First, there is no other country at present for which this debate exists.  Second, Iran insists their program is peaceful.  But still, we see a story like this which indicates other countries are questioning Iran’s actions.  “Ex-intel, atomic chiefs: Why are there so many Iran nuke estimates?,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, January 12, 2021.

We’ll see if this call drives Iran to negotiate.  Hasn’t yet.  Is something to throw to the Biden team, or to stall.  But it is issued by Ali Akbar Velayati, the top foreign policy adviser to the Supreme Leader, and someone who has more power than the President.  See “Iran Calls for Future Nuclear Talks to Drop Sanctions ‘Snapback’,” Patrick Sykes, Bloomberg, January 12, 2021.

“Pompeo, in Tuesday speech, to accuse Iran of al Qaeda links: sources,” Humeyra Pamuk and Matt Spetalnick, Metro, January 12, 2021.

Though Iran earlier claimed said the SK vessel was seized because of any environmental emergency, it now move the ship (like a person/hostage) into the jurisdiction of the Iran’s courts.  See “Iran tells S. Korea not to politicise seizure of tanker,” Straits Times, January 12, 2021.

“Pompeo says Al Qaeda has new home base in Iran,” Reuters, January 12, 2021.

“Iran, Iraq to increase trade to 20 bln USD annually: Iranian official,” Xinhua, January 12, 2021.

“Iran: Facebook deletes Press TV page,” DW, January 12, 2021.

“Iran, Cuba, Under U.S. Sanctions, Team Up for Covid-19 Vaccine Trials,” Sune Engel Rasmussen and Aresu Eqbali, Wall Street Journal January 12, 2021.

98 official number of deaths on Monday.  The real toll is 3-4 times higher.  “Iran reveals COVID-19 data for January 12,” Elnur Baghishov, MENAFN, January 12, 2021.

Ah, an opportunity to mention that the crew of the SK ship are being held hostage, not just the ship.  “Negotiations continue between South Korea and Iran over release of tanker,” Arab News, January 12, 2021.

“Iran Commissions Its Massive Oil Tanker Turned Sea Base Into Service,” Thomas Newdick, The Drive, January 12, 2021.

Ironic given the following story (and on the same day) on PMUs in Iraq.  “No country has right to intervene in Cuba’s internal affairs, says Iran’s Foreign Ministry.”  See “Iran slams US move to rename Cuba to terror list,” Bilal Guler, AA, January 12, 2021.

There are only a few countries in the world where the paramilitary units of another country have seemingly free reign.  “Pro-Iran militias remain Iraqi PM Al-Kadhimi’s biggest challenge,” Osama Al-Sharif, Arab News, January 12, 2021.