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‘US Seeks to Gain Control over Maritime Traffic in Persian Gulf’

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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In this photo provided by the US Navy, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group transits the Suez Canal, Thursday, May 9, 2019. / Photo by AP

The United States assumes that by implementing such a plot it can control Iran’s oil carrier ships in the Persian Gulf, Qassem Mohebali said in an interview with Entekhab.

British authorities claim Iranian boats attempted to impede a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf but were driven off by the HMS Montrose warship. The British Ministry of Defence said the Iranian boats attempted to bring the BP-owned tanker to a halt as it was attempting to exit the Persian Gulf near the island of Abu Musa and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) denied that its ships were involved in any type of confrontation with British ships in the Persian Gulf on July 11. The IRGC navy said its forces were conducting their normal routines.

“In the past few days, especially after the seizure of a giant Iranian oil tanker by Britain, some Iranian officials talked of retaliatory moves, and even Iranian foreign minister called it a piracy,” Mohebali added.

“Of course, the Americans are seeking to take control of the maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait,” he noted.

“Their recent plan is to allegedly maintain the security of the ships and their traffic with a fixed flag. Therefore, to advance this plan, they must claim that the Persian Gulf is insecure,” he said.

“In response to these US move, there are two political and political options. The field solution has a high risk for both sides and results in high costs for both countries. But the political solution could protect the security of the Persian Gulf while addressing the international community’s concern,” he added.

Did Trump Fulfill His Campaign Promises?

By
IFP Media Wire
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Under current circumstances, the security and defense departments of the White House are having the most difficulty of all; now that Michael Flynn, H. R. McMaster, and James N. Mattis were fired one after another, the eyes are on John Bolton. On the other hand, Trump’s cabinet are under constant questions from members of the Parliament and this has added up to the frustration of the White House and United States National Security Council.

The recent attacks on oil tankers and commercial ships off the port of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman was another failure of U.S. security strategies and proved the incompetency of American national security advisors, in this situation, Bolton could be the next victim.
In the verge of 2020 presidential elections, Trump lacks a strong and organized cabinet. Trump’s success as a president must be judged by his campaign promises which included the disbandment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), building a wall at the US-Mexico border, leaving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and ending the costly wars that U.S. had led all over the world.

 NATO
Over his presidential campaign, Trump had said that NATO is an obsolete and dysfunctional treaty, but a few months after he entered the White House, he yielded in and officially accepted NATO’s article five. In NATO summit meeting in Brussels in 2017, Trump accepted that NATO’s two new general headquarters will be placed in U.S. and Germany under the title of new centers of operation for tackling new challenges in the Mediterranean area and the Atlantic Ocean.

NATO’s new command post in U.S., led by Trump, is tasked to coordinate and carry out navy and aerial missions in the Atlantic Ocean and all over the world.

Trump and the immigrants

Up to now, millions of people in different U.S. cities took to the streets to protest against Trump’s new strict immigration rules. The protesters chanted slogans such as “all Americans are immigrants”, “building walls is against freedom” and “immigrants are not criminals.”
Trump is the only American president who has categorized illegal immigration as a crime. By his orders, many mothers were separated from their children; these mothers were put in prison while their children were held in captivity in separate cells. Many American citizens and the United Nations condemned these actions and called them pure cruelty.

Building a war at Mexico border

The wall that Trump had promised to build at U.S.-Mexico borders has cost $33 billion by now, and it is not yet built. In next few months, Trump will enter the 2020 presidential campaign and he will not get a chance to build this wall as democrats are against spending more money on the wall.

 JCPOA

By leaving JCPOA, Trump did not succeed to solve U.S. nuclear issues with Iran; on the contrary, it fuelled the tensions and proved to the world and the United Nations that U.S. is nothing but an untrustworthy liar.

Trump’s team thought that if U.S. leaves the JCPOA, Iran will also immediately leave the agreement and will be drilled by UN Security Council while U.S. sits back and calmly watches the process; however, the results were the reverse; Europe, Russia and China who were the main buyers of Iran’s oil, did not approve of U.S.  Unilateral withdrawal from the JPOA and criticized U.S. for its uncustomary behaviors.

 U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Trump is drowning in the pool of mistakes that his top security advisors, such as John Bolton, made in regard to Iran.

