Monthly Archives: October 2020

2020-10-23: News Headlines

John Laforge (2020-10-23). White House Gangster Wants to Avoid Nuclear-Armed Stigma. counterpunch.org The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is about to win its 50th state ratification, the golden number needed for the treaty to "enter into force" or EIF. The list of 47 current signatories can be seen at ICAN.org, website of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning coalition

RT (2020-10-23). 'We had a good relationship with Hitler': Biden slams Trump for meeting Kim Jong-un, compares North Korea to Nazi Germany. rt.com Slamming President Donald Trump's "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Joe Biden confused debate viewers by referring to a "good relationship" between the US and Adolf Hitler. | Calling Kim a "different kind of guy" during a discussion on North Korea, Trump touted his ability to talk to the controversial leader and said his civil relationship with him has helped the two countries avoid a nuclear war. | "We're not in a war. We have a good relationship… Having a good relationship with leaders of other countries is a good thing," Trump said during the Thursday night debate. Biden slammed th…

Jaskiran Dhillon, Cinzia Arruzza, AAUP-TNS Media Collective (2020-10-23). Corporate Consultants Set Their Targets on American Universities. thenation.com Jaskiran Dhillon, Cinzia Arruzza, AAUP-TNS Media Collective Corporate Consultants Set Their Targets on American Universities…

Staff (2020-10-22). Headlines for October 22, 2020. democracynow.org Columbia Researchers Say Trump's Failures Led to at Least 130,000 Coronavirus Deaths, California to Slash San Quentin Prison Population After Massive Coronavirus Outbreak, Obama Blasts Trump's Record as Candidates Head to Nashville for Final Presidential Debate, NYT: Trump Maintains Chinese Bank Account and Paid Nearly $200,000 in Taxes to China, DNI John Ratcliffe Claims Iran Is Meddling in 2020 Election to "Damage President Trump", Democrats to Boycott Senate Committee Vote on Amy Coney Barrett's SCOTUS Nomination, Billionaire Sackler Family Gets No Jail Time in $8 Billion OxyContin Settlement, In Historic Shif…

Sheren Khalel (2020-10-22). Florida voters face intimidation by armed men and alleged Iranian email threats. middleeasteye.net Florida voters face intimidation by armed men and alleged Iranian email threats | Iran summons Swiss envoy in Tehran to protest 'baseless' US accusations, as Florida election authorities scramble to protect voting in key swing state | Thu, 10/22/2020 – 19: 52 | Supporter of US President Donald Trump wears Proud Boys T-shirt prior to arrival at NBC News town hall event in Miami on 15 October (AFP/Fi…

MEE correspondent (2020-10-22). Iranian press review: Lifting of UN arms embargo celebrated by reformists. middleeasteye.net Iranian press review: Lifting of UN arms embargo celebrated by reformists | Meanwhile, hardline lawmakers increase pressure on President Hassan Rouhani, and Iranians shocked by suicide of young student | Thu, 10/22/2020 – 11: 11 | A missile being fired out to sea from a mobile launch vehicle, southern coast of Iran, 18 June 2018 (AFP/HO/Iranian Army Office) | Political factions divi…

Mike Walter (2020-10-22). The Heat: U.S.-Iran Tensions. america.cgtn.com Iran hits back at a U.S. threat to impose sanctions, after a United Nations arms ban on the Islamic Republic expires.

Suadad al-Salhy (2020-10-22). EXCLUSIVE: Iran's Khamenei ordered end to Iraqi attacks on US interests. middleeasteye.net EXCLUSIVE: Iran's Khamenei ordered end to Iraqi attacks on US interests | Fearful of a ferocious response from Trump, the Iranian leader listened to British advice and told Iraq's paramilitaries to stand down | Thu, 10/22/2020 – 08: 15 | Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told his Iraqi allies to halt their attacks in person (AFP) | The order for Iraqi armed factions to halt their attacks on…

South Front (2020-10-22). Video: Azerbaijan-Armenia War: Counter-offensive in the South and the "Iranian Factor" globalresearch.ca On the evening of October 20, the Armenian Defense Ministry declared that they had launched a large-scale counter-offensive against the advancing Azerbaijani forces in the Khudaferin Reservoir area, in the southern part of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenian sources claimed that …

