Iran
Trump, Iran and the US drive for world hegemony
By Keith Jones, 16 October 2017
Trump’s new “Iran strategy” has been denounced by European leaders, who accuse Washington of acting as a law unto itself, inciting a global nuclear arms race and heightening the danger of war in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula.
Transatlantic antagonisms deepen after Trump threatens withdrawal from Iran deal
By Jordan Shilton, 16 October 2017
Transatlantic relations have deteriorated throughout 2017 as Trump has resorted to “America first” nationalism and the major European powers, above all Germany, have advanced their own imperialist ambitions.
Denouncing Iran as a terrorist state, Trump refuses to recertify nuclear accord
By Keith Jones, 14 October 2017
US President Donald Trump vowed Friday that he will use his presidential powers to blow up the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran unless it is amended to Washington’s satisfaction.
Trump’s threats against Iran aggravate German-American tensions
By Johannes Stern, 14 October 2017
Trump’s aggressive course of action against Iran has provoked a strong reaction in Berlin, where German politicians and media figures are openly discussing a break with the US.
Trump to light fuse under Iran nuclear deal, as part of more aggressive anti-Iran strategy
By Jordan Shilton, 11 October 2017
In addition to certifying Iran as non-compliant with the 2015 nuclear deal, Trump is said to be preparing to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a “terrorist organization.”
US initiates plan to blow-up Iran nuclear deal
By Keith Jones, 21 September 2017
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson outlined Washington’s demands for the “renegotiation” of the Iran nuclear accord at a meeting yesterday of its signatories.
Trump administration preparing to escalate provocations against Iran
By Jordan Shilton, 15 September 2017
Washington’s ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, indicated that Trump will refuse to certify Teheran’s compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.
France boosts trade ties with Iran despite US sanction threats
By Kumaran Ira, 12 August 2017
These deals point to very sharp objective economic conflicts between the European powers and the United States that threaten to spill over into military conflict.
New US provocation in Persian Gulf as Washington expands Iran sanctions
By Bill Van Auken, 31 July 2017
The strategy of the Trump White House and Pentagon is to provoke Iran either into abrogating the nuclear accord, or into an outright military clash with the US.
Trump threatens Iran, plots to scuttle nuclear accord
By Jordan Shilton, 24 July 2017
Trump’s bellicose remarks came just days after he reluctantly agreed to certify Iran’s compliance with the terms of the 2015 nuclear accord.
Saudi ultimatum to Qatar brings Middle East to brink of wider war
By Peter Symonds, 26 June 2017
The Saudi-led ultimatum to Qatar contains demands deliberately designed to be rejected, providing the pretext for even tougher sanctions and military action.
Marching toward a wider war in the Middle East
By Bill Van Auken, 14 June 2017
Behind the bitter political warfare in Washington and the endless claims of Russian interference in the election, very real wars in the Middle East are threatening to coalesce into a regional or even global conflagration.
Terror attack in Iran exacerbates war tensions in Gulf
By Keith Jones, 8 June 2017
Iranian authorities charged that Saudi Arabia and Washington orchestrated yesterday’s attack, for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility.
Iran’s president wins reelection
By Keith Jones, 22 May 2017
While Rouhani cast himself as the candidate of peace and moderation, he favors slashing social spending and a rapprochement with the imperialist powers.
Iran holds presidential election amid mounting geopolitical turbulence
By Keith Jones, 18 May 2017
US “secondary sanctions” continue to squeeze Iran’s economy, contributing to mass joblessness and growing social anger.
At least 23 dead, dozens trapped in Iranian coal mine disaster
By Oscar Grenfell, 4 May 2017
The tragedy underscores the perilous conditions confronting coal miners in Iran and around the world.
Washington threatens war against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 21 April 2017
Secretary of State Tillerson made clear that Tehran’s compliance with the nuclear agreement would do nothing to prevent US military aggression.
US secretary of state issues war threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 20 April 2017
The administration indicated it will review all sanctions lifted as part of the agreement, with an eye toward reimposing them on the phony pretext that Tehran is a “state sponsor” of terrorism.
Top US general calls for military action against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 30 March 2017
General Joseph Votel’s provocative remarks and calls for military action feed into the growing clamour in Washington for tough measures against Iran.
