“Iran’s FM: Tehran has the right to ‘possess the full nuclear fuel cycle’,” JPost, 5-3-25.
From the 4.0 earthquake? “Witnesses hear explosion at power plant in Karaj, Iran – report,” JPost, 5-3-25.
“Iran must ‘walk away’ from all uranium enrichment, Rubio says,” Reuters, 5-2-25.
“Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis launch two missiles towards Israel,” Reuters, 5-2-25.
Not a bad article, but misses that Iran is desperately trying to figure out how to (short and long-term) rebuild is proxy forces. This is one of its biggest goals because it always wants to throw blame somewhere else if possible for terror/violence. “5 key factors shaping Iran’s foreign policy calculus,” Middle East Institute, 5-1-25.
“Trump’s choice: Destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities or negotiate fruitlessly,” JNS, 5-1-25.
Thanks to the Times of Israel reporter who included this for context: “Tehran claims the Houthis—whose slogan calls for “death to America, death to Israel, and a curse on the Jews” — act independently.” See “US-Iran nuclear talks postponed, Iran says next round ‘depends on US approach’,” Reuters, Times of Israel, 5-1-25.
“Iran had imperial ambitions in Syria. Secret embassy papers show why it failed,” Reuters, 5-1-25.
Thank you Associated Press for showing the timing here. Iran again (as it has historically) delays, so the U.S. threatens to penalize. It is not tit for tat, it is the possible penalizing bad action by Iran. If Iran says it will negotiate, it needs to negotiate. “Trump threatens sanctions against buyers of Iranian oil after US-Iran nuclear talks are postponed,” AP, 5-1-25.
Against the grain, but we post. “Misery loves company: Iraq and Iran’s electricity and gas dependencies,” Clingendael, 5-1-25.
Iran misread history—the Marshall Plan was to save Europe, not make it dependent. “Document shows Iran had imperial plans in Syria that were foiled by Assad’s collapse,” Times of Israel, 5-1-25.
“Pentagon chief warns Iran of consequences for supporting Houthis,” Reuters, 4-30-25.
“Iranian journalists say they are being muzzled over reporting port explosion,” Guardian, 4-29-25. This is the first I’ve seen about a second explosion, on Tuesday, in Isfahan. But it is not surprising that criminal charges have been threatened against media outlets. This is attempts to control and coverup, but of course makes the long-term problems of trust and governance worse.
“Katz threatens to attack Iran as Trump tries to cut a contested nuclear deal,” JPost, 4-28-25.
“Iran accuses Israel of seeking to disrupt nuclear talks with US,” Al Jazeera, 4-28-25.
We may never know publicly what caused this at Bandar Abbas. So many accidents, so much mismanagement, so much corruption. Corners cut due to time pressure, restricted budgets due to support of terrorism and not building out the port in a sufficient way, and of course opaqueness to not let its opponents know what is happening. But let’s not forget that missile fuel was involved, something that no one says Iran needs to defend itself. These are offensive weapons. “Fires extinguished at key Iran port as explosion death toll rises to 70,” Al Jazeera, 4-28-25.
“40 killed in blast at Iran’s biggest port as Tehran denies explosion ‘linked to fuel for missiles’,” Sky, 4-27-25.
“Russia sends help to Iran after deadly port explosion,” Guardian, 4-27-25.
“Explosion at Iranian port severely impacts regime, Iran expert says,” JPost, 4-27-25. Largest port, used by IRGC to transfer weapons to terror groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and used to illegally send oil to China.
Like Hezbollah’s explosion in Beirut? I can’t imagine it was as large. The 2020 blast was started by almost 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate are resulted in an earthquake and affected about half of Lebanon. There were over 200 fatalities, 7,000 injuries, and over a quarter million displaced persons, and property damage of $15 billion. But … Iran did it to itself both times. See in the news today, “Huge explosion at Iranian port kills 5, injures hundreds,” Politico, 4-26-25.
“3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran, U.S. concludes in Oman,” i24NEWS, 4-26-25.
“Iran, Russia agree on 55 bcm of gas supplies, nuclear plant funding,” Reuters, 4-25-25.
“What to expect as Iran and US head for more nuclear talks in Oman,” Al Jazeera, 4-25-25.
“US names Michael Anton to lead technical talks with Iran,” Politico, 4-24-25.
Iran will try to stop this. “Syria ‘willing’ to join Abraham Accords, claims Trump ally,” Jewish Chronicle, 4-24-25.
“China, Russia and Iran jointly discuss Iran’s nuclear programme with IAEA, reports Xinhua,” Reuters, 4-24-25.
“Netherlands summons Iranian ambassador over alleged assassination attempts,” Reuters, 4-24-25. A familiar story in various countries. “… two men were arrested in June 2024 in the Dutch town of Haarlem after an assassination attempt there on an Iranian residing in the country.”