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IRGC member linked to the killing of American citizens in Iraq

Jubin Katiraie
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IRGC member linked to the killing of American citizens in Iraq

A U.S. court has accused Mohammad Reza Nouri, a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), of murder and terrorist activities in connection with the killing of an American citizen in Iraq in 2022.

Federal prosecutors in New York announced on Friday, December 20, that these charges against the 36-year-old Nouri could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

This IRGC member was arrested in March 2023, along with four militia members backed by the Iranian regime in Iraq, on charges of murdering an American teacher named Stephen Troell.

Mr. Troell, 45 years old and originally from Tennessee in the southern United States, was living in Iraq with his wife and children. He was shot and killed in his personal vehicle in the Karrada district of Baghdad two years ago in the fall.

Mohammad Reza Nouri, known by his alias “Abu Abbas,” and referred to in Iranian media as a “Defender of the Shrine,” was detained in Iraq for 16 months before being sentenced to life imprisonment this past August.

According to the Acting U.S. Attorney General, Nouri is accused of orchestrating the assassination of this American citizen.

He allegedly gathered information on Mr. Troell’s movements for the attackers and provided them with weapons and a safe location.

U.S. judicial officials claimed in court that on the day of the murder, this IRGC member celebrated the act with one of his accomplices and returned to Iran from Iraq that same night.

The Acting U.S. Attorney stated that the Iranian regime actively targets American citizens around the world to suppress dissent and avenge the killing of Qassem Soleimani.

Qassem Soleimani, commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.

Ismail Baqaei, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, previously denied the accusations against Mohammad Reza Nouri, calling them a “conspiracy by groups linked to Israel.”

He told the official Iranian regime’s news agency IRNA that these allegations aim to further complicate Iran-U.S. relations.

Iran has previously denied similar accusations, dismissing them as baseless.

Syria’s Refineries Halt Operations as Iran Halts Oil Exports

Esmaeil Mohades
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Syria’s Refineries Halt Operations as Iran Halts Oil Exports

Media outlets reported the shutdown of Syria’s largest oil refinery following the halt of Iranian oil exports, noting that the majority of Syria’s oil imports came from Iran.

According to a report by the Financial Times on Thursday, December 19, the Baniyas refinery, located near the port of Baniyas in Syria, has a daily production capacity of 130,000 barrels of petroleum derivatives and fuel. Ninety percent of its input came from Iran, and Iranian oil exports to Syria have stopped following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

This report follows earlier news that, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, an Iranian oil tanker en route to Syria changed course midway and returned.

This report was also published by the maritime analytics firm Kepler, which stated that the tanker Lotus, carrying one million barrels of Iranian oil, altered its course toward the southern Red Sea before entering the Suez Canal on December 8.

According to Kepler, the tanker, flying the flag of the Iranian regime, had loaded the oil from Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.

Reports indicate that since the beginning of the current calendar year, Iran’s regime has exported nearly 19 million barrels of crude oil to Syria over the past 11 months.

Following this suspension, Ibrahim Moslem, the manager of the Baniyas refinery, told the Financial Times: “Before the fall of Bashar al-Assad, 90% of Syria’s imported oil came from Iran. Iranian oil shipments to the Baniyas refinery have stopped.”

According to Ibrahim Moslem, members of Syria’s new government informed him that they anticipate sanctions on Syria will be lifted, allowing the country to import oil from sources other than Iran.

The Russian news site RT reported, citing Iranian media, that Iran exported approximately 60,000 barrels of oil per day to Syria at a price of $50 per barrel, amounting to $1 billion annually.

According to reports, Iran’s oil exports to Syria from 2011 to 2024 totaled $14 billion.

Intensified Pollution in Iran’s Large Cities Until the End of the Week

Hoshang Amiri
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Intensified Pollution in Iran’s Large Cities Until the End of the Week

Sadegh Ziaeian, head of the National Forecast Center of Iran’s Meteorological Organization, announced the intensification of air pollution in major cities from Sunday, December 22, to the end of the week.

According to media reports, Ziaeian stated that from Sunday to the end of the week, the country will experience no significant weather events, with “stable atmospheric conditions prevailing.” This stability essentially means pollutant accumulation, making pollution a persistent issue across Iran throughout the week.

