- Young Iranian female taekwondo practitioners have put a tremendous end to their campaign at the 11th edition of the WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships in Canada, claiming the top podium place at the conclusion of the high-status tournament. 11/22/16
- Iran and the European Union (EU) are resolved to "strengthen" a nuclear agreement between the Islamic Republic and world powers, says the Iranian president. "With all their might, Iran and the European Union are seeking to strengthen this important multilateral agreement and to use the post-JCPOA opportunities," President Hassan Rouhani made at a joint press conference with his visiting Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor on Tuesday November 22, 2016. 11/22/16
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei should put an immediate end to the practice of the Revolutionary Guard's Intelligence Organization, which operates under his direct authority, of arresting dual nationals and using them as hostages to collect ransom money and demonstrate political muscle, the International Campaign for Human Rights said today. 11/22/16
- As Donald Trump prepares to take office as U.S. president, he'll inherit a set of conflicts in the Middle East more intractable and destructive than at any other point in recent history. The very territorial integrity of the region is at risk. The killing in Syria, where close to half a million people have died since 2011, grinds on with no end in sight. -Henry Johnson, LobeLog 11/22/16
- NIAC hosted a panel discussion outlining recommendations for the incoming administration at the Stimson Center last Wednesday, featuring Bacevich, University of Chicago professor John Mearsheimer, International Civil Society Action Network's Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi, and moderated by the Atlantic editor-at-large Steve Clemons. 11/22/16
- Prominent rights activist Parastou Forouhar, whose parents were slain by agents of the Iranian government during a series of murders of dissidents beginning in the late 1980s, has been summoned without a given reason to appear in court at Evin Prison on November 22, 2016. 11/22/16
- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country has transferred 11 tonnes of heavy water to Oman as part of its obligations under last year's nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group of countries. 11/22/16
- More than 1,000 soldiers deployed by Iran to Syria to back the government side in its civil war have been killed, an Iranian official said, underlining Tehran's increasing presence on front lines of the conflict. -Reuters 11/22/16
- This year, the full moons of October, November and December are called supermoons since these take place when the moon is at its closest point of approach in its orbit around Earth. The supermoons have been creating magnificant scenes across the globe. These photos show the ancient Persepolis ruins in Iran during the November 2016 supermoon. 11/21/16
- Nobody can confirm whether or not if it is a world record, but everybody in Burnaby is talking about it: The incredible run by Iran's Mobina Nejad Katesari on Day 1 of the 2016 WTF World Taekwondo Junior Championships. Over a day of fighting that ended with her being crowned world champion in the female -42kg category, she scythed her way through the opposition, scoring 73 points and conceding none. 11/21/16
US President Obama seeks to fortify Iran deal before leaving office: Officials - The administration of US President Barack Obama is planning to take measures in its last months in office to "strengthen" a multi-lateral nuclear deal with Iran, amid the probability that an incoming American president and his hawkish possible appointees may act to undermine the international agreement and the US stature as a result, American officials say. 11/21/16
Stairway to Heaven: Iranian Artist's Mural Turns Heads - Seen by thousands of eyes a day at one of Boston's busiest intersections, the giant outdoor mural by Iranian artist Mehdi Ghadyanloo is a stunning expression of optimism he hopes can lead to better understanding between his homeland and the United States. -AP 11/21/16
Building on the Iran Nuclear Agreement - Among the foreign policy issues on which Donald Trump took a simple anti-Obama, or anti-Clinton, stance during the campaign but about which he had not seemed to have devoted much thought, one of the most prominent and important is the agreement that restricts Iran's nuclear program, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA. -Paul R. Pillar, LobeLog 11/21/16