Bolton was going to celebrate his victory in Tehran in the 40th anniversary of Islamic Republic of Iran’s revolution, little did he know that U.S. military will face a big challenge against the strong will of Iranian people and the country’s powerful military.

Trump’s military and security advisors made fundamental mistakes in dealing with Iran, after their plans for an armed conflict with Iran came to a dead end, they tried to cover up their failure by ending “war threats” and switched into an “obstructive strategy.”

Their obstructive strategy could not restraint Iran either. U.S. next plan was to publish some pictures of the ships and tankers that were damaged over the explosions in Fujairah to prove that Iran was behind the attacks; however, the pictures were so unclear that were met with contempt of all different countries and international entities.

Over UN Security Council’s meeting on the vessel attacks near Fujairah, U.S. did all it could to point the fingers at Iran, but it failed to do so. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, condemned attacking unmilitary ships, but said that the evidence about the attack must be examined separately and they cannot simply establish a research committee to look into the matter.

Russia also reacted quickly and asked the member states not to rush into any decision about the attacks.

U.S. psychological war against Iran has not had any effect on the world countries. Even U.S. allies in Europe did not trust U.S. claims and blamed the country for its fierce policies.

Only one state hid behind U.S., Britain who is now a loser in politics. Over the last four years, two British administrations fell apart without solving the Brexit problem. The country is now in totally unstable and is trying to divert attention from its own problems by hiding under the shadows of U.S.

Trump’s security and military advisors were going to run their plans by causing chaos in the Persian Gulf, but all their plans went wrong and U.S. top officials in the country’s National Security Council admitted their failure in running their obstructive strategies in the Middle East.

In the third and last part of its security strategies, U.S. stopped war threats and obstructive strategies and came up with a new ploy saying that “attacking the oil tankers is a universal problem” and there must be “an international consensus against Iran” to ensure maritime security. It seems that Trump’s security advisors wasted billions of dollars on military deployments near Iran, running obstructive plans and buying Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and other jet fighters.

The phrase “international consensus against Iran” means how U.S. has retreated from his former plans, it is good news for all Iranian citizens and the armed forces because it means that U.S. has failed in crushing Iran and launching its military plans against the country.

UAE Hatching Evil Plots against Neighbouring Countries, Arab World

By
IFP Media Wire
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This country which appeared on the map of the world on December second 1971, now has taken up a destabilizing role in Middle East and is trying to interfere in the affairs of other Arab countries in the region, both openly and in secret.

UAE’s destructive role, especially in suppressing public protests became more evident after the events of September 2011; as UAE and its allies did their best to stop the progress of Arab countries and prevent the public uprisings that were rooted in Islamic reawakening.
On the other hand, Al Nahyan, one of the six ruling families of the UAE, did its best to destroy all resistant groups that were against Zionists such as Hamas and Hezbollah to prepare the ground for normalizing relations between Israel and Arab nations; something that led to creation of the Deal of the Century.

To give an example, Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, who was among top Hamas leaders and was the chief of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades was assassinated in Dubai. Later, Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli daily newspaper said the assassination was planned by Mossad and was carried out in cooperation with UAE’s intelligence service.

There are many similar examples, in another one, we see that UAE’s secret service agent enters the Gaza Strip through Egypt, under the cover of a Red Crescent volunteer to spy on Hamas and Palestinian resistant groups in order to give information to the Zionist regime.
Apart from activities against Palestinians, UAE has also tried to sabotage Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan Al-Muslimin) in Egypt through its media channels such as Al-Hayat, Al Youm Al Sabee, and Al-Masry Al-Youm. Furthermore, UAE gave full financial support and security help to certain groups in order to topple Muslim Brotherhood.

UAE is a big supporter of Egypt’s current government. The country keep spending billions of dollars to carry out Zionists’ plans in Middle East and suppress any democratic movement in the region that is based on public votes and people’s determination.

An example of UAE’s interference in Libya is the story of Yusef Mobarak. He was arrested in Al-Aqiq Airport in Tripoli after the intelligence service of Libya’s Government of National Accord accused him of taking pictures from high-security centers and foreign embassies in Tripoli. After investigations, it was revealed that Yusef was a main link to Khalifa Haftar, the renegade military commander of Libya, and was particularly supported by UAE and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt’s president.

Everyone knows that UAE’s army has given modern weapons and high-tech tanks to Khalifa Haftar and has supported the renegade commander against Tripoli. UAE’s interference in Libya is aimed at keeping the country entangled in wars and chaos, so that Libya can become a heaven for the intelligence services of the United States, Israel and UAE.