China protests US sanctions on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2017
The Trump administration blacklisted three Chinese individuals and two Chinese companies in retaliation for Iran’s missile test.
Democrats back Trump administration’s new sanctions against Iran
By Joseph Kishore, 4 February 2017
The sanctions are part of an aggressive shift of the new administration and follow the declaration of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn that Iran was being put “on notice.”
Washington’s war threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 3 February 2017
It would be a dangerous mistake to believe that the actions of the Trump White House are the result of mere improvisation or impulse. Rather, they are part of a definite plan.
White House issues war threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 2 February 2017
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn put Iran “on notice” over its ballistic missile test, accusing it of “destabilising behaviour.”
US destroyer fires warning shots at Iranian patrol boats
By Peter Symonds, 10 January 2017
The incident underscores the volatile situation in the Middle East and the potential for a rapid rise of US-Iranian tensions once Trump assumes the US presidency.
Russia, Iran and Turkey issue joint declaration on Syrian settlement
By Bill Van Auken, 22 December 2016
The joining of Turkey, a NATO ally, with Moscow and Tehran has provoked anger and recriminations from the US establishment and media.
The life and career of Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami
By David Walsh, 14 July 2016
The Iranian director will be best remembered and long honored for the series of feature films, including documentaries, that he made between 1987 and 1997.
With Washington’s blessing, Boeing signs mega-deal with Iran
By Roger Jordan, 12 July 2016
Boeing’s $20 billion deal to sell commercial aircraft to Iran Air is by far the largest US business transaction with Tehran since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Doha oil talks collapse
By Nick Beams, 19 April 2016
The main reason for the failure to agree on an oil production freeze appears to be tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which are on opposites sides in conflicts in the Middle East.
Washington steps up threats over Iran missile tests
By Bill Van Auken, 11 March 2016
While the tests by Iran do not violate the nuclear accord, Washington sees them as an intolerable affront to its drive for hegemony.
Iranian elections strengthen Rouhani’s hand
By Keith Jones, 1 March 2016
Last Friday’s elections have strengthened a faction of Iran’s ruling elite that favours speedy rapprochement with Washington and accelerated neo-liberal restructuring.
Iran’s President Rouhani visits Italy, France as economic rivalries deepen
By Kumaran Ira, 5 February 2016
After lifting sanctions on Iran, the imperialist powers are locked in a bitter competition over who will seize the largest share of lucrative Iranian markets.
Europe joins the economic “gold rush” to Tehran
By Peter Symonds, 30 January 2016
Iranian President Rouhani’s trip to Europe signals that Iran is wide open for foreign investors following this month’s lifting of international sanctions.
US and EU lift economic sanctions against Iran
By Keith Jones, 18 January 2016
The nuclear deal with Iran is a tactical shift by Washington, the aim of which is to strengthen US imperialism so it can better confront, including militarily, China and Russia.
Iran releases US sailors in run-up to nuclear sanction relief
By Bill Van Auken, 14 January 2016
The incident served to highlight the deep divisions within the US political establishment over the nuclear deal.
US Navy vessels impounded in Iranian waters
By Keith Jones, 13 January 2016
US Republicans seized on yesterday’s incident to repeat their charge that Obama is “appeasing” Tehran and demand a renewed campaign of economic sanctions and military threats against Iran.
Iran claims Saudis “deliberately” struck embassy in Yemen
By Thomas Gaist, 8 January 2016
The accusations that Saudi jets attacked an Iranian embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, come amid rising tensions that are pushing the Middle East to the brink of all-out war.
The mass beheadings in Saudi Arabia
By Bill Van Auken, 4 January 2016
The barbaric killing spree carried out by the royal parasites in Riyadh was a calculated political act driven by both domestic and international objectives.
US threatens new sanctions on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 4 January 2016
Washington’s threat is particularly provocative as it came just days after Tehran fulfilled a key aspect of last July’s nuclear deal—to ship its enriched uranium to Russia.
Clinton pledges to outdo Obama in militarism
By Patrick Martin, 12 September 2015
In a speech and question-and-answer session at a Washington think tank, the Democratic frontrunner took an even more hard-line position than the current administration.
Obama secures votes to override congressional opposition to Iran deal
By Keith Jones, 7 September 2015
The White House has insisted the nuclear deal would actually facilitate military action against Iran if Washington deems it necessary.
