. Approved Korean Medical Shipment as Oil Payment,” Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, June 1, 2020.

“Labor Rights Activist Receives 74 Lashes In Tehran’s Notorious Prison,” Radio Farda, June 1, 2020.

“Iran Is Working Hard to Revive Anti-U.S. Operations in Latin America,” Stephen Johnson, FP, June 1, 2020.

In probably unprecedented remarks a senior commander of the Iranian regular Army has implicitly lambasted Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard for meddling in the country’s political and economic affairs.  The Coordinating Deputy of the Islamic Republic’s Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, bitterly expressed his dissatisfaction for the army being ignored by the country’s state-controlled media.  “Senior Army General In Iran Lambasts The Revolutionary Guard,” Radio Farda, June 1, 2020.

“Nearly seven months after Iran’s security forces killed several hundred protesters in November 2019, Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said implicitly for the first time on Saturday May 30 that the number of those killed was around 200.  While Iran has been hiding the actual number of those killed in the violent crackdown that followed the nationwide protests in November, independent news agencies and human rights watchers put the number at up to 1,500.”  See “Iran Minister Downplays November Protest Death Toll In First Official Acknowledgement,” Radio Farda, May 31, 2020.

And we have another new official, the speaker of Parliament, who makes a similar disturbing statement.  “Iran’s new parliament speaker says talks with US ‘futile’,” AFP, May 31, 2020.  Notably, Speaker Ghalibaf also “vowed revenge for the US drone attack in January that killed Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Guards’ foreign operations arm. “Our strategy in confronting the terrorist America is to finish the revenge for martyr Soleimani’s blood,” he told lawmakers in a televised address. … This, he said, would entail “the total expulsion of America’s terrorist army from the region”.”  This is despite Iran’s earlier official statements that using ballistic missiles against American bases in Iraq was sufficient retaliation.

Many persons, including Iranians, follow and cheer for football/soccer.  Iran’s government has lied to its citizens, though, regarding its communications with FIFA for years, and has put the country’s membership in jeopardy.  “FIFA Threatens Iran With Suspension From World Football,” Radio Farda, May 31, 2020.  Here is the full story.  “FIFA, the international governing body of football (soccer), has set a short deadline for the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) to either amend its statues or face global suspension.  In a letter received on May 29, FIFA has objected to FFIRI’s recently drafted statues, demanding its amendment according to FIFA’s rules. FFIRI has until June 5 to comply or face an international suspension, the state-run Mehr News Agency reported on May 30. FFIRI submitted its updated draft statues to FIFA in mid-May. FIFA had previously banned FFIRI from holding its elections due to concerns over potential government interference in its affairs. Earlier, in April, an official in charge of running Iran’s Football (soccer) Federation for almost a decade had stepped forward, openly admitting that the association had frequently lied to the world governing body about its independence from the government. Speaking on a local radio show in Tehran, Iran’s former football chief Ali Kafashian declared that despite FIFA’s regulations, the Iranian soccer association has always been under the government’s direct control. FIFA rules decree that a national football federation should remain autonomous and independent from the national government. Mehr’s report does not mention FIFA’s objections in detail but says the letter refers to eighty cases that should be addressed, including reducing the role of the Islamic Republic’s sports minister in deciding FFIRI internal affairs. Moreover, one of the main objections that FIFA has made to FFIRI’s amended statutes is that the federation’s independence is not mentioned in the draft. The statutes should explicitly state that no external organization -in this case, the government – has the right to interfere in the football affairs, FIFA has asserted in the letter. “We deem that a failure to comply with this directive would result in the matter being brought to the attention of the relevant FIFA bodies for further action,” the letter reads.”

“On Friday, May 22, the State Department “Fact Sheet” maintained that the Shi’ite clergy-dominated Iran, since its establishment four decades ago, has carried out more than 360 assassinations, terrorist plots, and terrorist attacks in more than forty countries across the globe.”  See “Special Representative Hook Calls Iran’s Regime ‘Marxist Theocracy’,” Radio Farda, May 31, 2020.

“Iran Arrests Two In Death Of Woman Resisting Demolition Of Her House,” Radio Farda, May 31, 2020.

“What’s Wrong With Iran’s Fake Aircraft Carrier,” H.I. Sutton, Naval News, May 31, 2020.

“Coronavirus pandemic rises freight rate between Iran, Qatar by 3 folds,” Tehran Times, May 31, 2020.

Just a voice, not a government like Russia, but supporting the Regime, which encourages Iran to not move toward normalcy.  “Iranian people are victims of Trump’s decisions: Colorado University professor,” Tehran Times, May 31, 2020.

“Iran ‘likely’ to give Ukrainian airplane black box to France – report,” Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, May 31, 2020.

“Top Iran body denies negligence in teenage girl’s killing,” AFP, May 31, 2020.  Below are some quotes.  Iran’s Guardian Council denied Saturday that the killing of a teenage girl by her father was the result of “negligence” due to a delay in its approval of a new law to protect children and teenagers.  According to Iranian media, Romina Ashrafi was killed in her sleep on May 21 by her father, who decapitated her in the family home in Talesh in northern Gilan province.  The reports said she ran away after her father refused her permission to marry a man 15 years older, but was detained and taken home. The legal age to marry in Iran is 13 for women. Kadkhodaee said the council had indicated to parliament that it had some “objections” concerning the text of the bill and that lawmakers could have met in an emergency session to further discuss the draft law. But he added: “One law alone cannot resolve such problems (apparent ‘honour’ crimes) which have a cultural, social and even economic dimension.”  Iranian media reported that after authorities detained the teenager, she told a judge she feared for her life if she was sent home.  But what most outraged public opinion was that the girl’s father was likely to face a lenient punishment of just three to 10 years in prison, which could be further reduced, according to the Ebtekar newspaper.

“The battle over state TV in Iran,” BBC, May 30, 2020.

“Iran Denounces George Floyd Killing, Zarif Tweets #BlackLivesMatter,” Reuters, May 30, 2020.

“Iran to Fund Major Railway Project Using Russian Loan,” IFP, May 30, 2020.

“Iran Refuses to Free Jailed Baha’i Woman Apparently Eligible for Furlough,” Michael Lipin, Ramin Haghjoo, and Behrooz Samadbeygi, VOA, May 30, 2020.

“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.

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.

“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.