Stephen Lendman (2020-10-22). Trump Regime Exerts Maximum Pressure on Iran: A Crime Against Humanity. globalresearch.ca On Sunday, the UN arms embargo on Iran its ruling authorities voluntarily accepted ended. | Iran is now once again free to buy and sell conventional arms — what many other countries do unrestrained. | Key to understand is that the Islamic …

Stephen Lendman (2020-10-22). Russia and Iran US 2020 Election Meddling? globalresearch.ca It was just a matter of time before another claim of Russian US election meddling officially surfaced. | On Wednesday, it included Iran — despite no credible evidence ever showing foreign interference in the US electoral process. | What could a foreign …

Stephen Lendman (2020-10-22). Trump Regime Maximum Pressure on Iran a Crime Against Humanity. globalresearch.ca On Sunday, the UN arms embargo on Iran its ruling authorities voluntarily accepted ended. | Iran is now once again free to buy and sell conventional arms — what many other countries do unrestrained. | Key to understand is that the Islamic …

Scott Ritter (2020-10-22). In politicizing intelligence, America is blaming everyone but itself for its self-inflicted woes. thealtworld.com In the latest episode in the US' single-minded crusade toward self-destruction, Russia and Iran are being fingered for election interference based on intelligence that doesn't pass the smell test. | You would be justified in thinking that the various news conferences put on by US law enforcement and intelligence officials in which foreign actors — Russia, China and Iran are the usual suspects — are accused of meddling in all things American are little more than a giant practical joke, a parody of how a government should behave, instead of the damning indictment of reality that they are. | The most rec…

Nauman Sadiq (2020-10-22). Is Biden Campaign Buying Republicans Through Patronage? globalresearch.ca Megan Cassella and Alice Miranda Ollstein

Alan Robock (2020-10-22). Dear President-Elect Biden, please start with the easiest problem to solve. zcomm.org Your presidency is an unprecedented opportunity for positive change in the world. Reducing the threat of nuclear war and nuclear winter will make the United States safer and richer, and cement your status as a world leader…

_____ (2020-10-22). Hopes Rise Of Extension Of New START Arms Control Treaty. popularresistance.org The hope for the extension of the New Strategic Arms Control Treaty (START) was revived on Tuesday, October 20, after Russia offered freezing the number of its nuclear warheads in a statement, along with a one-year extension of the deal. | The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that, "Russia offers to extend the New START by one year and is ready to take on a political commitment with the United States to freeze the number of nuclear warheads both sides have for this period." | The US state department immediately welcomed the offer and declared that negotiations to settle the details will start soon.

_____ (2020-10-22). America Has No Allies, Only Hostages. strategic-culture.org The new president-elect of Bolivia, Luis Arce, has told the Spanish international news agency EFE that he intends to restore the nation's relations with Cuba, Venezuela and Iran. This reverses the policies of the US-backed coup regime which immediately began closing embassies, kicking out doctors and severing relations with those nations after illegally seizing power last year.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). Russia to continue technical-military coop. with Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (MNA) — Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman said that Russian Federation will continue technical-military cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran despite US threats.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). 'Carrot Cake' goes to Evolution Mallorca Intl. FilmFest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (MNA) — The screenplay of Iranian film, 'Carrot Cake' by Iman Davari has been accepted to vie at the competition section of the 9th edition of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival in Spain.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). US better to end its crimes, malign presence in region: FM. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that the United States is better to end its crimes and malign presence in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). Iran joins club of countries with long-range radars. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — Islamic Republic of Iran joined the world club of countries which have long-range radars on Thursday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). Iran able to be among top 10 defense equip. supply countries. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — The Deputy Ministry of Defense for International Affairs said that Iran enjoys high capacity to be among top 10 supplying countries of defense products.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). Nagorno-Karabakh crisis must be resolved via negotiations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that conflict erupted between Azerbaijan Republic and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh region must be resolved through negotiations.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). "Defenders of Veleyat Skies" Military Drill wrapped up. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) —The Iranian army's air defense wrapped up its annual drills dubbed 'Modafean Aseman Velayat 99 (The Defenders of Velayat Skies) successfully in Semnan on Thursday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-22). 3rd joint Book Fair of Iran, Afghanistan to be held in Nov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — The 3rd joint Book Exhibition of Iran and Afghanistan will be inaugurated in Kabul on Nov. 2 in the presence of the 1st Vice President of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh.

