Great, even if short, article displaying both the effects of sanctions but also the decision points that all countries must make—do they want to remain tied to violence and poverty, or turn toward freedoms and prosperity?  Let’s hope that Sudan moves away from Iran and toward the West.  See “US vies to weaken Sudan ties to Iran,” France 24, August 25, 2020.

Readers of this blog know the effects of the U.S. sanctions to date, how they have resulted in a gigantic economic squeeze on Iran and limited its available funds for terrorism and forced it to not be as robust in Syria as it would prefer.  We would certainly prefer if the UN would recognize the same need in response to Iran not living up to its commitments under the JCPOA—already the Europe-3 have called for consideration of these violations but put the consideration of such on hold.  The UK, France, and Germany need to hold Iran accountable.  And the UN itsel, UNSC Pres. Djani said Tuesday that the U.S. cannot snapback sanctions on Iran because that mechanism has not been triggered due to lack of UNSC member consensus.  U.S. Amb. Craft then criticized most members for not agreeing the U.S. has snapback power, and said “I only regret that other members of this council have lost their way, and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists.”  See “U.S. cannot ‘snapback’ sanctions on Iran, U.N. Security Council president says,” Sommer Brokaw, UPI, August 25, 2020.

An unusual and fine article, teaching and reminding readers of the seeming cultural demise of the country.  It is so unfortunate that the glories of Iran’s wonderful history are de-emphasized by the Regime—the country thus lacks due to this purposeful twisting and ignoring of history.  See “Iran’s neglect of its cultural heritage backfires,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, August 25, 2020.

“France concerned about Iran’s ‘destabilizing activities,’ says FM Le Drian,” Arab News, August 25, 2020.

Another threat.  “UAE to Blame for Any Israeli Move against Iran, Spokesman Warns,” IFP, August 25, 2020.

To give us warm, fuzzy feelings.  “‘There is no limit to expansion of Iran-Venezuela ties’,” Tehran Times, August 25, 2020.