UAE has also been seriously interfering in Tunisia. The country is putting enormous political and economic pressure on Tunisia to expand its control over it and crush all the public movements. They have forced Tunisia to choose between surrendering to UAE and suffering under a security crisis.

Yemen is another country that is crushed by UAE’s interference. UAE has done a dirty job in Yemen by destroying Yemen’s infrastructures and killing thousands of innocent Yemeni citizens.

The octopus of UAE has extended its claws to Oman as well. Oman intelligence service discovered an Emirati spy network that was supposed to predict and influence what happens in Oman after Sultan Qaboos. The network was trying to make strong bonds with anti-government tribes such as Al Shuluh tribe which has close relationships with UAE, especially with Ras al Khaimah emirate.

Another UAE spy network was discovered in Turkey and brought shame to Emirati leaders. According to Turkish media, UAE was trying to support some of the government dissidents and army commanders including Fethullah Gülen. Turkish intelligence service also discovered that Mohammed Dahlan entered Turkey under a fake identity and by using an Emirati passport. In this secret trip, he had meetings with the opponents of Turkish government.

UAE is also trying to expand its reach to the Islamic Republic of Iran as well. The country has already given financial support and intelligence to some terrorist cells that worked against Iran. Once again, UAE’s efforts to interfere in Iran was proved when it was revealed that Global Hawk drone was sent to Iran from an Emirati base.

Apart from having a destructive role in Middle Eastern countries, UAE is quickly expanding its relationship with the Zionist regime. Now, Zionists have representative offices in Abu Dhabi and can freely travel to UAE.

All these facts show that Al Nahyan family and specially Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are the main causes of war in Arab World and division among Muslims. They are completely abiding by the goals of the Zionist regime; therefore, the Muslim community and Arab world should free itself from the influence of this evil element.

France’s ‘Freeze for Freeze’ Plan Can’t Work for Long: Expert

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

President Emmanuel Macron’s top diplomatic adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, recently made a trip to Tehran for two days of high-level talks, as European officials discuss ways to keep the nuclear pact alive.

ccording to European diplomats, options considered include a so-called freeze-for-freeze plan based on which Iran would stop ramping up its nuclear activities and the US would restore sanctions to the previous levels to allow dialogue to resume.

Rahman Qahremanpour believes this plan is like a temporary break in a volleyball match, after which the players have to return to play again.

In an interview with Entekhab news website, he said “What Iran says is slightly different from what the French authorities say.”

In the French plan, it is said that the United States would extend the exemption for Iran’s oil sales in order to allow Tehran to sell its oil to the three major buyers i.e. Japan, China and India. In return for that, Iran should stop its nuclear steps as they are and not develop them anymore.

This is a “Freeze-for-Freeze” rather than calling for lifting sanctions. Because the scope of the sanctions is very wide and includes sanctions by the Security Council and the initial and secondary sanctions of the United States, said Qahremanpour.

“If the reports are true, Macron had consulted with Donald Trump at the G20 summit before making this offer to Iran, and he also talked to President Hassan Rouhani after his talks with the President of the United States. It seems there is some kind of harmony between France and the United States, and perhaps the American side has expressed its satisfaction. In such a case, it is likely that the United States will also attend the EU Ministerial Meetings, which will be held on July 15, or will attend the meeting of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA and hold some meetings on its sidelines.”

Asked whether this could be a good solution in the current situation, the Iranian analyst noted such a project is like a break in a volleyball match, after which players have to return to play again. “We should wait and see how this comeback will be? Will this temporary break lead to direct negotiations between Iran and the United States, or would it lead to negotiations in the framework of the JCPOA? So far, there is ambiguity about this.”

“What is certain is that the freeze-for-freeze plan, if successful, cannot lead to negotiations between Iran and the United States in the short run. Although the Americans may attend the P5+1 talks, it should be borne in mind that this negotiation formula does not have any achievements for Trump. He cannot take advantage of such talks for his electoral goals, or claim that he has brought Iran to the negotiating table. This is a solution that satisfies both sides, but the point is that negotiations within the framework of the P5+1 will not necessarily lead to the abolition of primary and secondary US sanctions against Iran. Therefore, the least benefit of such negotiations is to preserve the status quo. This comes as Iran, in its macro policies, is looking to put an end to the current situation,” added Qahremanpour.