Iran taekwondo practitioner Parisa Javadi earns bronze in world junior championships - Iranian taekwondo practitioner Parisa Javadi has managed to grab a bronze medal in the 11th edition of the WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships in Canada. On Saturday, Javadi triumphed over her Spanish opponent in the first round of the female minus 63-kilogram contests at the Bill Copeland Sports Center in the western Canadian city of Burnaby thanks to a golden point. 11/21/16
In Iran, treatment of transgender people is a double-edged sword - Iran -- an Islamic theocracy that criminalizes consensual same-sex relations, forces women to adhere to a strict and modest dress code in public, and has zero-tolerance for dissidents' freedom of expression -- presents a surprisingly lenient attitude on trans issues. -Kevin Schumacher 11/21/16
Trump, Though Critical of Nuclear Deal, Could Offer Opportunities for Iran - At first blush, the election of Donald J. Trump would seem to be bad news for Iran. But there is a chance that on balance, things could work out surprisingly well for the clerics... Mr. Trump also presents new opportunities for Iran, many analysts say. While he has criticized the nuclear deal, he has also said that the United States should stop backing rebels in Syria and focus on the Islamic State militant group -- effectively shifting its support to Iran's ally in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad. -Thomas Erdbrink, NY Times 11/21/16
Iran's Online Fashion Scene Gets More Competitive - Harasp is one of the websites which is tapping Iran's online luxury fashion market. The website is offering both eastern and western fashion goods for customers in Iran and is planning to ship the products of Iranian designers to other countries. -Hamed Jafari, TechRasa 11/21/16
Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) Launches #RejectHate Campaign - IAAB's Campus Action Network (I-CAN) launches IAAB's #RejectHate Campaign to ensure the right to a safe education in an inclusive environment for all students. Multiple IAAB students and alumni reported experiencing harassment and bullying at school and in public spaces in the past week. 11/19/16
Flynn Has It In For Iran - On the news that Donald Trump has asked Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn to be his national security adviser, I decided to look up Flynn's testimony on Iran before the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa on June 10, 2015. That was just a month beforethe P5+1 and Iran concluded the the Iran nuclear deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). -Jim Lobe 11/19/16
Iran Nuclear Deal Opponents to Trump: Don't 'Rip it Up' - Republicans and other long-time opponents of an international nuclear agreement with Iran have walked back calls to scrap the deal and are now urging the incoming Trump administration to stiffen it rather than unravel what President-elect Donald Trump once termed as "the worst deal ever negotiated." 11/19/16
President Rouhani Has Done Nothing to Free Political Prisoners and Is Being Called out for It - A prominent Iranian political analyst has criticized President Hassan Rouhani for reneging on his pledge to free political prisoners and opposition leaders. The centrist cleric's record as president will be heavily scrutinized ahead of Iran's May 2017 presidential election as he vies for a second term. 11/19/16
Russia research ship docks at southern Iran port - A Russian research ship has docked at Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas in line with the two countries' plan to boost friendly military relations. The frigate, dubbed Yantar, arrived in Bandar Abbas, the capital of Hormozgan Province, on Friday for a five-day stay. 11/19/16
Foreign Policy in an Ignorant Democracy - Amid the voluminous post-election analysis based on exit polls, and the many observations about such things as how Hillary Clinton fared compared to Barack Obama among blacks or women, one demographic pattern sticks out at least as much as any other in characterizing the 2016 presidential race. Support for Donald Trump was strongly correlated with low education. -Paul R. Pillar, LobeLog 11/19/16
With CIA, National Security Adviser Choices, Trump Signals Sharp Turn In Foreign Policy - There was never much doubt that Donald Trump would take U.S. foreign policy in a sharply different direction from the one pursued by his predecessor, President Barack Obama. His choices for two of the U.S. government's most influential foreign-policy posts only bolster that conclusion. -Mike Eckel, RFE 11/19/16
U.S. Lawmakers Vote To Bar Commercial Aircraft Sales To Iran - U.S. lawmakers have passed legislation that would ban the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran, a move aimed at halting sales by aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus that outgoing President Barack Obama's administration has already approved. 11/18/16
