احرار ایران

Trump can turn off the spigot of international cash flowing to Iran's regime by Amir Basiri | June 25, 2018 06:05 PM Print this article Serious action is called for Iran, including sanctioning the regime from the SWIFT global financial network and the U.S. State Department designating the Revolutionary Guards as a foreign terrorist organization. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Sign up for In Our Opinion commentary SUBMIT Sponsored Content Ads by Revcontent Senior members of Congress are asking the Trump administration to take action and demand global leaders ban Iran’s regime from enjoying access to international financial systems, according to a letter sent to the Treasury Department by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, respectively. This follows revelations of how former Obama administration officials provided clandestine facilitatio

Iran Must Decide Whether to Heed France’s Advise22 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 22 Jun - According to senior French sources, the European signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have been primarily focused on “avoiding a military confrontation,” after the US exit from the pact. Inside Iran, some “want and seek” this confrontation, they say, but Germany, Britain and France, in cooperation with Russia and China, want to avoid reaching the “point of no return.” The sources also blame Tehran for failing to take advantage of the nuclear deal. Instead of normalizing its ties with regional countries, it forged an aggressive regional policy and developed its ballistic missile program. Meanwhile, in the US, proponents of the newly reimposed American sanctions believe that Tehran will eventually “come to heel” under their weight. In fact, Paris believes that “no one in Washington wants a war on Tehran,” the sources said. Still, Israel and some non-Israeli powers “are pushing for war”, a call

Iran: Sanctions Need to Be Hard-HittingNuclear 23 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 23 Jun - Last month, US President announced that he would be pulling the United States out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He also said that the sanctions that were lifted as a result of the nuclear deal will be reapplied and that fresh ones would be issued. We do not know the full details of the sanctions yet, but it is expected that we will hear soon, as the deadlines approach. Iran pretends to be rather unconcerned about the sanctions. Iran is used to sanctions and had lived with them for so long that it has been able to find work-arounds. Several Iranian officials have recently said that the sanctions will be little more than an inconvenience. The Trump administration is hopefully listening to this and bearing it in mind when finalising the details of the sanctions. It is the perfect chance for the administration to really take the time a

Japan Asked to Stop Iran Oil Purchases23 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 23 Jun - People with knowledge of the matter say that going beyond the reductions that were demanded when sanctions were imposed earlier this decade, the U.S. has now asked Japan to completely halt oil imports from Iran. But, during talks with Japanese counterparts in Tokyo earlier in the week, no decision was reached. Asking that not to be identified because the matter is confidential, they revealed that discussions will continue later. After his decision to renew sanction against Iran, U.S. President Trump’s administration gave allies 180 days to reduce purchases from the OPEC producer. With a request to entirely discontinue imports, a tougher stance than the one in 2012 is signaled. At that time, in exchange for waivers from U.S. financial restrictions, reduced levels of oil purchases were allowed. As Washington seeks to undermine Tehran’s economic lifeline, Iran’s crude exports will be curbed. It is speculated

Proposal for Iran to Join Global Convention Against Money Laundering Stymied by Its Leader23 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 23 Jun - When considering major bills like the proposal to join the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC), the legislative body will take into account Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s “full directives”, according to the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Ali Larijani. The Supreme Leader has voiced his disapproval of this bill. He called the bill “unacceptable” June 20 , saying the UNTOC, a measure meant to fight money laundering and terrorism funding, had been “cooked up” by foreign powers, and that the parliament should shelve it. “It is not necessary to join conventions the depths of which we are unaware of,” he said. Instead, he proposed that parliament create its own laws to combat money laundering and terrorism funding. Placing Iran alongside North Korea, at the top of the list of countries with the highest economic and financial risks for nearl

Iran Mullahs See MEK as Threat to Their RuleEditor-M Blog 25 June 2018 By Jubin Katiraie Calls for a major change in Iran are growing stronger by the day, as the Iranian uprising continues into its seventh month and the Iranian Resistance prepares for their Free Iran gathering in Paris on June 30. But many in the international community worry that removing Iran from power without a solid opposition that can take over, will actually cause more problems. We’ve all seen the chaos that can emerge when a dictatorship is overthrown and there is no one to fill the void. Luckily, there is a legitimate, organised, and popular opposition in Iran that is prepared to rule the country when the mullahs are overthrown until an election is held. That is the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) . WHY THE MEK? Iran has constantly acknowledged, through both words and actions, that the MEK is the biggest threat to their dictatorship, because the MEK is a popular democratic group. Thus,

