Let's talk Iran - Feb 6, 2021
NUCLEAR
Iran U.N. Inspectors Find Radioactive Traces, Raising Fresh Concerns
Samples taken from two sites during inspections in the fall by the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency contained traces of radioactive material, the diplomats said, that could indicate Iran has undertaken work on nuclear weapons. LINK
Biden team exploring how U.S. might rejoin Iran nuclear deal
One fundamental question discussed in the U.S. meetings Friday, with a decision still to come, is whether to seek incremental moves to get the process moving again or to insist on one big agreement that goes beyond Iran’s nuclear program.
The administration has said — and many in Congress have insisted — that any deal that releases Iran from sanctions must include negotiated restrictions on its ballistic missile program and on its support for proxy forces fighting in other countries such as Iraq, Syria and Yemen. LINK
Biden stays silent on Iran as his team works to break nuclear impasse
"One administration official told CNN there is growing concern that Iran's nuclear enrichment activities have made the potential for a renewed nuclear deal all but impossible." LINK
Biden Weighs Easing Iran’s Pain Without Lifting Key Sanctions
"... issuing sanctions waivers to allow Iran to sell oil on the international market isn’t currently under serious consideration..." Biden should use this leverage over #Iran. Anything otherwise would send a weak signal to Tehran. LINK
TERRORISM
Ethiopia reports thwarted attack on Emirati diplomatic mission
Earlier this week, Israel's Kan reported that an Iranian attack had been foiled in an unidentified east African state, with Tehran's agents plotting to target the Israeli, U.S or UAE embassy. LINK
Gen. James Jones: After Assadi’s Conviction, It Is Time for a Firm Western Policy on Iran
“The judicial process is over. The proof of the Iranian regime’s involvement in state terrorism is undeniable, and it’s now time to end our conciliatory approach wherever it exists towards this regime and adopt a much firmer policy,” Gen. Jones said, while calling for a broader firm policy regarding the regime. LINK
Broad Support for Western Policy Shift After Iran's Terrorist’s Guilty Verdict
Any form of renormalization of diplomatic relations with the regime must be contingent on dismantling its terrorism infrastructure and on the observance of the human rights of the people of Iran. LINK
HUMAN RIGHTS
True Colors of Iran Regime’s Factions Can Be Seen in Their Violation of Human Rights and Terrorism
Iran executed at least 27 prisoners in January. With an additional 225 executions in 2020, the regime holds the record as the world’s top executioner per capita. Rising trend of executions shows the regime’s disregard for human rights. LINK
Why the Iranian Violence Against Women Bill Will Not Help
Sadly, the bill will not protect women from violence. It does not define what violence against women is in law and, therefore, cannot make it illegal. In addition, it lacks transparency and precision throughout. To make matters worse, many forms of violence against women are not outlawed, including early marriages and sexual exploitation. It also fails to identify the support needed by female victims of domestic abuse. LINK
Disabled Kurd prisoner brutalized on the order of prison officials
A Kurd prisoner who is more than 70% disabled was brutalized & humiliated on the order of prison officials in Urmia. Akbar Rashidi, 34, has been serving a 21-year prison sentence in Urmia Central Prison in northwest Iran. LINK
PROTESTS
Protests continue as Iran’s stock market downturn deepens
Saturday morning marked another steep decline in Tehran’s stock market, with the TEDPIX index dropping by another 22,000 points to stand at 1.15 million, almost half of its 2-million-point peak in August. LINK
OTHER
“Food Poverty Line” a Warning Sign of Iran’s Silent Massacre
The “food poverty line”, the warning of a silent massacre, and with the continuation of Iran’s clerical rule, the severity of the economic devastation have reached a point where even the usual words in the economy do not reflect the current situation. LINK