Category: Iran

Overview. Iran comes out unequivocally on the side of Russia in the Ukraine conflict, having previously sat on the fence. Access to Russian wheat supplies and Putin’s pledge of investment in the Iranian energy sector probably influenced the course correction. Meanwhile the round of JCPOA revival talks in Doha produced no definitive results but hinted…

Overview. The prospects for the renewal of the JCPOA look bleak (again) this month as the stalemate drags on; but neither party want to be the spoiler. The Supreme Leader is forced to comment publicly on protests which continue as the cost-of-living crisis accelerates. JCPOA. Iran is further escalating its uranium enrichment process by preparing…

Overview. The government’s effort to end the foreign exchange subsidy system has triggered protests and raised the risk of nationwide social instability. Increases in prices of staples have led to protests in several Iranian cities this month; public discontent will grow in the coming days and weeks, and the security forces will crack down violently.………

Overview. The US terrorism designation applied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is the major blocker to renewal of the JCPOA. Both sides will find it hard to row back on statements made and commitments given on the issue, but it will now be critical to securing an agreement.…… Read the rest

Overview. The release of long-held dual national prisoners, the payment of a sizeable outstanding debt by the UK to Iran and encouraging noises from negotiators made a revived deal look closer than ever this month. The last-minute potential Russian spoiler appears to have lost its edge, although nothing of substance has actually been proffered by…

Overview. Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian described the final issues being discussed in Vienna as ‘solvable’ during a phone conversation with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. He also significantly softened Iran’s stance on key issues while at the Munich Security Conference.  A renewal of the JCPOA appears to be closer after this month’s round of talks.………