Iran’s Role in the Elections in Iraq25 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 25 Jun - It is thought that US-Iraqi relations will be damaged with the new pro-Iran Shiite-dominated government in Iraq. When the new coalition was announced, many questioned if democracy would follow in the country. The coalition that Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has managed to form includes Hadi al-Ameri’s Fatah (Conquest) alliance. He is a Shiite extremist that also leads the Badr organization that has strong ties with Iran. During the Iran-Iraq war in the eighties, it has taken Iran’s side. The other government coalition partner is the Victory Alliance. It is mostly secular and is led by the current Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi. He too has links with Iran. It seems that Iran has managed to shape the country’s next government in a way that meets its own needs. It was a result of lobbying and is surprising given the fact that al-Sadr had never been on good terms with Iran, preferring to concentrate on b

Who is the alternative to Iran’s regime? ARTICLES 6/22/2018 The Iranian Diaspora is planning to hold its annual convention on June 30th in Paris Analysis by PMOI/MEK June 22, 2018 - Following the ongoing Dec/Jan protests aimed at bringing freedom for Iran’s suffering people, there are two vital issues at hand: Overthrowing the mullahs’ dictatorship The alternative to this regime The more we trek forward, the question of who is this regime’s alternative becomes all the more imperative. In such sensitive circumstances it is quite natural to see many parties claiming to be the alternative to Tehran’s mullahs. It is also natural that all groups and individuals, associated or non-associated to a third party, those willing to sacrifice and opportunists seeking to jump at the opportunity, are surfacing and claiming to be patriotic in nature and opposing the ruling apparatus. This resembles the end of winter and the arrival spring, bringing about the birth of plants. Alongside flowers, however

A Viable Democratic Alternative to the Iranian Regime By Ken Blackwell | June 22, 2018 | 4:14 PM EDT Maryam Rajavi is the president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). (Screenshot) One could easily argue that Iran’s ruling theocracy is facing the greatest internal threat to its rule since the 1980s. In the beginning of this year, the country was rocked by a mass uprising. The chain of protests was a major step forward for the domestic Resistance movement in the sense that it extracted political activism from farmers and the rural poor, despite the fact that these groups had long been thought to tolerate or even support the clerical regime. The December-to-January uprising was comprised of protests in upwards of 140 cities and towns spanning the entire country. And this diversity has remained on display in the ensuing months, as activist networks and entire populations continue to organize more localized demonstrations, in keeping with the call-to-action issued in Ma

Proposal for Iran to Join Global Convention Against Money Laundering Stymied by Its Leader23 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 23 Jun - When considering major bills like the proposal to join the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC), the legislative body will take into account Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s “full directives”, according to the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Ali Larijani. The Supreme Leader has voiced his disapproval of this bill. He called the bill “unacceptable” June 20 , saying the UNTOC, a measure meant to fight money laundering and terrorism funding, had been “cooked up” by foreign powers, and that the parliament should shelve it. “It is not necessary to join conventions the depths of which we are unaware of,” he said. Instead, he proposed that parliament create its own laws to combat money laundering and terrorism funding.

Iranian Grand Gathering In Paris – Past And Present ANNUAL GRAND GATHERING ARTICLES Last updated Jun 22, 2018 Iranian Grand Gathering In Paris – Past And Present : Since they started, the annual rally of the Iranian resistance in Paris , each year has been accompanied with enormous success and great advancements. The memories of those achievements will always stay in the minds of all anonymous Iranians who work very hard each year to organize the events. All the previous Iranian Grand gatherings, up until now, despite their great achievements, were held at a totally different political condition. In the past, the clerical regime continuously made an all-out effort to mobilize its forces using internal and external collaborators to annihilate the Iranian resistance. Iranian Grand Gathering In Paris July 2017

Iranians To Hold Annual Gathering In Paris Calling For Regime Change In Iran ACTIVITIES Last updated Jun 20, 2018 The annual grand gathering of the Iranians will take place on June 30, 2018 at the Villepinte Exposition center north of Paris – France. This year’s gathering will be held circumstances of unceasing nationwide protests and uprising of the people from all walks of life and all segments of society against the religious tyranny ruling Iran and demanding regime change.