sputniknews (2020-10-22). DNI Ratcliffe Claims Iran is Attempting to Interfere in US Election. sputniknews.com Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Wednesday accused Iran of being behind emails intended to intimidate and deceive US voters.

sputniknews (2020-10-22). Election Hits Peak Narrative. sputniknews.com Today Lee Stranahan discussed current events, including the announcement that the DNI and FBI accused Iran & Russia of election interference in the 2020 election, NPR's statement on not covering Hunter Biden, Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony being released, and how Biden's laptop was subpoenaed for money laundering evidence.

Juan Cole (2020-10-21). Is it an accident that Iran and the US, two Theocracies, are Coronavirus Basket Cases? zcomm.org One clue to why the two countries are doing so badly with regard to basic public health strategy may lie in the importance of religion to both of these societies…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-10-21). Hopes rise of extension of New START arms control treaty as Russia offers to freeze arsenal. peoplesdispatch.org Russia on Tuesday offered to freeze its current arsenal, and proposed an extension of the treaty by one year. The treaty signed in 2010 capped the number of nuclear warheads by the two countries and its deployment…

Steven Sahiounie (2020-10-21). Iran Now Free to Buy and Sell Weapons Legally. globalresearch.ca The UN Security Council

Alan Robock (2020-10-21). An Open Letter to Biden: 5 Easy Steps to Reduce the Threat of Nuclear War. counterpunch.org Here is a letter I intend to mail in November. But I want you know about it now, to bring up an issue that is crucial to consider before you vote, and which has not received enough attention. Dear President-Elect Biden, I'm so happy that you were elected because in January you can start to

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Boosting relations with Iranians, a priority for Turkey. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Hailing the great volume of relations between Iranians and Turkish people, a Turkish official called boosting relations with Iran as one of the priorities of his government.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Virtual Iranian-Armenian coproduction panel held at 33rd ICFF. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — The Virtual Panel of co-production between Iran and Armenia was held on Tuesday, the 33rd ICFF Public Relations Office reports.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Pressure on Iran to continue regardless of election outcome. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — The US Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela claimed that Washington's so-called 'maximum pressure' policy against Iran will continue regardless of the upcoming presidential elections.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Domestic defense systems destroy all hostile targets in drill. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — A spokesman for a large-scale air defense war game in Iran said all of the flying objects designed to mirror capabilities of hostile targets were brought down by homegrown missile systems on the first day of the exercise.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iran Armed Forces' joint air defense exercise. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Iran's Air Defense units launched 'Guardians of Velayat Sky-99' wargames on Wednesday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Eurasian Union able to improve Iran's economy amid sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Top military Aide to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that Eurasian Union is able to resolve the economic problems of Iran amid sanctions.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iran, Azerbaijan discuss expansion of bilateral relations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Iran's Ambassador to Baku and the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan conferred on the economic relations between the two countries.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Zionist Regime, US have no place in future of region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Iranian Parliament Speaker's Special Aide for International Affairs said that the Persian Gulf littoral states have always welcomed Iranian initiatives on regional cooperation.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). PGCC Sec. Gen. accuses Iran of creating tension in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — On baseless and repetitive allegations, Secretary-General of the PGCC accused Iran of creating tensions in countries in the region such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iran seeking to release nationals held by Mozambique Pirates. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — President's Chief of Staff said Iran is doing its best to release some of its nationals held by Mozambique Pirates.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iranian FM sympathizes with flood-stricken Vietnamese nation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Following the occurrence of flood and landslides in Vietnam, the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman expressed sympathy with the government and people of the country.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Coronavirus cases climb toward a new peak in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — The coronavirus outbreak has been worsening in Iran, as the number of infections, hospitalizations and fatalities due to the respiratory disease has been increasing in the past days.

