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OAKLAND The U.S. Attorneys Office today announced charges against and guilty pleas by Farhad Nafeiy for violating sanctions by exporting software upgrades for commercial-grade telecommunications servers to the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), and for tax evasion. The plea was accepted by the Honorable Araceli Martnez-Olgun, United States District Judge. The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the Northern District of California Ismail J. Ramsey, Assistant Attorney General Mathew G. Olsen, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King, and Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigations Oakland Field Office Darren Lian.

Nafeiy, 70, of Alamo, Calif., was charged with and pleaded guilty to a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Under IEEPA, the President of the United States is granted authority to address unusual and extraordinary threats to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. Under that law, the President has issued orders prohibiting certain activities and transactions with Iran and the Government of Iran. The Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued regulations, referred to as the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), implementing those orders. These sanctions on Iran generally prohibit, among other things, exporting or facilitating the export of U.S.-origin products to Iran and providing services to Iran.

Nafeiy obtained licensesor approvalsfrom OFAC for advising non-Iranian telecommunications companies on doing business with Iran. However, those licenses did not authorize Nafeiy to provide any hardware, software, or technology directly to Iran. Nafeiy exceeded his OFAC licenses, thereby violating the ITSR and IEEPA, by directly providing software upgrades to telecommunications equipment in Iran. Nafeiy admitted in his plea agreement that he knew he exceeded these licenses when he did so. In his plea agreement, Nafeiy further admitted that the total amount of sales of such software upgrades to Iran was approximately $400,000. Nafeiy separately was charged with, and admitted to, evading his federal income taxes, and specifically not paying income tax on some of the proceeds of these sales.

On August 10, 2023, Nafeiy was charged by information with one count of violating IEEPA, in violation of 50 U.S.C. 1705, and one count of tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. 7201. Pursuant to the plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to both charges.

Judge Martnez-Olgun scheduled Nafeiys sentencing hearing for January 29, 2024. For the 50 U.S.C. 1705 violation, Nafeiy faces a maximum statutory prison term of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and restitution, if appropriate. For the tax evasion charge, Nafeiy faces a maximum prison term of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and restitution of at least $79,124 to the IRS. As part of any sentence, the court may also order Nafaiy to serve a period of supervised release and to pay additional assessments, however, the court will impose a sentence only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. 3553.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Kingsley and Trial Attorney David Ryan of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with the assistance of Kathleen Turner of the U.S. Attorneys Office. Former Trial Attorney Elizabeth Abraham provided valuable assistance in prior phases of the prosecution. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

Excerpt from:
Bay Area Telecommunications Consultant Pleads Guilty To Violating ... - Department of Justice

A bipartisan House bill introduced on Monday seeks to counter Irans practice of taking U.S. hostages, including pushing to bar ransom payments to U.S. adversaries and block U.S. passport holders from visiting Iran.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committees Middle East subcommittee, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), a Democratic Iran hawk, comes following the Biden administrations deal to free U.S. hostages in exchange for Iranians imprisoned in the U.S. and $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds.

It requires the administration to formulate and submit to Congress a strategy for preventing hostage-taking by U.S. adversaries, including identifying penalties for wrongful detention and hostage-taking, identifying clear United States Government policies barring the payment of ransom or transactions that could be viewed as ransom, and detailing plans to coordinate with United States allies and partners on such strategy.

The bill would also require the State Department to determine annually whether to declare U.S. passports invalid for travel to Iran, due to concerns that such visits present an imminent danger to the public health and physical safety of United States travelers stemming from the threat of wrongful detention.

It further requires the administration to deny visas to visit the United Nations to any individual sanctioned under terrorism or weapons of mass destruction sanctions.

The administration would also have to annually review Irans hostage-taking practices and identify to Congress any individuals involved in supporting that activity. The bill additionally requires that the administration to identify whether it is waiving applicable hostage-related sanctions on any such individual and explain why.

Regarding the recent prisoner exchange, the legislation requires reports every 160 days to Congress on the funds released, including itemized transaction lists, and certifications that the funds have not been used for non-humanitarian purposes or enabled the Iranian government to increase its spending on malign activities.

