Hardliners Question Rouhani’s Pledge to Remove Remaining Sanctions if Reelected
The hardline Iranian media – particularly outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) – has attacked President Hassan Rouhani for pledging to make efforts to remove remaining U.S. sanctions against Iran if reelected.
Syria Talks Resume in Geneva; Saudis to Give Warm Welcome to Trump; Qalibaf Withdraws from Iran Presidential Race
In this week’s Monday Briefing, MEI experts Charles Lister, Gerald Feierstein, Eran Etzion, and Alex Vatanka provide analysis on recent and upcoming events including the resumption of Syria talks in Geneva, President Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and Israel, and the latest developments in the home stretch of Iran’s presidential election.
Escalating Tension between Iran-Backed P.M.F. Groups and Peshmerga Forces in Sinjar
A commander of Kurdish peshmerga forces in the Iraqi town of Sinjar, Sarbast Lazkeen, has cautioned that any further expansion of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.) toward the Syrian border and into Kurdish regions could prompt a direct military intervention by Turkey, Saudi Arabia or the United States.
Hezbollah Reportedly Deploys 1,000 Fighters near Syria-Jordan Border to Face “U.S.-Backed” Militants
The Lebanese Hezbollah has dispatched hundreds of its fighters in two main fronts in southern Syria near the border with Jordan, according to Fars News Agency, an outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.).
I.R.G.C. Outlet: U.S. Military Build-up along Iraq-Syria Border Aimed at Countering "Shiite Crescent"
Recent reports that the Trump administration is in talks with Baghdad about keeping American troops in Iraq after the defeat of the Islamic State have triggered concern in Tehran. The Iranian media also have raised the alarm that the U.S. increasing military presence in Iraq and Syria is aimed at countering the influence of Iran and its regional allies in the Middle East.
Iran-Backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces Make Gains in Western Mosul
The Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi – the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.) – earlier today announced the launch of the second phase of the “Muhammad Rasulullah” operation in western Mosul of Iraq’s Nineveh Province.
Iran-Supported Militia Groups Eye Politics after Islamic State
Muhammad al-Hattab, a commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.), has hinted that the paramilitary forces may enter politics and participate in elections after the Islamic State is defeated.
Iran-Controlled Militant Group Says Regional Alliance Will Create “Shiite Full Moon”
The leader of a prominent Iran-supported Shiite militia group has said that his organization aims to establish a “Shiite full moon” not a “Shiite crescent.” In a
Supreme Leader’s Aide Defends Iran’s Role in Regional Conflicts, Questions U.S. Presence in Mideast
A senior Iranian official has defended the Islamic Republic’s involvement in regional conflicts and questioned the presence and role of the United States in the Middle East.
Iran Hopes Macron’s Victory Will Help Improve Tehran-Paris Ties
Iran has welcomed President-elect Emmanuel Macron victory in the French election President Hassan Rouhani congratulated Macron on Monday and called for boosting bilateral ties between the two countries. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also congratulated the French government and people on Macron’s triumph over his populist rival Marine Le Pen.
If it’s tough enough for media pundits to keep up with President Donald Trump’s flip-flopping on domestic politics, then the task of reading the president’s stand on key foreign issues is even more difficult. Jordan, one of America’s closest Middle Eastern partners, has been trying to cope with Trump’s sudden swerves on Syria, Israel-Palestine, and the war on ISIS. At times, the usually reserved Jordanian diplomacy was taken off-guard, forced to recalibrate, and even walk back on certain positions as a result of the president’s rhetoric.
