See the video.  The military shot at protesters.  At least 10 killed.  “Iranian regime shoots fuel traders causing revolt in Saravan,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, February 24, 2021.

Very well-reasoned and written.  The U.S. is not the problem in the Middle East.  “What I Learned in an Iranian Prison,” Wang Xiyue, op-ed, Wall Street Journal, February 24, 2021.

“Iran has positive signals from the Americans. It now needs to seize this opportunity,” this diplomat said.  These signals and actions are listed within the article, but also include the release of the SK billion dollars (that is a lot of money).  Will Iran act as a normal country and seize the opportunity to talk, or will it continue to spin the centrifuges and adhere to ending the snap inspections?  The ball is in the court of Leader.  My prediction is that Iran appreciates income and will do what maximizes its income for the IRGC leaders and the Leader and his cronies.  This is also consistent with Chinese and Russian positions, the free market and personal freedom not the priorities, and they probably do not believe Iran to have a nuclear weapon(s).  The wild cards are the underlying reason for the 1979 Revolution and whether the Regime will move away from them, and the pressure from the population and the youth.  See “U.S., allies respond to Iranian ‘provocations’ with studied calm,” Arshad Mohammed and John Irish, Reuters, February 24, 2021.

“The Iran nuclear deal: A springboard for a new Middle East security architecture,” Nabil Fahmy, European Leadership Network, February 24, 2021.

“Special UN rapporteur says Tehran’s explanation of 2020 incident, which killed 176, contradicts facts and technical assessments of experts.”  …  “My conclusion is that on the basis of international law, error is not a defense for Iran,” said Callamard.  See “UN expert says Iran lied about downing of Ukraine airliner,” AFP, Times of Israel, February 24, 2021.

Will the Regime demand 7B instead of just 1B?  Will the 1B go toward Iran’s UN back dues?  “South Korea Agrees To Unfreeze $1 Billion In Iranian Assets, Following Tanker Seizure By Tehran,” Dominic Dudley, Forbes, February 24, 2021.

“Twitter removes hundred of accounts tied to Iran, Russia,” Cameron Jenkins, The Hill, February 24, 2021.

“Canadian legal luminaries sign letter accusing Iranian courts’ of persecuting Baha’i faith,” Evan Dyer, CBC News, February 24, 2021.

The Biden Administration must be very careful that it is not giving Iran $7B.  If so, the dam will break.  All the hard work to push the Regime to quit taking hostages, quit terror, quit the missile program, quit pressuring Israel and UAE and Bahrain and other countries who want to establish relations for peace, quit supporting Hezbollah, quit aiding Hamas and PIJ, quit the Yemen war, quit supporting the killer regime in Syria, quit controlling Lebanese politics, quit using diplomats to intimidate and assassinate dissidents in multiple countries, quit acting liking a rogue nation, the list goes on and on.  See “Foreign ministry says Iran’s assets to be unlocked through consultations with U.S.,” Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News, February 23, 2021.

Holding a ship and its crew hostage has won rewards for Iran again.  Until South Korea and other countries stand up to Iran, it will continue to take such actions.  “Another win for Iran in South Korea deal – analysis,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 23, 2021.

“Mob storms south Iran governor office after border violence,” Isabel Debre, AP, Star Tribune, February 23, 2021.

“Iran producing roughly 15 kg a month of 20% enriched uranium – diplomat,” Reuters, February 23, 2021.

“Iran officially imposes curbs on U.N. nuclear inspections,” Nasser Karimi and Kiyoko Metzler, AP, February 23, 2021.

“Exclusive: ‘Perfect trips’ – Venezuela ships jet fuel to Iran in exchange for gasoline, sources say,” Deisy Buitrago and Marianna Parraga, Reuters, February 23, 2021.

Just as the U.S. offers to negotiate with Iran, the Leader allows another American to be taken hostage.  “Opinion: Iran has taken another American hostage. His ordeal strikes close to home,” Jason Rezaian, op-ed, Washington Post, February 22, 2021.

Iran says it has finished its criminal investigation but has not announced the suspects.  Hmmm.  “Iran has not yet named suspects in downing of Ukrainian plane – Yenin,” Ukinform, February 22, 2021.

