The threats have begun after the Trump loss. And notice the second story below, from Oman. “Iran offers Arab states ‘mafia deal’ of security or punishment after Trump,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 9, 2020. “Iran has sought to reach out to its Arab neighbors, with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif warning them that Trump will be leaving in seventy days but that Iran’s regime will remain “forever.” He urged them to realize that “betting on outsiders to provide security is never a good gamble.” In Arabic and English he called for dialogue and to work together. The message was clearly aimed at Gulf states and others that are partnered with the US. Iran was offering them an opening, a message: Shift and join us or suffer in the future – the US will not protect you. This is a kind of carrot and stick approach, a mafia don offering security.” And see “Oman Resolved to Broaden Ties with Iran: Sultan Haitham,” Tasnim, November 9, 2020. And here’s another example involving UAE FM Anwar Gargash, speaking during a virtual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate. “UAE says doesn’t seek confrontation with Turkey, Iran,” Mahmoud Barakat, AA, November 9, 2020.
“Iran warned boycott of matches against Israelis will lead to International Chess Federation ban,” Liam Morgan, Inside the Games, November 9, 2020.
“Over 10,000 Iranians Contract COVID-19 in 24 Hours,” IFP, November 9, 2020. “Iran’s Health Ministry spokeswoman has confirmed 10,463 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, the highest record since the beginning of the outbreak.In a press briefing on Monday, Sima-Sadat Lari said the new cases raise the total number of cases to 692949. She said the virus has also killed 458 patients since Sunday noon, increasing the overall death toll to 38,749.”
“How the IRGC overtook Iran’s Intelligence Ministry,” Yonah Jeremy Bob, Jerusalem Post, November 9, 2020.
It drags on and on. “Date for negotiations with Iran over PS752 crash yet to be agreed, – MFA,” 112 Ukraine, November 9, 2020.
This Baha’i land confiscation occurred about two weeks ago under claim by the Natural Resources Department of Mazandaran Province. It is fraudulent. “Security Forces Confiscate Baha’i Lands by Citing Clerics,” Amir Soltanzadeh, Iran Press Watch, November 9, 2020.
“The net present value of Iran’s supergiant South Pars natural gas field has jumped from an estimated US$116 billion at this point last year to US$135 billion now, a senior oil and gas industry source who works closely with Iran’s Petroleum Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. The key reason behind this valuation boost is that progress across all areas of the development, including the controversial Phase 11, has picked up pace on the back of an increase in the involvement of various Chinese companies who operate under the U.S.’s sanctions radar through individual contact-only projects, not as official field developers. Given this, it is now expected by Iran’s Petroleum Ministry that the entire South Pars project will be producing at or near fully Phase 1 capacity well in advance of the March 2022 official completion date.” For the CNPC (China) investment, they receive oil at an 8-12% discount. Thank you China. See “Iran’s Mega South Pars Gas Field Nears Completion,” Simon Watkins, OilPrice.com, November 9, 2020.
“U.S. plans sanctions on Iranians for violence against protesters – sources,” Humeyra Pamuk, Arshad Mohammed, Matt Spetalnick, Reuters, November 9, 2020. “The United States is expected to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Iran a year ago, three sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the sanctions announcement was timed to the one-year anniversary of what may have been the bloodiest repression of protesters in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. One source said next week’s designations would be a major action covering multiple individuals as well as several dozen Iranian entities. Neither the State Department nor the Iranian mission to the United Nations immediately responded to a request for comment on the sanctions likely to be imposed next week. Citing three Iranian Interior Ministry officials, Reuters previously reported about 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on Nov. 15, 2019. The toll included at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women as well as members of the Iranian security forces and police. Iran’s Interior Ministry has said around 225 people were killed during the protests, which erupted after state media announced that gas prices would rise by as much as 200% and the revenue would be used to help needy families. The sources, who included one U.S. official and two people familiar with the matter, said the sanctions have been in the works for months and are the latest in a long series of U.S. penalties imposed on Iran by U.S. President Donald Trump.”
Abrams makes a very good point about why Iran doesn’t want to re-enter the JCPOA—they’d have to give up their arms trade. Under the terms which JCPOA was negotiated, in 2015, Iran lost the ability to import or export arms. This was just relaxed in October, and the Regime will not give this up. The embargo was scheduled to remain in place until 5 years after the JCPOA Adoption Day. See “Trump’s Iran envoy: Biden would have difficulties reviving 2015 nuclear pact,” Raphael Ahren, Times of Israel, November 9, 2020.
“Following Biden win, Iran says nuclear deal not up for review,” Al Monitor, November 9, 2020. Despite president-elect Joe Biden expressing interest in rejoining the JCPOA, Iranian officials from the foreign ministry and judiciary say they will not.
“Trump’s gone in 70 days. But we’ll remain here forever.” These are the words of FM Zarif, and a point I’ve been wanting to make, and he gives me opportunity. The Regime says it began in 1979, and disassociates itself with the Pahlavi reign over much of the 20th Century. The Regime in essence says it goes back to the time of Muhammad in the 600s. The Regime also does not associate with the ancient Persian Empire, including that of Cyrus the Great. So for Zarif to tie the country’s current government to centuries prior, including to the 400 and 500 years before the Roman Empire when Persia reigned, we want to know what the Supreme Leader says about this? Does Iran today recognize that its current government is a descendant of the Persian Empire? See “Iran Calls For Dialogue With Neighbors After Trump’s Election Defeat,” RFE/RL, November 9, 2020.
A review of torture, execution, and other human rights repression during this past month. Alarming. “Summary of Repression and Human Rights Violations in Iran – October 2020,” Poorang Novak, Iran News Update, November 9, 2020.
“Iran says it will not reopen Iran Deal discussions with Biden admin,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, November 9, 2020.
“Iran’s Steel Mafia and Uncertain Fate of $5 Billion,” Iran News Update, November 9, 2020.