Let's talk Iran - Feb 26, 2021
Day 5: Protesters burn police kiosk in Sistan and Baluchestan protests in SE Iran
There are growing concerns that the regime is brutally suppressing the Baluch protesters amid an internet blackout. Local reports show that despite the heavy presence of security forces, protesters are continuing their protests with hit-and-run tactics. A report said this tactic had tired out security forces who were dispatched to various areas only to see that protesters had left the scene. LINK
Iran: Protests continue in Sistan and Baluchestan despite severe repressive measures, internet blackout
Protests that began over the killing of fuel porters in Sistan and Baluchestan province continued on Thursday and Friday. Early Friday morning, the outraged people of Suran town set a kiosk of security forces ablaze in protest to the killing of protesters and fuel porters. The regime has increased its security presence in the city and has been suppressing demonstrations. LINK
Internet shut down in southeast Iran amid protests over killing of Baluch fuel traders
There are still no reports on exactly how many people were killed or injured by the regime, due to the internet shut down in recent days. Reports say that the internet has been disrupted in various cities in Sistan and Baluchestan Province following days of protests across the province over the killing of Baluch fuel traders. LINK
NUCLEAR
New Bill Would Mandate Congress Approve Any Sanctions Relief for Iran
New legislation being circulated by Republican Senate leaders would handicap the Biden administration’s renewed diplomacy with Iran by requiring that Congress approve any effort to provide the regime with economic sanctions relief as part of a revamped nuclear deal, according to a copy of the measure obtained exclusively by the Washington Free Beacon. LINK
Iran threatens to end deal with IAEA over U.S.-led push to criticize it
Iran is threatening to end a recent temporary deal struck with the U.N. nuclear watchdog IAEA if the agency’s board endorses a U.S.-led push to criticize Tehran next week. This is a test for the West. LINK
Conference Condemns “Appeasement” Behind Forthcoming EU-Iran Business Conference
On Thursday, the International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), a Brussels-based NGO focused on Iranian affairs, hosted an online conference to discuss the pending Europe-Iran Business Forum. That three-day virtual event is scheduled to take place over three days beginning on Monday. Iranian regime Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and the European Union’s head of foreign policy, Josep Borrell will participate in the event. LINK
TERRORISM
U.S. airstrike hits Iran-backed militias in Syria
President Biden on Thursday ordered U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed militias operating inside Syria, Pentagon officials said. The airstrikes come amid a wave of recent rocket attacks against American personnel stationed in neighboring Iraq. LINK
The airstrikes come at a delicate diplomatic moment between Washington and Tehran, with the Biden administration trying to restart talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Iran, meanwhile, has brushed off the U.S. diplomatic overtures and threatened to ramp up its uranium enrichment to almost weapons-grade levels.
Biden’s Warning to Iran and Its Proxies: Implications of the Syria Strike
The administration’s early recourse to armed force may have surprised Tehran, but the proxy tests will continue, suggesting the need for sustained U.S. intelligence support and multilateral engagement with partners. LINK
Israeli cargo ship damaged after mysterious explosion rattles Oman Gulf
An Israeli-owned cargo ship used to transport vehicles was damaged Friday afternoon in a mysterious explosion in the Gulf of Oman. The ship - Helios Ray - usually used as a vehicle carrier, was then diverted to a port in Dubai in order to asses the damage. LINK
Israel's red line: 1,000 precision missiles in Hezbollah's hands
Senior defense officials believe Israel must set clear red lines pertaining to Hezbollah's precision weapons project. Others believe Israel should consider "exploiting the opportunity" of a limited escalation on the northern border to target Hezbollah's precision capabilities. LINK
HUMAN RIGHTS
Iran Supreme Court turns down Atena Daemi’s appeal to rescind ruling
Atena Daemi has suffered various illnesses during her years of incarceration, including numbness of her limbs, kidney infection, hormonal imbalance, and she is suspected of having multiple sclerosis and cancer. LINK
The Sisakht Earthquake and the ‘Basti Hills’ of Iran’s Officials
Regime officials and insiders live in exclusive luxury towns while over 60 million of Iran's 84 million population lives in poverty. LINK
