Let's talk Iran - March 22, 2021
NUCLEAR
Iran concealing elements of nuclear activities, officials fear
Iran is deliberately concealing key components of its nuclear program from UN inspectors that can be used for producing nuclear weapons, according to the latest reports received by Western intelligence officials.
The equipment being hidden from UN inspectors includes machinery, pumps and spare parts for centrifuges, the machines used to enrich uranium to weapons grade.
In addition, materials such as carbon fibre, which can be used in the production of advanced centrifuges, are also being stored at secret sites in Iran administered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has overall responsibility for Iran’s nuclear program. LINK
The US must not rejoin the Iran nuclear deal
The current standoff highlights the hazardous path of any U.S. return to the JCPOA, even if intended as the first step toward a better Iran deal. An array of obstacles threatens to make this policy self-defeating, and perhaps impossible, for the U.S. LINK
US-EU Talks Must Focus on Need for a Firm Policy Against Tehran’s Regional Threats
Iran's unacceptable behavior goes beyond nuclear proliferation and involves missile proliferation and regional terrorism. Addressing that should be a priority. When it comes to trans-Atlantic cooperation, in 2021, regional security risks must be a core component of any new understanding on nonproliferation. Iran's missile program supports terrorist and malicious activities around the world. It must be stopped. LINK
Much More Than 12: Israel Attacked Dozens of Tankers, Iran Lost Billions
The report in the Wall Street Journal a week ago apparently uncovered only the tip of the iceberg of the economic warfare that Israel has been waging against Iran for the past two and a half years. LINK
TERRORISM
Saudi Arabia proposes new peace plan to end Yemen war: FM
Saudi Arabia announces a new plan to offer the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen to agree to a cease-fire under UN supervision, adding the Houthis should accept it to demonstrate they are not beholden to Tehran. LINK
Iranian Proxy Militia Opens New Recruitment Center in Aleppo, Syria
Syrian opposition media outlets are reporting that the Iran proxy militia, Kataib al-Imam Ali, has opened a new recruitment center at the heart of the regime-run northern city of Aleppo.
More proof that money going into Iran is used to support terrorism. LINK
HUMAN RIGHTS
Offer Iranian Freedom Fighters the Connectivity Beijing Wants to Take Away
The new U.S. administration should stand by the people of Iran by providing secure satellite internet connections for Iranian dissidents to organize their effort against the regime and report events from inside Iran to the outside world. LINK
Political Prisoners In Iran Protest 'Torment', Harassment By Officials
As 34 political and thought prisoners are on a three-day hunger strike in several prisons across Iran, a group of political prisoners in Rajai Shahr prison wrote a letter in protest to the increasing mistreatment and harassment of prisoners and their families.
In their letter, the prisoners say the security forces and the judiciary have adopted the policy of torment and exile for political prisoners to far away locations from their hometowns to force the prisoners and their families into silence. LINK
New Details About Iranian-Swedish Academic Raise Fresh Concerns About Detainees
Persons familiar with Ahmadreza Djalali's case say his prosecution relied almost exclusively on a forced confession that was extracted via torture. LINK
ECONOMY
China May Be Taking Rebranded Iran Oil Amid Increased Scrutiny
China released data that showed it imported no Iranian crude for the first time in months, a sign that oil from the U.S.-sanctioned nation may be masked as supplies from other countries. LINK
Hardship Persists for Iranians at Persian New Year 1400, as Hope Emerges on the Horizon
This Nowruz is the perfect opportunity for the international community to take a step they should have taken long ago, and formally recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist the mullahs’ tyranny. LINK
PS752
Tehran Praises IRGC Missile Program After Report Whitewashes Strike on Civilian Flight
The report was promptly rejected by foreign countries whose citizens and permanent residents were on the flight. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described it as demonstrating the regime’s impulse “not to establish the truth, but to whitewash the Islamic Republic of Iran.” LINK