In recent days, air pollution in several Iranian cities has caused delays or closures of schools and government offices.

Air pollution in various cities reached levels where residents shared images of dense smog, coupled with power outages and blackouts in homes and on roads, expressing confusion and frustration.

The right to clean air is considered a fundamental civil right, which is systematically violated in Iran, especially in metropolises. Despite warnings from environmental experts and medical professionals, it remains a low priority for the authorities of Iran’s regime.

Meanwhile, regime President Masoud Pezeshkian, referring to the pollution problem and the use of “substandard fuel,” shifted the responsibility to the public, asking citizens to lower their home heating by “two degrees.”

One of the most significant causes of air pollution in Iran is vehicles that fail to meet modern standards, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of air pollution, according to statistics.

The suspicious financial dealings of the German Volks Bank with the Iranian regime’s financial network

Sia Rajabi
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The suspicious financial dealings of the German Volks Bank with the Iranian regime’s financial network

The Volks Bank in Düsseldorf, Germany, is under close scrutiny by Germany’s Financial Supervisory Authority due to its questionable transactions with GIC International, a company linked to Tehran-based Ghadir. Ghadir is affiliated with the Iranian regime and is on the U.S. sanctions list.

GIC International, currently owned by an Iranian-German executive, is under investigation for allegedly circumventing sanctions and engaging in suspicious trade with subsidiaries in Turkey, Dubai, and China.

According to reports, GIC International uses a network to export urea from Iran and purchase properties abroad.

Documents reveal that MAPNA, a key industrial company of the Iranian regime, has a small office in Düsseldorf in an unmarked building, with Abbas Aliabadi, Iran’s former Minister of Economy and a member of the IRGC, listed on its mailbox.

Aliabadi, who served as Iran’s Minister of Economy from 2023 to 2024, had led the company for years. Although he left his Düsseldorf position after his ministerial appointment, he remains connected to the company’s activities.

The company is part of the Tehran-based MAPNA Group, a major pillar of Iran’s economy, controlled directly by Astan Quds Razavi and the Supreme Leader of Iran.

This company reportedly plays a significant role in evading sanctions against the Iranian regime, working with networks in Turkey, Dubai, and China. It is also listed by the UK government as involved in the production or supply of weapons of mass destruction.

The regime bypasses sanctions through a network of covert companies in Germany, particularly in Düsseldorf and Hamburg.

Documents indicate that MAPNA uses various bank accounts for its transactions, leading to intensified monitoring of its economic activities.

These developments have raised serious concerns about Iran’s economic activities in Europe and its attempts to evade international sanctions. European authorities face mounting pressure to enhance oversight and prevent the operations of suspicious networks.

U.S. Congress Hosts Conference on Iran Policy, Calls for Support of Democratic and Non-Nuclear Iran

Mehdi Hosseini
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U.S. Congress Hosts Conference on Iran Policy, Calls for Support of Democratic and Non-Nuclear Iran

On December 17, 2024, a significant congressional briefing, “Iran Policy: Combating the Regime’s Warmongering and Terrorism, Advancing a Democratic, Non-Nuclear Republic,” took place in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event featured remarks from Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and bipartisan U.S. lawmakers like Representatives Tom McClintock, Brad Sherman, Nancy Mace, Judy Chu, and others. The conference highlighted the Iranian people’s aspirations for regime change, democracy, and human rights.

In her address, Maryam Rajavi asserted that the regime’s reliance on nuclear weapons stems from desperation after regional failures, such as the collapse of its proxy strategies. She emphasized international alignment with the Iranian people, commended bipartisan U.S. support via House Resolution 1148, and called for UN sanctions to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Rajavi outlined a democratic vision for post-regime Iran, prioritizing free elections, equality, and a non-nuclear Middle East.

Rep. Tom McClintock described the regime as fragile, likening it to a hollow structure about to collapse under domestic and international pressures. He praised the NCRI’s non-seizure approach, aiming to empower Iranians. Similarly, Rep. Brad Sherman acknowledged the NCRI’s pivotal role in exposing Iran’s secret nuclear program and stressed the importance of supporting resistance groups.