Lut Desert provides tourism development opportunity: Iranian Official - The Lut Desert, one of the two deserts dominating the landscape of eastern Iran, has got what it takes to lure travelers considering its geological uniqueness. Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, the scorching Lut, is a mix of sand and salt. Its calming silence is also amazingly attractive. 11/18/16
Iranian Officials Ignore Demands of Eight Ailing Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike - At least eight political prisoners are currently on life-threatening hunger strikes in Tehran and Karaj to demand better conditions and reviews of their unjust prison sentences. Even though at least one political prisoner in Iran has died as a result of his hunger strike, judicial officials have not only ignored the worsening conditions of the hunger strikers, but in some cases also punished them for their protests. 11/18/16
Trump Seeks Kissinger's Advice On Relations With China, Russia, Iran - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sought out the advice of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on China, Russia, Iran, and Europe, his office said on November 17. Kissinger, 93, who served under former Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, is best known for opening the door to China after decades of isolating the Asian giant. 11/18/16
Donald Trump's victory sparks optimism in an unlikely place: Iran - For hard-liners in the Islamic Republic, Trump has bolstered their refrain that the United States, whatever agreements it signs with Iran, is not to be trusted. Meanwhile, moderate President Hassan Rouhani and his allies are playing down concerns over Trump's rhetoric. Some quietly express optimism that the real estate tycoon would be open to negotiations in other areas dividing Washington and Tehran. -Los Angeles Times 11/18/16
Trump's Real Basket of Deplorables - Hillary Clinton's characterization of Trump's supporters may well have been too "grossly generalistic," in her words. But as Donald Trump's national security team begins--albeit chaotically--to take shape, it's becoming clear that Trump does have a "basket of deplorables" around him. And many of them are going to wind up serving in his administration. -Derek Davison, LobeLog 11/18/16
OPEC moves closer to oil output deal as Iran gets new offer - OPEC is moving closer toward finalizing this month its first deal since 2008 to limit oil output, with most members prepared to offer Iran significant flexibility on production volumes, ministers and sources said on Friday. -Reuters 11/18/16
Can the Iran Deal Survive a US Withdrawal? - As we all know by now, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal could be a very simple matter for the United States. It could come in three ways. First, a vote by Congress to reintroduce sanctions that were previously suspended or cancelled, if not waived or vetoed by the new president, would represent a sufficiently significant breach of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to constitute an effective withdrawal if any of the parties, including Iran, wanted to construe it as such. Second, ... -Francois Nicoulaud 11/17/16
Cancer stricken junior Iranian wrestler to pick up United World Wrestling Endurance Trophy - Junior Iranian freestyle wrestler Abolfazl Aramideh, who has been battling cancer over the past few months, is poised to receive the United World Wrestling (UWW) Endurance Trophy later this week. Aramideh is currently receiving treatment at the hematology-oncology ward of Tehran's Imam Khomeini Hospital. 11/17/16
85 UN Member States Say Iran Must Improve Its Human Rights - The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran welcomes the United Nations' adoption of a resolution expressing serious concern over numerous human rights violations in Iran, including the systematic use of arbitrary detention and discrimination against women and minorities, as well as the "alarmingly high" frequency and application of the death penalty in Iran. 11/17/16
Childhood's End: Forced Into Marriage At Age 10 In Iran - At first, it sounds like a charming love story: Playmates who grow up side by side in an Iranian village go on to get married. But when Leila was wedded to Ali, she was 10 years old. He was 15. "It was nighttime and I was asleep. My neighbors rang the doorbell and came in and put a ring on my finger," Leila, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in an interview. "That's how I got married." -Golnaz Esfandiari 11/17/16
Interview: Iranian American Physician Dr. Arshya Vahabzadeh - Dr. Arshya Vahabzadeh M.D. is an Iranian American physician with a distinguished career in medicine and behavioral health. Dr. Vahabzadeh is a faculty member at the Harvard School of Medicine, he is the Director of Digital Health at neurotechnology company, Brain Power, where he also serves as site director for the San Francisco Bay Area, and he is also the former Chairman of the Council on Communications of the American Psychiatric Association. 11/17/16