According to the analyst, the current impasse has simple solutions. One of these solutions is the return of the United States to the JCPOA. However, the US does not agree with this, saying that it wants to negotiate issues beyond the JCPOA. Meanwhile, Europe needs to take a serious decision and put pressure on Washington to force Trump to move back from its positions. Unfortunately, Trump wants to move unilaterally. But, naturally, Iran does not like to give concessions to such a person. Therefore, it is needed to come up with a solution which can keep Trump satisfied in his electoral campaign, and make Iran able to defend its positions inside the country.

Therefore, perhaps a dialogue within the framework of the P5+1 will be useful, if the United States is willing to give concessions.

Iran Unveils Laser-Guided Cannon Shells in Attack on Terrorists

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The IRGC unleashed a barrage of rockets and laser-guided cannon shells on terrorists’ positions, bases and training camps along the borders of the Iraqi Kurdistan region as of Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

A major feature of the combat operation was the use of laser-guided cannon rounds.

Krasnopol shells are a kind of projectile fired at targets using laser technology. It seems this kind of ammunition was used for the first time in the IRGC’s recent assault on terrorists.

The IRGC released footage showing cannon shells hitting terrorist targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Earlier, IRGC commanders as well as other military top brass of the Iranian Armed Forces had spoken of precision-guided cannon shells as well as other types of guided munitions being used in different military exercises.

“Our strategy is to use each bomb or missile to hit a single target, and today we are seeing our cannon systems using laser-guided Krasnopol shells can hit targets with pinpoint accuracy, and we are moving toward this doctrine, i.e., every shell, bomb or missile for a single target,” IRGC’s Ground Force Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour had said before.

Guided cannon rounds called Basir had earlier been unveiled. Basir is controlled with canards installed on the body of the shell. Canards open after rounds are fired and guide the shell until it hits the target.

Using guided munitions one can not only save time and cost and prevent the waste of so many shells, but also increase the Armed Forces’ combat and tactical capabilities.

Iran, Russia Determined to Expand Technology Ties

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In an address to a trade meeting in Moscow, Sattari called for further ties between Tehran and Moscow in this area and added the two sides’ cooperation in the field of technology has been developing through a special mechanism over the past years.

“We hope that new areas like nanotechnology, biotechnology, airspace, cognitive sciences and energies could provide Iran and Russia with good chance to make further progress in the region,” he said.

Sattari also referred to the presence of at least 4400 knowledge-based firms in Iran and said the firms can provide Iranian and foreign investors with an ample opportunity to make investment and enter the international markets.

For a brief review of Iran’s achievements in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review – 2019”

Iranian firms have already made huge progress in the medical field, he said, adding that today people from Russia, Turkey and other regional states are treated by medicines produced by Iranian biotechnology firms.

An Iranian knowledge-based firm, for instance, has managed to produce medicines to treat at least 4 incurable diseases, Sattari noted, describing the achievement as a unique one in Western Asia.

Iran, Russia Need to Expand Economic Ties amid US Sanctions

Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Moscow took the podium in the meeting and said Iran and Russia have been developing their ties in various areas over the past months, but the two sides should further expand their mutual ties amid the current US sanctions.

Mehdi Sanaee went on to say that Iran and Russia should tap into the current economic capacities to increase their mutual relations.

He then referred to the recent Eurasia agreements signed between Iran and the Eurasia Economic Union and said the agreements can pave the way for expansion of economic ties between the Islamic Republic and its northern neighbouring states like Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Iran Ready to Launch Joint Line of Credit with Russia

Meanwhile, Head of Iran National Innovation Fund, Ali Vahdat, expressed Iran’s readiness for launching a joint line of credit with Russia for technological cooperation.

Addressing the meeting, he also said Iran’s technology and innovation ecosystem has already made huge progress over the recent years in biotechnology, information, communication and nanotechnology.

Following the meeting, B2B talks were also held between Iranian and Russian businesspeople.

Iran Never Ceases to Amaze Foreign Visitors 

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Below, you can read some pieces of these experiences gathered by Khorasan Daily which stand in stark contradiction with the clichés spread about Iran by the western media.

Iran, Safe and Secure

Mark Wilmots who was named the head coach of the Iran national football team recently said he was taken aback as he arrived in Iran. In comments on his experiences about Iran which went viral in the social media, Wilmots said, “I got taken aback as set foot in the capital Tehran. The city was clean and covered with flowers. I think the city is as beautiful as a European city and is really interesting.”

