“How Iran Uses Cultural Centers To Expand Its Influence In Latin America,” Tereza Dvorakova, Radio Farda, May 17, 2020.  This is a story about drug trade, expanding the Revolution, and supporting Shia religious beliefs.  And anti-America and anti-West.

“Under Sanctions, Iran Is Fast Losing Its Share of Non-Oil Export Markets,” Jubin Katiraie, Iran Focus, May 17, 2020.

“Iran denies agreements with Russia on ousting Syrian president,” Xinhua, May 17, 2020.

This story is so sad—no justice for those murdered by security services.  “Iran Offers Families Of Protesters Killed In November Money Instead Of Justice,” Radio Farda, May 16, 2020.

“Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis and a deteriorating economy, Iran is pushing ahead with its uranium enrichment and missile and space programs, as well as its activities in Syria.”  See “Iran’s nuclear efforts in the shadow of coronavirus,” Raphael Ofek, JNS, May 18, 2020.

“Iran Records Its Biggest Rise in Coronavirus Cases in Six Weeks,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, May 18, 2020.

“Hatami says Iran, Iraq should become strategic partners,” Tehran Times, May 17, 2020.

No goal celebrations?!  Well, the mullahs will be pleased there will be no women spectators.  “Iran’s soccer leagues to resume with no spectators: President Rouhani,” Xinhua, May 17, 2020.

“Rouhani Aide Defends Iran’s Trade With Venezuela,” Radio Farda, May 17, 2020.

Quds Day usually involves marches where protesters chant ‘Death to Israel’ and burn flags. But this year, the pandemic afflicting Iran requires protesters to not meet, at least that seems to be what the President is saying.  “Anti-Israel marches in Iran to be by car this year, Rouhani says,” Reuters, Israel Hayom, May 17, 2020.

Well, there goes about 2 years of life, maybe 3 years if the Regime holds her for half the hostage term.  We’re very sorry that the Regime has decided to snatch several years of life from innocent Fariba Adelkhah.  “Iran sentences French-Iranian academic to 6 years in prison,” Sommer Brokaw, UPI, May 16, 2020.

“Iran Spent Billions Creating Alternative ‘Internet’ To Control Information,” Alireza Taheri, Radio Farda, May 16, 2020.

“Iran reports 35 new virus deaths, lowest since March 7.”  By AFP, New Straits Times, May 16, 2020.

“Iran news agency warns over U.S. ‘piracy’ against fuel shipment to Venezuela,” Reuters, May 15, 2020.

“Tomb of Mordechai and Esther in Iran reportedly set ablaze,” Times of Israel, May 15, 2020.

“Tactical Change Or Withdrawal? Iran’s Syria Strategy Analyzed Amid Reports Of Force Reductions,” Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL, May 15, 2020.

48 died Thursday, reported Friday.  “Iran sees biggest daily rise of COVID-19 cases in over a month,” AFP, May 15, 2020.

“Iran oil exports dwindle to record low amid virus and US sanctions,” Gulf Times, May 15 2020.

48 died Thursday, reported the next day.  “Coronavirus: Iran reports 2,102 new virus cases, highest in over month,” AFP, May 15, 2020.

“US Global Maritime Advisory Warns Of Iran’s ‘Deceptions’,” Radio Farda, May 15, 2020.

The UN Sec-Gen himself calls out Hezbollah and thus Iran. But you will see within this story that Nasrallah and Khamenei (from whom Nasrallah takes orders) have no intention of listening to the United Nations. “UN chief calls on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah,” Najia Houssari, Arab News, May 14, 2020.  This story is important enough to post extended quotes. “Lebanon on Wednesday entered talks with the International Monetary Fund, amid calls to disarm Hezbollah. A report in the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying that the Lebanese government and the army should take all possible steps to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from acquiring weapons. He added that Hezbollah’s continued involvement in Syria “carries the risk of entangling Lebanon in regional conflicts and undermining the stability of Lebanon and the region.” … Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council, which is headed by President Michel Aoun, on Wednesday met to review measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and steps to control smuggling through illegal crossings on the border with Syria. Within an hour of the meeting, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech in which he called on the Lebanese government and army to work with the Syrian regime to halt the cross-border smuggling. Commenting on the possible deployment of UN forces along the border, Nasrallah said that this would be “an achievement of one of the objectives of the Lebanese-Israeli war of July 2006, which is something we can never accept as it has nothing to do with the economy.” He called on the Lebanese government to restore ties with the Syrian regime.”

