Let's talk Iran - Feb 13, 2021
NCRI-US Welcomes Bipartisan House Resolution Condemning Tehran’s Terrorism and Rights Abuses, Supporting Iran Uprising
The US Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) welcomes the bipartisan U.S. House resolution, H.Res.118, “Expressing support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government,” introduced by Congressmen Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA). With 113 original sponsor and cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, the resolution was brought to the administration’s attention in a letter to President Biden, as it crafts its policy on Iran. LINK
NUCLEAR
New IAEA Report Implores International Action To Stop Iran’s Nuclear Extortion
The UN nuclear watchdog IAEA confirms Iran’s regime has started producing uranium metal, a step toward acquiring a nuclear weapon. This is part of the regime’s nuclear extortion campaign and western governments should not succumb to it. LINK
State Dept. Calls on Iran to End ‘Dangerous’ Nuclear Buildup
The Biden administration official also reiterated demands that Iran completely halt its repeated breaches of the nuclear accord—including the stockpiling of highly enriched uranium, the key fuel in a nuclear weapon—before the administration agrees to a revamped deal that could pave the way for economic sanctions to be unwound. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has said that these demands are non-negotiable, a position that has rankled the far left, which has been pressuring the White House to quickly move on diplomacy with Iran. LINK
Facing new nuclear thrust by Iran, Biden reaffirms precondition for talks
A spokesperson for President Joe Biden reaffirmed the administration's refusal to enter direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, amid reports the regime has launched a provocative new thrust at a key nuclear facility.
"If Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA, the United States would do the same," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Thursday afternoon. "So that is certainly the first step that would be required." LINK
Iran nuclear deal, easing sanctions did not curb Iran-backed militancy: Report
“The premise that Iran would moderate its commitment to creating and sponsoring militias due to the thaw in US-Iranian relations after the 2015 nuclear deal and sanctions relief for Tehran was false. The number of militias created by the IRGC surged after this period, and the Guard’s presence abroad peaked.” LINK
Iran’s Production of Uranium Metal Puts US Policy Under the Microscope
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Wednesday that Iran had followed through on recent threats to produce uranium metal, a key component of nuclear warheads. The report comes just days after Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi delivered remarks via state media which indicated that the Islamic Republic might actively pursue nuclear weapons capability if “pushed” by pressure from the US and its allies. LINK
HUMAN RIGHTS
Statement by 24 Members of the European Parliament on Human Rights in Iran Calling for the Immediate Release of Political Prisoner Saeid Sangar
Twenty-four members of the European Parliament cosigned a statement about the alarming human rights situation in Iran, following a recent surge of executions and mass arrests across the country since December 2020. LINK
Iran: Political prisoner Hashem Khaster pens open letter, calls for Khamenei to resign
In an open letter to Iranian regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei, political prisoner and teacher activist Hashem Khastar wrote: “With all these executions, political and non-political prisoners, addiction, divorces, and corruption in the country, when are you going to acknowledge what you’ve done to the people of Iran? The people will soon give your answer with raised fists in the streets!” LINK
Political prisoner Akbar Bagheri in dire health, denied treatment
Political prisoner Akbar Bagheri in Iran is in dire health condition & needs medical treatment. Prison authorities, however, are depriving him of basic health care. The life and health of this prisoner is in danger. LINK
TERRORISM
Turning a Blind Eye To Iran’s Terrorism in Europe Will Bring More Terrorism To Europe
Earlier this month, the Western world achieved a significant milestone in its relations with the Iranian regime when a high-ranking Iranian diplomat was found guilty of plotting terrorism in the heart of Europe. Although many other such figures have come under suspicion in the past and several have been expelled from their diplomatic posts, Assadollah Assadi was the first to actually face prosecution. His trial was arguably a sign of diminishing patience for Iran’s malign activities, but unfortunately it has yet to spark a broader shift in Western policies toward the Iranian regime. LINK
Iran: Regime foreign minister frustrated over conviction of terrorist diplomat Assadollah Assadi
The Iranian regime’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif acknowledged the regime’s major defeat following Antwerp’s court verdict against Assadollah Assadi, a career diplomat who was caught by European authorities while he was plotting to bomb a major Iranian opposition rally in France. Assadi was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his leading role in the terrorist plot. Three other co-conspirators in the attack were sentenced to 15-18 years in prison each. LINK
Biden’s rushed US policy moves on Yemen could backfire, analysts say
Biden’s rushed US policy moves on Yemen could backfire, analysts say, providing the Iran-backed Houthis an added sense of confidence and sending a weak signal to Tehran. LINK
State Department says it is not putting its faith in Yemen’s Houthi militia
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price added that the US would continue to pressure the Houthis and look for individuals to sanction over their continued attacks against allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia. LINK
Houthis recruited more than 10,000 children in Yemen since 2014: Report
The Houthi militia in Yemen have forcibly recruited 10,300 children in Yemen since 2014, according to a latest report that revealed the Iran-backed militant group have used schools and educational facilities to lure minors to recruitment. LINK
OTHER
Iranian Agent Deceived American News Editors, Federal Prosecutor Asserts in Court Hearing
A first substantive court appearance by Kaveh Afrasiabi, the frequent New York Times contributor facing criminal charges for serving as an unregistered foreign agent of Iran, offered a tantalizing preview of what lies ahead if the case goes to trial.
In a video hearing before Judge Edward Korman of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, federal prosecutor Ian Craig Richardson said Afrasiabi had “deceived the public” and “deceived various editors and publishers” by failing to disclose that he was a paid agent of Iran. LINK
