Let's talk Iran - March 31, 2021

NUCLEAR

GOP Blasts ‘Outrageous’ Biden Admin Offer to Roll Back Iran Sanctions

Congressional Republicans are calling the Biden administration’s reported plan to roll back sanctions on Iran before it commits to renewed diplomatic talks an unacceptable concession that will only embolden the hardline regime and reward its bad behavior. LINK

When It Comes To Policy, Iran Nukes vs Sanctions Relief Is a False Dichotomy

The international community can ill-afford to let the leverage it has on Iran to get away by backing down now. The mullahs are at their weakest and most vulnerable point. The correct path forward is to stay the course and remain firm. LINK

U.S. open to discussing wider nuclear deal road map if Iran wishes

“[Iran is] going to get into election period in about a month or so, but that’s not the end of the world for us,” said one Western diplomat. “We are making offers and they are making offers. It’s a slow process, but that’s OK. We’re not in a rush." LINK

Heshmat Alavi @HeshmatAlavi

THREAD 1) The US seeks to reenter the #Iran nuclear deal. Reminder: Iran’s regime was violating the 2015 agreement from day one & prior to Trump’s nixing. Iran did not dismantle the core of the plutonium reactor at Arak, as required by the deal (JCPOA).

TERRORISM

Yemeni govt intelligence report reveals Houthis work closely with al-Qaeda, ISIS

The globally-recognized Yemeni gov accuses the Iran-backed Houthis of working closely with both al-Qaeda and ISIS in an intelligence report submitted to the UN Security Council.

“This report, which is based on confirmed intelligence information and facts, sheds light on the close relationship between the Houthi militia and both al-Qaeda and ISIS, which is an extension of the relationship between Iran and terrorist organizations,” the government said in the report.

Another reason why the Houthis should be designated as terrorists. LINK

A growing challenge for Iraq: Iran-aligned Shiite militias

Iran-backed militias in Iraq aim to send a "message to Washington: We are the decision makers, not the government."

"They are tools used for negotiating purposes and putting pressure on Washington when it comes to (Iran’s) nuclear file." LINK

Heshmat Alavi @HeshmatAlavi

Footage of a Qasef-2K explosive drone launched by the #Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen intercepted and destroyed by a Saudi F-15 Eagle. The Houthis have stepped up their attacks after the @StateDept revoked their terrorist designation.

Lebanon is held hostage by its politicians

The country hurtles towards collapse as power brokers refuse to form a government. Iran-backed Hezbollah is literally holding the country of Lebanon hostage, caring nothing about millions of people suffering.

"Hezbollah wants to bide its time and see what emerges from the Biden administration’s attempt to re-engage with Iran." LINK

Iranian hackers targeting US, Israeli medical researchers: analysis

Iran-associated hacking group targeted senior medical researchers in the US and Israel over the past few months. Microsoft last year reported that the same hackers had attempted to target around 100 high-ranking Munich Security Conference attendees. LINK

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Iraq’s Prime Minister discuss bilateral relations in Riyadh

Timing is interesting prior to strategic U.S./Iraq talks schedule for next week. Expect Iran's attempts to influence/disrupt the process through its militias. LINK

Asaad Hanna @AsaadHannaa

Three years ago Eastern Ghouta was displaced by Assad’s regime On the right you can see the opposition area in Ghouta which was destroyed by Assad, on the left you can see Damascus which Assad’s claimed it was destroyed by rebels. People from Ghouta still not allowed to go back

HUMAN RIGHTS

EU to sanction Iran militia, police, three entities over 2019 protests, diplomats say

The European Union will target eight Iranian militia and police commanders and three state entities with sanctions next week over a deadly crackdown in November 2019 by Iranian authorities. LINK

The Iranian regime’s failure to censor social media

While Iran's society is in an explosive state and public anger is increasing, the regime has intensified its measures to censor online services and block social media networks. LINK

Heshmat Alavi @HeshmatAlavi

THREAD 1) The @StateDept deleted a section from its latest annual human rights report indicating #Iran’s regime killed 1,500 people during the November 2019 protests. This thread is a reminder of the mullahs' brutalities. cc: @SecBlinken - @USEnvoyIran

OTHER NEWS

Women spearhead protests against the mullahs’ anti-Iranian contract

News broke out that Iran had signed a “Comprehensive Document for 25-year Strategic Cooperation" with China. Women spearheaded many of these protests and played an active role for the past two days since the announcement of the signing of the contract. LINK

Robab Baraie @BaraieRobab

For those who claim #Iranian women are disappearing because of sanctions, here’s their role front & center confronting the Mullahs chanting “we will fight to take Iran back.” @AzadehMoaveni women are standing up for a Free Iran. @nytimes @nytimesOpinion

Iran Regime’s Method: Selling the Country Away

The 25-year “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Iran and China is the main topic of discussion in Iran at the moment. Iran watchers believe the ruling dictatorship in Tehran would never make any agreement in favor of its people. LINK

US extends Iraq sanctions waiver for four months: Official

U.S. grants Iraq the maximum extension to a sanctions waiver allowing it to import Iranian gas ahead of talks next month. Iraqi officials got the green light from US officials to release funds owed to Iran for gas imports into a Swiss bank account.

More appeasement signals from Washington to Tehran. LINK