TOP STORIES
Two Arrested for Allegedly Spying for Iran in U.S. | Reuters
Two Iranian men were indicted on Monday for allegedly spying for Tehran in the United States, including conducting surveillance at a Jewish facility and gathering information on backers of the militant Iranian opposition Mujahideen-e Khalq, the Justice Department said.
Exclusive: Iraq to Ask U.S. for Exemptions on Some Iran Sanctions | Reuters
Iraq's economy is so closely linked to Iran that Baghdad is going to ask Washington for permission to ignore some U.S. sanctions on its neighbor, Iraqi government and central bank officials said.
Iranian Journalist Jailed for 10 Years for ‘Insulting’ Imam on Twitter | Agence France-Presse
An Iranian journalist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for “insulting” an imam from the ninth century on Twitter, his lawyer told local media on Monday.
NUCLEAR DEAL & NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Europe Should Stop Trying to Save the Iran Deal | Bloomberg Editorial
In the three months since U.S. President Donald Trump unwisely abrogated the nuclear deal with Iran, Europe’s leaders have been vowing to keep it alive. They must now face what is already clear to business leaders everywhere: The agreement cannot be revived. The sooner work begins on a new one, the better for everyone involved.
Iran Nuclear Deal: Developments Since US Walkout in May | AFP
Key developments since the United States quit the 2015 Iran nuclear deal three months ago and reimposed sanctions.
SANCTIONS, BUSINESS RISKS, & OTHER ECONOMIC NEWS
Iran Fears Oil Market Share Loss Ahead of Renewed U.S. Sanctions | Radio Farda
Iran’s representative to OPEC, Kazem Gharibabadi, has said no member of OPEC should produce more than its quota and take over another member’s shares on the market. Gharibabadi’s statement comes on the heels of announcements by U.S. ally Saudi Arabia and Russia that they will increase production to insure a secure supply ahead of the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil.
Trump Aide: US Wants European Allies to Apply Pressure on Iran | Voice of America
U.S. President Donald Trump's national security adviser on Monday called the international nuclear agreement with Iran a "wretched deal" and said the United States is working to persuade European allies to apply more pressure on Iran.
PROTESTS & HUMAN RIGHTS
It remains to be seen if this latest round of protests in Iran will continue to gain momentum or not. One thing is for certain, the Islamic Republic is skilled at “managing” a discontented populous—opposition activists call it suppression.
U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS & NEGOTIATIONS
Iran Says U.S. Doesn't Dare to Attack Iran | Reuters
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that the United States does not dare to attack Iran as it is aware of the Islamic Republic’s military power and the high price of conflict.
In Europe, Fears Loom That the U.S. Is Seeking Regime Collapse In Iran | Axios
European analysts and diplomats alike are increasingly concerned that the Trump administration might be pursuing a policy of destabilizing Iran.
MILITARY/INTELLIGENCE MATTERS & PROXY WARS
Iran Unveils New Fighter Jet with Washington In Mind | Fox News
Iran displayed a new fighter jet Tuesday, saying it comes with advanced avionics and fire control systems and will enhance its deterrence capabilities in confronting Washington.
Iran Must Develop Military to Guard Against Other Powers: President | Reuters
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday the country had to develop its military forces to prevent other states taking over its territory and resources.
IRANIAN INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS
Iran Arrests More People in Crackdown on Profiting from Economic Crisis | Voice of America
Iran says it has arrested more suspects in a crackdown against profiteering from an economic crisis triggered by the recent re-imposition of U.S. sanctions against the country.
A perceived death threat against President Hassan Rohani within the seminary of the holy Shi'ite city of Qom has led to controversy in Iran, with some calling it a disaster for the seminary -- home to thousands of influential clerics and theology students -- and others demanding an investigation.
Iran Parliament Report Reveals 17 Dual Nationals in Government | Al Monitor
After the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany, a widespread fear among Iranian hard-liners was that the United States and Western European countries would begin to “infiltrate” key institutions in Iran and attempt to influence domestic cultural, political and economic policy.
NORTH KOREA & IRAN
Iran–North Korea Meeting — A Message for the US? | David Maxwell and Behnam Ben Taleblu for the Hill
As U.S. sanctions on Iran entered into force on August 7, Tehran was busy playing host to the foreign minister of the ultimate rogue nuclear regime, North Korea… It is unknown if the meetings were planned for this date or rescheduled to coincide with sanctions. However, three provocative statements did result from the meetings, all of which point to greater coordination and cooperation between Tehran and Pyongyang.
RUSSIA, SYRIA, ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH, LEBANON & IRAN.
Hezbollah Showcases Khaibar-1 Missiles | An-Nahar (Lebanon)
Hezbollah has showcased another aspect of its wide arsenal at the "Mleeta Resistance Tourist Landmark," displaying four Khaibar-1 missiles.
Growing tensions on Israel’s northern border have raised concerns about yet another Israel-Hezbollah confrontation or a war between Israel and Iran in Syria. Such a war may not be limited to the original participants, but could involve an array of Shi‘a militias and even the Assad regime, and could span the region—thereby affecting vital U.S. interests.
GULF STATES, YEMEN, & IRAN
Houthi-Hezbollah Meeting Is Foreboding for Yemen's Future | National (UAE) Editorial
Attempts to replicate the Hezbollah model in Yemen will destroy hopes of peace.
IRAQ & IRAN
Iran Resume Supplying Electricity to Iraq: Tasnim | Reuters
Iran said on Tuesday that it resumed supplying electricity to Iraq and other neighboring countries 10 days ago, and it will be increasing it.
Iran–Iraq War, 30 Years Later: From Foes to Allies with U.S. in Between | Newsweek
Iran and Iraq fought a bloody eight-year struggle that ended in a stalemate 30 years ago Sunday, only to become close allies in the region today—a situation that often leads to trouble for U.S. policy in the Middle East.
CYBERWARFARE
It’s Not Just Russia. China, North Korea, and Iran Could Interfere In 2018 Elections, Too. | Vox
National Security Adviser John Bolton is warning that Russia is working to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections. That may not surprise you, but this might: He’s warning that three other countries are doing it, too.
