We quickly see Iran’s response to yesterday’s news from the U.S., that hostages (human pawns) must be released.  Iran says No.  “Iran Rules Out U.S. Prisoner Release as Nuclear Talks Precondition,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, January 24, 2022.

Very unlikely based on the Regime’s track record on these types of questions.  “Iran Will Consider Direct Nuclear Talks With U.S. For ‘Good Agreement,’ Hints At Prisoner Swap,” RFE/RL, January 24, 2022.

“In Iran, women do not choose to wear the hijab, it is enforced. In fact, recent polling revealed that 72 percent of people in Iran oppose the compulsory hijab.”  See “#LetUsTalk: Stop Silencing Iranian Women,” Kasra Aarabi, op-ed, Newsweek, January 24, 2022.

“UAE intercepts 2 ballistic missiles over Abu Dhabi fired by Iran-backed Houthis,” Times of Israel, January 24, 2022.

“Iran can achieve nuclear capability within weeks, INSS annual report says,” Itamar Eichner, Ynet, January 24, 2022.

“Taking up Tehran’s offer, US says ‘prepared to meet directly’ with Iran,” Times of Israel, January 24, 2022.

Quote of the Day.  “The policy of cooperation with the East and comprehensive development with China and Russia has astonished and inactivated Western enemies and regional rivals,” Major General Rahim Safavi told the National Conference on Iran and Neighbors.”  See “Leader advisor: A new era has begun in Iran’s foreign policy,” Tehran Times, January 24, 2022.

So, Iran feels confident enough to shoot more ballistic missiles at SA and UAE, and Iran is not getting a red light from Russia or China.  “Houthi missiles target Saudi Arabia and UAE as escalation grows,” Al Jazeera, January 24, 2022.