Maryam Rajavi: True Message Of Islam Is The Peace And Freedom UNCATEGORIZED ACTIVITIES Last updated May 21, 2018 Maryam Rajavi May 19, 2018 – In an Iftar conference held in France titled “Islam’s Message of Peace and Freedom,” the Iranian Resistance and representative from different Muslim communities and Arab countries expressed solidarity with the Iranian Resistance, and support for regime change in Iran and the end of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and across the world. Maryam Rajavi ✔@Maryam_Rajavi Maryam Rajavi’s remarks at Iftar gathering #Ramadan #FreeIran2018 #Iran 10:25 PM - May 19, 2018 531 484 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy

TIME REMAINING TO THE GRAND GATHERING WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IRANIAN ANNUAL GATHERING In early 2018, nationwide protests in Iran in over 140 cities rocked the nation, shaking the ruling dictatorship to its core, and taking the world by storm. As chimes of change ring throughout Iran a new chapter begins in the quest for freedom. The protests have gained new momentum as the Iranian people demand a Free Iran. On 30th June 2018 the Iranian diaspora will hold their largest gathering ever in Paris, while thousands of freedom lovers from around the world join to call for democratic change in Iran as the true solution to the religious fascism ruling Iran. Thousands and thousands of freedom loving individuals from five continents will gather with one simple message “Free Iran” and to voice their support for the democratic alternative represented by the NCRI and its President-elect, Maryam Rajavi, for democratic change. In recent months, with the continuation of protests and strikes throug

Iranian Opposition Convention For Free Iran IRAN NEWS 6/17/2018 Free Iran Gathering, A window into the future of Iran Iranian opposition gathering in Paris, June 30, 2018 Every year, the Iranian opposition holds a massive rally in Paris to discuss the most important topics and events occurring in Iran. This year, the focus will be on the nationwide protests in Iran and support for the Iranian people’s desire for regime change and the establishment of a democratic state.

Iran opposition movement provides the needed solution ARTICLES 6/23/2018 Iranians opposition supporters inside Iran supporting Free Iran convention Analysis by PMOI/MEK June 23, 2018 - As protests continue to spread across Iran, there is no longer the hoax of any part of this country’s social fabric supporting the clerical regime. In fact, the ruling theocracy is up against the most serious domestic threat since the early days of 1979 the revolution, as explained by Ken Blackwell, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council, in a recent piece published in the Townhall . The movement providing force and necessary guidance, as indicated by senior Iranian regime officials, has been the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran ( NCRI ) led by Maryam Rajavi . This is a coalition with the core group being the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran ( PMOI/MEK ) and Rajavi issued a call-to-action to Iran’s protesters back in March. As a result, we a

World must hold Iran accountable for its Yemen meddling ARTICLES 6/23/2018 Iran-made improvised explosive devices in the shape of a rock and sent to Houthi militias in Yemen Analysis by PMOI/MEK June 23, 2018 - Iran’s denial seems ridiculous as evidence of this regime providing weapons to the Houthis in Yemen is becoming undeniable. ore light is shed on the depth of the Iranian regime’s support of Houthi militias as Yemen government forces continue their advances in the strategic Hodaydah port. The Iranian regime has continuously denied providing arms to the Houthi militias from day one of hostilities in Yemen. Tehran has also vigorously pushed any and all efforts, and suggestions, to find a responsible solution into utter failure. Yemeni forces, with support provided by the United Arab Emirates military, are saying they now control Al Hodaydah airport and taking over the city will be a significant turning point in this flashpoint country. Arab coalition commanders are saying they co

What do Iranian dissidents seek? ARTICLES 6/23/2018 A large segment of the Iranian diaspora will be at the Paris Grand Gathering Analysis by PMOI/MEK June 23, 2018 - We’re just a week away from the annual Iranian opposition convention in Paris. In this rally, a large segment of the Iranian people, either living in exile or those who have amazingly been able to escape the Iranian regime’s siege and reach countries abroad, will be gathering to inform the world once again about the very tumultuous situation in Iran. Why the Iranian dissidents’ rally? Following the U.S. elections and Donald Trump becoming President after tracing his line in the sand from day one of his campaign, the Iranian people poured into the streets in December 2017 and launched a wave of nationwide protests. The city of Mashhad in northeast Iran witnessed locals begin massive demonstrations, protesting difficult living conditions. The fire of these rallies quickly spread to over 140 cities across the country.