sputniknews (2020-10-21). US Intelligence Claims Russia, Iran Acting to Influence 2020 Election. sputniknews.com Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Ratcliffe has announced that US intelligence reflects that "two foreign actors, Iran and Russia, have taken specific actions to influence public opinion relating to [US] elections."

yenisafak (2020-10-21). Medical staff struggle against coronavirus in Iran. yenisafak.com Healthcare workers in Iran are struggling against the novel coronavirus as the country has seen a rising trend in infections and deaths in October. | A total of 164 Iranian medical personnel have died due to COVID-19, Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki said in a statement on Aug.22. | Since late August, a large number of health workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, while many others lost their lives due to the pandemic. | In Iran, especially in the capital Tehran, hospitals allocated to COVID-19 patients have reached their maximum capacity. Therefore, newly diagnosed patients are treated at their ho…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-10-21). 'Unprecedented and Desperate': As Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty Nears Entry Into Force, Trump Administration Urges Withdrawals. commondreams.org "This is completely outrageous and yet somehow not at all surprising," one nuclear expert said of the U.S. effort. | www.facebook.com/icanw.org/photos/4024403290909893

Aaron Maté (2020-10-20). Chomsky: from nuclear weapons to Iran, Trump's worst threats are dangerously ignored. thegrayzone.com Noam Chomsky warns that the Trump administration poses a unique threat to humanity, and its most reckless policies are receiving far too little attention. Noam Chomsky discusses the White House's threats to the New START treaty, the last remaining accord limiting the US and Russia's nuclear weapons arsenals; its latest round of crippling sanctions and threats against Iran; the bipartisan US refusal to accept a Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, which would terminate Israel's nuclear weapons program; and the silencing of …

Andrew Korybko (2020-10-20). The Expiry of The Iranian Arms Embargo. globalresearch.ca The 13-year-long anti-Iranian arms embargo expired on the 18th of October, which creates opportunities for the Islamic Republic to strengthen its national defense capabilities and cultivate even deeper relations with its top strategic partners such as China and Russia, possibly …

John Winstead (2020-10-20). U.S. willing to risk nuclear arms race as New START negotiations go down to the wire. liberationnews.org The United States and Russia are locked in tense negotiations over the future of a key nuclear arms control treaty…

RT (2020-10-20). What's 'verifiable'? Extension of US-Russia nuclear New START treaty hinges on word. rt.com The sole remaining US-Russia nuclear arms control deal may get a last-moment extension after all, but everything now depends on what the US State Department means when it says warhead caps need to be "verifiable." | New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is scheduled to expire in February 2021. While Russia has offered a "clean" renewal of the existing treaty, without preconditions, the Trump administration has first sought to expand it to include China, then demanded a limit on total nuclear warheads as a condition for agreeing to an extension. | The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Russia i…

2020-10-22: News Headlines

MEE correspondent (2020-10-22). Iranian press review: Lifting of UN arms embargo celebrated by reformists. middleeasteye.net Iranian press review: Lifting of UN arms embargo celebrated by reformists | Meanwhile, hardline lawmakers increase pressure on President Hassan Rouhani, and Iranians shocked by suicide of young student | Thu, 10/22/2020 – 11: 11 | A missile being fired out to sea from a mobile launch vehicle, southern coast of Iran, 18 June 2018 (AFP/HO/Iranian Army Office) | Political factions divi…

Suadad al-Salhy (2020-10-22). EXCLUSIVE: Iran's Khamenei ordered end to Iraqi attacks on US interests. middleeasteye.net EXCLUSIVE: Iran's Khamenei ordered end to Iraqi attacks on US interests | Fearful of a ferocious response from Trump, the Iranian leader listened to British advice and told Iraq's paramilitaries to stand down | Thu, 10/22/2020 – 08: 15 | Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told his Iraqi allies to halt their attacks in person (AFP) | The order for Iraqi armed factions to halt their attacks on…