Uh oh.  Choppy waters ahead.  If the U.S. allows Iran to attack it without penalty, history says Iran will keep right on doing it.  “U.S. Says It Won’t ‘Lash Out’ After Blaming Iran For Rocket Attack On U.S. Embassy In Baghdad,” RFE/RL, February 22, 2021.

Iran says it has finished its criminal investigation but has not announced the suspects.  Hmmm.  “Iran has not yet named suspects in downing of Ukrainian plane – Yenin,” Ukinform, February 22, 2021.

So John Kerry and Robert Malley met secretly with FM Zarif during the Trump Administration.  They need to why explain how this didn’t help Iran, and how it didn’t hurt America.  They can also tell us about why it is appropriate for former administration officials to act in such a way, and why this isn’t a violation of the Logan Act.  “John Kerry ‘colluded’ with Iran to undermine Trump, report says,” Evie Fordham, Fox News, February 22, 2021.

“Iran Seeks to Reroute North-South Transport Corridor to Armenia, Away From Azerbaijan,” Rahim Rahimov, Eurasia Daily Monitor, February 22, 2021.

“US seeks to extend, strengthen nuclear pact with Iran – Blinken,” Reuters, February 22, 2021.

“Iran Says Imprisoned Dervish Activist Dead After Hospitalization,” RFE/RL, February 22, 2021.

Another FDD expert provides accurate and timely information.  “A U.S.-Iran deal is ultimately possible because Iran needs money, analyst says,” Abigail Ng, CNBC, February 22, 2021.

So, note that Iran doesn’t say that it’s not talking to the U.S., only that it is not talking directly to the U.S.  “No Direct Talks Over Detained US Citizens, Iran Says,” The Media Line, February 22, 2021.

First, Erbil.  Now this. “3 rockets fall near U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” Lara Seligman, Politico, February 22, 2021.

We don’t know how much or if part is in the form of Covid-19 shots.  “South Korea agrees to partial release of blocked Iranian money,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, February 22, 2021.

“Absent a willingness to add to or even maintain existing sanctions, as well lacking broader efforts to tackle the clerical regime’s regional threat network, such an approach is indeed possible to prejudge: It will end in failure.”  This is speaking of the steps taken so far by Pres. Biden and his team.  See “Biden squanders leverage Trump stockpiled on Iran in pursuit of a defective nuclear deal,” Mark Dubowitz and Ben Taleblu, NBC, February 22, 2021.

“A second attack in two weeks against an area housing U.S. personnel on Monday bears all the signs of another act of violence by Iran, yet the Pentagon says it’s continuing to investigate.”  See “Pentagon Acknowledges ‘Uptick’ in Violence in Iraq, Declines to Name Iran,” Paul Shinkman, USNWR, February 22, 2021.

Pres. Erdogan is realizing losing the F-35 was too far for Turkey, and that sanctions against Iran are hurting Turkey.  The Biden Administration withdrawing the letters to the UN from the Trump Administration asking for UN sanctions under the 2015 JCPOA was the first step.  Now the ball is in Iran’s court for their first step.  “Erdogan tells Rouhani he sees window of opportunity for Iran, U.S. on sanctions,” Yahoo News, February 22, 2021.

“Absent a willingness to add to or even maintain existing sanctions, as well lacking broader efforts to tackle the clerical regime’s regional threat network, such an approach is indeed possible to prejudge: It will end in failure.”  This is speaking of the steps taken so far by Pres. Biden and his team.  See “Biden squanders leverage Trump stockpiled on Iran in pursuit of a defective nuclear deal,” Mark Dubowitz and Ben Taleblu, NBC, February 22, 2021.

“A second attack in two weeks against an area housing U.S. personnel on Monday bears all the signs of another act of violence by Iran, yet the Pentagon says it’s continuing to investigate.”  See “Pentagon Acknowledges ‘Uptick’ in Violence in Iraq, Declines to Name Iran,” Paul Shinkman, USNWR, February 22, 2021.

This 60% percentage is much higher than needed for isotopes or energy.  But remember, Iran is pledging that it will not pursue nuclear weapons.  In fact, that is what the Leader has said in his fatwa—if he will let us see the fatwa.  See “Khamenei says Iran may enrich uranium to 60% purity if needed,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 22, 2021.