Iran Deputy FM: Nuclear deal (JCPOA) in ICU ARTICLES 6/23/2018 Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi Analysis by PMOI/ MEK Iran, June 23, 2018 - In recent remarks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has used a very interesting description for the current circumstances in regards to Iran’s nuclear deal with the international community. This agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ), is currently in limbo after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to exit the pact, describing it “the worst deal ever. “In a conference on Iran, I said the Iran nuclear deal is in the ICU because it has lost its most important balancing pillar. The balancing point tipped with the United States exiting the pact. Now, if Europe and other JCPOA signatories seek to maintain this nuclear agreement they must place in further sacrifices, and especially compensate the U.S.’ absence and this country’s returning sanctions against Iran. I cannot say the forecast o

Iran: Ahvaz workers continue protests, colleagues released IRAN NEWS 6/24/2018 Resiliant employees of Ahvaz National Steel Group Reported by PMOI/MEK Iran, June 24, 2018 - With employees of the Ahvaz National Steel Group continuing their protests, Iranian regime authorities have been forced to succumb to their demands and release their arrested colleagues. As these employees and their families rallied outside the judiciary for numerous days, the Ahvaz judiciary issued a letter on June 21st informing them of the release of the remaining five jailed employees. Their names include: Karim Siahi Mohammad Falahi Sajjad Hosseinpour Abdulrahman Saki Javad Eskandari For the third consecutive week , employees of the Ahvaz National Steel Group were seen protesting on June 12th despite the heavy presence of repressive security forces at the site. “Workers will die before succumbing to humiliation”

Judicial Watch Sues State, Treasury Departments for Records on $400 Million Cash Payment to Iran Payment was Delivered near Same Time Five American Hostages Were Released (Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch announced today that it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the State and Treasury Departments for records on the Obama administration’s transfer of $400 million in foreign currency to Iran in January 2016. The lawsuit was filed last month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ( Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of the Treasury (No.1:17-cv-00864)). The suit was filed after the agencies failed to respond to August 2016 FOIA requests seeking: All records related to the transfer of approximately $400 million in foreign currency to the Islamic Republic of Iran in January 2016. This request includes, but is not limited to, all related records of communications between any official, employee, or representative of any of

She defends the downtrodden. So Iran put her in jail. Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh celebrates being home in Tehran after being freed following three years in prison, on Sept. 18, 2013. (Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images) By Editorial Board June 21 WHEN HASSAN ROUHANI ran for president of Iran in 2013, he campaigned on the promise of promoting human rights and individual freedoms in a country that retained a strong authoritarian bent. Five years after his election, it is becoming clear that Mr. Rouhani has failed to deliver on these promises. Last week’s arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh is a telling reminder that the regime’s repressive tactics remain largely unchanged. Ms. Sotoudeh is no stranger to arbitrary arrest. Her staunch defense of political dissidents — including Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi — has long made her a target for Iranian security forces. She was arrested in 2010 on an absurd charge of threatening to overthrow the government. She ser

A Viable Democratic Alternative to the Iranian Regime By Ken Blackwell | June 22, 2018 | 4:14 PM EDT Maryam Rajavi is the president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). (Screenshot) One could easily argue that Iran’s ruling theocracy is facing the greatest internal threat to its rule since the 1980s. In the beginning of this year, the country was rocked by a mass uprising. The chain of protests was a major step forward for the domestic Resistance movement in the sense that it extracted political activism from farmers and the rural poor, despite the fact that these groups had long been thought to tolerate or even support the clerical regime. The December-to-January uprising was comprised of protests in upwards of 140 cities and towns spanning the entire country. And this diversity has remained on display in the ensuing months, as activist networks and entire populations continue to organize more localized demonstrations, in keeping with the call-to-action issued in M

ANALYSIS: Why Iran can’t take a decision similar to North Korea Kim Yong Nam, president of DPRK Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly with President Rouhani in Tehran on August 7, 2017. (Reuters) By Heshmat AlaviSpecial to Al Arabiya EnglishMonday, 18 June 2018 The historic meeting between the leaders of the United States and North Korea, and the resulting Korean Peninsula denuclearizing deal, has the potential of resolving a decades-old international crisis. This very important development will most definitely have its impact on another flashpoint in today’s world, being the Middle East, and most importantly, Iran. Comprehensive document The meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is the first of its kind following the end of the Korean War back in 1953. The signed document is currently dubbed as a “Comprehensive Document,” sending a signal to the signatory parties of the 2015 “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” over the Iran nuclear progra