Conflict within US political establishment over Iran nuclear accord intensifies
By Patrick Martin, 10 August 2015
The conflict within the American state presents the spectacle of a large majority in Congress pushing for imminent war against Iran.
Obama on Iran: The specter of World War III
By Bill Van Auken, 7 August 2015
The US president took the extraordinary step of going public in warning that powerful factions within Congress and the state apparatus are determined to go to war against Iran.
Obama speech on Iran: Collapse of nuclear deal will mean war
By Barry Grey, 6 August 2015
Obama’s attempt to cast the policy shift toward Iran as a commitment to peaceful diplomacy and adherence to international law is a transparent fraud.
French Foreign Minister Fabius visits Iran to boost ties after nuclear deal
By Kumaran Ira, 3 August 2015
After taking a bellicose stance against Tehran in recent years, Paris now sees the nuclear accord as an opportunity to boost its influence in Iran.
Failure of Iran nuclear pact will lead to war, Kerry warns
By Thomas Gaist, 29 July 2015
In response to bipartisan warmongering, Kerry insisted that the nuclear pact would serve as a stepping stone toward intensified confrontation with Tehran.
German economics minister rushes to exploit business opportunities in Iran
By Johannes Stern, 27 July 2015
Berlin’s scramble to dominate exploitation of the Iranian economy is another move in German imperialism’s return to the world stage.
The Iran nuclear pact and US imperialism’s drive for global hegemony
By Keith Jones, 21 July 2015
Obama’s “engagement” with Iran is a strategic bet that through a combination of pressure and inducements US imperialism will be able to harness Tehran to its predatory agenda.
UN Security Council approves pact on Iranian nuclear programs
By Peter Symonds, 21 July 2015
Despite the UN vote, the nuclear pact still faces concerted opposition in the US Congress and political establishment.
Iran signals closer collaboration with West
By Peter Symonds, 18 July 2015
While hardliners have expressed some opposition to this week’s nuclear agreement, significant layers of business are already positioning themselves for the lifting of sanctions.
US seeks to placate Mideast allies angered by Iran nuclear deal
By Keith Jones, 17 July 2015
Obama and his top aides have indicated the US will offer Israel and the Saudi monarchy new weapons systems and enhanced intelligence cooperation and security guarantees.
US political infighting begins over Iran nuclear deal
By Patrick Martin, 16 July 2015
Congress has a total of 82 days to take action to block the lifting of sanctions against Iran, which would require overriding a presidential veto.
Obama promotes “historic” nuclear deal with Iran
By Keith Jones, 15 July 2015
US President Obama gave a lengthy speech yesterday, insisting that the deal with Tehran served US “national-security interests,” that is, it advanced the strategic interests of US imperialism.
Iran talks continue into the weekend
By Keith Jones, 11 July 2015
The Obama administration is seeking an agreement that will provide Washington with maximum leverage over Iran and the ability to easily pivot back to all-out confrontation.
Iran nuclear talks approaching make-or-break deadline
By Keith Jones, 6 July 2015
As the talks proceed in Vienna, the US press has been churning out reports touting a new Pentagon mega-bomb specifically crafted to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Iran nuclear talks to go past June 30 deadline
By Keith Jones, 29 June 2015
The US is threatening to walk away from the talks unless Tehran capitulates to its demands for further sweeping concessions.
US sends warships to Strait of Hormuz, claiming Iran threat
By Thomas Gaist, 2 May 2015
The US Central Command justified sending naval forces to patrol the strategic waterway as a response to Iran’s seizure of a cargo ship earlier this week.
US-Iran tensions over seizure of cargo vessel
By Thomas Gaist, 29 April 2015
The incident comes against the backdrop of a redoubling of the US-backed aerial bombardment of Iranian-allied militias in Yemen.
Australian government to share intelligence with Iranian regime
By Peter Symonds, 24 April 2015
The foreign minister’s mission in Tehran was to feel out the possibilities for Washington for greater collaboration with Iran in securing US interests in the Middle East.
Saudi-led coalition halts air assault in Yemen
By Niles Williamson, 22 April 2015
Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday after nearly a month of daily bombardments that it was winding up the US-backed air campaign against Houthi rebels.
Iran’s Zarif volunteers Tehran as US strategic partner
By Keith Jones, 22 April 2015
Zarif’s “message” is remarkable both for what it says and what it doesn’t say.