“Press-rights group urges Iran to release journalist jailed for BBC interview,” Zaynab Khojji, Arab News, May 14, 2020.

“Iran: Fears of Secret Execution Mount for Disappeared Prisoners,” Iran HRM, May 14, 2020.

What does this mean?  That the government allows and greatly benefits from blackmarket and smuggled goods.  “The report explicitly referred to three IRGC-controlled wharves in Chabahar, Khor Zangi, and Hormozgan, and several other piers run by the security forces. Mehdi Karroubi, the speaker of the sixth parliament, who is currently under house arrest, also spoke about the existence of 41 illegal wharves.”  See “Almost All Smuggled Goods Into Iran Come Through Legal Ports,” Radio Farda, May 14, 2020.

Good news from Iraq, against Iran.  We are hoping that the new Iraqi PM will stand up to Iran.  “On the night of May 10, protesters gathered outside the offices of a little known militia organisation in Basra, Thar Allah. When they were met with live fire, it seemed a typically brutal response from Iraq’s numerous Iran-backed militias, whom many hold responsible for killing hundreds of protesters.  What happened next surprised observers: Thar Allah’s offices were raided by security forces and their leader, Youssef Al Musawi, was arrested. Mr Al Kadhimi later tweeted that the raid had been executed on his personal orders and that “those who spill Iraqi blood will not rest.”  The new PM has promised to re-establish rule of law. This means reining in powerful elements of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), some of which are linked to Iran.”  See “Thar Allah: Iran’s forgotten terror proxy in Iraq,” Robert Tollast, The National, May 14, 2020.

“US accuses Iran of defying UN resolution endorsing nuke deal,” Edith Lederer, AP, May 14, 2020.

“Iran Unlocks New Funding Stream For Oil & Gas,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, May 14, 2020.

71 deaths Wednesday, reported on Thursday.  “Iran warns of coronavirus cluster spread as 71 more die,” Al Jazeera, May 14, 2020.

Commercial telemetry data gathers information such as users’ locations.  In a new report, comparison of year-on-year CTD data from March, April, and May at locations such as the Tehran Grand Bazaar, air bases, naval bases, Bushehr, the Bushehr nuclear facility, and Bandar Abbas, civilian activity dropped more than 90% due to Covid-19.  But military activity only dropped 30% to 50%.  See “Iran Is Increasing Its Military and Cyber Activity, Report Says,” Patrick Tucker, Defense One, May 14, 2020.

Facebook has removed 500 accounts associated with Iran’s state broadcaster because they seemingly experimented with the Scottish vote several years ago.  “Iran hackers interfered in Scottish independence vote,” Karim El-Bar, AA, May 14, 2020.  Were these accounts still open and operating, with a new mission?

“US military offers condolences over Iran accident that killed 19,” Jon Gambrell, AP, Stars and Stripes, May 14, 2020.

An oil tanker is one of five going from Bandar Abbas port to Venezuela as both countries attempt to survive U.S. sanctions.  “Fuel Cargo Loaded in Iran en Route to Venezuela,” Reuters, Haaertz, May 14, 2020.

Or, more precisely (the headline is not specific enough) the conflict is between the IRGC and the Supreme Leader versus the President and his government.  See “The coronavirus crisis in Iran has opened up an internal fight between the government and its Revolutionary Guard,” Mitch Prothero, Business Insider, May 14, 2020.

“Iran building new weapons storage at military base in eastern Syria, satellite images show,” Trey Yingst, Yonat Friling, Fox News, May 13, 2020.

“Chinese, Iranian hackers are trying to sabotage US vaccine efforts, FBI warns,” ArLuther Lee, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 13, 2020.

“National cyber unit warns of incoming Iranian, anti-Israel cyberattack,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2020.

“Iran’s Anti-Riot Police Chief Says More Prepared Than Ever To Confront Protests,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, May 13, 2020.