Rep. Nancy Mace lauded the critical role of Iranian women in resisting the regime and confidently declared the inevitability of the regime’s fall. She opposed all forms of dictatorship and urged U.S. action to end Iran’s proxy wars. Rep. Judy Chu reaffirmed her commitment to democracy and human rights, noting the bravery of Iranians in the face of oppression and expressing pride in House Resolution 100, which condemns Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism.

Rep. Glenn Grothman highlighted the suppressed potential of Iranians under the regime and called for liberation to unleash their talents. Rep. Pete Sessions advocated for unity and persistence, asserting the need for regime change to ensure justice and freedom. Rep. Rich McCormick denounced the regime’s oppression and called for proactive measures against its nuclear ambitions, emphasizing U.S. leadership. Rep. Ronny Jackson declared the bipartisan nature of the effort to free Iran and expressed confidence in imminent change under U.S. leadership.

Rep. Erica Lee Carter expressed her solidarity with the Iranian Resistance, continuing her late mother’s advocacy for Iranian women. She hoped to celebrate a free Iran soon. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, through a written message, emphasized persistent advocacy for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran and announced her role as co-chair of the Iranian Women’s Congressional Caucus.

Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad discussed geopolitical shifts weakening Iran’s regime, such as Assad’s downfall in Syria. She proposed actions for the U.S. and international community to support Iran’s democratic movement, including sanctions and isolating Tehran diplomatically. She praised Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for its vision of a secular, gender-equal, and non-nuclear Iran.

Dr. Majid Sadeghpour underscored the Iranian regime’s fragility and called for global support for the NCRI to lead Iran toward democracy. Niki Mohammadi and Parsa Arya from the Iranian-American community highlighted the significance of Assad’s collapse, Tehran’s vulnerabilities, and the resistance’s growing momentum. They urged action to dismantle the regime and commended the NCRI’s steadfast dedication.

Anna Sami stressed the NCRI’s clear plan for a democratic transition and urged international recognition of the resistance’s legitimacy. She highlighted practical measures like sanctions and dismantling the IRGC’s covert operations while celebrating the contributions of Iranian expatriates to rebuilding efforts.

 

Iran’s Ghezel Hesar Prison sanctioned by the United States

Jubin Katiraie
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Iran’s Ghezel Hesar Prison sanctioned by the United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Department of State announced on Thursday, December 19, that they have sanctioned Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. Simultaneously, these two agencies imposed sanctions on several entities and ships involved in the sale of oil and petrochemical products by the Iranian regime.

“GHEZEL HESAR PRISON has been determined by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 106 of CAATSA to be responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, namely cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment committed against individuals in Iran who seek to exercise their internationally recognized human right of freedom of expression.”

Previously, some other prisons of the Iranian regime had also been subjected to U.S. sanctions.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a statement on Thursday, announcing sanctions on four entities and three vessels that contributed to generating billions of dollars for the Iranian regime through the sale of oil and petrochemicals.

According to the statement, this revenue has been used to fund Iran’s nuclear program, the development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, and the financing of proxy terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

The statement adds that the sanctioned vessels have also used obscure and deceptive methods to hide this trade, significantly endangering the maritime industry.

The U.S. Department of State also sanctioned several entities for transferring crude oil on behalf of the Iranian regime.

Bradley Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that the Iranian government continues to rely on a shadow network of vessels, companies, and facilitators to support its dangerous nuclear program, weapons proliferation, and proxy groups.

Smith added that the United States is committed to countering key revenue streams for the Iranian regime, which he said are used to support its destabilizing activities.

The entities sanctioned by the United States are based in Liberia, Greece, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, Seychelles, India, and Suriname, while the sanctioned vessels fly the flags of Djibouti, San Marino, Panama, Cameroon, and Barbados.

On Wednesday, December 18, the United States also sanctioned a range of individuals and entities linked to Iran’s missile and drone programs.

Over the past years, the United States and the European Union have imposed extensive sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Iran’s drone and missile programs, as well as on human rights violators and those responsible for suppressing protesters.

In response, the Iranian regime, despite repeated warnings from Western countries about the continuation of sanctions, persists in its destabilizing actions across various fields, including military and human rights activities.