Stephen Lendman (2020-10-22). Trump Regime Maximum Pressure on Iran a Crime Against Humanity. globalresearch.ca On Sunday, the UN arms embargo on Iran its ruling authorities voluntarily accepted ended. | Iran is now once again free to buy and sell conventional arms — what many other countries do unrestrained. | Key to understand is that the Islamic …

Alan Robock (2020-10-22). Dear President-Elect Biden, please start with the easiest problem to solve. zcomm.org Your presidency is an unprecedented opportunity for positive change in the world. Reducing the threat of nuclear war and nuclear winter will make the United States safer and richer, and cement your status as a world leader…

Juan Cole (2020-10-21). Is it an accident that Iran and the US, two Theocracies, are Coronavirus Basket Cases? zcomm.org One clue to why the two countries are doing so badly with regard to basic public health strategy may lie in the importance of religion to both of these societies…

Steven Sahiounie (2020-10-21). Iran Now Free to Buy and Sell Weapons Legally. globalresearch.ca The UN Security Council

Peoples Dispatch (2020-10-21). Hopes rise of extension of New START arms control treaty as Russia offers to freeze arsenal. peoplesdispatch.org Russia on Tuesday offered to freeze its current arsenal, and proposed an extension of the treaty by one year. The treaty signed in 2010 capped the number of nuclear warheads by the two countries and its deployment…

Alan Robock (2020-10-21). An Open Letter to Biden: 5 Easy Steps to Reduce the Threat of Nuclear War. counterpunch.org Here is a letter I intend to mail in November. But I want you know about it now, to bring up an issue that is crucial to consider before you vote, and which has not received enough attention. Dear President-Elect Biden, I'm so happy that you were elected because in January you can start to

_____ (2020-10-21). America Has No Allies, Only Hostages. popularresistance.org The new president-elect of Bolivia, Luis Arce, has told the Spanish international news agency EFE that he intends to restore the nation's relations with Cuba, Venezuela and Iran. This reverses the policies of the US-backed coup regime which immediately began closing embassies, kicking out doctors and severing relations with those nations after illegally seizing power last year. | Arce also spoke of warm relations with Russia and China. | "We are going to reestablish all relations," he told EFE. "This government has acted very ideologically, depriving the Bolivian people of access to Cuban medicine, to Russian med…

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Pressure on Iran to continue regardless of election outcome. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — The US Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela claimed that Washington's so-called 'maximum pressure' policy against Iran will continue regardless of the upcoming presidential elections.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iran Armed Forces' joint air defense exercise. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Iran's Air Defense units launched 'Guardians of Velayat Sky-99' wargames on Wednesday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iran, Azerbaijan discuss expansion of bilateral relations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Iran's Ambassador to Baku and the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan conferred on the economic relations between the two countries.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Domestic defense systems destroy all hostile targets in drill. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — A spokesman for a large-scale air defense war game in Iran said all of the flying objects designed to mirror capabilities of hostile targets were brought down by homegrown missile systems on the first day of the exercise.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Boosting relations with Iranians, a priority for Turkey. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Hailing the great volume of relations between Iranians and Turkish people, a Turkish official called boosting relations with Iran as one of the priorities of his government.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Virtual Iranian-Armenian coproduction panel held at 33rd ICFF. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 22 (MNA) — The Virtual Panel of co-production between Iran and Armenia was held on Tuesday, the 33rd ICFF Public Relations Office reports.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iranian FM sympathizes with flood-stricken Vietnamese nation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Following the occurrence of flood and landslides in Vietnam, the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman expressed sympathy with the government and people of the country.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Zionist Regime, US have no place in future of region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Iranian Parliament Speaker's Special Aide for International Affairs said that the Persian Gulf littoral states have always welcomed Iranian initiatives on regional cooperation.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Iran seeking to release nationals held by Mozambique Pirates. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — President's Chief of Staff said Iran is doing its best to release some of its nationals held by Mozambique Pirates.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). PGCC Sec. Gen. accuses Iran of creating tension in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — On baseless and repetitive allegations, Secretary-General of the PGCC accused Iran of creating tensions in countries in the region such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Coronavirus cases climb toward a new peak in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — The coronavirus outbreak has been worsening in Iran, as the number of infections, hospitalizations and fatalities due to the respiratory disease has been increasing in the past days.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-21). Eurasian Union able to improve Iran's economy amid sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Top military Aide to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that Eurasian Union is able to resolve the economic problems of Iran amid sanctions.

