Let's talk Iran - May 3, 2021
NUCLEAR
Biden faces GOP handcuffs and Dem skeptics on Iran deal 2.0
As the administration tries to make progress in negotiations, Republicans are working to make sure that Biden can't roll back sanctions on Tehran. Especially following Zarif's leaked audio file. LINK
Iran identified as ‘primary challenger’ to US interests in Mid East: Intel report
Iran has been identified as the “primary state challenger to US interests in the Middle East because of its sophisticated military capabilities, broad proxy and partner networks, and periodic willingness to use force against US and partner forces,” according to the report.
More reason why the regime in Tehran should not be appeased or provided any concessions. LINK
TERRORISM
Iran has funded Syrian militia groups, regime for years to the tune of billions
One regime insider said Tehran has spent up to $30 billion to prop up Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad. Reminder: Any new money into Iran will further fuel terrorists. LINK
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercept ballistic missile, 2 drones targeting Najran
Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile and two explosive drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen targeting the southern Saudi city of Najran.
Earlier the Arab Coalition confirmed two explosive drones had targeted southern areas of Saudi Arabia, including one that was launched toward the southern city of Khamis Mushait.
Appeasing Iran will only encourage the regime to increase these attacks. LINK
HUMAN RIGHTS
Iran Human Rights Monitor, Monthly Report – April 2021
In-depth report of the regime's human rights violations involving executions, torture, arrests, prisoners, prisons, discrimination against religious minorities, and arbitrary murders. LINK
Iran authorities threaten political prisoner with death if he does not confess
Iranian authorities have threatened political prisoner Vahid Afkari, brother to executed wrestling champion Navid Afkari, that if he does not “confess” he will be killed. According to reports, two high-ranking officials met with Vahid Afkari and told him that he should do whatever they asked of him, including confessing to the murder, in order to be released, otherwise he would be executed. LINK
Iran: Three sentenced to lashes for theft charges in Tehran
Despite the prohibition of the use of inhumane punishments by all international civil and political rights conventions, flogging is regularly handed out by the Iranian regime. Over 100 “offences” are punishable by flogging under the Iranian law
And this is the regime that the West is appeasing through lucrative concessions. LINK
Iranian protesters turn to political demands
Waves of strikes, marches, protests have swept the country for months.
With deprivation at unprecedented levels and an estimated 75% of Iran's society trying to survive on income below the international poverty line, the sense of universal unrest is palpable. LINK
MEDDLING
Iran 'almost certainly' meddling in Scottish election to destabilise the UK
Report by the Henry Jackson Society says online specialists acting on behalf of the regime ruling Iran were using fake accounts on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to encourage the break up of Britain.
More reason why Tehran should not be appeased. LINK
DOMESTIC
Iran Elections 2021: Nationwide boycott movement gains traction
The power struggle between different regime factions has increased, and a leaked audio recording of the regime’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has only added to its internal crisis. LINK
Iran Regime’s Crises Continue to Amplify
The regime will hold its sham Iran presidential elections on June 18. On Sunday, the mullahs’ Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, called these elections “an important opportunity.” But as the election date approaches, the regime’s infightings increase. LINK
A New Crisis Awaits Iran: Desertification
The intensification of the drought in Iran coincides with the consolidation of water transfer policies by the heads of the last four governments, which has led to the desertification of many parts of the country’s soil. LINK