Let's talk Iran - December 12, 2021
Senior European sources in Vienna talks to Asharq Al-Awsat:
U.S. representative on Iran, Robert Malley, is waiting for the Iranian regime to soften it's position in order to show up in Vienna. If Iran fails to do so, this possibility exists that the U.S. delegation, currently in Liverpool, will not go to Vienna at all.
UPDATE
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (Al-Hadath) (Reuters)
"This is the last chance for Iran to come to the negotiating table with a serious resolution to this issue, which has to be agreeing the JCPOA terms...it is vital...We will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon."
Western Powers Should Impose Sanctions on Iran Rather Than Continue Talks
Tehran has shown it only wishes to kill time to continue its clandestine nuclear weapons program and acquire an atomic bomb. The regime has indeed turned the negotiations into a cycle of deceit. Western powers’ insistence on continuing these futile talks is only emboldening Tehran to continue its nuclear extortion. LINK
Satellite images, expert suggest Iranian space launch coming
Iran appears to be preparing for a space launch as negotiations continue in Vienna over its tattered nuclear deal with world powers.
Useful reminder to those in the West who believe this regime should be appeased. LINK
Biden administration has reviewed military options as part of effort to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon
The Biden administration has reviewed military options that could be part of an effort to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, if a multilateral deal between the United States, Iran and other nations on Tehran's nuclear program is not salvaged, according to administration officials… officials have grown increasingly pessimistic about the possibility of salvaging the Iran nuclear deal and have warned of turning to 'other options' if diplomacy fails. LINK
Gantz: I told the US I’ve ordered the IDF to prepare a strike against Iran
Defense minister says US still aligned with Israel, but has ‘broader priorities’ in region; senior defense official says attack on Iran will be hard without coordinating with US
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Friday that he notified US officials during meetings this week in Washington that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for a strike against Iran.
A senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Gantz had presented a timeline for when such an attack might take place during his meetings with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but the source did not specify further.
Gantz acknowledged the Biden administration did not provide a deadline for when it will walk out of talks in Vienna if there is no progress, but he expressed confidence the US would begin considering a military option more seriously if there are no positive developments. LINK
This is quite interesting from NYT:
“… the Israelis consulted with the Americans before launching two covert strikes against Iran, one in September against a missile base and one in June against an Iranian factory building nuclear centrifuges, according to people briefed on the actions.” LINK
Britain could impose new sanctions on Iran as nuclear talks teeter on edge of collapse
Britain could impose new sanctions on Iran if the regime fails to row back from demands that have led to an impasse in ongoing nuclear talks. German FM warns time is running out amid reports that Israel is drawing up plans for an attack. LINK
Bolton: Biden is losing contest of wills with Iran over nukes
For decades, U.S. presidents have proclaimed it “unacceptable” for Iran to have nuclear weapons. They said the same about North Korea. They largely failed with North Korea, and are poised to fail with Iran, too. Economic sanctions, without more, have failed — and China in particular is poised to buy all the oil Iran can sell, and either veto or ignore future Security Council sanctions.
If a nuclear Iran is truly unacceptable, the only paths open are regime change in Tehran and military/intelligence measures rendering Iran’s nuclear programs harmless. Accordingly, and very late in the day, Washington must decide who will win this contest of wills. Tehran is ahead. Over to you, Mr. President. LINK
Iranian teachers held protests in 100 cities across the country
Iran's teachers held protests in 100 cities in 30 provinces on Saturday and continued on Sunday. They're complaining about their horrible living conditions and low salaries. The teachers have called to continue their protests on Monday. LINK
Iran: Elite Students Are Still Under Torture
Ali Younesi and Amir Hossein Moradi were unjustly detained by the Intel Ministry on April 10, 2020. Since then, they have been subjected to physical and psychological torture to make confessions. LINK
Increasing pressure on political prisoners in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz
Gholam Hossein Kalbi, Ayyub Porkar, Massoud Massoudi, Shahyad Ghanavati, and several other Arab political prisoners are under escalating pressure on orders from the Intelligence Ministry. LINK