Wilmots then referred to Iran’s security and said “I don’t know why it is said that Iran is not safe. I think the country is even more secure than some European cities due to various controlling systems. Iran is neither dangerous, nor at war. Although the sanctions have put the country in trouble and reduced the real value of its national currency, it is not unsafe at all.”

Iran Never Ceases to Amaze Foreign Visitors 

Iran Home to Hospitable, Kind People

Wilmots is not the first foreign celebrity amazed by visiting Iran. The other one is American actor and filmmaker, Sean Penn who visited Iran back in 2005 as a journalist to conduct interviews with some Iranian officials including former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Elaborating on his visit to Iran, he said later that Iran’s culture is impregnated with a love for cinema. He added Iran is the land of hospitable and kind people. According to Sean Penn, Iranians take to the streets when their national football team is set to play against other teams. He then talked about his earlier expectations of Iran and said he thought he would face an Islamic country with a dark situation and bearded men with black eyes before arriving in Iran. But the reality on the ground was totally different for him. He, however, complained about the jam traffic in Tehran’s streets.

Tehran Looks Like Madrid or Athens

Jack Straw, the former British Foreign Secretary was another foreign visitor who talked about his amazing experiences in Iran. He visited Iran in 2013 as the head of Iran-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group. It was not however his first visit to Iran. He had arrived in Iran first in 2001. He made his third visit to Iran as a member of a tourist group recently. In a piece on his experiences in Iran during his second visit to the country, he said he felt surprised to see how much progress the country has made in a span of about 10 years. He talked about the newly constructed highways and subway stations across the capital Tehran. Straw added despite sanctions, Tehran looks like some European cities like Madrid and Athens instead of Mumbai or Cairo.

Iran Never Ceases to Amaze Foreign Visitors Iran, Safe and Civilized

Julio Velasco, Argentine professional volleyball coach who led Iranian men’s national team for about three years, talked about his stay in Iran and expressed satisfaction with the years. Even, other foreign coaches who decided to come to Iran to lead Iranian football clubs consulted with him before making up their mind. Velasco say he encouraged them to go to Iran. “When I decided to come to Iran, some of my friends tried to dissuade me, saying Iran is not a leading country in volleyball… But I came to realize that Iranians enjoy a lively and secure life. Iran is a secure country. I lived well there and felt secure. Iran has an ancient civilization with cultured people.”

Always Amazed by Iran

Oliver Stone, leading American filmmaker, pointed to the Iranian warm hospitality during his stay in Iran and said all Iranians from the hotel staff to ordinary people welcomed him with bright smile. He said Iran has always left him amazed.

Iranians Are Hospitable

Thomas Hessler, a former footballer of the German national team who led Padideh Mashhad’s football club in Iran for a while, says he felt quiet in Iran. “Iranians are highly hospitable.” He then recalled the warm hospitality of his landlord who surprised him once by inviting him to a delicious dish.

Amazed, Happy Tourists

Over the past years, a growing number of tourists have been visiting Iran. Back in 2017, about 5.5 million foreign tourists arrived in Iran. It is expected that the figure hit 20 million. The common part in most experiences shared by the foreign tourists is that they didn’t expect to face a hospitable and nice country before arriving in Iran.

The Basics on Choosing Which Stocks to Watch

By
IFP Media Wire
-

Although everyone approaches trading differently, you can make your life a lot easier by deciding which stocks to watch early on. To do this, all you need to do is follow a few simple rules, such as:

  • You should only ever pick one stock at a time, to begin with, then analyze your results
  • Make sure access trading charts to understand the movements of the market
  • Understand your risk level and choose stocks based on that

Keeping it Simple: Start with Just One Stock

A lot of people assume that they need a complex strategy in place to determine which stocks they should be placing their money into. However, the truth is, keeping it simple is usually the best way to go. Whatever stock picking strategy you decide to go with in the long-term, it’s always a good idea to start by just trading a single stock.

This way, you can watch and learn from the fluctuations in the market. Remember, every asset comes with its own characteristics and personality to analyze. The more time you spend learning from your decisions, the more comfortable you’ll begin to feel learning from the habits of the stock market. Once you have learned more about your trading style, you can begin to trade additional stocks alongside your primary security.