Rowan Williams leads mass criticism of Iran from Anglican bishops Former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams leads a mass denunciation of Iran today from 50 bishops across the UK's three Anglican churches. Attacking the 'deplorable situation of human rights in Iran, particularly the painful situation of religious minorities', the statement represents the largest en-masse political intervention from Anglican bishops since the refugee crisis three years ago. ReutersRowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, has led the criticism of Iran's regime. Led Dr Williams, now master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, the letter is also signed by the heads of the Scottish and Welsh Anglican churches as well as the bishop of Durham, one of the most senior figures in the Church of England. 'The regime has been condemned no less than 64 times by various United Nations bodies and criticised by international human rights organisations for its appalling human rights record,&

Municipality Workers Protest In Eshtehard, Iran Against Expulsion On Jun 22, 2018 On Friday, June 22, 2018, after the expulsion of 80 municipality workers in Eshtehard, located in the province of Alborz, workers of the municipality protested against these expulsions in a gathering in front of the city’s Governorate. According to a report from inside Iran, dozens of dismissed workers from the Eshtehard Municipality gathered in the city’s governorate to demand the return to work. Workers from the Eshtehard municipality, located in the Alborz province of Iran, regarding their gatherings, said that recently 80 of them have been fired the municipality under false pretexts and their efforts to return to work have been futile. The protesting workers called for the return to their work by chanting slogans and holding up the placards. Municipality workers protest in Eshtehard, Iran against expulsion

A Viable Democratic Alternative to the Regime in Iran Ken Blackwell |Posted: Jun 23, 2018 12:01 AM Share (53) Tweet The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent the views of Townhall.com. One could easily argue that Iran’s ruling theocracy is facing the greatest internal threat to its rule since the 1980s. In the beginning of this year, the country was rocked by a mass uprising. The chain of protests was a major step forward for the domestic Resistance movement in the sense that it extracted political activism from farmers and the rural poor, despite the fact that these groups had long been thought to tolerate or even support the clerical regime. The December-to-January uprising was comprised of protests in upwards of 140 cities and towns spanning the entire country. And this diversity has remained on display in the ensuing months, as activist networks and entire populations continue to organize more localized demonstrations, in keeping with the call-to-act

Iranians to Hold Annual Gathering in Paris Calling for Regime Change in Iran Published on  05 May 2018 . The annual grand gathering of the Iranians will take place on June 30, 2018 at the Villepinte Exposition center north of Paris – France. This year's gathering will be held circumstances of unceasing nationwide protests and uprising of the people from all walks of life and all segments of society against the religious tyranny ruling Iran and demanding regime change. This gathering will express solidarity with the Iranian people’s long quest for freedom and democracy, and support for the democratic alternative to the current dictatorship in Iran.

Lebanon Stops Stamping Iranian Passports in Controversial Move to Evade US SanctionsTerrorism 18 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 18 Jun - There is huge controversy surrounding the decision by the Lebanese Security General not to stamp the passports of Iranian travellers as they enter the country, instead issuing them landing slips. While, the Security General has said that these decisions are "entirely within its jurisdiction” and do not mean that any Iranians have entered the country illegally, you have to wonder what the justification was for changing their policy. After all, this would be a controversial decision to make at any time, but it is especially troubling considering the rising pressures on Iran from the US and the West, since Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal citing Iranian cheating. Well, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday that explained that the General Security had made the decision and that the ministry is not responsible for

ebanon Stops Stamping Iranian Passports in Controversial Move to Evade US SanctionsTerrorism 18 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 18 Jun - There is huge controversy surrounding the decision by the Lebanese Security General not to stamp the passports of Iranian travellers as they enter the country, instead issuing them landing slips. While, the Security General has said that these decisions are "entirely within its jurisdiction” and do not mean that any Iranians have entered the country illegally, you have to wonder what the justification was for changing their policy. After all, this would be a controversial decision to make at any time, but it is especially troubling considering the rising pressures on Iran from the US and the West, since Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal citing Iranian cheating. Well, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday that explained that the General Security had made the decision and that the ministry is not responsible for e

