Middle East Roundup: Israel and Iran Attack Each Other’s Ships & Grandstanding Between US-Iran Continues
This week, reports suggested that Israel has been attacking Iranian ships since 2019. And, U.S. and Iranian officials continue to trade escalating barbs over the JCPOA and questions remain over frozen Iranian funds in South Korean banks. Please see our breakdown below:
Middle East Roundup: IAEA Censure of Iran Withdrawn & New Rocket Attack in Iraq
This week, the IAEA withdrew a proposed resolution to censure Iran over an investigation into its past nuclear activities. Also, a new barrage of rockets struck U.S. positions in Iraq after airstrikes in Syria last week were meant to deter further aggression. Please see our breakdown and analysis below:
Middle East Roundup: Airstrikes in Syria & Iran-IAEA Finalize “Technical Understanding”
This week, President Biden ordered the first military strikes of his presidency when he authorized airstrikes against Shia militias in Syria. Also, the IAEA and Iran came to a “technical understanding” concerning Iran’s suspension of the AP. Please see our breakdown and analysis of these events below:
Middle East Roundup: New Administration Officials and Cabinet Nominees Comment on Iran
This week, Iran and the new U.S. administration sent indirect messages to each other on the JCPOA. Also, President Biden’s cabinet nominees were asked about Iran. Please see our breakdown and analysis below:
Pompeo’s Suspect Claims on Iran & Khamenei Greenlights JCPOA Return
This week, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo accused Iran of helping Al-Qaeda set up a “home base” inside Iran with no evidence to substantiate the claim. Also, Iran’s Supreme Leader seemed to green light a JCPOA return. Please see a breakdown and analysis of events below:
Middle East Roundup: Iran Enriching Uranium at 20% & Military Buildup in Persian Gulf
This week, Iran restarted enriching uranium at the 20% level after a bill passed by parliament, which forced the move, was finally implemented. Also, a military build up from the U.S. in the Persian Gulf coincided with the one year anniversary of the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Please see our breakdown and analysis of events below:
Middle East Roundup: Khamenei Says Sanctions Lifting Shouldn’t be Delayed & Dissident Executed
This week, Iran’s Supreme Leader leaves the door open for Iran to negotiate with the U.S. under President Elect Biden. Also, Iran’s execution of dissident Ruhollah Zam provoked international condemnation, while the Rouhani administration submitted its budget proposal. Please see a breakdown and analysis of events below:
Middle East Roundup: Iranian Parliament Plays Bad Cop, But Biden and Rouhani Remain Committed to Return
This week, Iran’s parliament passed a bill that forces the government to accelerate its nuclear program. Also, Zarif mentioned the bill is reversible if Iran and the U.S. come back into compliance with the JCPOA, while Biden again reiterated his commitment to return to the deal. Please see our breakdown and analysis of these events below:
Middle East Roundup: Israel Suspected in Killing of Iranian Nuclear Scientist
Last week, an Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was gunned down in the outskirts of Tehran. Sources speaking to the New York Times cited Israel as the culprit for the killing. Please see our analysis and breakdown of these events below:
Middle East Roundup: Iran Makes Clear Desire to Return to JCPOA & Designation of the Houthis
This week, Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif sent Iran’s clearest signal yet that it is still willing to return to its commitments under the JCPOA if the U.S does the same. Also, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is attempting to fast-track the terrorist designation of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Please see a breakdown of […]
Middle East Roundup: IAEA Report Says Iran’s Uranium Stockpile 12 Times JCPOA Limit
This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) newest report on Iran’s nuclear program was leaked, showing a continued rise in Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Please see a breakdown and analysis of these events below:
Middle East Roundup: Iranian Leaders Reacts to U.S. Election
This week, Iranian leaders suggested that the U.S. election does not matter for Iran nor will it affect the government’s policies. Please see our breakdown and analysis of these events below: