“Iran, European powers agree to resume nuclear, sanctions talks next week,” Reuters, 8-22-25.  Iran had no choice but to continue (or face snapback devastating sanctions), but the Regime will drag out these talks based on its historical record.

“Trump delivered strategic blow to Iran regime with bold Azerbaijan-Armenia pact,” Fox, 8-22-25.  Will this be followed through on?

A fascinating “counting” story.  “Ninety Percent Of The Time, The Missile Works Every Time: Iranian Missile Failure Rates During True Promise II,” Arms Control Wonk, 8-22-25.

“Iran seeks Belarus help to restore air defense systems, Ukraine’s intelligence says,” Kyiv Independent, 8-22-25. Which means help from the Soviets, er, the Russians.

“Narrative Intelligence:  Decoding Iran’s Influence Campaigns in Iraq,” FPRI, 8-22-25.

“Iran’s Water Crisis Worsened By Taliban Dam,” RFE/RL, 8-22-25.  The Taliban hydroelectric power station at the Pashdan Dam on the Hari River in NW Afghanistan looks like it will cut the main water supply to Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city with 3.5 million.  The Taliban began filling the dam in 2024 and started the station August 14.  “Iranian media say that with the diversion of the Hari River toward the Pashdan Dam, the Doosti Dam downstream — which supplies Mashhad — has nearly “dried up.””