(2020-10-12). With Crushing Sanctions on 18 Iranian Banks, Is Trump Trying to Leave a War Behind for Biden? globalresearch.ca As the dying Trump administration, literally on a sickbed, contemplates losing power, its hawks are lashing out at Iran in an attempt to ensure that the 2015 international nuclear deal is dead and buried, and that the US and Iran …
(2020-10-12). The Nuclearization of American Diplomacy. counterpunch.org 
On August 21st, six nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress bombers, representing approximately one-seventh of the war-ready U.S. B-52H bomber fleet, flew from their home base in North Dakota to Fairford Air Base in England for several weeks of intensive operations over Europe. Although the actual weapons load of those giant bombers was kept secret, each of them is capable of carrying eight AGM-86B nuclear-armed, air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) in its bomb bay.
(2020-10-12). What Does Biden's 'Deliberate Ambiguity' on Iran Sanctions Imply? globalresearch.ca The Trump administration tightened the noose further around Iran's beleaguered economy on Thursday, October 8, announcing a fresh round of sanctions that will effectively shut the country out of the global financial system. | The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on …
(2020-10-11). Iraqi armed groups agree conditional suspension of attacks on US targets. middleeasteye.net 
Iraqi armed groups agree conditional suspension of attacks on US targets | Spokesperson for Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah says worse attacks could follow unless US withdraws its forces from Iraq | Sun, 10/11/2020 – 13: 54 | Mask-clad members of the Popular Mobilisation Front paramilitary force take part in a military parade in the southern Iraqi city of Basra on 14 June 2020 (AFP) | Several…
(2020-10-11). First reactor of Belarus' controversial Astravets nuclear power plant achieves criticality, Baltic states are outraged by project. rt.com 
The first of two Russian-built reactors at the new Belarusian nuclear power plant, at Astravets, is almost ready to go. Located near the border with Lithuania and Latvia, the Baltic states have fiercely opposed the project. | Along with Estonia, the pair have pledged to stop electricity trade with Minsk when the plant is finally operational. The Astravets nuclear power plant (known in Belarus as BelAes) is a joint project with Russia's state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom. On Sunday, the first chain reaction was launched at one of the VVER-1200 type reactors and sustained at the minimum controlled power le…
(2020-10-11). Iran' aerospace rank first in Islamic world ,13 in Intl level. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — The head of Aerospace Research Institute announced that in the aerospace field, Iran ranks first among Islamic countries and 13th at the international level.
(2020-10-11). China calls for organizing a forum with Iran's presence in WA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Chinese Foreign Minister on Sunday called for holding a forum with the presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in West Asia.
(2020-10-11). Iran to defend Yemeni people in international arena. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister's Senior Assistant for Special Political Affairs Ali Asghar Khaji said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is employing all its power to defend the oppressed people of Yemen in the international arena.
(2020-10-11). Iran inclined to boost sports, cultural ties with Oman. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Iranian envoy to Oman Ali Najafi Khoshroudi expressed the Islamic Republic's tendency for expansion of mutual sports and cultural cooperation.with Oman.
(2020-10-11). W Azerbaijan province, Iran's chance to enter global market. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erzurum called the West Azerbaijan province as the gateway of Iran to the global market and the only Iranian city which shares a common border with eastern Turkish provinces.
(2020-10-11). Official urges launching Iran-Switzerland financial channel. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Chairman of Iran-Switzerland Joint Chamber of Commerce expressed his hope that financial mechanism between Iran and Switzerland will be launched in the first half of the next fiscal year (starts March 20, 2021).
(2020-10-11). Iran, Afghanistan discuss strengthening bilateral relations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (MNA) — Iranian Ambassador to Kabul Bahador Aminian voiced Iran's readiness to expand bilateral relations with Afghanistan in various fields.
(2020-10-11). Iran, Iraq to resume direct flights as of Monday. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Iraqi Minister of Transport, Nasser Al-Shibli announced on Sunday that flights between Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Najaf and Iran's Mashhad and Tehran will be resumed as of Monday.
(2020-10-11). Police seize over 1 ton of illicit drugs in Yazd. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — The police forces of Yazd province in central Iran have seized over 1 ton of illicit drugs in the last 24 hours.
(2020-10-11). US sanctions aim at terminating Iran's exports: Hatami. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Referring to new US sanctions, Iran's Minister of Defense Brigadier General Amir Hatami noted that Washington is afraid of Iran's exports.
(2020-10-11). Exhibition of railway industry inaugurated in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (MNA) — The inauguration ceremony of the permanent exhibition of the self-sufficiency of the railway industry was held in the presence of Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami at the Tehran Railway station on Sunday.
(2020-10-11). Iran's envoy reacts to IAEA chief's comments. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Iran's Permanent Envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that considerable centrifugal and quality of nuclear materials have no place in the documents of IAEA.
(2020-10-11). W Azarbaijan province, Iran's chance to enter global market. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (MNA) — Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erzurum called the West Azarbaijan province as the gateway of Iran to the global market and the only Iranian city which shares a common border with eastern Turkish provinces.
