Door closes again.  You have to really feel for those Americans that Iran is holding and even torturing as pawns.   “Iran official says Tehran to drop prisoner swap plans with U.S. – report,” Reuters, August 3, 2021.

How many ships can be droned?  Be hijacked?  This time, Iran took the Asphalt Princess.  “Possible vessel hijacking off Fujairah sparks new shipping risks, Iran tensions,” S&P Global, August 3, 2021.

A great, descriptive piece.  “Iran Uses Iraq To Tie Lebanon Into Massive Power Plan,” OilPrice.com, Yahoo, August 3, 2021.

“Social Media Harassment of Iran Researchers, Activists,” HRW, August 3, 2021.

Iran owes the U.S. tens of billions of dollars.  “US courts say Iran owes terrorism victims billions. That’s an obstacle to a new Iran nuclear deal,” Christopher Bidwell, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, August 3, 2021.

“Ship Seized in Gulf of Oman Amid Rising Tensions with Iran,” Benoit Faucon and Stephen Kalin, WSJ, August 3, 2021.

Figured Raisi’s strategy out by reading this story and having background knowledge from watching for several years now.  And I’m sure this is what many analysts are thinking, too.  Intimidation, Force, Kidnappings, Assassinations, Ship Attacks, Etc.  Iran will use Violence, not diplomacy or negotiation or normal interstate relations, to address the sanctions.  Blackmail seemingly is in their constitution, both written and psychological for the leaders.  See “Raisi and JCPOA: Lifting sanctions is top priority,” Tehran Times, August 3, 2021.