Iran Focus
London, 7 Dec – In an article in Forbes on December 5, Benjamin Weinthal, fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, writes about the Islamic Republic’s developing chemical and biological weapons programs.
President-elect Trump has referred to the nuclear deal as a “lopsided disgrace“ and called it the “worst deal ever negotiated.” If he does not, in fact, scrap the pact, aggressive enforcement will need to be a top priority.
Iran Focus
London, 6 Dec – In an article for Politico on December 05, by Ray Takeyh, Iranian-American Middle East scholar, former United States Department of State official, and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, he writes about the new Trump administration and the policy changes that may come about.
Takeyh writes, “When he assumes office in January, Donald Trump will inherit a host of foreign policy problems in the Middle East—from civil wars to terrorist insurgencies. But of all the antagonists in the region that he will have to deal with, Iran, an unpredictable foe with its flag planted in Arab capitals from Beirut to Baghdad, is the most consequential. For Trump, a successful foreign policy in the Middle East will hinge on a successful Iran policy.”
Iran Focus
London, 6 Dec – On December 5, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) wrote an article about the clear violations of UNSC resolutions by the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) presence and the transfer of weapons to Syria.
The NCRI has published photos of the main command center and barracks in Aleppo. “Fort Behuth” is located 30 kilometers southeast of the city and only 5 kilometers south of the city of al-Safire.
Iran named the site, “Fort Hazrat Roqiye”. It is under the command of Seyed Javad Ghafari, IRGC Brigadier General commanding all IRGC forcers in Aleppo.
Iran Focus
London, 6 Dec – United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) an independent, not-for-profit, non-partisan, advocacy group that seeks to heighten awareness of the danger that the Iranian regime poses to the world, published an article on December 2, applauding the ten year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA). The overwhelming Bipartisan Congressional Vote will enable the quick ‘snapback’ of sanctions if Iran violates the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran Focus
London, 6 Dec – December 4, The Tower published an article about the dangers posed to dual nationals in Iran today.
For example, American-Iranian dual national Karan Vafadari, a Baha’i, and his wife Afarin Niasari were arrested by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in July, and have been detained in Tehran’s Evin Prison, without charge or access to a lawyer, said a New-York based human rights group on Friday.
Iran Focus
Tehran, 6 Dec – Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of four mourners arrested at a ceremony commemorating the lives of writers slain by the Iranian Regime.
On December 3, plainclothes Intelligence Ministry agents stormed the memorial service of Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammad Jafar Pouyandeh; they prevented access to the Emamzadeh Taher Cemetery in Karaj, then attacked and arrested mourners.
Iran Focus
London, 6 Dec – The Iranian Parliament have threatened to resume their nuclear activities after the US Congress voted to renew sanctions against the Regime.
Akbar Ranjbar Zadeh, a member of the Regime’s Parliament, called the renewal of US sanctions against the regime a “breach of JCPOA and violation of international law”.
Iran Focus
Tehran, 5 Dec – Fall in the value of Rial (Rs) in Tehran’s currency market has created many questions about its roots.
The dollar exchange rate in Tehran’s open market, which in recent months had fluctuated in the range of 3500 Rs, has rose over the past few days and reached the border of 4000 Rs since last month.
Iran Focus
London, 5 Dec – A non-profit dedicated to exposing the evils of the Iranian Regime has cautioned Italian leaders and businesses against working with the Regime as it presents significant financial, legal and reputational risks.
United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) held a seminar, entitled “Italy-Iran Business Relations: A Cost-Benefit Analysis“, in the Italian Senate at the same time as the “Iran Country Presentation” exhibition in Rome.
Iran Focus
London, 5 Dec – A human rights charity has urged the EU to disclose whether it is helping to fund an Iranian anti-narcotics programmes linked to mass executions.
Reprieve are concerned that the EU and its member states could be funding UN programmes that support the Iranian drug police, who are linked to hundreds of executions.