Iran to receive first Airbus jet by 2016 end - Javad Hashemi Tehrani, the managing director of Aviation Parts Holding Company of Iran, told the domestic media that the Airbus which is expected to be delivered to Iran will be the first of 17 planes that the US Treasury Department has allowed to be sold to Iran. 11/17/16
Baha'i Businesses Shuttered Across Iran in Ongoing Persecution Campaign - Dozens of businesses in Iran owned by members of the Baha'i faith have been indefinitely shut down by the authorities after some owners closed their establishments to honor the birthdays of two of the faith's holiest figures. 11/17/16
Tehran international symposium to discuss seismic rehabilitation of heritage structures - Co-organized by University of Tehran and the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, the two-day event is set to address possible threats to structures that are of historical or cultural importance along with proper ways to restore such buildings. Prof. Goodarz Ahmadi from Clarkson University, the U.S.; prof. Gorun Arun from Yildiz Technic University, Turkey; Toshikazu Hanzato from Mie University, Japan; and Dr. Mehrdad Hejazi from Isfahan University, Iran; are scheduled to deliver speeches. 11/17/16
Report: Trump Administration Should Build on the JCPOA, Not Tear It Down - In a new report signed by 76 scholars and national security experts, including former officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations, the National Iranian-American Council is arguing that the incoming Donald Trump administration should take the opportunity presented by the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and expand upon it in order to improve U.S.-Iran relations more broadly. -Derek Davison, LobeLog 11/17/16
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification: Iran, Syria play out goalless draw - Iran men's national team has been held to a goalless draw against Syria to stay put at the top spot of its group in the third round of the 2018 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualification tournament. 11/16/16
Tehran fights for breath while officials pass the buck - While air pollution in Tehran has reached critical levels for seven days in a row officials keep shifting the blame onto each other. The air quality indices have surged up so much so that all healthy people are likely to experience irritation or discomfort while breathing as well as those with heart and lung condition. 11/16/16
Maximizing the Opening with Iran: How President Trump Can Secure American Interests in the Middle East - It lies in the interest of the United States to build on the Iran nuclear deal to resolve remaining tensions with Iran and help stabilize the Middle East, argues a new report signed by 76 national security experts and published by the National Iranian American Council. Maximizing the Opening with Iran: How President Trump Can Secure American Interests in the Middle East provides concrete policy recommendations on eight issues critical to U.S. national security: From the fight against ISIS, to the bilateral relationship with Iran, to the Saudi-Iranian rivalry, to the stabilization of Iraq and Afghanistan, to sanctions relief and Human Rights in Iran. 11/16/16
Former Terrorist Group To Enjoy Close Ties to Rumored Trump Cabinet - Donald Trump's rumored picks for key foreign-policy positions have already set off alarm bells about the future administration's embrace of war hawks and Islamophobes. Today, Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin pointed out that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is currently reported to be under consideration for an appointment to secretary of state or attorney general, potentially violated the law when he made paid speaking appearances for the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK), when the State Department listed the Iranian dissident group as a foreign terrorist organization. -Eli Clifton 11/16/16
U.S. House Votes To Renew Iran Sanctions, Sanction Syria's Backers - The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation to renew a decades-old Iran sanctions law and impose new sanctions on supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. 11/16/16
Iran unimpressed by US election results: Supreme Leader - "Unlike some of those in the world who have either been mourning or celebrating the results of the American elections, we are neither mourning nor celebrating and the results make no difference to us," he said in Tehran on Wednesday. "We have no worries and by the grace of God, we are ready to face any possible eventuality," 11/16/16