Iran's Blocking of OPEC Agreement Still Leaves Options for Saudi Arabia18 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 18 Jun - Many have been saying that Iran is putting Saudi Arabia in a position where it cannot act. However, this is not true. There are a number of possibilities still open to Saudi Arabia even if Iran does go ahead and block an increase in OPEC's oil production. Iran is threatening to veto any proposal for more OPEC output and claims that it has the support of Venezuela and Iraq. Both Saudi Arabia and Russia are keen for output to be increased. OPEC's representative from Iran - Hossein Kazempour Ardebili - said yesterday that if Russia and Saudi Arabia want the production to increase, it must have unanimity. The group is due to meet at the end of the week in Austria. According to the statute of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, it is true that any deal can be blocked by any member. The text states: “Each Full Member Country shall have one vote. All dec

SYRIA Iran Uses Afghan Fighters, Some as Young as 14, for Its War in SyriaSyria 19 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 19 Jun - Iran claims that through full use of governmental facilities and comprehensive planning, there are few voluntary Afghan fighters deployed to Syria by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). However, Afghans are the least expensive of the IRGC’s foreign forces. Statistics show that there are an estimated 3 million Afghan citizens living in Iran, and it is reported that there is a Division of some 15,000 to 20,000 troops called Fatimids or Fatemiyoun. The Quds Force is believed to command the Afghan forces deployed to Syria, with headquarters in Ansar that takes care of operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Quds Force was established in 1991. Brigadier Guard Ismail Qa’ani is the present successor of Qassem Soleimani, who was commander of the Ansar base in Mashhad. The current commander of the base is brigade leader Hossein Mousavi. Ansar has its central h

19 Million Dollar Scam in Tehran Sparks Protests19 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 19 Jun - In the Gisha area, a builder pre-sold several housing units that were under construction to several people simultaneously. After issuing a tracking code, the builder fled with over 80 billion tomans (approximately 19 million USD). On Monday, June 18th, a group of the betrayed home buyers staged a protest against the million-dollar scam of the Gisha housing construction in Tehran, Iran. A protester spoke about the details of this million-dollar fraud. “The housing maker, who at the same time has two real estate consultant offices in the Gisha area, was abusing access to the information system of the real estate sales by tampering the postal code contained in tracking code system, issued multiple letter of credits with official code tracking codes for various units and presold each unit at the same time to several individuals.” He added, “These plundered buyers trusted the letter of credits which

SYRIA Iran Is Main Obstacle Preventing Progress in SyriaSyria 19 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 19 Jun - Seven years of civil war has taken a toll on Syria. A huge toll. The Russians and Chinese are working towards the country’s reconstruction. Russia is entering a new phase of reconstruction costing around $450,000 billion. China is in less of a rush to start the process. It knows that it is in a good position to fund the construction process and that it is sure to have a large share. Waiting around to see what happens in Syria seems like its best bet until now. Iran, on the other hand, is an obstacle to the Russians and the Chinese. However, the reconstruction race has started and both Russia and China are keen to get started. They are both portraying an image of stability to the West, but it is not the complete truth. Iran is still there making attempts to increase its influence. Russia has the most prominent force in the country and it is in the best position to curb Iran’s presenc

The Singapore Deal Must Include IranNuclear 19 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 19 Jun - While the eyes of the world were focused on last week’s Singapore Summit, many speculated that it was concerning that Iran was not there. After all, what is the point in securing a denuclearized North Korea, if their nuclear programme is just packed up and shipped off to their rogue-state ally Iran? It is no secret that Iran and North Korea have been cooperating on ballistic missiles and nuclear technology for the past 20+ years. You can see this in both the actual photos and videos of Iranian nuclear scientists at North Korean missile launches and the eerily similar missiles that they have produced. Iran's Shahab 3B missile was based on a North Korean one, but Iran improved on it, so that it can now hit targets as far away as southern and eastern Europe, while carrying a nuclear payload. The countries have even tested small atomic bombs and built a Yongbyon-reactor clone in Syria (destroyed by I

