One of those stories that let’s us all know that Iran is not serious about negotiating.  It would be funny if what is at stake wasn’t so serious.  “Iran Appoints New Atomic Energy Chief With No Nuclear Expertise,” RFE/RL, August 30, 2021.  “Mohammad Eslami, who previously served as housing and transport minister, will lead the civilian Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. He replaces U.S. educated scientist Ali Akbar Salehi, a former foreign minister and longtime head of the atomic agency who played a crucial role in diplomacy that led to the now-moribund 2015 nuclear accord with world powers.”  But wait, it gets better.  “Iran taps UN-sanctioned minister as new chief of nuclear agency,” AP, August 29, 2021.  So, on its surface Eslami is being appointed to simply do the Regime’s purposes in Vienna, not to really be able to understand and oversee a peaceful nuclear program.  What is he known for?  “In 2008, when Eslami served as head of Iran’s Defense Industries Training and Research Institute, the United Nations sanctioned him for “being engaged in, directly associated with or providing support for Iran’s proliferation sensitive nuclear activities or for the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.” The UN linked the blacklisting to his “involvement in procurement of prohibited items, goods, equipment, materials and technology,” without elaborating.”  He is a sanctioned proliferator, not a public servant.

“Iran Continues Religious Persecution, Two Bahais Sentenced To Prison In Tehran,” Iran News Wire, August 30, 2021.

Iran Continues Religious Persecution, Two Bahais Sentenced To Prison In Tehran

“Where Iran Stands on the Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan,” Ray Takeyh, CFR, August 30, 2021.

“Iran’s Bet on Autonomous Weapons,” Evan Omeed Lisman, op-ed, War on the Rocks, August 30, 2021.