“U.S. envoy threatens to trigger return of U.N. sanctions on Iran,” Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters, May 13, 2020.

“Iran’s supreme leader orders probe into ‘mistaken’ naval strike,” Al Monitor, May 13, 2020.

“Iranian journalist Hassan Fathi begins 1.5 year jail term over BBC interview,” CPC, May 13, 2020.

A video report from the Regime’s military said it’s possible that a “technical error” was caused by “electronic warfare by the enemy.”  See “Iranian Army says technical error behind deadly friendly fire incident,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2020.

“Iran’s Type 72Z Tank Is Waging War All Over the Middle East and Africa,” Caleb Larson, National Interest, March 13, 2020.

“Iran developing air-launched version of guided rocket,” Jeremy Binnie, Jane’s Defence Weekly, May 13, 2020.

“Chinese and Iranian hackers targeting US universities, healthcare firms amid coronavirus vaccine research: reports,” Chris Irvine, Fox News, May 13, 2020.

“Iran Shura Council approves ‘urgent’ anti-Israel bill,” Middle East Monitor, May 13, 2020.

This was Soleimani’s dream, and remains the Supreme Leader’s dream.  “Soleimani’s vision was to exploit the defeat of ISIS in order to attain regional hegemony for Iran. The Revolutionary Guards, the Shi’ite militias of mercenaries, and volunteers from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, commanded by Soleimani and his officers – all sought to establish a significant Iranian foothold in Yemen, Iraq and Syria.  Soleimani planned to deploy in Syria and to settle there 100,000 Shi’ite fighters, to house air force and intelligence bases, and missile sites aimed at Israel, and to bring thousands of teachers to Syria to augment its Shi’ite connection with Tehran.”  See “Why Syria Isn’t Firing Its S-300 Missiles at Israeli Jets:  The incredible behind-the-scenes story of how Iran’s Soleimani eliminated Hezbollah’s top commander – who dared to say no,” Yossi Melman, Haaertz, May 12, 2020.

“Sister of Detained Iranian Student: Iran Government Supporters Threatened Me,” Michael Lipin, Elham Yazdiha, Behrooz Samadbeygi, VOA, May 12, 2020.

“Iran launched a small satellite into orbit. But more importantly, it was Iran’s revolutionary guards, not the civilian space program, that did the launching.”  See “Iran’s Satellite and the IRGC Space Program,” Arms Control Wonk, May 12, 2020.

Yes, U.S. sanctions are having some affect on Iran.  For example, the cash-strapped Regime is reining in some of its forces in Syria because of American sanctions.  “Intel: US sanctions squeezing Iranian forces in Syria, says US envoy,” Al Monitor, Elizabeth Hagedorn, May 12, 2020.

“Satellite images show Iran’s nuclear ambition unaffected by Covid-19 outbreak,” Callum Paton, The National, May 12, 2020.

“IRGC Space Command Chief Says Iran Plans To Put A Satellite In Geostationary Orbit,” SpaceWatch.global, May 12, 2020.

“No honor among thieves at head of Iran and Venezuela,” Struan Stevenson, UPI, May 12, 2020.

“Iran launched a small satellite into orbit. But more importantly, it was Iran’s revolutionary guards, not the civilian space program, that did the launching.”  See “Iran’s Satellite and the IRGC Space Program,” Arms Control Wonk, May 12, 2020.

“Iran’s mishandled coronavirus response is triggering a backlash against the regime,” Cynthia Schneider and Nik Kowsar, op-ed, Business Insider, May 12, 2020.

“Iran progresses anti-Israel bill, plans to establish embassy in Jerusalem,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, May 12, 2020.  Iranian MPs chanted “down with Israel” after the bill was approved, and want to create an Iranian embassy in Jerusalem for Palestine after the people of Israel are defeated and forced to leave the land.

They can’t tell a commercial airliner taking off from a supposed incoming warplane, and they shoot their own ships.  Today’s disaster is that one ship fired at and sank a missile ship during target practice, in another disaster for the Regime’s military.  Per the story, state television said the Konarak, a patrol/missile vessel, had been putting targets out in the water for other ships to fire upon.  Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that another ship , Jamaran, accidentally fired the missile into Konarak.  The Army posted on its website, “The number of this accident’s martyrs is 19 and 15 have also been injured.”  They weren’t martyred, they were killed by their own Navy’s incompetence.  See “Iran says 19 sailors killed, 15 wounded in missile “accident” at sea,” CBS, AP, May 11, 2020.