"The Time and Life of Ahmad Kasravi": New Book by Mohammad Amini - Ahmad Kasravi (1890-1946) was one of the most famous outspoken critics of Islam in 20th-century Persia [Iran]. He was killed in 1946 by an extremist Shia group named "Devoters of Islam" in Tehran. Seventy years after his assassination, the historian Mohammad Amini has written a book about Kasravi's life and ideas. 11/16/16
Bolton, Giuliani: Finalists to Head Trump State Department - The choice between the two would force Mr. Trump to choose between Mr. Giuliani, a longtime friend and ally in New York, and Mr. Bolton, a hawkish conservative diplomat who called last year for the U.S. to bomb Iran. -Derek Davison, LobeLog 11/16/16
Giuliani was paid advocate for shady Iranian dissident group - Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is reported to be in contention to be Donald Trump's attorney general or secretary of state. Senators who will be considering his confirmation may want to examine the fact that Giuliani took money to advocate on behalf of an Iranian dissident group while it was listed by the State Department as a foreign terrorist organization, potentially breaking the law. -Washington Post 11/16/16
Trump Presidency and Iran's Domestic Politics - If Iran's best option is to not fall in the reactive trap and continue working with other countries who participated in the formulation of the JCPOA, stability and continuity at the top combined with active diplomacy to paint the US as the egregious party will be needed more than ever. -Farideh Farhi 11/15/16
EU To Stand By Iran Nuclear Deal: Foreign Ministers - The European Union says it will keep pushing to restore ties with Iran in line with last year's nuclear deal. In a November 14 statement, EU foreign ministers said the bloc was committed to lifting nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions against Iran while engaging with banks and other economic operators "to promote growth in trade and investment." 11/15/16
"Life+1 Day" Receives Best Film Award At Geneva Festival - "Life+1 Day" by Iranian director Saeid Rustai has won the best film award at the 22nd Geneva International Film Festival Tous Ecrans, which was held in the Swiss city from November 4 to 12. 11/15/16
Russian Delegation Discusses Defense, Energy Deals In Iran - A delegation from Russia's upper house of parliament has been meeting with senior officials in Tehran for talks aimed at expanding ties in the defense and energy sectors following a nuclear deal with world powers. Federal Council speaker Valentina Matviyenko met separately with Iranian President Hassan Rohani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on November 14, the final day of the Russian delegation's two-day visit. 11/15/16
Russian Legislator Says Russia, Iran Discussing $10 Billion Arms Deal - A senior Russian senator says Russia and Iran are in talks over an arms deal worth around $10 billion. Viktor Ozerov, head of the defense and security committee in Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, said on November 14 that the potential deal would see Moscow deliver tanks, artillery systems, planes, and helicopters to Tehran. 11/15/16
Anti-Boeing Bill Offers Early Iran Test for Trump - Will a President Trump intend to put U.S. business first and preserve and expand the U.S. manufacturing workforce as part of his plan to make America great again? Or will he hold to the reflexive anti-Iran positions of the Republican Congressional majority, Sheldon Adelson, and the neoconservatives, including the NeverTrumpers who, with Democrats marginalized across the board, are already seeking ways to gain influence with whomever the president-elect chooses to advise him? -Jim Lobe, LobeLog 11/15/16
Heavy Air Pollution Closes Schools In Tehran - Authorities in Tehran have closed schools on November 14 because of dangerous levels of pollution in the atmosphere. "Kindergartens and primary schools are closed on Monday [November 14] in Tehran and most of the cities of the province," the Education Ministry said, according to official IRNA agency. 11/14/16
Iran, China sign agreement to boost defense-military cooperation - Iran and China have signed an agreement to boost defense-military cooperation and fight terrorism. The agreement was inked by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and his Chinese counterpart General Chang Wanquan in Tehran on Monday at the end of an earlier meeting between the two sides. 11/14/16
Iranian squad crowned at world kickboxing championship - Iran's male national kickboxing team has won the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) World Championship 2016 in Italy. On Saturday and the final day of the competitions in the southern Italian city of Andria, the Iranian eight-member delegation took the honors with a total of eight medals (7 golds and one bronze). 11/14/16
