Iran Focus

London, 1 Dec – The Nile Net Online Website promises Egyptians “true news” from its offices in the heart of Cairo’s Tahrir Square, “to expand the scope of freedom of expression in the Arab world.”

And while Nile Net Online once had more than 115,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, a Facebook map showing its location dropped a pin onto the middle of the street, rather than any building. Regulars at the square, including stall holders and a policeman, have never heard of the website.

Iran Focus

London, 30 Nov – Tehran has come under suspicion over several foiled terrorist plot attempts in France and Denmark. These activities have led to a more assertive shift of policy towards Iran from the European Union foreign ministers.

In fact, on November 12th, EU ministers voiced support for “targeted sanctions” against Tehran after being briefed by France and Denmark about recent Iranian terror plots on their soil. Some 150 MEPs from six major political groups in the European Parliament, who represent 27 different countries, signed a joint statement protesting the “new wave of terrorism” instigated by Iran.

Iran Focus

London, 30 Nov – According to US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell the US government will contemplate sanctions against French and German entities that seek to evade sanctions on Iran’s clerical dictatorship. Grenell said, “The US will consider sanctions on those entities participating in these tactics,” and added that the French and German activities “would not be a smart move.”

Iran Focus

London, 29 Nov – The strike at the Haft-Tappeh Sugarcane Mill in southeastern Iran is now entering its fourth consecutive week, with workers demanding long-overdue wages, that the mill is re-nationalised, and that the two activists still being held over the strike be released immediately and unconditionally.

Iran Focus

London, 28 Nov – US sanctions on Iran are beginning to take their toll, with oil prices plummeting and falling sales plaguing Iran and, no doubt, keeping the mullahs up at night.

This is largely due to the success of America’s continued energy production, which many observers expected to reach a plateau. This is stopping Iran from reaping the benefit promised during the nuclear deal in the same way that sharp price spiral of oil did in 2016. Even though Iran’s black market sales of Iranian oil are likely to yield little financial profit.

Iran Focus

London, 28 Nov – The US has three crucial objectives that it intends to meet with its reimposition of sanctions on Iran.

First, prevent Iran from ever legally building a nuclear weapon – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’s (JCPOA) restrictions run out in 2024. Second, stop Iran from supporting terrorist groups across the Middle East and beyond, while reducing its influence in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. Third, to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile program.