This is Not a Conspiracy, It is a Terrifying Opportunity
Brad Evans | counterpunch.org | 2020-05-08
Every catastrophe and crisis are followed by a litany of conspiracy theories. The Covid-19 pandemic has proved no exception. From tales concerning transmission of some lethal agent through 5G infrastructure, to grand theories concerning a mastermind plot to destabilise the world, the fantastical and the absurd have spread almost as quickly as the virus. While the early culprits ranged from the Bill Gates to the Iranians, George Soros to the Eco-fascists, it's becoming more and more common to suggest some orchestrated Chinese plot. The alleged death of Kim Jong-un which had socialists the world over speculating ab…
counterpunch.org/2020/05/08/this-is-not-a-conspiracy-it-is-a-terrifying-opportunity/

China should TRIPLE nuclear arsenal to deter 'warmongering' US, editor of state-run Global Times argues
rt.com | 2020-05-08
China should drastically increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads to dissuade the United States from pursuing its strategic ambitions abroad, the editor of the Global Times has urged. | In a piece published by his own paper, Hu Xijin said China is a "peace-loving nation" that has pledged to never be the first to use nuclear weapons. He argued, however, that Beijing must aim to expand the number of its nuclear warheads to 1,000 to create a powerful deterrent to "shape the attitudes of US elites toward China." The Asian power currently has around 300 nuclear weapons. | He said that bolstering China's nuclear c…
rt.com/news/488157-china-nuclear-warheads-increase-us/

US should end its humiliating 'unilateralism': FM spox
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-08
TEHRAN, May 08 (MNA)

Tehran, Moscow emphasize strengthening bilateral, intl. coop
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-08
TEHRAN, May 08 (MNA)

Iran coronavirus updates: 1,556 new COVID-19 cases, 55 deaths
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-08
TEHRAN, May 08 (MNA)

Trump vetoes war powers resolution on Iran
wsws.org | 2020-05-08
As anticipated, the US Senate failed to muster the two-thirds vote necessary to override the veto of a bill purporting to limit the president's power to launch aggressive war against Iran.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/05/08/iran-m08.html

Iran's trade exchanges with Azerbaijan, Turkey 'underway' amid pandemic
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-08
TEHRAN, May 08 (MNA)

US extends Iraq's sanctions waiver to import electricity from Iran
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-08
TEHRAN, May 08 (MNA)

Iran, 'leading steel producer, exporter' in ME region
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-08
TEHRAN, May 08 (MNA)

Minnesota: Anti-war movement urges Rep. Omar to unsign AIPAC's Iran sanctions letter
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-05-07
Minneapolis, MN – The Twin Cities Anti-War Committee sent a letter to Minnesota's Representative Ilhan Omar, May 6, urging her to withdraw her support for a letter that furthers AIPAC's lobbying efforts to continue sanctions against Iran. | The letter states, "We strongly urge you to unsign AIPAC's statement and to stand with Representatives Betty McCullom, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and the few others brave enough to reject AIPAC's roadmap to an increase in sanctions against Iran." | "In the face of the world superpowers' saber-rattling, we should defend Iran's desire to prote…
fightbacknews.org/2020/5/7/minnesota-anti-war-movement-urges-rep-omar-unsign-aipac-s-iran-sanctions-letter

Once Again Trump Scoffs Congressional War Powers with Republican Help
Jeff Jurgens | peaceaction.org | 2020-05-07
Once Again Trump Scoffs Congressional War Powers with Republican Help Washington, D.C.

Zarif congratulates Iraqis for formation of government
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

Iran execrats 470mn tons of minerals in a year: industry min
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

US sanctions have helped to make Iran the biggest coronavirus victim in Asia
Ed Sykes | thecanary.co | 2020-05-07
The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has hit Iran harder than any other country in Asia. At the time of writing, it has a death toll of 6,486. One factor that has contributed to such a high number has been US sanctions, which Donald Trump's government actually increased during the pandemic. | This si…
thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2020/05/07/us-sanctions-have-helped-to-make-iran-the-biggest-coronavirus-victim-in-asia/

VIDEO: Earthquake leaves deep cracks on Sassanid-era fortress
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
KHORRAMABAD, May 07 (MNA)

Iran anti-war bill in tatters after Trump veto and Senate failure to uphold it
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-05-07
The presidential veto is set to be challenged in the US Congress, where the resolution would require a two-thirds majority in both houses to override the veto…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/05/07/iran-anti-war-bill-in-tatters-after-trump-veto-and-senate-failure-to-uphold-it/

US in no position to raise issues about JCPOA: Foreign Ministry
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

