These events make you wonder why the U.S. negotiates on the JCPOA with Iran.  We DON’T have to shoot warning shots with any other country in the entire world.  “Six US Navy vessels were escorting a guided missile submarine, the USS Georgia, when they encountered a group of 13 IRGCN “fast attack boats,” Kirby told reporters. The boats approached the US Navy vessels “at high speed,” coming as close as within 150 yards. After the US tried “all the appropriate and established procedures involving hip blasts, bridge to bridge radio transmission and other ways of communicating,” US Coast Guard Cutter Maui fired approximately 30 warning shots, Kirby said. Following the second round of warning shots, the IRGCN fast boats “broke contact.” The episode follows a string of recent incidents between Iranian boats and US warships. Last month, Iran’s Navy came within 68 yards of US ships operating in the Persian Gulf. And earlier in April, four IRGC ships, including three fast attack craft and a support vessel, came within 70 yards of two Coast Guard cutters.”  See “US Coast Guard ship fired around 30 warning shots at Iranian fast boats in latest tense encounter,” Barbara Starr, Ellie Kaufman, and Paul LeBlanc, CNN, May 10, 2021.

“Iran’s Zarif speaks with Hamas chief, pledges support,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, May 10, 2021.

“Iran Regime’s Blackmail for JCPOA Negotiations,” Shahin Mahmoudi, Iran Focus, May 10, 2021.

“Iran’s presidential election shrouds who really runs the country,” Micha Halpern, Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2021.

“The Second Step of Iran’s Islamic Revolution: Exploring the Supreme Leader’s Worldview,” Kyra Rauschenbach, Critical Threats, May 10, 2021.

So the question becomes will he remain in the service of the Regime, where he has been for over two decades, or will he accept relegation to the wayside?  “Iran’s Zarif denies bid for presidency,” Al Monitor, May 10, 2021.

“What is Iran’s goal in the Jerusalem crisis?,” Seth Frantzman, op-ed, Jerusalem Post,” May 10, 2021.

Another denial.  Then they hope the ownership question is dropped, just like other bad news stories.  “Iran denies knowledge of ship carrying weapons in Arabian Sea,” War is Boring, May 10, 2021.

“State-Run Media: Corruption Is the Root of Iran’s Economic Crisis,” Shamsi Saadati, NCRI, May 10, 2021.

“In attempt to undermine London, Iran operating fake profiles promoting independence of Scotland,” Mandi Kogosowski, Israel Defense, May 10, 2021.

“Iran denies sending Syria mercenaries to Yemen,” MEMO, May 10, 2021.