It also requires reports to Congress annually on all Iranian assets frozen under U.S. sanctions; on the reasons for any changes to such asset freezes; and on coordinated international efforts to identify, seize and/or freeze assets of sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities. It urges the U.S. to share intelligence and provide technical assistance to foreign governments to seize assets of sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities.

The Iranian Regime continues to be the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism. This bill takes action, ensuring terrorists who take American citizens hostage are punished for their crimes, and not rewarded with financial incentives, Wilson said in a statement. It ensures that the oppressors of freedom in Iran do not get to visit the United States to enjoy the liberties here that they deprive their citizens of at home in Iran.

Wilsons statement indicates that the legislation specifically seeks to block Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi from visiting the U.N. Raisis visit last month to attend the U.N. General Assembly, raised the ire of numerous congressional Republicans, who urged the administration to deny the Iranian leader a visa.

When Iran wrongfully detains one of our own, they must know that the U.S. will not sit back, we will take action and respond, Moskowitz said in a statement.

Continue reading here:
Bipartisan House bill seeks to counter Iranian hostage-taking - Jewish Insider

Russia wants closer ties with Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated this week, according to Russian state media and Iranian media.

"We have very good relations with Iran. And we will enhance them in every possible way... That is why we do our utmost in order to develop relations with Iran, and will keep this up in the future," Putin said.

The Russian leader referenced the historic ties and proximity of Persia and Russia. This appears to be a reference to the two historic empires that played a key role in history for hundreds of years.

Putin also discussed establishing educational institutions in Iran, as part of a broader goal to forge closer ties. Iran and Russia have worked together for more than two decades, but the countries have not always progressed directly to more multi-layered ties.

For instance, Irans Islamic regime in the 1980s was not close to the Soviet Union. In the 1990s Iran sought Russian support for various defense and technological programs. Now Iran supplies Russia with drones. Russia also played a key role in the Iran deal of 2015.

The Russian leader also discussed soft power as a way for Iran-Russia ties to improve. Soft power in the kindest and best sense of this word, the promotion of our culture and our education systems. We will mull this over as well," the Russian president said, according to Russias TASS media.

The comments come as part of a larger package of comments from Putin about the need to have a multi-polar world that is more democratic. This is ironic because he was speaking about the need for authoritarian regimes like Russia to challenge the US-led democratic world order. From Moscows point of view, the world is run by a US-led dictatorship, which essentially is a critique of the G7 and other powerful economic and political or cultural blocs.

"The world is gradually getting rid of the dictatorship of a financial and economic model aimed at driving into debt and servitude, turning into economic colonies and depriving entire regions of the world of resources for development," Putin said. "Therefore, building a multipolar world order that is more democratic, honest, and fair for the majority of humanity is simply inevitable, historically necessary," he said.

Countries like Iran, Russia, and China all want to shift away from the West and from the US dollar. They want to avoid any kind of sanctions or attempts by the West to challenge organizations like BRICS.

Fars News in Iran also highlighted Putins comments. Speaking to the winners and finalists of the Russian Teacher of the Year competition in Sochi, Putin explained, according to Fars, "We have very good relations with Iran and we will develop these relations in every possible way." The reports in Iranian media basically re-reported what Russian state media had already said.

However, Iranian websites sought to highlight these comments as a way of showing approval.

Link:
Putin wants closer ties with Iran - analysis - The Jerusalem Post

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Oct. 3, 2023) The U.S. Mens Deaf National Team used goals from Chad Johnson and Chris Bourdon to twice come back from deficits and earn a 2-2 draw with IR Iran, before ultimately falling 5-4 on penalty kicks in the first of two Classification Matches at the 2023 DIFA Mens World Deaf Football Championship on Tuesday at UPNM Stadium. With the result, the USDMNT will close out the tournament when they face France in the Seventh-Place Match on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 4:30 a.m. ET.