“Iran’s Khamenei decrees that female cartoon characters must wear hijab,” Zachary Keyser, Jerusalem Post, February 22, 2021.  And it is a fatwa.  “Although wearing hijab in such a hypothetical situation is not required per se, observing hijab in animation is required due to the consequences of not wearing hijab.”

Iran must release all hostages belonging to any of the P5+1 states, and pledge to take no more because it will be punished for doing so, before the negotiations begin.  This hostage taking (a practice since 1979) must stop.  It is not normal for any country to hold people as pawns in international relations.  See “U.S. in Contact With Iran on Detained Americans, Biden Aide Says,” Tony Czuczka, Bloomberg, February 21, 2021.

Note two things.  First, the U.S. sanctions are forcing Iran back to the negotiating table, exactly what the U.S. hoped.  (this is something the media is not yet picking up on).  Second, the sanctions are not the fault of the U.S., they were imposed because of Iran’s actions.  (this is something the media will not admit).  See “US sanctions inflicted $1 trillion damage on Iran’s economy: FM,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, February 21, 2021.

An accurate and concise statement—“Iran’s deafening silence on China’s Uighur Muslim repression speaks volumes about Tehran’s reliance on Beijing’s money.”  See “Why Iran won’t cross China on the Uighurs,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, February 21, 2021.

Again, just words.  Iran’s FM says things like this headline, but there are no resulting actions.  “Iran Says Ready for Talks With Arab States Without Preconditions,” Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, February 21, 2021.

This article is an example of the Leader and his Regime making rational calculations to move toward what they want—reduced sanctions, and not losing the ability to acquire ultimate weapons.  “Iran’s Compromise With Nuclear Monitors Limits Escalation,” Jonathan Tirone and Arsalan Shahla, Bloomberg, February 21, 2021.

“The Influence of Persian Racism on Status of Azerbaijani Turks in Iran,” Elchin Hatami, Modern Diplomacy, February 21, 2021.

Reuters says, “Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners in recent years, mostly on espionage charges. Rights activists have accused Iran of using them as bargaining chips, something Tehran denies.”  But Reuters, who has years of reporting on Iran’s hostage taking, refuses to run a story on whether the U.S. citizens are criminals/terrorists/etc.  Why won’t Reuters do an investigative story on those held in Iran and those held in the U.S.  And for other countries?  This is not rocket science.  See “Any U.S.-Iran communication over detained U.S. citizens has been via Swiss – official,” Reuters, February 21, 2021.

So Iran will follow its domestic law and end snap inspections under the JCPOA Additional Protocol.  Using later domestic-passed law to obviate international agreements is actually a violation itself of treaty principles—every International Law treatise includes this.  Further undermining Iran’s position here is that the Regime will not follow the letter of the law passed by the Majlis—it will instead allow three months of limited snap inspections as a compromise with the IAEA.  See “IAEA strikes deal with Iran to cushion coming blow of slashed access,” Francois Murphy, Reuters, February 21, 2021.

Reuters is making a lot of news today.  This goes back to my point about not reporting about the true nature of the hostages.  “White House says U.S. communicating with Iran over detained Americans,” Michael Martina, Reuters, February 21, 2021.

“Non-oil trade” is the key phrase.  Regardless of U.S. sanctions, keep your eye on the ball about what is being shipped—especially if it’s not on the manifest.  “Iran to launch direct shipping line to S. Africa, Latin America,” Hellinic Shipping News, February 21, 2021.

A novel definition of “non-breach” of an international agreement—FM Zarif says “All our steps (to breach the deal) are reversible…The move on Feb. 23 is not abandoning the deal,” Zarif said in a televised interview with Iran’s English Language Press TV.”  Under international law, whether a step is reversible or not does not constitute the definition of breach.  (I am having to offer too much international law guidance here—why isn’t the media interviewing international law scholars in the same article to refute what the FM claims?).  See “Iran’s Zarif Says Ending IAEA Snap Inspections Doesn’t Breach Nuclear Deal,” Asharq Al-Awsat, February 21, 2021.

Sometimes this blog carries news of countries that enable or influence Iran’s behavior.  Here is one of these.  “No matter how warm relations between Washington and Delhi become, history shows that some level of non-alignment will always be part of India’s policies.”  See “What India’s Relationship with Iran Means for America,” Larry Wortzel, National Interest, February 20, 2021.