“Happy Birthday to the Tehran Times,” Daniel Roth, Times of Israel, May 11, 2020.

“Iraq’s new prime minister reinstates popular general to head of counter-terrorism,” Gareth Browne, Telegraph, May 11, 2020.

“Families of Flight 752 victims call on airlines to stay out of Iranian airspace,” Levon Sevunts, CBC, May 11, 2020.

“Iran navy ‘friendly fire’ incident kills 19 sailors in Gulf of Oman,” BBC, May 11, 2020.

“Iran says prisoner swap can happen without talks,” Al Monitor, May 11, 2020.

“Iraq’s new prime minister reinstates popular general to head of counter-terrorism,” Gareth Browne, Telegraph, May 11, 2020.  “Iraq’s newly confirmed prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi announced the reinstatement of a top general whose sacking in September sparked a wave of protests across the country.  Speaking on state television on Saturday, Mr Kadhimi said that General Abdul Wahab Al-Saadi would be reinstated and promoted to head of the country’s elite Counter-Terrorism Services.  In an olive branch to protesters, Mr Kadhimi also announced the release of those arrested at demonstrations which have flared up in cities across the country since October. He promised investigations into the deaths of hundreds of protesters killed in those demonstrations.  Mr Saadi, a national hero from the country’s battles with Islamic State, is widely regarded as being close to the US. His sacking in September was interpreted by many as an indication of Iran’s growing influence over Baghdad. Hours after the announcement, protesters took to streets in cities across the country.”  Now it appears that is being reversed.

“All Iran mosques set to reopen on Tuesday,” Al Jazeera, May 11, 2020.

“U.S. tells Iran to send plane so Washington can deport 11 Iranian nationals,” Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters, May 11, 2020.

45 died Sunday, reported on Monday.  “Iran Reports 45 New Virus Deaths,” Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Bourse & Bazaar, May 11, 2020.

Iranian spokesman Ali Rabiei said Sunday (today) on the government’s website, Dolat.ir that “We have stated our readiness to discuss the release of all prisoners without preconditions … but Americans have not responded yet.”  I’m quite confident that communications are ongoing through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran regardless of Rabiei’s statement.  Do note that he calls both sides as holding “prisoners”—the persons held by Iran are hostages.  See “Iran says United States yet to respond about prisoner swap,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, May 10, 2020.

I’m not even going to look up who this Gordon Duff fellow is, he’s no expert.  But having a few Westerners to provide quotes that the Regime uses to try to prove the mettle of its military just won’t hold water.  We should criticize these individuals who try to empower Iran and keep it from moving to act as a normal country.  See “Iran’s military power is a ‘nightmare’ for U.S. hardliners: analyst,” Tehran Times, May 10, 2020.

“US State Department slams Iran’s Mahan Air for role in spreading coronavirus,” Arab News, May 9, 2020.

Good news, Iran does not use cyberattacks.  “The Iranian government does not engage in cyberwarfare,” said Alireza Miryousefi, spokesman for Iran’s Mission to the United Nations.  See “Foreign intelligence officials say attempted cyberattack on Israeli water utilities linked to Iran,” Washington Post, May 9, 2020.  And see, “Scoop: Israeli security cabinet held secret meeting on unusual Iranian cyberattack,” Barak Ravid, Israel Channel 13, Axios, May 9, 2020.  The cabinet met about the cyberattack on civilian water infrastructure—Israeli officials see the attack as a major escalation by Iran due to the target was civilian (water facilities) in nature.”  BTW, that is accurate, it is a principle of international law that civilians are not to be attacked, even in times of war.  This goes back to the Paquete Habana case (1900) and centuries beyond.  But terrorists don’t usually adhere to international or moral law ….

It is tragic that Australia is not or cannot do more to wrest this academic hostage away from her captors.  She is being held in solitary cell barely larger than her body now for months and is undoubtedly worried she will go insane.  “Kylie Moore-Gilbert feels abandoned by Australia, sources in Iranian prison say,” Ben Doherty, Guardian, May 9, 2020.