Iran is in Syria to stay, and Damascus's response towards Israel is only postponed
Elijah Magnier | thealtworld.com | 2020-05-07
Recently, Israel claimed Iran was withdrawing its forces from Syria following the repetitive airstrikes Tel Aviv jets carried out from above Lebanon and additionally violating Iraqi air space. Furthermore, Israeli officials seem to believe that Iran can't accept being challenged in Syria, yet is still far from seeking revenge anytime soon. This is Israeli wishful thinking, wanting to drag Iran into a confrontation according to Tel Aviv's own terms and timetable. This tactic to drag Iran into the war seems to be supported both by Israel and the US, offering President Donald Trump the potential victory he needs for…
thealtworld.com/elijah_magnier/iran-is-in-syria-to-stay-and-damascuss-response-towards-israel-is-only-postponed

Lavrov expresses Russia's unity with Iran against inhumane US sanctions
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

Iran voices sympathy with Uzbekistan over recent flood
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

Health Ministry confirms 1,485 new COVID-19 cases across country
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

L'Iran est en Syrie pour y rester et Damas s'occupera d'Israà´l en temps et lieu
Elijah Magnier | thealtworld.com | 2020-05-07
Récemment, Israà´l a affirmé que l'Iran retirait ses forces de la Syrie en raison des frappes aériennes répétées de Tel-Aviv effectuées depuis le Liban ou en violant l'espace aérien irakien. De plus, les responsables israéliens semblent croire que l'Iran accepte mal que sa présence soit contestée en Syrie, mais que ce n'est pas demain la veille qu'il cherchera vengeance. C'est un v≈ìu pieux d'Israà´l, qui veut entraàÆner l'Iran dans un affrontement selon ses propres conditions et conformément au calendrier de Tel-Aviv. Cette tactique visant à entraàÆner l'Iran dans la guerre s…
thealtworld.com/elijah_magnier/liran-est-en-syrie-pour-y-rester-et-damas-soccupera-disrael-en-temps-et-lieu

Iranian amb. to Baghdad congratulates al-Kazemi on approval as PM
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA)

Iranian governors hold meeting with interior min
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-05-07
TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA)

Can We Achieve Nuclear Adulthood?
Robert C. Koehler | commondreams.org | 2020-05-07
Why does it take a pandemic to get the world to stop fighting? Are we being led by 3-year-olds? (Photo: Shutterstock) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/shutterstock_1101398828-1080x675_0.jpeg …
commondreams.org/views/2020/05/07/can-we-achieve-nuclear-adulthood?cd-origin=rss

Anti-Iranian Boomerang Policies
Ivan Kesić | iranian.com | 2020-05-08
Two months after the coronavirus pandemic broke out in Iran, we are seeing signs of a significant improvement for the total situation. The number of daily deaths has dropped below one hundred for a week in a row, the number of new COVID-19 cases has been on a continuous decline for more than three weeks, …
iranian.com/2020/05/07/anti-iranian-boomerang-policies/

Is Trump Kicking the Saudis to the Curb the Beginning of Something Not Terrible?
Tom Luongo | iranian.com | 2020-05-08
More than anything else in Saudi Arabia, that thing you smell is fear. Everything is coming unglued for the royal family there all at once. If we all weren't so distracted by the Coronapocalypse these things would all be front-page news. In the past week there have been three major stories concerning Saudi Arabia, none …
iranian.com/2020/05/07/is-trump-kicking-the-saudis-to-the-curb-the-beginning-of-something-not-terrible/

Iconic Sassanid-Era Fortress in Iran Suffers Deep Cracks After 5.1 Magnitude Earthquake
Sputnik News | iranian.com | 2020-05-08
On Thursday, an earthquake estimated at 5.1 magnitude hit a large part of Iran, including the Tehran province in the northern areas of the country. One day earlier, another earthquake with the same strength hit the province of Lorestan in the western regions of the country. A Wednesday earthquake in Iran's western province of Lorestan caused …
iranian.com/2020/05/07/iconic-sassanid-era-fortress-in-iran-suffers-deep-cracks-after-5-1-magnitude-earthquake/

Selected Articles: Fake News About North Korea, Failed Invasion of Venezuela
Global Research News | globalresearch.ca | 2020-05-07
A future without independent media leaves us with an upside down reality where according to the corporate media "NATO deserves a Nobel Peace Prize", and where "nuclear weapons and wars make us safer" | | | If, like us, this is a …
globalresearch.ca/selected-articles-fake-news-about-north-korea-failed-invasion-venezuela/5712128

Iran: Death toll from coronavirus rises to 6,541
yenisafak.com | 2020-05-08
The death toll in Iran from the coronavirus rose to 6,541, as 55 new deaths were reported over the last 24 hours, state media reported on Friday.A further of 1,556 more people tested positive for COVID-19 over the past day, bringing the total number of cases to 104,691, Iran's state broadcaster reported, citing a statement from the Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour.Jahanpour said 83,837 people have recovered so far and been discharged from hospitals, while 2,711 others are in critical condition.Nearly 558,900 tests have been conducted so far in the country, he added.In Iran, one of the Middle Eastern c…
yenisafak.com/en/world/iran-death-toll-from-coronavirus-rises-to-6541-3518980