Iran's Parliament Speaker Advises Against Hasty Remarks About Trump - Iran's parliament speaker has advised against making premature remarks about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, stressing it should be left to the Iranian Foreign Ministry to take a clear stance on his presidency. 11/14/16
Shiraz, Vienna direct flights to be launched soon - An Aviation official has announced that Shiraz-Vienna direct flights will be soon performed aiming to boost aviation ties with major European airlines. 11/14/16
Iran's 'Inversion' wins Best Film Award at MedFilm Festival - Iranian film 'Inversion' directed and written by Behnam Behzadi won the Best Film Award at 21st edition of MedFilm Festival. The Italian event held on November 4-12 is home to different feature movies and documentaries made in the Mediterranean and the new Europe areas. 11/13/16
Iran 9th biggest greenhouse gas emitter: EPA Chief - The head of Iran's Environmental Protection Agency said Sun. that Iran is the 9th biggest producers of greenhouse gases in the world. Although Iran ranks 17th in the world in terms of population, Masumeh Ebtekar said Iran is now the ninth-highest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, due to the country's economy and environment suffering for years from a wrong model of energy consumption. 11/13/16
Iran crowned at World Pahlavani Wrestling Championship - The first ever edition of Pahlavani Wrestling World Championship was competed from November 10 to 13 in Minsk of Belarus and has attracted wrestlers from 45 world countries including Armenia, America, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Hungary, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, France and Moldova. 11/13/16
Iran's President Rouhani inaugurates three oil fields in Khouzestan - Iran has launched first phase production at three fields in its oil-rich Khouzestan province, bringing its total crude output closer to pre-sanction levels. Production from Yadavaran, North Yaran and North Azadegan were inaugurated in an official ceremony attended by President Hassan Rouhani. 11/13/16
Iran discussing human rights issues with EU - Iran has recently entered a round of negotiations with the European Community representatives over human rights issues. A delegation of Iranian representative from the foreign ministry and the judiciary are attending these meeting. Majid Takhtravanchi, Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister and member of the said delegation commented on the negotiations saying the talks with the EU over human rights will be long and must be kept at a technical level avoiding any form of "politicization" of the matter. 11/13/16
Iran needs $200B to develop oil industry: Oil Minister - Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said on Tuesday that $200 billion investment is required to develop the country's oil industry. "Internal resources are not enough to meet such need, therefore we should attract foreign investment", Zanganeh said in a press conference. 11/13/16
EU-Iran Relations in the Trump Era - There is, however, a danger of some neoconservatives moving closer to Trump and setting his administration on a more aggressive course than his campaign pronouncements suggested. Already some notorious uber-hawks, such as New Gingrich, John Bolton, and Rudy Giuliani, are slated for top jobs in the Trump administration, including the crucial secretary-of-state job. All three have deep ties with the Iranian dissident cult MEK, on the US terror list until 2012, bitterly opposed to the current Iranian government and advocating regime change in Iran. -Eldar Mamedov 11/12/16
Pars Generation+ holds Arts & Culture Mixer in San Francisco - Pars Generation+ hosted a lively Art & Culture Mixer on Election Night 2016 at the Cambria Gallery in San Francisco. As young professionals and community leaders networked, they viewed the "Iran Unveiled" Photography Exhibit, as well as works by renowned Persian artist Elham Ashrafi and street artist Keyvan Shovir (a.k.a "CK1"). Persian cuisine by Apple, Inc.'s own Chef Naz Afarin Mahini and Komaaj Catering was served, while Election 2016 results were viewed on a monitor. 11/12/16
Why the Iran Deal Will Survive the Trump Presidency - Trump's triumph is sending shockwaves through the foreign policy community, particularly among supporters of the Iran nuclear deal. Reuters has already reported that Trump's election puts the Iran Deal "on shaky ground." Richard Nephew, a former State Department official who was involved in the nuclear negotiations, told Reuters, "Say goodbye to the Iran deal." -Esfandyar Batmanghelidj 11/11/16
