Iran
- [2018] Iran’s Jewish community is the largest in the Mideast outside Israel – and feels safe and respectedwww.usatoday.com Iran’s Jewish community is the largest in the Mideast outside Israel – and feels safe and respected
In a nation that has called for Israel to be wiped off the face of the Earth, the Iranian government allows thousands of Jews to worship in peace and continue their association with the country founded more than 2,500 years ago.
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- www.eiu.com Iran and Saudi Arabia edge towards closer economic ties
Iran and Saudi Arabia will start formal discussions this…
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- Berlin: Brandanschlag auf Gebäude des "Nationalen Widerstandsrats Iran" verübt
geteilt von: https://feddit.de/post/6399569
> > Der "Nationale Widerstandsrat Iran" (NWRI) ist Teil der iranischen Protestbewegung, deren Ziel es ist, das amtierende Mullah-Regime zu stürzen. Der NWRI beschuldigte den iranischen Geheimdienst, hinter dem Anschlag zu stehen. "Terroristen und Söldnern" des Geheimdienstes hätten "Brandmaterialien in Richtung des Gebäudes" geworfen. Bereits im Mai und Juni sei ein Sitz der Gruppe in Paris beschossen und beworfen worden.
- Iran opens space for possible nuclear dealresponsiblestatecraft.org Iran's Supreme Leader opens space for possible nuclear deal
Since Ayatollah Khamenei holds the final authority in all foreign policy matters, his diplomatic language here provides crucial insights.
On June 11, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a significant speech to a group of scientists, experts, and officials in Iran’s nuclear industry. He praised their achievements and cautiously approved the possibility of a deal with the West regarding Tehran’s nuclear program but also emphasized the importance of preserving Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Given that the Supreme Leader holds the final authority in all foreign policy matters, his diplomatic language provides crucial insights into Iran’s negotiating stance and carries serious implications for the future of nuclear negotiations and U.S.-Iran relations.
The speech comes at a critical juncture for Iran’s nuclear program and its relations with Washington and its Western allies. The indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have been stalled since September, with both sides accusing the other of making unreasonable demands. The Iranian government’s assistance to Russia in the Ukraine war and its brutal crackdown on a countrywide protest movement since that time have also stalled the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, Iran has been steadily advancing its nuclear activities by increasing its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, installing more advanced centrifuges, and reducing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These moves, which exceed the limits established under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that was negotiated between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany have increased concerns about Iran’s intentions as it has approached nuclear breakout capability.
While a full restoration of the JCPOA appears increasingly unlikely, both sides could still benefit from a smaller agreement that involves mutual concessions. Such an agreement would help alleviate tensions and partially address their respective interests, thus averting an immediate crisis.
Khamenei’s approval of a potential agreement, albeit with the caveat that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure should not be compromised, could be interpreted as a signal that Tehran is now prepared to make some concessions for a deal. The key question, however, is what he meant by preserving Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which could encompass advanced centrifuges, high-enriched uranium stockpiles, and other nuclear material and equipment that pose a proliferation risk.
Iran’s primary concern lies in receiving assurances that the U.S. will honor any new deal, even if it isn’t legally binding. Hence, many in Iran argue that maintaining significant parts of its nuclear infrastructure, even if placed under IAEA or international supervision, is a necessary safeguard against any potential U.S. withdrawal from a new agreement. However, preserving the nuclear infrastructure as it exists today would clearly violate the limitations set forth in the 2015 nuclear deal.
In his speech, Khamenei also reiterated Iran’s long-held position that it is not seeking nuclear weapons and emphasized that such weapons, along with chemical weapons that indiscriminately kill people, are prohibited on religious grounds. He insisted that the West’s claim about “the fear of nuclear weapons production in Iran” is a lie, adding that the U.S. intelligence community has acknowledged several times, including in recent months, that there is no sign of Iran moving towards producing nuclear weapons. He also urged Iran to maintain its cooperation with the IAEA within the framework of its safeguards agreement.
Interestingly, Khamenei’s speech coincides with reports — originating in Korean, Israeli, and Qatari media — suggesting that the U.S. and Iran are indeed considering a more limited or interim agreement. Such an agreement would involve freezing or rolling back some of Iran’s nuclear advances in exchange for partial sanctions relief. Both sides, however, have so far denied reaching any interim deal or alternative arrangement beyond the JCPOA.
Nevertheless, the stakes are high for both sides, as they face domestic and international pressures to resolve the nuclear impasse. Khamenei seeks to ensure conservative President Ebrahim Raisi’s success as his protégé and potential successor, secure Iran’s strategic interests and regional influence, and avoid military confrontation with the U.S. or Israel, both of which have threatened to use force if diplomacy fails to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. On the other hand, President Biden aims to fulfill his promise of diplomacy with Iran, prevent a nuclear crisis that could negatively impact his 2024 reelection campaign, and address concerns from U.S. allies in the region, notably Israel and Saudi Arabia, regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional behavior.
In this context, Khamenei’s speech signals support for the Raisi government to pursue a diplomatic solution with Washington.
Any new agreement, however, carries risks and challenges for both parties. They must navigate the expectations and reactions of their domestic and international audiences, some of which may oppose or seek to undermine a deal. In the U.S., the Biden administration faces resistance from lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who have long opposed the JCPOA and favor maintaining, if not increasing tough economic sanctions against Iran. Biden would face a major challenge, particularly in light of Tehran’s closer ties with Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in persuading Congress and the American public that engaging with Tehran serves the national interest.