Iran takes delivery of medical supplies bought from France
IRNA | iranian.com | 2020-05-07
Iran took delivery of about 10 tons medical supplies bought from France through Sarisu cross border market in northwestern country, IRNA reported on Thursday. Director of Bazargan Customs office Sadeq Namdar told IRNA on Thursday that it is the seventh medical cargo delivered to Iran through northwestern Iranian border market. The medical cargo includes antiserum, …
iranian.com/2020/05/06/iran-takes-delivery-of-medical-supplies-bought-from-france/

Like it or not, Iran-Arab trade still in tens of billions
Press TV | iranian.com | 2020-05-07
Iran's political ties with US allies in the Persian Gulf have been on the rocks, but commercial ties have chugged along quietly, despite the Trump administration's pressure on Arab states to reduce their relationship with Tehran to the minimum. According to Arab-Africa director of Iran's Trade Promotion Organization Farzad Piltan, trade with the UAE, Oman, …
iranian.com/2020/05/06/like-it-or-not-iran-arab-trade-still-in-tens-of-billions/

Experts warn of new nuclear arms race after Trump signals U.S. withdrawal from START Treaty
Alan MacLeod | mronline.org | 2020-05-06
While much of the corporate press has blamed Russia and China for the sudden failure of multiple longstanding nuclear treaties, experts put the blame on squarely on the Trump administration.
mronline.org/2020/05/06/experts-warn-of-new-nuclear-arms-race-after-trump-signals-u-s-withdrawal-from-start-treaty/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=experts-warn-of-new-nuclear-arms-race-after-trump-signals-u-s-withdrawal-from-start-treaty

Pompeo and the capricious virus
M.K. Bhadrakumar | mronline.org | 2020-05-06
Iran has delivered a devastating blow to the ego of the Trump administration, puncturing it beyond repair, by its announcement Sunday that mosques will start reopening in low-risk areas of the country from May 5.
mronline.org/2020/05/06/pompeo-and-the-capricious-virus/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pompeo-and-the-capricious-virus

U.S. mercenaries captured in Venezuela
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-05-06
Chicago, IL – In a dramatic development on May 4, two U.S. mercenaries were captured among an invasion force on the coast of Venezuela. Luke Denman and Airan Berry, ex-U.S. soldiers from Texas, were captured by the Venezuelan Navy and can be seen in photos, face down with their hands behind their backs on the shoreline. This failed "Bay of Piglets" comes as the U.S. Navy continues to patrol aggressively along the coast of Venezuela. | As previously reported in Fight Back!, on May 3 Venezuelan military and police forces encountered a group of invaders, killing eight and capturing two. The invaders planned to initi…
fightbacknews.org/2020/5/6/us-mercenaries-captured-venezuela

Rouhani Communicates To G4+1 Consequences Of Extending Iran Arms Embargo
Tasnim News | iranian.com | 2020-05-06
Addressing a cabinet session on Wednesday, Rouhani made it clear that lifting the UN arms embargo against Iran is an indispensable part of the nuclear deal. "If the arms embargo (on Iran) is to return one day, with any title, under any statement and with any mechanism, our response will be what I have mentioned …
iranian.com/2020/05/06/rouhani-communicates-to-g41-consequences-of-extending-iran-arms-embargo/

Chinese Authoritarianism Versus White Racism
Farid Parsa | iranian.com | 2020-05-06
For many Europeans racism is normal. Especially when it's directed at people who look different to them. Although Europeans have come a long way from their colonial past they still have a long way to go. Many Europeans led by the U.S. have been engaged in derogatory and racist language toward the Chinese government and …
iranian.com/2020/05/06/chinese-authoritarianism-versus-white-racism/

'Insulting Resolution': Trump Vetoes Measure Curbing Military Action Against Iran
Sputnik News | iranian.com | 2020-05-06
US President Donald Trump has vetoed a bill that would have reined in his power to unilaterally make war against Iran. The bill was passed by lawmakers after the White House's January decision to assassinate a leading Iranian general without notifying Congress, bringing the region to the brink of war. In March, federal lawmakers passed a …
iranian.com/2020/05/06/insulting-resolution-trump-vetoes-congressional-measure-curbing-military-action-against-iran/

Lebanon appreciates Iran for medical aid to fight coronavirus
IRNA | iranian.com | 2020-05-06
Lebanese foreign affairs and health and public services ministers on Tuesday expressed gratitude for Tehran's medical aid to help fight COVID-19. According to Al-Manar, Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan hailed Iran's medical supply which includes 15 ventilators and a large number of testing kits, saying that this message of Iran is message of affection, friendship …
iranian.com/2020/05/06/lebanon-appreciates-iran-for-medical-aid-to-fight-coronavirus/