Iranian courts since April have sentenced at least 13 people to prison terms solely for peacefully protesting the Iranian forces’ deadly attack on the Ukraine civilian airliner and the government’s initial denial of responsibility.  “Iran: Prosecutions for Protests About Plane-Downing,” HRW, May 8, 2020.

“Unbridled Poverty, An Inherent Outcome of Iran’s Systematic Corruption,” Pooya Stone, Iran Focus, May 8, 2020.

“Iran leaving Syria? Not so fast, says US Syria envoy,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 8, 2020.  U.S. Amb. James Jeffrey said the US has not seen any strategic Iranian changes in Syria when it comes to using the country as a “second launchpad for long-range weapons against Israel.”  In short, the infamous Shia Crescent and the effort to provide Hezballah more lethal and more modern precision-guided missiles to threaten Israel continues.

“Iran Urges Europe To Prevent Israel From Attacking Syria, Lebanon,” Orkhan Jalilov, Caspian News, May 8, 2020.

Hackers linked to Iran have targeted staff at U.S. drug-maker Gilead Sciences in recent weeks, according to publicly-available web archives reviewed by Reuters and three cybersecurity researchers, as the company races to deploy a treatment for the COVID-19 virus.  Iran wants to steal the research.  See “Iran-linked hackers targeted Gilead Sciences,” Fox, May 8, 2020.

“Iran: Prosecutions for Protests About Plane-Downing,” HRW, May 8, 2020.

55 deaths Thursday, reported on Friday.  “Iran: Death toll from coronavirus rises to 6,541,” Ahmet Dursun, AA, May 8, 2020.

“Sanctioned Businessman Helps Maduro With Iran Oil Scheme,” Tsvetana Paraskova, OilPrice.com, May 8, 2020.

“Maduro to Tap Snctioned Dealmaker to Ship Gold to Iran,” Patricia Laya and Ben Bartenstein, Bloomberg, May 8, 2020.

“Iran, Afghanistan scramble to normalize ties after spat,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, May 8, 2020.

“Iran seeks to benefit off Venezuela boat raid fiasco,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 8, 2020.

“Tehran Is Contaminated With the Coronavirus – Top Iranian Official,” Iran News, May 8, 2020.

“Exclusive: Afghan lawmakers say 45 migrants drowned after Iranian guards forced them into river,” Abdul Qadir Sediqi, Storay Karimi, Reuters, May 7, 2020.

“Israeli water facilities – report,” Alex Winston, Jerusalem Post, May 7, 2020.

“British-Australian academic has repeatedly attempted suicide in Iranian jail: rights group,” Reuters, May 7, 2020.

“The covid-19 crisis could strengthen Iran’s ‘invisible government’,” Amir Hossein Mahdavi, Washington Post, May 7, 2020.

What do you know.  The U.S. has 11 Iranians that it is trying to deport for various reasons back to their home country of Iran.  Iran refuses to take them, instead saying the U.S. is holding Iranians hostage.  Hmm.  “US Eyes Deal to Free American in Iran, Pushes Back on Swap,” AP, May 7, 2020.

“Facebook posts from 2012 show early Iranian attempts to manipulate U.S. politics,” Kevin Collier, NBC, May 7, 2020.

“#Iran judiciary admits arresting two elite university students,” EU Reporter, May 7, 2020.

“Iran attacks Israeli water infrastructure: report,” Esat Firat, Fox, May 7, 2020.

“Tehran Parking Lot Turns Into a Drive-In Theater, Lifting Iran’s 41-Year-Old Ban,” Zack Sharf, IndieWire, May 7, 2020.

“Iran: Amazing qualities of our new long-range ballistic missiles,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, May 7, 2020.

“Iran faces further allegations of corruption in coronavirus fallout,” Hollie McKay, Fox, May 7, 2020.

“The Iran Nuclear Deal: What’s Wrong With It And What Can We Do Now?,” UANI, May 7, 2020.

“How the coronavirus is cementing Iran’s tilt towards China,” Ali Dadpay, IranSource, May 7, 2020.