Similarly, Raisi must contend with hardliners to his right who oppose any compromises on Iran’s nuclear program and argue that it would be foolhardy to trust that the U.S. would fulfill its promises given former President Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA. Nonetheless, Khamenei’s speech may help protect Raisi against domestic criticism if his diplomats manage to secure a deal.
Ultimately, both Iran and the U.S. share a strong interest in reaching an agreement. A more limited or interim agreement could serve as a crucial bridge, effectively easing tensions and building a foundation for further negotiations. Khamenei’s speech potentially paves the way for a breakthrough in the protracted nuclear impasse or, at the very least, mitigates the risk of further escalation and confrontation with the U.S. However, achieving such an outcome remains uncertain, as both sides face formidable domestic and international pressures that could derail the diplomatic process.
- libcom.org The Iranian coup, 1953
A detailed account of the overthrow of nationalist Iranian Prime Minister Mossadegh by the CIA at the behest of the British and American governments, written by Stephen Kinzer.
- Iran, China begin implementing 25-year strategic partnership agreementwww.presstv.ir China blasts US sanctions on Iran with launch of strategic partnership
China has reaffirmed its opposition to unilateral sanctions by the United States against Iran as the two countries announced the launch of a 25-year cooperation agreement.
- Opinion | ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Has Failedwww.nytimes.com Opinion | ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Has Failed (Published 2021)
A return to the nuclear deal is the first step out of the morass.
- www.aljazeera.com Iran receives first AstraZeneca doses through COVAX
Iran belatedly takes delivery of 700,800 AstraZeneca doses as its vaccination programme lags and cases rise.
- Iran and U.S. Agree on Path Back to Nuclear Dealwww.nytimes.com Iran and U.S. Agree on Path Back to Nuclear Deal (Published 2021)
In indirect talks in Vienna, the U.S. and Iran agreed to try to synchronize Washington’s lifting of sanctions and Iran’s limiting of uranium enrichment.
- www.aljazeera.com ‘Protecting dignity’: Iran’s push to fight violence against women
A draft bill, nearly a decade in the making, could help empower women in Iran – if can clear the final legal hurdles.
- ConsenSys Grants Help Iranian Women Learn Solidity - CoinDeskwww.coindesk.com ConsenSys Grants Help Iranian Women Learn Solidity
The Ethereum incubator's instructional program offers scholarships to help developers get started with coding in Solidity.
- www.rferl.org Iran Reportedly Orders Operators To Block Signal Messaging App
The Iranian monthly Peivast is reporting that Iran has blocked the private encrypted messaging application Signal, ordering mobile operators to filter it from their networks.
- www.aljazeera.com Iran 2020: A tumultuous year in review
From assassinations to a crippling pandemic, Iran experienced one of its most turbulent recent years in 2020.
- www.middleeasteye.net 'Enough is enough': Iranians frustrated over police drive to enforce hijab-wearing in cars
Morality police have been summoning motorists for not wearing the hijab, causing outrage among people going through a devastating economic crisis
- Who were the Parthians? Rise and Fall of the Parthian Empire
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- www.aljazeera.com Iran’s supreme leader calls for ‘decisive action’ on COVID-19
Khamenei set new tasks for gov’t and calls for stricter penalties as Iran’s daily cases continue to rise again.
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- Fugitive Iranian Judge Dies After Fall From Hotel in Romaniawww.nytimes.com Fugitive Iranian Judge Dies After Fall From Hotel in Romania (Published 2020)
The judge, on trial for bribery in Iran and known as a notorious jailer of journalists, plunged six stories in what is being called an apparent suicide.
- www.aljazeera.com Iran braces for new coronavirus wave after surge in infections
As hard-hit country sees record number of COVID-19 cases, authorities threaten to reimpose restricting measures.
- www.aljazeera.com Iran dedicates a statue to honour its healthcare workers
Iran’s health minister says 10,000 doctors, nurses and other health sector workers have been infected with COVID-19, and many have died.
- Iran's mosques to resume daily prayers as lockdown easeswww.aljazeera.com Iran’s mosques to resume daily prayers as lockdown eases
Iran, hit by the deadliest outbreak of the virus, began to loosen restrictions on human interaction in April.
- peoplesdispatch.org Why Iran’s fuel tankers for Venezuela are sending shudders through Washington : Peoples Dispatch
Vijay Prashad on the significance of the arrival of tankers from Iran to Venezuela amid rising global tensions
- www.reuters.com China's rejects planned U.S. moves at U.N. on Iran sanctions
China rejected on Thursday a planned push by the United States to extend a United Nations arms embargo on Iran and, if that fails, Washington's assertion that it could trigger a return of all sanctions on Tehran at the U.N. Security Council.
- Iranian Friendly Fire Kills 19 in 2nd Missile Accident of Yearwww.nytimes.com Iranian Friendly Fire Kills 19 in 2nd Missile Accident of Year (Published 2020)
One Iranian ship reportedly fired on another during military exercises. It was one more public relations disaster for Iran’s military.
- Inside the Iranian family's toy businesswww.aljazeera.com Inside the Iranian family’s toy business
Meet the family continuing a 50-year tradition of repairing toys amid economic hardships.
- INSTEX: A way to get around US sanctions? | Liberation Newswww.liberationnews.org INSTEX: A way to get around US sanctions? - Liberation News
On March 31, the trade vehicle INSTEX completed its first transaction by facilitating Iran's purchas