Now it’s official.  But Deputy FM Abbas Araqchi had the temerity to say, “We’re in a transition period as a democratic transfer of power is underway in our capital.”  See “Nuclear talks must wait for new Iranian president, official says,” Axios, July 17, 2021.

It is a little hard to know reality when only dealing with open source media, but it appears the U.S. has gained some sort of agreement from Iran to release hostages unconditionally and as a form of humanitarian action.  But now Iran won’t.  “US hits Iran for delay in nuclear and prisoner swap talks,” Matthew Lee, 104.5 WOKV, July 17, 2021.

Senator Barrasso said that “Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and new President Ebrahim Raisi both have atrocious human rights records.”  See “Senate Republicans introduce a bill to impose sanctions on Iran,” Omri Nahmias, Jerusalem Post, July 17, 2021.

From the port at Jask.  “Iran Plans First Oil Export From Gulf of Oman Port Next Week,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, July 17, 2021.

“Iran Billionaire Might Not Be Hanged If He Pays Debts To Government,” Iran International, July 17, 2021.