After Shahin Fasihi gave Iran a 1-0 lead in the second minute, the U.S. pushed for an equalizer and pulled things level in the 20th minute. A driven free kick from Will Frentz on the right side of midfield found Chad Johnson who sent a looping header from 15 yards past Iran goalkeeper Mostafa Moradi for his team-leading fourth goal of the tournament. It was also the 15th goal of his international career the most ever scored by a USDMNT player.

Iran regained the lead three minutes after halftime when Pouria Saeidi sent a blistering shot from 23 yards out that skipped past outstretched U.S. goalkeeper Erik Jaspers in the 48th minute.

The U.S. equalized again just after the hour mark. Johnson broke down the left wing and powered past two Iran players before slicing towards the goal from the top corner of the penalty area. Despite an open lane to shoot, he instead slotted the ball to the far post where Chris Bourdon slipped it past Moradi in the 64th minute.

Both teams looked for the game-winner late, and Iran came closest when Mohammad Soleimani hit the post in the 89th minute. The U.S. survived that danger and without a regulation winner, the match proceeded straight to penalty kicks.

In the shootout, both teams converted their spot kicks through the first four rounds, with Chad Johnson, Michael Schmid, Dawson Anderson and goalkeeper Erik Jaspers finding the back of the net for the USA. In the fifth round, Chris Bourdon saw his attempt saved by Moradi, before Iran captain Iman Mohebi put home the game-winning penalty to help his side advance to Thursdays Fifth-Place Match.

Next Up: With the defeat, the USDMNT will face France, who fell 5-2 to Germany on Tuesday, in the Seventh-Place Match on Thursday, Oct. 5. Kickoff of USA-France is set for 4:30 a.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local) from UPNM Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Match: U.S. Mens Deaf National Team vs. IR Iran Date: October 3, 2023 Competition: 2023 DIFA Mens World Deaf Football Championships Classification (5-8) Venue: UPNM Stadium; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kickoff: 4:30 a.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local) Weather: 89 degrees, clear

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F PK

USA 1 1 2 4 IRN 1 1 2 5

IRN Shahin Fasihi 2nd minute USA - Chad Johnson (Will Frentz) 19 IRN - Pouria Saeidi 48 USA - Chris Bourdon (Chad Johnson) 64

Penalty Kick Summary:

USA Chad Johnson (goal), Michael Schmid (goal), Dawson Anderson (goal), Erik Jaspers (goal), Chris Bourdon (saved)

IRN - Abdolmahdi Hamouri (goal), Shahin Fasihi (goal), Esmaeil Arablou (goal), Mohsen Farzikakavand (goal), Iman Mohebi (goal)

Lineups:

USA: 12-Erik Jaspers; 2-David Dircio, 17-Tate Lancaster (16-Kevin Fitzpatrick, 38), 5-Will Frentz (capt.), 19-Arthur Goncalves (3-Eddie Perry, 82); 6-Trip Neil (14-Dawson Anderson, 65), 8-Braden Anderson, 10-Raul Silva (11-JP Kanashiro, 46); 13-Chad Johnson, 22-Michael Schmid, 7-Chris Bourdon

Subs not used: 1-Eric Setzer, 21-Samuel Lang, 9-Thomas Salvi, 15-Jullian Mitchell, 18-Luke Haubruge, 20-Kelly Grant

Not dressed: 4-Tristan Torbett

Head Coach: David Kunitz

IRN: 1-Mostafa Moradi, 4-Abdolmahdi Hamouri, 5-Ali Salimisiakolaei (7-Mohsen Farzikakavand, 44), 6-Amirhossein Esmailiesfandouni, 9-Hossein Mesbahi (17-Mohammad Soleimani, 65), 10-Iman Mohebi (capt.) (12-Seyedamin Dehghantezerjani, 65) 14-Esmaeil Arablou, 15-Mohammadreza Golpaygani (11-Shahin Fasihi, 44), 16-Pouria Saeidi, 19-Amir Hassanzadeh, 20-Reza Jodeiri

Subs not used: 22-Mohammad Ghaedi, 2-Javad Gholamibaramkouhi, 3-Hohammad Dashtbozorg, 8-Milad Mohammadi, 21-Sina Saberikian

