At the time in January, multiple accounts of Iran had high level personnel including the Leader the that revenge had been taken against the U.S. for the killing of Gen. Soleimani.  They used ballistic missiles against U.S. bases/personnel in Iraq.  But, as often with the Regime it is unclear where lines are, and now the pressure of the UAE and Bahrain agreements are making them issue more threats (and plans, such as threats to kill the SA Ambassador).  Today’s statement is from IRGC Gen. Salami.  BTW, an aside, this article (from AP) like so many does not identify the AP reporter—for several years major news sources have attempted to protect their reporters from Iran.  This practice is worthy of reporting about itself.  See “Iran vows ‘hit’ on all involved in US killing of top general,” AP, September 19, 2020.

So, for its continued movement of the Shia Crescent and continued threats to the region, growing missile threats, and support of terrorism, and unrelenting nuclear program, Iran’s refusal to change its overall behavior despite membership in the JCPOA led the U.S. under Pres. Trump to withdraw from that agreement.  Now we have arrived at the moment of snapback, as Iran has violated the JCPOA multiple times, but the European parties to the agreement refuse to enforce penalities/sanctions.  Iran continues to threaten them.  Russia and China want Iran’s actions to continue.  So the U.S. will lead on this issue and insist that sanctions are warranted.  Here’s one of many stories on this.  Note also that the reporter is identified because the story is about the U.S., not Iran, and the U.S. doesn’t threaten or imprison reporters or harass their families.  “U.S. says U.N. sanctions on Iran to be reimposed Saturday. What does that mean?,” Michelle Nichols, AP, September 19, 2020.

On any one day, cherry-picking can result in an interpretation such as the NYT.  But note the second article—the real threats continue unabated.  “As U.S. Increases Pressure, Iran Adheres to Toned-Down Approach,” Julian Barnes, David Sanger, Ronen Bergman, and Lara Jakes, New York Times, Jazeera, September 19, 2020.

“Iranian commander vows to avenge US assassination of top general,” Al Jazeera, September 19, 2020.

“Development projects properly underway at Imam Khomeini Port,” Mahnaz Abdi, Tehran Times, September 19, 2020.

Notice that the ammonium nitrate is stored by Hezbollah throughout Europe and has been used by past terror attacks—Hezbollah isn’t storing it for fertilizer for farming.  “Bombing in Bulgaria: Turning the Tide on Hezbollah,” Toby Dershowitz and Dylan Gresik, op-ed, Newsweek, September 19, 2020.

“US reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions,” J. Edward Moreno, The Hill, September 19, 2020.