Well, you can’t have it both ways. For months the Supreme Leader and his officials have been strongly hinting at talks. “Iran supreme leader criticizes proposed nuclear talks with US, upending push to negotiation,” AP, 2-7-25.
“Treasury Targets Oil Network Generating Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Iran’s Military,” U.S. Department of Treasury, 2-6-25. See also “US slaps sanctions on network shipping Iranian oil to China,” Reuters, 2-6-25.
“Iran says Trump’s Gaza proposal follows Israeli plans to ‘wipe out’ Palestinians,” Reuters, 2-6-25.
“Iran calls for OPEC to unite against potential US oil sanctions,” Al Jazeera, 2-5-25.
“Trump Returns to ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran,” Foreign Policy, 2-5-25.
“Syria’s new leader denounces Iran, calling its proxies a regional threat,” NPR, 2-4-25.
“Trump Has a Rare and Short Window to Solve the Iran Problem — Here’s How,” War on the Rocks, 2-4-25
“Iran is the only country in the world to speak up to the U.S., call it by its true names: Leader,” IRNA, 2-3-25. “Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran is the only country in the world that speaks up to the United States and calls it by its true names. “The difference between the Iranian nation and others is that [Iran] has the courage to speak this truth that America is an aggressor, a liar, deceiver, and colonialist and adheres to no human principle whatsoever,” the Leader said on Sunday. Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking during a meeting with top Qur’an teachers and reciters participating in the 41st International Qur’an Competition. The Leader said Iran’s patience and perseverance against all global arrogant powers during the past 46 years have won the nation comprehensive growth. “Not only did Iran not suffer a blow in this face-off, but it also grew in all fields.” In another part of his speech, the Leader described the victory of the people of Gaza over the Zionist regime and the U.S. as an example of “achieving the impossible.” Before the war, no one would have believed that Palestinians in the small territory of Gaza “would fight against a great power like the United States and emerge victorious,” Ayatollah Khamenei said. “But this impossible feat was accomplished by God’s will,” he added.” Hmm. So two thoughts. First, the Leader leads chants regularly that the U.S. is “the Great Satan.” He’s right that Iran is the only country that does that. Second, he is giving Allah credit for victory in Gaza. I guess that is how Allah defines victory, and again, it is only Iran that is saying that Allah claims a victory in Gaza. If I’m wrong on this, someone please correct me; maybe there are other countries.
Really good news. “Iran Is Developing Plans for Faster, Cruder Weapon, U.S. Concludes,” NYT, 2-3-25.
The IRGC hired two assassins to kill a prominent Jew in Azerbaijan. “Iran-Azerbaijan tensions rise over Israel ties, alleged assassination plot,” JPost, 2-3-25.
“Iran, Tunisia stress revival of joint business council,” Tehran Times, 2-2-25. Danger, Will Robinson.
“Iran secretly building nuclear weapons able to reach Europe based on North Korean designs,” Ynet, 2-2-25.
“Iran unveils new ballistic missile that can reach Israel,” Times of Israel, 2-2-25.
“Iran unveils new generation of Bavar-373 air defence system,” Mehr, 2-2-25.
Don’t cross the Regime. “Iran arrests former editor of hardline Kayhan newspaper,” Iran International, 2-2-25.
I can’t imagine how many threats and attempts have been made on the lives of NCRI leaders. “Iran is developing nuclear-capable warheads, opposition group says,” Iran International, 2-1-25.
“Iran Update, February 1, 2025,” Institute for the Study of War, 2-1-25.
“In bitter paradox, Iran grows more polluted even as it runs low on fuel,” Iran International, 2-1-25.
“IRGC Navy unveils underground base housing anti-destroyer cruise missiles,” Press TV, 2-1-25.