sputniknews (2020-10-21). US Intelligence Claims Russia, Iran Acting to Influence 2020 Election. sputniknews.com Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Ratcliffe has announced that US intelligence reflects that "two foreign actors, Iran and Russia, have taken specific actions to influence public opinion relating to [US] elections."

yenisafak (2020-10-21). Medical staff struggle against coronavirus in Iran. yenisafak.com Healthcare workers in Iran are struggling against the novel coronavirus as the country has seen a rising trend in infections and deaths in October. | A total of 164 Iranian medical personnel have died due to COVID-19, Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki said in a statement on Aug.22. | Since late August, a large number of health workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, while many others lost their lives due to the pandemic. | In Iran, especially in the capital Tehran, hospitals allocated to COVID-19 patients have reached their maximum capacity. Therefore, newly diagnosed patients are treated at their ho…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-10-21). 'Unprecedented and Desperate': As Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty Nears Entry Into Force, Trump Administration Urges Withdrawals. commondreams.org "This is completely outrageous and yet somehow not at all surprising," one nuclear expert said of the U.S. effort. | www.facebook.com/icanw.org/photos/4024403290909893

Aaron Maté (2020-10-20). Chomsky: from nuclear weapons to Iran, Trump's worst threats are dangerously ignored. thegrayzone.com Noam Chomsky warns that the Trump administration poses a unique threat to humanity, and its most reckless policies are receiving far too little attention. Noam Chomsky discusses the White House's threats to the New START treaty, the last remaining accord limiting the US and Russia's nuclear weapons arsenals; its latest round of crippling sanctions and threats against Iran; the bipartisan US refusal to accept a Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, which would terminate Israel's nuclear weapons program; and the silencing of …

Andrew Korybko (2020-10-20). The Expiry of The Iranian Arms Embargo. globalresearch.ca The 13-year-long anti-Iranian arms embargo expired on the 18th of October, which creates opportunities for the Islamic Republic to strengthen its national defense capabilities and cultivate even deeper relations with its top strategic partners such as China and Russia, possibly …

Carol Polsgrove (2020-10-20). Nuclear War Makes a Comeback. counterpunch.org On websites where policy makers, scholars, and military leaders gather, concern about the possibility of nuclear war has been rising sharply in recent months as China, the United States, and Russia develop new weapons and new ways of using old ones. On War on the Rocks, an online platform for national security articles and podcasts,

RT (2020-10-20). What's 'verifiable'? Extension of US-Russia nuclear New START treaty hinges on word. rt.com The sole remaining US-Russia nuclear arms control deal may get a last-moment extension after all, but everything now depends on what the US State Department means when it says warhead caps need to be "verifiable." | New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is scheduled to expire in February 2021. While Russia has offered a "clean" renewal of the existing treaty, without preconditions, the Trump administration has first sought to expand it to include China, then demanded a limit on total nuclear warheads as a condition for agreeing to an extension. | The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Russia i…

news.un (2020-10-20). 'Work in unison' to promote peace and security in the Persian Gulf region — UN chief. news.un.org Given the complex and multifaceted challenges in the Persian Gulf region, the UN chief told the Security Council on Tuesday that it is important to reflect more deeply on how everyone, particularly the Council itself, can "work in unison to promote peace and security".

_____ (2020-10-20). Instability, Poverty and Nuclear Weapons. strategic-culture.org The President of the United States has the power to fire off thousands of nuclear weapons and destroy the world. As succinctly This is the Trump who contracted the Covid 19 virus and on October 2 was tak…

