Iran to Return to Vienna Talks
Iran has said it will return to the Vienna negotiations this week, amid diplomatic momentum building at the UN General Assembly. In Iran, rapper Toumaj Salehi was released from prison while another prisoner died under suspicious circumstances. Iran has also been accepted into the Shanghai Cooperation Council.
Rapper Toumaj Salehi Arrested
A rapper in Isfahan has been arrested after releasing songs critical of the government. Iran has also reached a new agreement with the IAEA that keeps hopes for a JCPOA return alive. Meanwhile, several key foreign ministry officials have been replaced, while the Foreign Ministry says there are no redlines to COVD vaccine imports.
Potential IAEA Censure Threatens JCPOA Talks
The IAEA may censure Iran at an upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, which Raisi has said will disrupt the negotiations. The Raisi administration’s position on the nuclear issue is still unclear. Meanwhile, a hardline MP has called Rouhani a traitor and called for his prosecution, while an anti-Taliban protest was broken up in Tehran by authorities.
New Study Calculates Excess Deaths from COVID in Iran
As a fifth wave of COVID infections continues to devastate Iran, a new study calculates Iran had 200,000 excess deaths this past year and a half attributable to COVID. Meanwhile, a new round of Iran-Saudi talks are expected after a regional summit in Baghdad, and Iran is being pressed to rejoin talks to restore the JCPOA.
Officials React to Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan
Iranian officials have characterized the Taliban’s takeover of most of Afghanistan as a defeat of the U.S. and have called for a “national government.” Several MPs have also talked about the JCPOA talks and said they will resume soon. Meanwhile, confirmed COVID death passed the grim milestone of 100,000.
Khamenei Appears to Reverse “Western” Vaccine Ban Amid Mounting Deaths
Amid a rapidly deteriorating COVID-19 situation in Iran, Khamenei has appeared to reverse his ban on “Western” vaccines. Meanwhile, officials are blaming each other for mismanaging the pandemic. Raisi has submitted hardline cabinet nominees to parliament, and has also had a call with the French President.
Ebrahim Raisi Promises “Diplomatic Plans” To End Sanctions
Ebrahim Raisi was sworn in as Iran’s next president and talked about diplomatically lifting sanctions in his inauguration speech. Khamenei’s website has rehashed an old debate in a warning against Iran having relations with America. Meanwhile, Rouhani in his final address as president reiterated a JCPOA deal was possible, and the COVID situation is rapidly deteriorating.
Khamenei Rebukes U.S. Over Vienna Talks
Khamenei rebuked the U.S. for its positions in Vienna, saying it hasn’t taken “one step forward” in the negotiations. Another Iranian official outlined what he said were untenable U.S. positions in Vienna. Meanwhile, protests in sympathy with Khuzestan were held in different parts of Iran, and the parliament is trying to pass a bill further restricting internet access.
Protests Across Khuzestan Over Water Shortage
Protests over a water shortage crisis have erupted across Khuzestan province. Videos on social media show authorities clamping down with force, with several protestors having been confirmed killed. Meanwhile, the Rouhani administration’s spokesperson blames an Iranian law for preventing a deal in Vienna, while another government official blames the United States. Iran is also experiencing another wave of COVID-19 infections and deaths.
Foreign Ministry Details “Framework” JCPOA Deal
The Iranian Foreign Ministry this week released a report outlining what it says is a framework agreement reached on the JCPOA in Vienna. Rouhani has said this agreement was reached in March and that sanctions on Iran could have been lifted months ago. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has alleged the Iranian government has tried to kidnap activist Masih Alinejad.
Power Outages Lead to Protests
President Rouhani this week reiterated that Iran can get a deal in Vienna if it makes the decision to do so. Meanwhile, parts of Iran are experiencing rolling blackouts amid higher than expected demand for electricity this summer. Raisi’s foreign policy will also prioritize improving relations with Iran’s neighbors, according to an Iranian analyst.
New Bill Would Further Restrict Internet Access
A bill circulated in parliament this week that would impose additional restrictions on internet access if passed, but it has not yet gone to the full parliamentary floor for debate. Meanwhile, contract workers in Iran’s oil sector have gone on strike while Ayatollah Khamenei has appointed a new judiciary chief with a history of human rights abuses.