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UPDATE: 11:30 AM
Live Report: Iran’s People Boycott Sham Elections To Replace Dead President Ebrahim Raisi
Iran’s regime held its premature presidential election on June 28 to choose the successor to Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19. The regime has been campaigning profusely to convince people to vote in the election. However, reports indicate that the people have not paid heed to the regime’s propaganda efforts and are refusing to show up at the polling stations.
The presidential elections are being held on the heels of a parliamentary election in March, which was met with a massive boycott by the Iranian people. According to reports by the network of PMOI, voter turnout in the March elections was less than 10%.
In fear of another massive boycott, regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei said on the morning of June 28, “The participation of the people and increase in voter turnout is an absolution necessity for the Islamic Republic. The people should not hesitate to vote…. The people should take voting in this political test seriously and participate.”
UN Security Council Demands Iran-Backed Yemen Rebels Halt Their Attacks on Ships in Mideast Waters
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council on Thursday approved a resolution demanding Yemen’s Houthi rebels halt all attacks on ships and urged that the disruption to maritime security in a critical Middle East waterway be urgently addressed.
The resolution made no mention that the Iran-backed rebels claim they are staging the attacks because of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The resolution, which also extended the requirement that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres report monthly on the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, was approved by a 12-0 vote, with Russia, China and Algeria abstaining.
Shipping has reduced drastically through the route crucial to Asian, Middle East and European markets in a campaign the Houthis say will continue as long as the war rages in the Gaza Strip.
UPDATE: 7:00 AM
As Iran Braces for Vote, Regime Foes Plan Major ‘Free Iran’ Rally Saturday in Berlin
Iranian voters will go to the polls Friday to choose their next president, with anti-U.S. hard-liners dominating the list of major candidates. A day later, tens of thousands of people are expected to rally in the streets of Berlin against the Iranian government. Organizers say the German event will offer further proof that the tide is turning against the clerical regime of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and its “sham” election process that cares little for what the Iranian people truly want.
The “Great Gathering for a Free Iran” rally on Saturday will be organized by the world’s largest exiled Iranian dissident movement, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, and its associate group, the exiled People’s Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK). The NCRI, led by President-elect Maryam Rajavi, says the weekend is a key opportunity for Iranian dissidents and democracy-minded demonstrators to make their voices heard.
Maryam Rajavi Meets with General James Jones, Former National Security Adviser to The U.S. President
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Maryam Rajavi met and held talks with General James Jones, the first National Security Adviser of President Barack Obama and former NATO commander, and Mrs. Diane Jones.
During this meeting, Maryam Rajavi provided a detailed analysis of the volatile situation inside Iran. She explained, “Khamenei is endeavoring to erect barriers against the people’s uprising by instigating regional conflict and enforcing a severe crackdown domestically. However, the people of Iran want change. They have dismissed the regime’s forthcoming sham elections, set for Friday, and have unequivocally boycotted the process. They have consistently voiced that their true vote is for the complete overthrow of the regime. Unfortunately, the policy of appeasement pursued by Europe and the U.S. has effectively worked in favor of the regime, and postponed its overthrow for years.”
The World Must Listen when Iranians Shout Out
On June 28, the Iranian regime will “elect” a new president. This unexpected move became necessary after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, known as “the butcher of Tehran.”
It will not be a free election, and most Iranians will likely stay away from the process. However, this situation provides an opportunity to highlight the ongoing series of executions in Iran, which continue without much international attention.
According to Amnesty International, the number of executions worldwide in 2023 rose to its highest level since 2015, mainly due to the sharp increase in the death penalty in Iran, with 853 executions.
Confessions of an Executioner
Mostafa Pourmohammadi, the executioner of political prisoners in 1988 and one of the candidates in the Iranian regime’s upcoming elections was forced to make three significant confessions in a recent television interview:
In the first and most important confession about the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, Pourmohammadi said, “The legal, judicial, and religious ruling for those who are steadfast in their positions is that they must be executed.”
This is the same principle of Khomeini’s decree for the massacre of all steadfast members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). It means that anyone who holds the ideals and political stance of the PMOI, which is based on overthrowing the religious dictatorship of the mullahs, was condemned to execution and included in the massacre. This explicit reality was clearly written in Ruhollah Khomeini’s decree.
Designating Entities and Vessels Engaged in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products Trade
The Department of State is imposing sanctions today on three United Arab Emirates companies involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13846.
- Sea Route Ship Management FZE is involved in the transport of Iranian petrochemical products as the commercial manager of the vessel ASTRA (IMO 9162928). Sea Route Ship Management FZE knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transport on the ASTRA of petrochemical products from Iran in late November 2021. Sea Route Ship Management FZE is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(iii) of E.O. 13846 for on or after November 5, 2018, having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petrochemical products from Iran.
- Almanac Ship Management LLC is involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum products as the commercial manager of the vessel BERENICE PRIDE (IMO 9216559). Almanac Ship Management LLC knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transport on the BERENICE PRIDE of petroleum products from Iran in late October 2022. Almanac Ship Management LLC is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for on or after November 5, 2018, having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran.