 

Iran Faces Severe Energy Crisis Amid Fuel Shortages and Widespread Closures

Sia Rajabi
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Iran Faces Severe Energy Crisis Amid Fuel Shortages and Widespread Closures

On Wednesday, December 18, the Iranian regime’s Minister of Energy Abbas Aliabadi stated: “In case of fuel shortages, we may be forced to impose power outages, but efforts will be made to minimize them.”

He added: “About 12 to 13 power plants in the northern half of the country are facing fuel shortages, while the situation is better in the southern half.”

At the same time, Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, Governor of Tehran, stated on Wednesday that contrary to the government’s stated goal of reducing fuel and energy consumption through shutdowns, these closures have led to increased travel, heavier traffic, higher gasoline usage, and consequently more pollution.

As the energy shortage crisis continues in Iran, government officials in Tehran and several other provinces announced the closure of schools for Thursday, switching to remote learning.

Due to the rising air pollution index in Tehran, football matches scheduled for Thursday and Friday in the province were also canceled.

Hossein Kermanpour, head of the Health Ministry’s Information Center, warned that on days when air pollution levels rise, the number of cardiovascular patients visiting hospitals in affected cities increases by up to 100%.

He added: “In cities with even worse pollution, this figure rises to 150- to 160%.”

Simultaneously, the director general of Tehran’s Blood Transfusion Organization announced a sharp decline in blood donations due to air pollution and severe cold weather.

A new round of closures began on December 8, and on December 10, Tehran’s governorate announced that schools, universities, and government offices would close on Wednesday and Thursday due to air pollution.

After Friday, December 13, the capital had only one working day (Saturday), during which it was announced that Tehran would close again from Sunday, December 15, with similar closures enforced in other parts of the country.

Simultaneously, power and gas outages have caused significant problems for the public.

As the energy and fuel crisis persists, Tehran Gas Company announced the closure of 390 public and private pools in the province. The company’s deputy stated that only pools used by national teams and facilities for treating war-injured veterans remain operational.

The daily economic damage caused by the new round of closures of many government centers across the provinces is estimated at no less than 50 trillion rials (approximately $65 million).

According to industry activists, under the current trend that began in the summer, small industrial units operate only two to three days a week, yet owners are required to pay workers’ full wages.

The damages are not limited to industrial parks; even urban bakeries have suffered losses.

Units continually suffering losses due to closures will face challenges in paying taxes, and if expected tax revenues are not realized, the government budget will face a deficit.

The current crisis in Iran has resulted from years of accumulated problems and insufficient investment in the energy sector. Resolving this crisis requires $250 billion in the oil and gas sector and $19 billion in the electricity sector.

Iranian Universities Switch to Online Classes Until January 10, 2025

Hoshang Amiri
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Iranian Universities Switch to Online Classes Until January 10, 2025

Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology announced that all universities across the country would remain online-only until the end of the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. The last time such a measure was implemented was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This nationwide decision comes despite many provinces experiencing neither unusual cold nor severe air pollution.

The Ministry’s announcement follows reports of sporadic protests over the past week due to Iran’s inability to supply adequate energy. Historically, universities have played a pivotal role in sparking protests in Iran, as seen in 2017, 2019, and 2022.

Before this announcement, Beheshti University reported on its Telegram channel on Wednesday night, December 18, that its classes would be held online from Saturday, December 21, until the end of the semester.

According to the national academic calendar, the first semester for Iranian universities ends on January 10.

In the December 18 directive, signed by Reza Taghizadeh, Director-General of Higher Education Planning, university presidents were authorized to shift classes online “if deemed appropriate.”

The directive emphasized that final exams and thesis defense sessions must still be conducted in person.

This decision comes as students require electricity and internet access for online sessions. Recently, widespread power outages occurred, with 13 power plants going offline due to a lack of fuel.

Following increased reports of internet disruptions across the country, the Ministry of Communications issued a statement on December 12, attributing the issues to power outages affecting telecommunications sites.

Ineffective Closures

Since early December, many provinces, including Tehran, have repeatedly faced closures under reasons such as “energy conservation,” “cold weather,” or “pollution,” as announced by local authorities.

These closures are estimated to cost the country 50 trillion rials (approximately $65 million) per day.

Meanwhile, Hamidreza Rastegarpour, head of Tehran’s Chamber of Guilds, warned that large stores selling non-essential goods must close due to the intensifying cold and gas shortages. He stressed that violators keeping their shops open past 8:00 PM would face closure by authorities.