It is really interesting and informing to read the types of stories carried by TASS.  “Russia, China seek to comply with nuclear deal, Europe does not – Iran’s foreign minister,” TASS, February 21, 2021.

“Iran closes Iraq border points to stem spread of coronavirus variant,” Reuters, February 20, 2021.

“Iran says studies EU-proposed informal meeting with U.S.,” Reuters, February 20, 2021.

“Iran’s female alpine ski team is coachless in Italy,” DW, February 20, 2021.

Iran, as seen in this article, is now claiming all Pres. Trump declarations are invalid and will be withdrawn.  “Reversing Trump Mideast Policy, Biden Ready for Talks With Iran,” Matthew Lee, Real Clear Politics, February 19, 2021.

What timing.  Get some extra hostages for leverage.  Either Iran is totally tone deaf, or it is banking on the knowledge that in this case “past performance is a guarantee of future performance” (to turn a financial phrase)—they know that hostage taking pays.  See “French-Iranian, German Citizens ‘Arrested In Iran’,” RFE/RL, February 19, 2021.

“Iran hangs already-dead woman Zahra Esmaili, lawyer says,” Iran Human Rights Monitor, February 19, 2021.

“Iran’s Largest Agrifood Export Terminal Launched in Mazandaran,” Financial Tribune, February 19, 2021.

“IRGC official says Iran’s conventional arms non-negotiable,” Tehran Times, February 19, 2021.

A great story.  “Judoka who fled Iran over Israeli matchup wins silver in Tel Aviv Grand Slam,” Rami Ayyub, Yahoo Sports, February 19, 2021.

Five years?!  “UIA plane crash: Ukraine expects to get compensation from Iran within 5 years,” Ukrinform, February 19, 2021.

“Unaddressed by the president and his team was the shift in posture that announcement represented. For weeks, and as recently as February 12, the White House had insisted that no new talks with Iran could commence, even with the Europeans involved, unless and until the Islamic regime first returned to compliance with the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). “It’s really up to Iran to come back into full compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA. And at that point, we could move the discussion forward,” White House Press secretary Jen Psaki said at the press briefing of February 8. Four days later, she repeated: “If Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA, the United States would do the same and then use that as a platform to build a longer and stronger agreement and also address areas of concern.”  See “White House defends shift in Iran posture,” James Rose, Local 12, February 19, 2021.

Will the Biden Administration require accountability from Iran, or will the USG look away?  “Iranian-backed militias likely behind deadly rocket attack on U.S.-led base, experts say,” Dan De Luce, NBC, February 19, 2021.

“They Thought, Why Not Iran? The Decision Upended Their Lives,” Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, CBNC, February 18, 2021.

“Bolton: Iran has never abandoned Idea of acquiring nuclear capability,” Ali Younes, Arab News, February 18, 2021.

““An extraordinary wave of support”: Calls in unison for Iran to end persecution of Bahá’ís,” Baha’i World News Service, February 18, 2021.

“The 37-year-old Zargari said that her husband is now in a relationship with her best friend and that he requested she consent to a divorce. “I didn’t and he blocked me,” Zargari said, adding that her husband is “always laughing (at) my job and my team.” The couple was together for five years, said Zargari, who was writing from the Shemshak ski resort. She said her husband was born in the United States and is a citizen of both the U.S. and Iran. Under Iranian law, husbands can stop their wives from traveling outside of the country.”  See “Barred from travel by husband, Iran ski coach works remotely,” Andrew Dampf, AP, News and Observer, February 18, 2021.

“In signal to Iran, Israel, US begin developing Arrow-4 missile defense system,” Udi Shaham, Jerusalem Post, February 18, 2021.

Quote of the Day candidate.  “Iranian Judo Star in Tel Aviv: ‘We Were Taught to Hate Israelis’,” Itamar Katzir, Haaertz, February 18, 2021.

Another political prisoner eliminated.  “Outrage over ‘killing’ of Iranian Dervish prisoner of conscience,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, February 17, 2021.

“Husband of Iran’s ski coach bars her from leaving country,” New Haven Register, February 17, 2021.