Pompeo and the capricious virus
M. K. Bhadrakumar | iranian.com | 2020-05-05
Iran has delivered a devastating blow to the ego of the Trump administration, puncturing it beyond repair, by its announcement Sunday that mosques will start reopening in low-risk areas of the country from May 5. President Hassan Rouhani said mosques would reopen in 132 regions designated as white under a colour-coded system after being consistently …
iranian.com/2020/05/04/pompeo-and-the-capricious-virus/

Ending Sanctions Only Way to Prove US Sincerity in Offering Help, Rouhani Tells Abe
Tasnim News | iranian.com | 2020-05-05
In a telephone conversation with Japan's prime minister, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the US should first lift the unlawful sanctions against Tehran to prove it is sincere in offering help in the battle with the novel coronavirus. "If the Americans are honest amid the conditions caused by the coronavirus and intend to take a …
iranian.com/2020/05/05/ending-sanctions-only-way-to-prove-us-sincerity-in-offering-help-rouhani-tells-abe/

Milad Mohseni, Guinness world record holder in juggling, seeks eight more records
IRNA | iranian.com | 2020-05-05
Milad Mohseni, the Iranian world record holder in juggling says he is ready to register eight more records at Guinness World Records book. Speaking to IRNA correspondent on Tuesday, Mohseni said that if he is supported, he will be the first athlete in the world whose name is registered in Guinness World Record book for …
iranian.com/2020/05/04/milad-mohseni-guinness-world-record-holder-in-juggling-seeks-eight-more-records/

Is Persian a homogenous genetic and thus distinct "superior race"?
Dr. Davood Rahni | iranian.com | 2020-05-04
The Persian people are one of the many diverse ancient peoples from the extended Iranian (Irano-Indo-European) families, who as roamer-gatherer nomads spread out from central Asia to northern India, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, and the Persian Plateau between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf since at least the Neolithic Period (late Stone Age of …
iranian.com/2020/05/04/is-persian-a-homogenous-genetic-superior-race/

Airborne Commander: Iran Enjoys Most Powerful Helicopter Fleet in West Asia
Fars News | iranian.com | 2020-05-04
Iranian Army Airborne Commander General Yousef Qorbani said that his country's powerful helicopter fleet ranks first in West Asia and fifth in the world. "We are in possession of the most powerful helicopter fleet in West Asia and our great helicopter fleet is the fifth in the world," General Qorbani told FNA on Monday. He …
iranian.com/2020/05/04/airborne-commander-iran-enjoys-most-powerful-helicopter-fleet-in-west-asia/

With apparently fabricated nuclear documents, Netanyahu pushed the US towards war with Iran
Gareth Porter | thegrayzone.com | 2020-04-30
An investigation of supposed Iranian nuclear documents presented in a dramatically staged Netanyahu press conference indicates they were an Israeli…
thegrayzone.com/2020/04/29/fabricated-nuclear-documents-netanyahu-war-iran/

A Myriad of Ways to Wage Peace During These Times
Jon Rainwater | peaceaction.org | 2020-04-23
As we shelter in our homes to protect ourselves from this global pandemic, we wanted to share some of the many ways you can remain active and impactful in the work for a more peaceful world. Peace Action has long been a leader in organizing international conferences, marches, and rallies around the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty …
peaceaction.org/2020/04/23/wage-peace-during-pandemic/

Is Trump's "Shoot Down And Destroy" Tweet About Boosting Oil Prices Or A Harbinger Of War With Iran?
Whitney Webb | thelastamericanvagabond.com | 2020-04-22
Trump's recent tweet to "shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships" has sparked concern over a new war in the Middle East. However, the more immediate effect of Trump's tweet has been a big boost in oil prices and a rise in the stock market. Was that Trump's …
thelastamericanvagabond.com/foreign-policy/trumps-shoot-destroy-tweet-about-boosting-oil-prices-harbinger-war-with-iran/

[Commentary] SARS-CoV-2 pandemic expanding in sub-Saharan Africa: Considerations for COVID-19 in people living with HIV
Paul K. Drain, Nigel Garrett | thelancet.com | 2020-04-21
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, started a global pandemic of respiratory illness, termed COVID-19 [1]. The spectrum of COVID-19 has ranged from a mild, self-limiting respiratory tract illness to severe progressive pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death [2]. Older patients and those with a weaker immune system appear to have a greater risk of death [3]. Thus far, the vast majority of deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in Italy, China, Iran, and Spain–all Northern hemisphere countries with good health care resources and a low HIV prevalence.
thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(20)30086-9/fulltext?rss=yes