Iran Continues to Unlawfully Execute Minors19 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 19 Jun - Experts from the United Nations, Ms Agnes Callamard, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and Ms Renate Winter, Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, have raised concerns about Iran’s plans to execute a young man who was handed the death sentence at the age of only 15. The young man in question is Mohammad Kalhori and Iranian authorities have suggested that his execution will take place very soon. He was accused of killing his teacher. International standards are very clear that, under no circumstances, should anyone who committed a crime before the age of 18 be sentenced to death for it. Iran, however, does not take many international standards into account. Furthermore, Iran has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights so it had a duty to ensure that the death penalty is not hand

Supreme Leader Miscalculates Trump Administration’s MovesNuclear 20 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 20 Jun - Last month, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States was withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal, that was agreed in 2015. Iran was supposed to curb its nuclear program and the crippling economic sanctions that were in place were lifted. However, Trump was not satisfied that the nuclear threat has been curbed and he listed a number of belligerent acts that Iran is involved with as his justification for exiting the deal. Earlier this month, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, addressed a crowd at a commemoration event marking the anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini – the founder of the Islamic Republic. He said that to make Iran endure sanctions while living with “the [nuclear] restrictions already imposed” is a “disturbing dream”. He emphasised that this will not be accepted by

Arab Coalition to Take Yemen Back From Iran’s HouthisTerrorism 20 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 20 Jun - The Arab coalition, allied with the Yemeni army, are moving ever closer to the city of Hodeidah, a strategic place in the military action to take Yemen back from the Houthis. Indeed, it is one of the three most important ways that the coalition can drive the Houthis out of Yemen, along with expelling them from the Saudi borders, getting them out of the central governorates. But why is it so important? Well, the Hodeidah Port is the main naval entrance to North Yemen, which means that a lot of food and other goods go through the port. The Houthis have used this to their advantage, by seizing goods in order to starve or disenfranchise areas that didn’t support them, smuggling weapons from Iran, and threatening international navigation. It’s worth noting that these are the same methods used by other Iranian proxies throughout the Middle East, all under the guise of Shiism.

SYRIA Iran: The Biggest Obstacle to Reconstruction Projects in SyriaSyria 20 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 20 Jun - There have been three main players in the war in Syria – Iran, Russia and China. Iran and China’s goals of reaching the Mediterranean have all but disappeared. Russia is now in the process of planning the next reconstruction phase for Syria and there are reports that it is costing up to $500 billion. China has been awaiting the outcome of the civil war in Syria but it knows that no other country will be able to put up the huge amount of funds required to rebuild the country. It is a given that it will receive substantial projects. Russia and China are happy to work together in the country, but the competition with Iran is what is causing disruption. Both countries want to start the reconstruction as soon as possible and Iran is not present in large areas of Syria. Considering there are parts of the country that are currently stable, they are trying to convince the West t

US Ambassador Calls on Germany to Cut off Iran’s Mahan Air21 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 21 Jun - The new US ambassador to Germany has requested that the German government block Iran’s Mahan Air from flying in German airspace and landing in Germany because the airline provides material support for terrorism. In a meeting with a senior delegation from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) last week, Ambassador Richard Grenell said: “I have asked the German government to support our efforts to stop an airline called Mahan Air from utilizing German airspace and airports. We know that Mahan Air has been used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] as a mode of transport for weapons, resources and fighters, so we’re asking our allies to help us put a stop to it.” The Donald Trump administration designated the IRGC a terrorist organization in October and Canada’s House of Commons called for the same designation last week, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s admin

Total CEO: No Big Oil Company Can Work With Iran21 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 21 Jun - The CEO of French energy giant Total said on Wednesday that no big oil company can risk doing business with Iran under reimposed US sanctions. Although Total has yet to permanently pull out of Iran, where it planned to develop a section of the world's largest natural gas field, CEO Patrick Pouyanne was pessimistic about his company's future in the country. The company is prepared to abandon this project unless they can obtain a sanctions waiver, which doesn’t seem likely. Total agreed to work with Iran after previous international sanctions on the Mullahs were lifted in 2016 after the signing of the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers. When Donald Trump pulled the US out of the deal in May, he promised to impose strict sanctions on Iran within 180 days, that would not only befall US companies, but also foreign companies with ties to the US.