Whipsaw.  Iran on Feb. 15 said it would expel.  Now it says the opposite.  “Iran says it will not expel IAEA nuclear inspectors,” Syed Zafar Mehdi, AA, February 17, 2021.

“Iran: Suicidal inmate subjected to 60 lashes and at risk of amputation,” Amnesty International, February 17, 2021.

“To save Iraq from economic collapse and fight ISIS, contain Iran’s proxies,” Ranj Alaaldin, Brookings, February 17, 2021.

And similar to the entry above, “Shadow Network of Militias Backs Iran,” Amira El-Fekki and Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal, February 16, 2021.

“Iran’s Soleimani set up centers to monitor Jews for Zionism – report,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, February 17, 2021.

“IAEA chief to visit Tehran before Iran reduces cooperation -Iran envoy,” Reuters, Jerusalem Post, February 17, 2021.

“Iran plans extra advanced machines at underground enrichment plant: IAEA,” Reuters Staff, February 17, 2021.

An Iranian PMU fired 107 mm rockets at a military installation next to the civilian airport.  “U.S., Kurds Blame Iran for Deadly Irbil Attack Despite Tehran’s Denials: Sources,” Paul Shinkman, USNWR, February 16, 2021.

Good analysis.  Iran is now testing Biden with violence, not just threats.  “After rocket attack, Biden faces first real test on Iran,” Martin Chulov, Guardian, February 16, 2021.

Quote of the day.  “In October 2019, the International Judo Federation said it had banned Iran from international competition over the country’s refusal to allow its fighters to face Israeli opponents. Iran said the ban was based on “false claims.” On Tuesday, president of the Iranian Judo Federation Arash Miresmaeili expressed regret that “a foolish athlete” and “hollow champion who only thinks of his personal interests has gone to Tel Aviv [for an international judo competition, representing Mongolia] and is proud of it.” “This is not an honor but a stain of shame on your forehead that will stay with you forever, because you have turned your back on the ideals of the system, on your homeland, and are proud of it,” Miresmaeili said in a statement, addressing Mollaei.”  See “Israeli media hails ‘historic’ arrival of Iranian-born judoka,” Arab News, AFP, February 16, 2021.

The next step to blackmail the remaining JCPOA parties (really just UK, France, and Germany) by Iran, which has told the UN IAEA that it will halt snap nuclear inspections on February 23.  See “Iran to curb cooperation with nuclear watchdog inspectors,” Al Jazeera, February 16, 2021.

“Iran could deploy 200 missiles in Iraq to attack Israel,” Jerusalem Post, February 16, 2021.

“The Deterrent Message Iran Needs to Hear,” Elliott Abrams, op-ed, National Review, Yahoo News, February 16, 2021.  “Trump tweeted on December 23, two days after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, “Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over.” The messages were clear: If an Iranian proxy killed an American, the U.S. reaction would not target the proxy but would target Iran. What exactly that meant was kept ambiguous; Iran had to calculate risks. And the Iranian regime did so. From the election to the inauguration there was one attack, and after that December attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the Iranian proxies desisted. And to repeat, there is only one logical explanation for this: Tehran got the message and instructed them to desist. This background explains why the attack on Americans in Erbil is so important. Iran understood the messages from the United States prior to January 20, but what is the message now? Will we “hold accountable those responsible,” as Blinken said, or will we instead allow Iran to hide behind proxies it controls? If we do the latter, the message to Iran is that such attacks are acceptable — and we can expect more of them. These are efforts to kill Americans, and by killing or wounding American servicemembers and contractors to drive the United States from Iraq. The Biden administration should instead adopt a policy of deterrence, warning Iran that it will be held accountable directly. That messaging, plus a clear willingness to carry through if need be, has worked. It did not reduce attacks to zero, but it significantly depressed their size and frequency — because those must have been the orders from Tehran. Those orders can be sent to the Iraqi Shia militias once again. It all depends on what Tehran hears from Washington. If an American is killed by an Iranian-supported militia and the United States responds, does that mean the end of diplomacy or a wider war? It does not. The United States has a multitude of military options, some of which would clearly signal to Iran that we have no wish to escalate into a larger conflict — but that we insist the Iranian regime stop trying to kill Americans — or else. That’s the message the Biden administration should be sending this week.”