Eliminating Gender Discrimination Against Iranian Women
Article 11 of the NCRI Plan on Women’s Rights and Freedoms in a Free Iran aims to address legal inequalities and gender discrimination affecting Iranian women. These inequalities manifest in various aspects, including testimony, guardianship, custody, inheritance, and the prohibition of polygamy. Let’s review each of these issues:
Unfortunately, Iranian law often assigns little or no value to a woman’s testimony. Articles 119, 128, 137, 170, 189, and 279 of the regime’s punishment law stipulate that certain crimes can only be proven through male testimony, regardless of the crime’s nature.
Exceptions exist, such as cases involving accusations of adultery or suspected intentional murder (as per articles 75, 76, and 237). In these instances, a woman’s testimony can be effective alongside a man’s. The testimonies of two women equal the testimony of a man, but additional male witnesses are still required.
Grieving Mothers of Kurdistan Boycott Sham Presidential Elections: A Powerful Call for Justice and Accountability
In a bold and heartfelt statement, a group of grieving mothers from Kurdistan has publicly announced their boycott of the upcoming sham presidential elections in Iran. These mothers, known for their relentless pursuit of justice, have accused the regime’s candidates of being responsible for and complicit in the government’s crimes and killings. The mothers have declared their decision to boycott what they describe as the “theatrical presidential elections” in Iran. They view participation in these elections as a betrayal of their quest for justice.
The statement explicitly condemns the Iranian regime, holding it accountable for the widespread execution and direct shooting of young men and women. The mothers assert that thousands of families have been plunged into mourning due to these actions over the recent years.
Iran’s Oil and Gas Industry: Struggling Giant with a Wasteful Habit
Iran boasts the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves and fourth-largest oil reserves. However, the Iranian oil and gas industry faces significant challenges that threaten its future potential.
The Iranian Chamber of Commerce paints a bleak picture of the investment landscape. Arash Najafi, head of the Energy Commission, emphasizes the critical role of foreign investment, currently hindered by international sanctions and Iran’s inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist. This restricts foreign banks from participating, making direct investment a non-starter.
The government’s ambitious plan to raise daily oil production to 4 million barrels hinges on a mere $3 billion investment – a stark contrast to the over $18 billion invested annually during the 2000s. This funding gap has resulted in stagnant or declining production, further exacerbated by aging oil fields.
Iran Faces AI Lockout: OpenAI’s Bold Move Against Regime Exploitation
OpenAI is set to remove access to its services for users in Iran, along with China and Russia, within the next two weeks. This decision comes as part of the company’s efforts to disrupt influence campaigns and cybercrime operations originating from these countries.
According to an email attributed to OpenAI posted on the company’s community forum, users in Iran will lose access to its services starting July 9. The company stated, “Our data shows that your organization has API traffic from a region that OpenAI does not currently support,” and mentioned that additional measures would be taken to block access.
Iran has been on OpenAI’s radar due to its involvement in covert influence operations. Last month, OpenAI disrupted attempts by Iran and other countries to use its services to manipulate public opinion and elections.
Iran’s Internet Quality Declines Despite Price Hike
Five months after approving a price increase for internet packages, Iranian citizens continue to struggle with slow speeds and network disruptions. In January 2024, the government authorized mobile phone operators to raise prices on the promise of improved internet quality.
The Minister of Communications under the current administration asserted that the price increase was contingent on faster speeds and a more stable network. However, since then, there has been no noticeable improvement in internet quality, with disruptions actually worsening. Last Saturday, Iranians once again reported a surge in internet outages and disruptions. The Ministry of Communications offered no specific explanation for these issues. The Minister previously attributed internet shutdowns to infrastructure problems and increased consumption on the international broadband network.
Concerns about Tehran Potentially Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon
According to Axios, quoting three senior Israeli officials, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, reactivated task forces focused on Iran’s nuclear program two weeks ago.
According to the report, this task force comprises members of Israel’s defense establishment, foreign ministry, and intelligence community. They are working under the National Security Council’s direction and a team led by Mossad to scrutinize Iran’s nuclear program, especially its potential weaponization activities.
Axios, quoting an Israeli official, reported that another team led by Israel’s domestic intelligence and security service, Shin Bet, is responsible for preventing Iranian regime infiltration operations in Israeli society, which have increased over the past year.
The Future of Iran Post-Elections: A Weaker Khamenei?
Following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, Iran has rapidly scheduled a presidential election for June 28. This election will be meticulously controlled and directed by Iran’s Guardian Council, responsible for vetting and approving presidential candidates. In recent years, the Guardian Council has increasingly disqualified reformist, moderate, and even many traditional conservative candidates. This has been part of an effort to tilt Iran’s elections in favor of Khamenei.
With Raisi’s passing, the Guardian Council’s vetting process is expected to continue in the same vein. Iran’s snap election will start at 08:00 on Friday, June 28, 2024, and will end on the same day unless extended. The Ministry of Interior of Iran has announced the country’s population to be 88 million and the eligible voters to be 61 million. This means that about 70% of the Iranian population can participate in the voting.
See also
Berlin Gears Up for Free Iran Grand Rally 2024: MEK Supporters to Gather on #BerlinDemo29June—Part3
Berlin, Germany—June 25-26, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized exhibitions and circulated throughout Berlin using mobile billboards to advertise the grand gathering scheduled for Saturday, June 29th in the city.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – June 27, 2024