White House and Congress reach deal over Iran nuclear talks
By Thomas Gaist, 17 April 2015
The Obama administration signaled approval Tuesday for legislation that would give Congress a role in the event that a deal is reached on Iran’s nuclear program.
US, Israel condemn Russian missile deal with Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 15 April 2015
Moscow’s lifting of its ban on delivery of defensive surface-to-air missiles to Iran has cut across US and Israeli threats of military action.
Iranian regime cautiously embraces international nuclear deal
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2015
Public criticism has been largely limited to the terms of the agreement, with no prominent figure calling for an end to the talks.
Obama defends Iran nuclear pact as Pentagon prepares for war
By Bill Van Auken, 7 April 2015
The Pentagon tested a new “bunker-buster” bomb, the most destructive non-nuclear weapon it has, to ensure Washington is “able to provide military options for Iran.”
Iran nuclear deal: US prepares for new wars
By Peter Symonds, 6 April 2015
The agreement with Iran does not represent a US turn towards peace, but is aimed at buttressing Washington’s position as it plans for war with Russia and China.
Obama hails Iran deal as US strategic triumph
By Keith Jones, 4 April 2015
The Obama administration calculates that an accommodation with Iran will strengthen US imperialism’s hand against its more formidable geo-strategic rivals, Russia and China.
Congressional Republicans, Democrats seek vote on Iran deal
By Patrick Martin, 4 April 2015
Congressional reaction was significantly more cautious than the full-throated denunciations that preceded this week’s agreement.
Iran makes sweeping concessions to US in nuclear “framework” deal
By Keith Jones, 3 April 2015
Obama touted the agreement as a diplomatic coup for the US, while boasting that Iran has been brought to heel by the “toughest sanctions in history.”
Iran nuclear talks extended to Wednesday
By Keith Jones, 1 April 2015
The framework talks have reportedly stalled over the extent to which Iran will be free to pursue civilian nuclear research and when and how UN sanctions will be lifted.
Iran nuclear talks in countdown to US-imposed deadline
By Keith Jones, 30 March 2015
Washington is insisting that the economic sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy remain in place for years to come.
John Bolton’s call for war on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 27 March 2015
The psychotic militarism of the Bush administration’s ambassador to the UN is seen by the political establishment as a legitimate approach to US foreign policy.
Israel spied on US-Iran talks in effort to block deal
By Patrick Martin, 25 March 2015
Israeli intelligence services spied on the Iran nuclear talks and leaked details to congressional Republicans and Democrats in an effort to block a prospective deal.
US intensifies pressure on Iran at nuclear talks
By Peter Symonds, 16 March 2015
US Secretary of State Kerry has made clear that the US will walk away from the negotiating table if Iran does not meet its demands.
US-Iran nuclear talks hint at a possible deal
By Peter Symonds, 5 March 2015
As far as Washington is concerned, a deal over Iran’s nuclear programs has always been bound up with broader geo-political considerations.
Syria strike caps Israel’s provocations in Middle East
By Chris Marsden, 21 January 2015
Israel’s air strike follows its denunciations of the International Criminal Court’s decision to launch a preliminary investigation into possible war crimes in Palestine.
Iran nuclear talks extended
By Keith Jones, 25 November 2014
Washington has extorted significant concessions from Tehran and calculates that more can be won by continuing to cripple Iran’s economy, while holding in reserve the threat of military action.
Iranian nuclear talks at impasse as deadline approaches
By Peter Symonds, 24 November 2014
The US has been demanding heavy restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programs in return for any lifting of sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy.
Obama’s letter to Iranian leader complicates nuclear talks
By Peter Symonds, 7 November 2014
Whatever the exact circumstances behind the revelation of the secret letter, the outcome is likely to be a harder line from Washington toward Iran.
US seeks to extend interim nuclear accord with Iran
By Keith Jones, 18 July 2014
Obama’s decision to seek an extension of the interim nuclear agreement with Iran is part of a drive to strengthen Washington’s hold over the world’s principal oil-exporting region.
Iraq crisis exacerbates divisions within Iranian elite
By Keith Jones, 21 June 2014
Iran’s government has had to pull back—at least for the moment—from its public offer to cooperate with Washington in stabilizing a pro-US regime in Baghdad.