The Iran Deal Is in Critical Danger - There will be plenty of time to dissect Donald Trump's surprising victory over Hillary Clinton in last night's presidential election, and what a President Trump will mean for American foreign policy generally. But one thing is clear: the nuclear deal negotiated between the P5+1 (the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China) and Iran may very well be among the first casualties of the incoming Trump administration. -Derek Davison 11/10/16
After Trump Victory, Fears Grow Of Iran Nuclear Deal Unraveling - Addressing an influential pro-Israel lobbying group in March, Donald Trump said that the landmark nuclear deal signed with Iran was a disaster and that dismantling it would be his "No. 1 priority." Now, a day after Trump pulled off a stunning victory to capture the U.S. presidency, observers are watching closely for signs that his administration could indeed follow through on this threat when he takes office in January. 11/10/16
Obama's Departure: More Difficulties for Iran - Although disappointed about the economic benefits flowing from the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's political leadership feels fairly certain that at least the threat of a potential U.S. military strike has now disappeared. Also, even if the United States were to re-impose sanctions, in addition to those non-nuclear related sanctions already in existence, the Iranian leadership is confident that other countries, including European states, will not follow America's lead. -Shireen T. Hunter 11/9/16
Luxurious Golden Eagle to resume excursions to Iran - The Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, a prestigious European operator of exclusive, long-distance rail tours, is scheduled to run new rounds of its services that offers extensive excursions throughout Iran. 11/9/16
Iranian researchers win Best Robot Design at ICSR 2016 - The project 'Abrbot' which is a robot for educating and informing children on optimal water usage won the Best Robot Design at the 8th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR 2016) that was held on November 1st to 3rd in Kansas City, US. 11/8/16
iBRIDGE Barcelona: A Global Meetup with High Tech Entrepreneurs of Iranian Descent - iBRIDGE Barcelona, a three-day event to be held December 8-10, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. It will be the global meetup with high-tech entrepreneurs of Iranian descent who come from across the world to share experiences, challenges, and success stories with colleagues, potential investors, and corporate partners. 11/7/16
Can Iran and Israel Make Up? - As Iran watchers in Washington brace for a more hawkish new US administration, the Woodrow Wilson Center hosted a conference on October 31 on a subject that continues to bedevil US-Iran relations: the mutual security perceptions of Israel and Iran. -Eldar Mamedov 11/5/16
Unpacking some Untruths about Iran - On October 21, 2016 the Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a substantive assessment of Iran's foreign and defense policies. For the most part this research meets the high standards of accuracy and objectivity that we have come to expect of the CRS. In two respects, however-concerning Iran's development of ballistic missiles and its possession of a capability to produce chemical warfare agents-the report is misleading. This matters if members of Congress look to the CRS for accurate assessments when debating policy proposals. -Peter Jenkins 11/4/16
Europe Capitalizes on the Iran Deal - As Washington think-tanks, with some notable exceptions, keep churning out papers advising the next American president to double down on containing Iran, the European Parliament adopted a report on October 25 that is strikingly different in tone and substance. Drafted by the UK Labour Party politician Richard Howitt , the motion received overwhelming support in the house: 459 votes in favor, with 174 against and 67 abstentions. -Eldar Mamedov 10/29/16
Nasir al-Molk Mosque: Magestic and Historic - Located in downtown Shiraz lies the elegant Nasir al-Molk Mosque, which boasts extensive colored tilework and glass on its facade as well as exquisite architecture inside. Completed in the end of the 19th century, it is one of the most photographed mosques in southern Iran. 10/29/16
Iran's Judiciary Should Release Siamak and Baquer Namazi and Allow Them Full Defense in Appeals Court - The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran calls on Iran's Judiciary to immediately release on bail the unjustly imprisoned Iranian-American dual citizens Siamak Namazi and his father, Bagher Namazi, and allow them to prepare for the Appeals Court with legal counsel and full due process. 10/26/16
Home