Angela Merkel Calls for Solutions to Iran's 'Aggressive Tendencies’21 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 21 Jun - After meeting Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said European countries shared concerns over Iran’s ballistic missile program and called for solutions to its “aggressive tendencies” in the Middle East. The German Chancellor said, “Iran’s aggressive tendencies must not only be discussed, but rather we need solutions urgently.” She also announced 384 million euros ($445 million USD) of aid to Jordan this year. U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, which lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbing its atomic program in May, but Germany has remained party to the deal. According to Merkel, while European countries want to maintain the 2015 accord, they shared concerns over Iran’s ballistic missile program, and its presence in Syria and its role in the war in Yemen. Iran supports of Syria’s President

Iran Defence Lawyer Arrested for Saying That Her Executed Client Was Innocent22 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 22 Jun - An Iranian defence lawyer has been arrested by the mullahs’ regime after claiming that her client, who was executed on Monday for the murder of three police officers, was innocent. Zeinab Taheri was arrested at on Tuesday, according to human rights activist Heshmat Alavi, for allegedly making “false statements” and increasing online debate about the innocence of Mohammad Reza Salas. A Twitter account bearing Taheri’s name tweeted on Monday that evidence of Salas’ innocence would soon be revealed, but there are questions about who was actually tweeting as they continued to tweet about Salas’ case even after Taheri was in custody and retracted the decision to go public about the case because of requests from Salas’ family. Tehran’s chief justice Gholamhossein Esmaili defended the arrest by bizarrely claiming that Taheri was not Salas’ lawyer. SALAS’ EXECUTION Salas was

MEK Respond to Slurs From Shah’s SonJubin Katiraie Blog 22 June 2018 By Jubin Katiraie The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have responded to a Bloomberg News Reza Pahlavi, the son of an Iranian dictator that was overthrown by the Iranian people, in which he told numerous lies about the MEK and displayed his hatred for democracy. Shahin Gobadi, the spokesman for the MEK , wrote that the Iranian people’s continued fight for democracy has been pushed back by two dictatorships: the monarchy, to which Pahlavi belonged, and the current theocracy. There may be striking differences between the two, but both groups are united on a hostility towards democracy and a violent crackdown on those who advocated for it. The Shah’s rule began in 1953, when the US and the UK conspired to overthrow Iran’s only democratic government. For 25 years, he ruled Iran through terror and suppression until the people of Iran overthrew him in 1979 and he fled the country. Unfortunately, that rev

Iran Must Decide Whether to Heed France’s Advise22 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 22 Jun - According to senior French sources, the European signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have been primarily focused on “avoiding a military confrontation,” after the US exit from the pact. Inside Iran, some “want and seek” this confrontation, they say, but Germany, Britain and France, in cooperation with Russia and China, want to avoid reaching the “point of no return.” The sources also blame Tehran for failing to take advantage of the nuclear deal. Instead of normalizing its ties with regional countries, it forged an aggressive regional policy and developed its ballistic missile program. Meanwhile, in the US, proponents of the newly reimposed American sanctions believe that Tehran will eventually “come to heel” under their weight. In fact, Paris believes that “no one in Washington wants a war on Tehran,” the sources said. Still, Israel and some non-Israeli powers “are pushing for war”, a call

Iran: Sanctions Need to Be Hard-HittingNuclear 23 June 2018 Iran Focus London, 23 Jun - Last month, US President announced that he would be pulling the United States out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He also said that the sanctions that were lifted as a result of the nuclear deal will be reapplied and that fresh ones would be issued. We do not know the full details of the sanctions yet, but it is expected that we will hear soon, as the deadlines approach. Iran pretends to be rather unconcerned about the sanctions. Iran is used to sanctions and had lived with them for so long that it has been able to find work-arounds. Several Iranian officials have recently said that the sanctions will be little more than an inconvenience. The Trump administration is hopefully listening to this and bearing it in mind when finalising the details of the sanctions. It is the perfect chance for the administration to really take the time a

Iran’s water crisis emerging dangerously ARTICLES 6/10/2018 Water crisis in Iran Analysis by: PMOI/MEK Iran, June 10, 2018 - The country of Iran is burning and a growing water crisis has become one of the six super-challenges, according to regime officials. The Anzali Wetlands in northern Iran are nearly destroyed, according to the state ILNA news agency. Recognized internationally and considered one of the largest homes to migrating birds and fishes in Iran, the Anzali Wetlands are now sharing the fate of 60 other wetlands across Iran that are on the verge of complete annihilation due to wrong policies adopted by the ruling mullahs’ regime.