The case of the day is Azadeh v. Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (D.D.C. 2018). Asfaneh Azadeh sued the Iranian government, asserting she was wrongfully imprisoned for months and was tortured in prison. She served process via diplomatic channels under 28 U.S.C. § 1608(a)(4), without first attempting service on the Iranian foreign ministry under 28 U.S.C. § 1608(a)(3). The court’s guidebook for service abroad seemed to permit this, saying: The countries of Iran and Iraq have not objected to service by mail. However, many attempts at service by mail or courier are unsuccessful. Therefore, it is okay for an attorney to request service directly through diplomatic channels (28 U.S.C. § 1608(a)(4)) without attempting service under any other provision first.