(2020-10-10). Iran's rial hits new low against dollar as economy stumbles. middleeasteye.net 
Iran's rial hits new low against dollar as economy stumbles | Latest US-imposed sanctions on Iran's financial sector are another blow to the country's economy | Sat, 10/10/2020 – 11: 46 | Iranians gather inside the capital Tehran's Grand Bazaar in March 2020, as the Covid pandemic was starting to make an impact on the country (AFP) | The Iranian currency hit a new low against the US dollar…
(2020-10-10). US imposes draconian new sanctions against Iran amid spiraling COVID-19 pandemic. wsws.org The sweeping sanctions announced on Thursday are aimed at denying Iran all access to the financial markets, thus cutting off the country's access to desperately needed food and medicine.
(2020-10-10). Middle East leaders prefer the devil they know in US presidential elections. And yet a Biden victory might be the bitter pill needed for reform in the region. strategic-culture.org There are few leaders in the Middle East who would want Joe Biden to take office in January of next year. Considered a disciple of Obama, many consider him as a potential U.S. president who will merely replicate Obama's policies and ostracise them from the White House as a punishment and a recalibration of U.S. relations in the region. | Indeed, countries like Saudi Arabia — which has the most to lose — will place its de facto young leader in a pickle when faced with Iran being reinvigorated by going back to the so-called 'Iran Deal' and the lifting of sanctions, in particular on oil sales in a period…
(2020-10-10). Zarif names his talks with Chinese FM 'fruitful'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — In a tweet on Saturday, Iranian FM Zarif named his held talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Iran-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as 'fruitful'.
(2020-10-10). China seeking to expand bilateral strategic ties with Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said that China seeks to work with Iran to deepen its bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
(2020-10-10). Mazloumi resigns as Iran U19 coach to join Esteghlal. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — Parviz Mazloumi has resigned as Iran men's U19 head coach to act as Esteghlal's sporting director.
(2020-10-10). Rouhani, Putin discuss Nagorno-Karabakh over phone. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Saturday discussing the latest developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
(2020-10-10). US sanctions not to affect Iran-Swiss financial channel. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — Chaiman of Iran-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce noted, "New sanctions of the US on 18 Iranian banks will not affect the Iran-Switzerland financial channel in terms of importing of cereals and pharmaceuticals."
(2020-10-10). Police seize 604 kg of narcotics in Hormozgan province. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — The police chief of Hormozgan Province, south of Iran said that police forces have confiscated 604 kilograms of illicit drugs in a joint operation.
(2020-10-10). Iran registers 3,875 new COVID-19 infections, 195 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 10 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 3,875 COVID-19 infections and 195 deaths due to the disease in the past 24 hours.
(2020-10-10). Iranian Diplomat Held for Trial in Belgium Over Alleged Bomb Plot Reportedly Warned of 'Retaliation'. sputniknews.com In July 2018, Assadollah Assadi, a Vienna-based Iranian diplomat, was arrested in Germany on a European warrant over charges of allegedly plotting to bomb an Iranian opposition rally in Paris. He was later extradited to Belgium, where two alleged co-conspirators had been arrested with explosives in their possession.
(2020-10-09). Critics Say New Iran Sanctions Designed To "Choke off Humanitarian Exports" Amid Pandemic. mintpressnews.com The Trump administration's new sanctions on Iran are so wide-reaching that many fear they are meant to directly harm the Iranian people as they struggle to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-10-09). Trump Administration Imposes Crushing New Sanctions On Iran. popularresistance.org The Trump administration on Thursday imposed a new, crushing round of sanctions that virtually blacklists Iran's entire financial sector – raising concerns it will cut off the country's ability to import humanitarian goods like food and medicine. | Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement that the sanctions, which target 18 banks and penalize foreign institutions that do business with them, are part of efforts to cut down on "illicit access to U.S. dollars" and won't stifle humanitarian efforts.
(2020-10-09). US sanctions complicate import of humanitarian items for Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — German Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that new US sanctions against Iran will further complicate the import of humanitarian items for the country.
