Page 61 - IRANRptDec21

Cryptocurrencies are created through a process known as mining in which powerful, energy-thirsty computers compete with each other to solve complex mathematical problems.
The electricity being used for crypto mining in Iran would require the equivalent of around 10mn barrels of crude oil each year to generate, equivalent to around 4% of total Iranian oil exports in 2020, according to the study.
Iran, delivering cheap power, has permitted a certain level of crypto mining in recent years. This has attracted crypto mining investors from countries including China, while unapproved operators have proliferated. All produced Bitcoins in Iran must be sold to the central bank. Cryptocurrencies mined in the country can legally be used to pay for imports of authorised goods.
9.1.14 Defence sector news
US imposes sanctions on Iran’s IRGC drone programme citing danger to regional stability
Iran, Russia ‘to convene joint military commission’
The US on October 29 said it has imposed sanctions in relation to a drone programme operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The US Treasury Department stated that the IRGC has been providing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for use by Iran-backed groups, including Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and in crisis-hit Ethiopia. The drone programme threatened regional stability, Treasury officials said.
"Iran's proliferation of UAVs across the region threatens international peace and stability. Iran and its proxy militants have used UAVs to attack U.S. forces, our partners, and international shipping," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said, adding: "Treasury will continue to hold Iran accountable for its irresponsible and violent acts."
The sanctions target four people, including IRGC Brigadier General Saeed Aghajani, whom the US says oversees the UAV operations of the IRGC Aerospace Force.
The sanctions also target two companies, namely Kimia Part Sivan Co and Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Co. The Treasury said the companies procured components for the drone programme and provided other assistance.
The sanctions block access to property subject to US jurisdiction of the persons designated. They also mean that US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the designated persons or their blocked property.
Iran and Russia will reportedly convene a “joint military commission” in Tehran within the next three months, official news agency IRNA has reported.
The commission would discuss defence and security cooperation, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Mohammad Bagheri, was cited as saying. Bagheri was in Moscow for meetings with Russian counterpart Valery Gerasimov. He was further quoted as saying that the planned commission would determine areas suitable for military training cooperation.
In further reported comments, Bagheri said that Tehran and Moscow were in talks about Iran procuring training jets and combat helicopters from Russia when US sanctions on Iran’s economy are eased.
61 IRAN Country Report December 2021 www.intellinews.com