Before you start investing in any new stocks, however, spend some time watching the assets that you’re interested in. This way, you’ll make sure that you fully understand the behavior of that stock before you get involved.

Always Keep your Risk Levels in Mind

As you watch the trading charts to get a feel for the behavior of each available stock, there may be several options that catch your eye. The easiest way to make sure that you set yourself up for success, is to determine how much risk reasonably live with while you’re trading. Focus on creating a strategy for choosing new stocks that preserves your capital as much as possible.

Usually, if you’re just getting started with the investment market for the first time, your best option will be to play it safe. You can begin by choosing stocks that don’t change behavior too quickly and wait until you’re a little more experienced to play in the more volatile end of the pool.

Keep in mind that one of the worst mistakes you can make is just to start trading. While this will give you experience, it’s not likely to be the kind of experience you want. If you can dedicate time to watching the market and analyzing your opportunities before you invest, you’ll end up with much better results.

Iran Condemns US, UK Interference in China’s Internal Affairs

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Says What IAEA Wants to Access “Not A Site”

In a statement on Friday, he also expressed the Islamic Republic’s full support for the One China policy.

His comments came after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the United States “not to play with fire” regarding Taiwan, as a possible US arms sale to the self-ruled island looms.

The Pentagon said on Monday that the US State Department had approved the sale of 2.2 billion dollars in arms to Taiwan, including 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles, and related equipment.

“We urge the US to fully recognize the gravity of the Taiwan question… (and) not to play with fire on the question of Taiwan,” Wang said at a press conference in Hungary on Friday.

He stressed that no foreign force could stop the reunification of mainland China and Taiwan and that there had to be no foreign interference in Chinese internal affairs.

China considers the possible arms sale to Taiwan a breach of its sovereignty over the island, which is self-ruled but is part of Chinese territory. Beijing has also said it would impose sanctions on the US companies that would sell the weapons to Taiwan.

IAEA’s Meeting on Iran Proved US Isolation: FM Zarif

By
IFP Media Wire
-

The emergency meeting of the 35-member board was held on Wednesday at the United States request to address Iran’s exceeding the limit set by a 2015 nuclear deal on its uranium enrichment level, notwithstanding the fact that Washington itself committed the biggest breach against the agreement last May by leaving it.

Iran surpassed the 3.67-percent level in reaction to the US withdrawal from the nuclear accord and also in order to prompt other deal partners to ensure Tehran’s business interests under the accord.

According to Iran’s Ambassador to the IAEA, Kazem Gharib-Abadi, the US had approached various delegations to have them join the request for the board meeting, but eventually had to make the request itself. The meeting ended without any conclusion on Washington’s alleged grievances.

On Thursday, Zarif spoke to the Lebanon-based Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network on the failure experienced by Washington, saying, “The US political isolation will soon lead to an economic one.”

Explaining about possible economic isolation of the US, Zarif said, “The Americans abuse the dollar’s power too much, and will gradually lose this advantage.”

Iran’s top diplomat then added, “We are prepared to confront whatever threat [posed] by the US on whatever scale.”

After leaving the nuclear agreement, which is officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the US re-imposed the sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. It has also threatened the countries keeping their trade with Iran with “secondary sanctions.”

This has prompted Iran’s various trade partners across the globe to try going around the sanctions by proposing non-dollar trade.

Britain, France, and Germany, the European signatories to the JCPOA, announced one such trade system in January. The system, officially known as the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), began its first transactions late last month.

Seven more European states have committed to join the INSTEX, with Helga Schmid, secretary general of the European Union’s External Action Service (EEAS), saying on Thursday that beyond the 10-strong European states, “more, also non-EU member states, will join” the trade instrument.

‘Iran region’s strongest state’

Elsewhere in his interview, Zarif reminded how the country successfully withstood a heavily Western-backed war by Iraq in 1980s.

“Today, we are the region’s most powerful country, while our military expenditure is small in comparison with that of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,” he stated, referring to two of the US biggest regional allies, which are generously armed by Washington under huge military agreements.

Iran is not after tension and war, but “they would be met with a decisive response if they rose in confrontation,” Zarif, however, stated.

He also reiterated that Iran’s countermeasures were “reversible” if the US sanctions were lifted and the Europeans honored their trade commitments to the Islamic Republic, welcoming whatever effort that would help the deal implementation.

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