(2020-10-09). Iranians mourn iconic musician Mohammad Reza Shajarian. middleeasteye.net 
Iranians mourn iconic musician Mohammad Reza Shajarian | Thousands of fans paid tribute to the singer and maestro, who died in a Tehran hospital at the age of 80 | Fri, 10/09/2020 – 12: 20 | The legendary singer was known for his distinctive voice and classical style (AFP) | Iconic Iranian singer and vocalist Mohammad Reza Shajarian died after a long illness on Thursday at the age of 80, leaving many Ira…
(2020-10-09). Nukes and North Korea: a New Direction. counterpunch.org 
North Korea's acquisition of nuclear weapons has changed the nuclear balance in Northeast Asia. But it hasn't altered the way politicians and diplomats approach the question of arms control and disarmament in the region. The debate among influencers continues to revolve around two versions of "more of the same." Containment advocates argue that North Korea
(2020-10-09). Trump says Iran is on notice not to 'f**k around' with US. middleeasteye.net 
Trump says Iran is on notice not to 'f**k around' with US | President Donald Trump says 'you don't see terror' in Middle East because of his sanctions against Iran | Fri, 10/09/2020 – 22: 36 | Atlantic Council's Barbara Slavin says sweeping sanctions against Iran show lack of imagination and 'real sadistic streak' (AFP/File photo) | US President Donald Trump talked up his Iran policy in a profanity-laden tirade o…
(2020-10-09). Iran says fresh US sanctions on banking sector are an attempt "to starve its people" peoplesdispatch.org On Thursday, the US treasury department blacklisted 18 major Iranian banks in the latest assault as part of its so-called maximum pressure campaign against the country…
(2020-10-09). US new sanctions politically motivated: Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that US new sanctions on Iranian banks are politically motivated.
(2020-10-09). Foreign Minister Zarif arrives in China. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in the southern province of Yunnan at the head of a high-ranking delegation on Friday.
(2020-10-09). Iran COVID-19 update: 210 deaths, 4,142 cases in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 4,142 COVID-19 infections and 210 deaths due to the disease in the past 24 hours.
(2020-10-09). Many in Zionist regime seeking to work with Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — The coordinating deputy of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said that there are many people in the Zionist regime who have motives for cooperating with Iran.
(2020-10-09). US sanctions indicate Trump's failure in confronting Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi said that new US sanctions indicate the failure of the US policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran.
(2020-10-09). US maximum pressure aiming at changing Iran's establishment. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 09 (MNA) — Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi said that the US seeks to change Iran's establishment by creating social unrest in the country.
(2020-10-09). New Sanctions Will Further Washington's Goal of Blocking Iran's Importing of Medicine – Academic. sputniknews.com On Thursday, the US State Department announced new economic sanctions targeting 18 Iranian banks, claiming it was further depriving Iran "of funds to carry out its support for terrorist activities and nuclear extortion that threatens the world." However, the real effect will be to deprive Iranians of essential medicines, an expert told Sputnik.
(2020-10-08). NIAC Condemns New Iran Sanctions That Will Stifle Humanitarian Trade. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-10-08). Iranian press review: Revolutionary Guard equips speed boats with suicide drones. middleeasteye.net 
Iranian press review: Revolutionary Guard equips speed boats with suicide drones | Meanwhile, the Shahrvand daily interviews a former death row inmate and Iran sets new record for daily coronavirus deaths | Thu, 10/08/2020 – 13: 01 | This handout photo provided by Iran's IRGC official website via SEPAH News on 23 September 2020 shows speed boats carrying drones during a ceremony in Iran…
(2020-10-08). 'War is imminent': Iraq's Kadhimi moves to fend off US threat to target pro-Iran groups. middleeasteye.net 
'War is imminent': Iraq's Kadhimi moves to fend off US threat to target pro-Iran groups | Iraqi government scrambling to head off threatened closure of US embassy in Baghdad amid fears move could lead to political and economic collapse | Thu, 10/08/2020 – 14: 07 | Iraqi security forces stand guard in front of the US embassy in Baghdad in January 2020 (AFP) | The United States has drawn up a l…
(2020-10-08). US elections: Four Middle East moments from Harris-Pence debate. middleeasteye.net 
US elections: Four Middle East moments from Harris-Pence debate | Kamala Harris and Mike Pence discussed US policy on Iran, Israel and Palestine in the first and only vice presidential debate | Thu, 10/08/2020 – 07: 11 | Plexiglass separated the two candidates on Wednesday amid coronavirus concerns (AFP) | If political debates were a sport, US vice presidential debates would be a game between the reserve teams.
(2020-10-08). US slaps new sanctions on Iran as FBI seizes 92 web domains allegedly used by Tehran to wage 'global disinformation campaign'. rt.com 
Washington has announced a new sanctions package against Iran, hitting the country's financial sector and targeting 18 major banks. Tehran has branded the move a "crime against humanity" and an attempt to starve the country out. | The new sanctions were announced by the US Treasury Department on Thursday. The move was made to further "isolate the Iranian economy from the global financial system," which the Treasury claimed is necessary to stop Tehran from advancing its alleged "malign agenda." | "Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear prog…
(2020-10-08). Eternal Impunity of Capitalism's Crimes. dissidentvoice.org 
The very idea of War Being a Racket penetrates so deeply into capitalism's flair for murder by a thousand cuts, a thousand miles in a Corvair, a thousand sips from diet Coke, a thousand sucks from Nestle baby formula, a thousand hours on the video screen, a thousand seconds inside the nuclear core, a thousand …
(2020-10-08). Turkey backs Azeri offensive on Armenia as Russia, Iran warn of escalation. wsws.org The war between Armenia and Azerbaijan threatens to escalate into a regional war involving Russia, Iran, Turkey and the entire NATO alliance.