29 Mar 2024
Thursday 6 June 2013 - 12:56
Story Code : 31491

Iran today: What is US looking for in Iran's presidential race?

Iran today: What is US looking for in Iran
While Iranians are preoccupied with the Presidential campaign, including Wednesday's second debate among the eight candidates, another story --- one likely to have impact far beyond the June ballot --- has been taking shape.
In the last 10 days, the US Government has expanded sanctions against Tehran on four occasions. Those measures have not only reinforced existing restrictions on the energy and shipping sectors; they have extended into areas far removed from Iran's nuclear programme. Among the new steps, confirmed by President Obama's executive orders, are sanctions against the automobile and petrochemical industries.

Even more significant is the ratcheting-up of measures designed to cripple Iran's financial transactions. One of Obama's orders this week threatens punishment of any firm trading in Iranian Rials or even holding Rial accounts --- the step is no less than an attempt to collapse the currency, which fell 70% last year.

All of this is taking place as Iran's oil exports continue to fall to historic lows. In April, the Islamic Republic exported only 741,000 barrels per day, a 30% decline from March and less than 1/3 the amount sold in 2011.

Meanwhile, the US, Israel, and European allies are banging the drum loudly over Tehran's purported nuclear threats. Over the last week, there has been a series of "leaks" to compliant journalists, recycling old stories as new menaces --- notable among these have been stories about Iran's developing heavy-water reactor at Arak, converted in the articles to a producer of plutonium for a Bomb.

All of this begs the question: is Washington going beyond pressure on Iran to the pursuit of regime change, through the cracking of the economy? If so, does the US have a vision of who and what might succeed the downfall of the current system?



Iranian Envoy In Moscow Comments On S-300 Lawsuit

Press TV on Thursday picked up on aRussian news reportfrom Tuesday regarding comments by Tehran's ambassador on Moscow's canceled contract to supply the much-coveted S-300 surface-to-air system.

Last July, Tehran filed an arbitration case against Moscow in Geneva seeking a fine of $4 billion for the canceled contract. Iran sought the S-300s to upgrade its antiquated air defense systems, particularly important in the light of threats of air strikes against its nuclear facilities. The system would make those facilities far less vulnerable to attack by Israel or the US.

Interfax reported remarks by Ambassador Mohammad-Reza Sajjadi, who said that Iran may be prepared to cancel the lawsuit if Russia made good on the contract.

"The fulfillment of the contract that was signed, would of course change the behavior of the Iranian side," Interfax quoted Sajjadi as saying. The Iranian envoy added that, in Iran's view, theUN Security Council Resolution 1929did not constitute a reason for Russia to cancel the contract.

It is likely that the publication of these remarks now, amid the controversy over whether Russia will supply S-300 systems to the Syrian regime, is a signal by both Iran and Russia of strength in the face of Western criticism. Despite Western pressure, Russia has refused to back down from its position regarding the supply of S-300 systems to Assad.

Football Watch: Iran's National Team Returns Home

Iran's national football team returns home to Tehran after "sweet" victory against rival Qatar in the World Cup qualifier.

New Facebook Page Calls For Coalition Between Aref, Rouhani

AFacebook page, created on June 2, calls for a coalition between reformist candidate Mohammad-Reza Aref and his moderate counterpart, Hassan Rouhani.

While there have been rumors of a possible alliance floating around the Iranian media, Aref has denied that he will step down in favor of Rouhani. However, there is still time before the vote on June 14 for such a coalition to take place. EA's Scott Lucas believes this will happen, although I am more cautious.

US Extends Waivers on 9 Countries Over Iran Sanctions

The US State Departmenthas renewed six-month waiverson sanctions for nine countries, including Turkey, China, and India, over oil purchases from Iran.

Since the US stepped up sanctions in 2011, Iran's oil market has been restricted to four major countries --- China, India, Japan, and South Korea --- and even those customers have reduced purchases.

In April, Iran's sales of oil fell to 741,000 barrels per day, a historic low and far below the 2.2 million bpd in 2011, before the extension of US sanctions.

By Enduring America

 

The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
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