“Bulgarian prosecutors say heroin found in cargo from Iran,” AP, Star Tribune, February 16, 2021.  “Bulgarian customs officials confiscated more than 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of heroin from a ship transporting goods from Iran, prosecutors said Tuesday. The drugs were divided in 487 packages and hidden among asphalt rollers the ship was carrying, prosecutor Vladimir Chavdarov. Customs officials in the Black Sea port of Varna valued the seized heroin at 18 million euros ($22 million). Two Bulgarian men – the owner of the receiving company and a customs officer – were detained and could face up to 20 years in jail, if convicted on drug trafficking charges. Bulgarian police believe the heroin was not intended for the domestic market but rather destined to be sold in Western Europe. Drugs from the Mideast sometimes are transported on trucks from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and Bulgaria to Western Europe.”

“Iran had between 80,000 and 100,000 Jews before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but most have since fled, mainly to the United States, Israel and Europe. There are now only about 8,500 left, mostly in Tehran but also in Isfahan and Shiraz, major cities south of the capital.”  See “Iran arrests thieves digging secret tunnel to steal from synagogue,” Jerusalem Post, February 16, 2021.

“Iran military slams spy chief for saying soldier tied to nuke scientist’s death,” AFP, Times of Israel, February 16, 2021.

“Iran’s ‘JCPOA Blackmail’ Must Be Met With International Pressure,” Hassan Mahmoudi, op-ed, Eurasia Review, February 15, 2021.

How can Iran claim that it is an act of piracy, if Iran said it is not their oil?  Go figure.  It would be nice if the media and other countries pointed this out.  Iran can’t says its not theirs but that they’re been stolen from.  Am I missing something?  “Iran Says U.S. Attempt to Seize Oil Cargo Is ‘Act of Piracy’,” Arsalan Shahla, Yahoo Finance, February 15, 2021.

“Iran says it will end snap IAEA inspections if nuclear deal terms not met,” Arab News, Reuters, February 15, 2021.

“In a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Iran eyes new targets in Africa,” New York Times, The Economic Times, February 15, 2021.  “When Ethiopia’s intelligence agency recently uncovered a cell of 15 people it said were casing the embassy of the United Arab Emirates, along with a cache of weapons and explosives, it claimed to have foiled a major attack with the potential to sow havoc in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. But the Ethiopians omitted a key detail about the purported plot: who was behind it. The only clue was the arrest of a 16th person: Accused of being the ringleader, Ahmed Ismail had been picked up in Sweden with the cooperation of friendly “African, Asian and European intelligence services,” the Ethiopians said. Now U.S. and Israeli officials say the operation was the work of Iran, whose intelligence service activated a sleeper cell in Addis Ababa last fall with orders to gather intelligence also on the embassies of the United States and Israel. They say the Ethiopian operation was part of a wider drive to seek soft targets in African countries where Iran might avenge painful, high-profile losses such as the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran’s top nuclear scientist, said to have been killed by Israel in November, and Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian spymaster killed by the United States in Iraq just over one year ago.”

Notice who’s not there—Syria.  If my country was going to have a new constitution, I kind of think at a minimum my country should be part of the conversation.  Iran is angling to keep its pipeline to Hezbollah in Lebanon alive and well.  “Turkey, Russia, Iran to start talks on Syria Tuesday,” Nazli Yuzbasioglu, AA, February 15, 2021.

Not a good idea, Iraq should have turned this down.  Or at least until Iran made amends to Ukraine and Canada.  “Iran and Iraq set up special court to investigate Soleimani assassination,” Middle East Monitor, February 15, 2021.

“Retired Government Employees Protest In Iran Demanding Higher Pensions,” RFE/RL, February 15, 2021.

“Iran says it will end snap IAEA inspections if nuclear deal terms not met,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 15, 2021.

“Iraqi Airlines Resume Flights to Iran,” Tasnim, February, 15, 2021.

“In Tehran, families of downed Flight PS752 demand arrest of Revolutionary Guard leader,” Nahayat Tizhoosh and Ashley Burke, CBC News, February 15, 2021.

“Khomeini in the Archipelago: Iranian Interests and Influence in Indonesia,” Maxwell Lowe, The Diplomat, February 15, 2021.