Nationwide closures have been justified by claims of reducing air pollution or managing energy consumption. However, Mohammad Sadegh Mo’tamedian, Tehran’s governor, bluntly stated that the government’s decision has merely “shifted the crisis from one place to another,” increasing fuel consumption in the process.

 

Disabled Man Dead Following Assault at Care Center in Iran

Jubin Katiraie
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Disabled Man Dead Following Assault at Care Center in Iran

One of the residents of a center for people with disabilities in Hamadan Province, Iran, died after being beaten by staff at the facility.

On Wednesday, December 18, Iranian media reported that a 38-year-old man with intellectual disabilities was assaulted by staff at a supportive home overseen by Hamadan’s Welfare Organization and passed away.

Following this incident, Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of Hamadan Province, announced the initiation of a judicial case and its referral to an investigative branch. He added that arrest warrants had been issued for the suspects under the charge of intentional assault and battery.

Acts of violence and mistreatment against citizens with disabilities have occurred previously in the country.

In March 2024, the Disabilities Campaign released a video on X, revealing incidents of harassment, assault, battery, and exorbitant fees at the Mehr-Afarin Center for Men with Mental Illness in Karaj.

Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, reported on December 18 regarding the deceased individual in Hamadan, stating that the initial examination by the Forensic Medicine Organization confirmed evidence of assault and battery, but final conclusions were contingent on an autopsy and necessary tests.

IRNA quoted Hamadan’s prosecutor, saying the suspects were released on bail by the case investigator after spending one night in detention, pending the final forensic results.

Despite the prosecutor’s remarks, the deputy director of Hamadan’s Welfare Organization stated that the center’s staff were not employees of the organization and that the facility was regularly monitored by the welfare department.

Previously, on December 17, the head of the Iranian Institute for Population Studies announced that one in six people aged 60 and older had experienced some form of abuse in social settings over the past year.

Mohammad Javad Mahmoudi added: “The rate of abuse of elderly individuals in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care centers is high.”

In August 2023, a video showing violent behavior towards individuals with intellectual disabilities at a care center in Bushehr was circulated.

In June 2023, IRNA reported that staff at the Fatemeh Zahra Rehabilitation Center in Jahrom subjected several individuals with disabilities to harm by burning them with lighters.

In recent years, individuals with disabilities in Iran have frequently held protests against the non-implementation of the Disability Protection Law.

Record-Breaking Currency Rates in Iran: The Dollar Surges, Euro Crosses 800,000 Rials

Esmaeil Mohades
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Record-Breaking Currency Rates in Iran: The Dollar Surges, Euro Crosses 800,000 Rials

The exchange rate of the U.S. dollar in Iran’s free currency market continued its upward trend, reaching a record high of 776,500 rials.

The euro also surpassed the 800,000-rial mark for the first time and was trading around 806,000 rials by the morning of Thursday, December 19. The British pound, having crossed 980,000 rials, is nearing the one-million-rial threshold.

A series of political and economic factors, including “Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential elections,” “developments in the Middle East and the risk of military conflict involving the Iranian regime,” “the increased likelihood of triggering the snapback mechanism against the regime,” and “the removal of preferential currency rates,” have been cited as the main reasons behind the dollar’s historic records.

In recent days, based on the Central Bank’s decision, the agreed-upon dollar rate of approximately 610,000 rials has replaced the preferential exchange rate.

Accordingly, exporters and importers must now conduct their currency transactions through the trade exchange platform.

Previously, importers could bring in goods at a rate of 540,000 rials. The sudden removal of the NIMA exchange rate, which leads to higher prices for goods and services, has sent an upward signal to the unofficial currency market. Nonetheless, officials deny that this decision has impacted prices.

On December 17, the head of Iran regime’s Central Bank attributed the rise of the dollar to “psychological operations by the enemy” during a televised interview and promised a reduction in foreign exchange rates. However, since then, the dollar’s rate has increased by at least 10,000 rials.

The Central Bank had anticipated that the introduction of the agreed currency market would align official rates closer to the free-market rate. However, following this change, the free-market dollar rate is once again diverging from the official rate.

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