Head Coach: Alireza Basih

Stats Summary: USA / IRN

Shots: 11 / 15 Shots on Goal: 10 / 5 Saves: 3 / 8 Corner Kicks: 2 / 7 Fouls: 5 / 7

Misconduct Summary:

USA Raul Silva (caution) 42 IRN - Iman Mohebi (caution) 59

Officials:

Referee: Mohamad Faizudin Ismail Assistant Referee 1: Bazrul Hissam Zainul Assistant Referee 2: Ghafar Mohamad Zabri Fourth Official: Mohd Afzal Hilmi

Deaf soccer is contested by deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes. Under international criteria, players must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their better ear. Hearing loss below this level has been shown to negatively impact hearing. All players competing in deaf matches must remove all hearing aids before playing.

For more information on the sport or to inquire about athlete eligibility, please contact U.S. Soccer's Extended National Teams Department via email atextendednt@ussoccer.org.

See the original post:
Deaf MNT Falls to IR Iran on Penalties Following 2-2 Draw in World ... - U.S. Soccer

Iran has unveiled plans to triple the number of international students in the country to 320,000 by 2026 an idea that academics say has more in common with hot air than reality.

The countrys Ministry of Science released the proposal to attract more overseas students, seeking significant growth on the current total of around 100,000, according to the Tehran Times.

Afshin Shahi, an associate professor in Middle East politics and international relations at Keele University, said he believed the numbers should be taken with a big pinch of salt.

When it comes to Iranian politics, there is often a significant discrepancy between official figures and the reality on the ground, he said.

Although Iran has the potential to create an attractive learning environment, itscurrent politics, security and economy made such a proposition impossible, he said.

In the decades since the Iranian revolution in 1979, its higher education sector had been heavily securitised, with the founder of the Islamic Republic famously calling universities more dangerous than cluster bombs, Dr Shahi said.

More recently, Tehran greenlit the acceptance of Iraqs ShiiteHashd al-Shaabi militiasand similar groups in Iranian universities, something that might nominally increase its number of international students, though itdidno favours for Iranian universities reputation, he said.

On the ground, conditions are difficult, with soaring inflation and scarce resources for the infrastructure investment needed for universities.

Poor conditions have already led many people to leave. In 2019, nearly 180,000 educated professionals emigrated, and roughly half of university students, alumni and professors polled expressed a desire to leave, according to theGulf International Forum, a US-based thinktank.

These statistics hardly paint a picture of a thriving educational environmentthat would be attractive to international students, said Dr Shahi.

Morteza Dehghani, an associate professor at the University of Southern California who completed his undergraduate degree in Iran, dismissed the current plan as a staged performance.

This aspiration appears to be a mere facade, given the [Islamic Regimes] inability to boost tourism, let alone achieve such an ambitious academic goal, he said. I find it improbable that this would ever succeed.

It has been just over a year since the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in custody. Her death sparkednationwide protests, including student walkouts across the country, Dr Dehghani noted.

Recent moves by Tehran to expunge any professors who expressed solidarity with protesters and install regime loyalists in teaching positionsdid not exactly endear Iran to prospective overseas students, and nordid the governments track record of persecuting its own students, he said.

In the past year, thousands of students found themselves subject to arrests and torture, with hundreds facing expulsion from their academic pursuits. Furthermore, degrees often seem to be held hostage and, even when students seek to depart the country, they would have to pay hefty fines to obtaintheir official transcripts.

Encieh Erfani, who last autumn resigned from her post as an assistant professor of physics at Zanjans Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, echoed the sentiment.

The whole programmelooks like a joke. I cannot even confirm that Iran has 100,000 international students. Even 10,000 is a big number, she said.

She said that Iran had established overseas religious schools with somegivingthemselves the name university in severalplaces since the revolution, giving it a foothold in someparts of Europe and as far afield as Australia.

But thesebore little resemblance to proper institutions of learning, she said. In a totalitarian system, everything is corrupted, even science and education.

pola.lem@timeshighereducation.com

Read more from the original source:
Scholars doubt Irans overseas students push - Times Higher Education