Washington seeks alliance with Tehran as civil war in Iraq intensifies
By Chris Marsden, 17 June 2014
The fact that the United States is publicly asking for Iran’s help is a measure of the desperation of American policy makers as Washington’s decades-long policy in Iraq and the broader Middle East implodes under the weight of its own contradictions.
International talks on Iran’s nuclear program stall
By Peter Symonds, 20 May 2014
The US is insisting that Iran largely dismantle its nuclear facilities before crippling international sanctions are lifted.
Iran slashes price subsidies, auctions off public assets to European capital
By Sahand Avetis and Keith Jones, 14 May 2014
In close collaboration with the IMF, Iran’s government is eliminating price subsidies and accelerating the sell-off of public assets.
Flouting international law, US bars Iran’s UN ambassador
By Keith Jones, 22 April 2014
In a flagrant violation of Iran’s rights, the US is barring Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations from taking up his seat at UN headquarters in New York.
Ukraine coup intensifies conflicts within Iran’s elite
By Keith Jones, 15 March 2014
While Iran has signaled its readiness to reach an accommodation with Washington, there are huge apprehensions and bitter internal conflicts over this course of action.
US dictates terms in international talks with Iran
By Peter Symonds, 21 February 2014
The Vienna negotiations produced nothing more than a broad framework for further talks.
US intensifies pressure on Iran as talks on permanent nuclear pact begin
By Keith Jones, 18 February 2014
In the four weeks since an interim nuclear agreement between Iran and the P-6 came into force, Washington has ratcheted up its pressure on Iran, including threatening war.
Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline stalled
By Alan Leigh, 15 February 2014
Uncertainty over the pipeline is another symptom of sharpening regional rivalries.
Growing unease in Iran over rapprochement with Washington
By Keith Jones, 13 February 2014
Serious differences within Iran’s ruling elite over the attempted rapprochement with Washington have been repeatedly voiced in recent days.
US threatens French companies with sanctions over Iran
By Peter Symonds, 7 February 2014
The Obama administration has reacted to the arrival of a major French business delegation in Tehran with barely disguised hostility.
Iranian president declares country “open for business”
By Keith Jones, 27 January 2014
Iran’s president travelled to the World Economic Forum in order to woo the world financial elite and reiterate the Islamic Republic’s eagerness to reach an accommodation with Washington.
With Syria talks in disarray, UN yanks invitation to Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 21 January 2014
Plans for talks on a political settlement of the three-year-old war in Syria were thrown into disarray Monday, just two days before the talks were set to open in Switzerland.
With Iran accord, US shifts tactics, not predatory aims
By Keith Jones, 16 January 2014
Obama’s claim that he aims to “give peace a chance” is a lie. Washington has not retreated one inch from its rapacious drive to assert hegemony in the Middle East and Asia.
US excludes Iran from Syria conference
By Keith Jones, 14 January 2014
One day after the US gave its assent to a six-month interim deal with Iran, US and Russian officials clashed over Iran’s role in upcoming Geneva talks on Syria.
Iran and US finalize interim nuclear deal
By Keith Jones, 13 January 2014
Negotiations to implement the interim agreement proved protracted, as the US and the EU sought to extort additional concessions from Tehran.
Syria conference, Iranian deal hang in balance as US steps up bullying
By Keith Jones, 10 January 2014
Washington is intensifying efforts to use the upcoming international conference on Syria to remove Bashar al-Assad, while seeking fresh concessions from Iran.
Iran offers major concessions to US and European oil giants
By Alan Leigh, 9 January 2014
The offer of lucrative energy contracts shows that much more is being discussed behind closed doors at international talks with Iran than its nuclear program.
Implementation of US-Iran interim nuclear deal stalls
By Keith Jones, 23 December 2013
Negotiations on implementing the US-designed nuclear deal with Iran have stalled, leading Iranian officials to publicly question whether it will unravel.
Saudi Arabia angered by US-Iran rapprochement
By Jean Shaoul, 17 December 2013
The main thrust of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy—its opposition to Iran and the “Shia arc”—has been undermined by Washington.
Missing US citizen in Iran identified as CIA spy
By Bill Van Auken, 14 December 2013
A former FBI agent missing in Iran since 2007 has been identified as a covert CIA spy, exposing as lies US claims that he went to the country on private business.
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