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Muslims not to accept disdain of compromising with Zionists. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that Muslim nations will not accept the humiliation of compromising with the Zionist regime in any way.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). End of Iran arms embargo should be implemented: China. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — Referring to Washington's obstruction of arms deals with Iran, Permanent Mission of China in Vienna said that the end of Iran arms embargo should be faithfully implemented.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Iran Covid-19 update: 322 deaths in past 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 5,039 new COVID-19 infections and 322 deaths due to the disease in the past 24 hours.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Iranian COVID-19 vaccine to enter human phase in mid-Nov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki said that the Iranian coronavirus vaccine has passed animal test and will enter the human test phase in mid-November 2020.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Iran, Pakistan hold Virtual Coproduction Panel at ICFF Fest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — The virtual joint production panel between Iran and Pakistan was held on Monday evening, October 19.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Iran's export going on stably despite tough sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (MNA) — Executive of Tehran Province Industrial Townships said that export of country's products remains stable despite all tough and illegal sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Termination of UNSC arms embargo to entail economic benefits. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Tuesday that the removal of the UNSC arms embargo will bring Iran positive economic consequences and benefits.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Iran's defense power based on deterrence: Gen. Rashid. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters said on Tuesday that Iran's military power is meant to deter the threats.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Foreign drone crashes in NW Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — A foreign drone has crashed in Khoda Afarin county, East Azarbaijan province, amid military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). Zarif felicitates victory of Bolivia against US conspiracies. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister congratulated the Bolivian people on their victory against US conspiracies on Tuesday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-20). We can choose peace, security, stability for all: Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister said that countries can choose peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all.

yenisafak (2020-10-20). Iran reports record 5,039 new daily COVID-19 cases. yenisafak.com Iran's health ministry on Tuesday reported 5,039 new coronavirus infections in the previous 24 hours, the highest ever daily tally, pushing the national total to 539,670.Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 322 people had died from the disease in the previous 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 31,034 in Iran, one of the worst-hit countries in the Middle East.

Andrew Korybko (2020-10-19). The Expiration Of The Iranian Arms Embargo Opens Up Exciting Opportunities. thealtworld.com The 13-year-long anti-Iranian arms embargo expired on Sunday, which creates exciting opportunities for the Islamic Republic to strengthen its national defense capabilities and cultivate even deeper relations with its top strategic partners such as China and Russia, possibly even playing them off against one another in a "friendly competition" so as to derive the greatest benefit. | The End Of The Embargo | The US is enraged that the UN let the 13-year-long anti-Iranian arms embargo

MEE staff (2020-10-19). Iran hits out at 'fearful' US after UN arms embargo expires. middleeasteye.net Iran hits out at 'fearful' US after UN arms embargo expires | Tehran continues its war of words with Washington after Mike Pompeo threatened to sanction those doing arms deals with Iran now that a UN embargo has ended | Mon, 10/19/2020 – 16: 18 | Iranians visit a weaponry and military equipment exhibition in the capital Tehran in February 2019 (AFP/File photo) | Iran hit out at the United States on Monday afte…

Stephen Lendman (2020-10-19). Iran Free to Buy and Sell Arms. globalresearch.ca Security Council Res. 2231 (adopted July 14, 2015 — effective January 16, 2016) affirmed the landmark JCPOA nuclear deal with Iran unanimously. | It also retained an arms embargo on Iran for five years, a provision its ruling authorities accepted and …

Raul Diego (2020-10-19). With an Eye on Nearby Iran, Israeli Weapons Fuel the Violence in Azerbaijan. mintpressnews.com Hoping to profit, protect an important source of oil, and to antagonize nearby Iran, Israel is selling drones and weapons to Azerbaijan, fueling the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Yonat Shimron (2020-10-19). Catholic Priest Is Sentenced to Time Served after 2018 Break-in at Nuclear Naval Base. globalresearch.ca Since his arrest nearly three years ago on trespassing charges after invading a nuclear submarine base with six others as part of a symbolic nuclear disarmament action, the Rev. Stephen M. Kelly has been held in a Brunswick, Georgia, county …

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-19). Zarif confers on crashed airliner with Ukrainian officials. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed hope that negotiations on the Ukrainian plane will be successful.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-19). US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies over Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) — The US has imposed Iran-related sanctions on five Hong-Kong shipping companies, one Australian entity, and one Chinese investment group.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-19). Lifting Iran arms embargo, result of JCPOA efficiency: China. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) — Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that lifting Iran's arms embargo is the result of efficiency of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).