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Officially in office for less than a week, US President Donald Trump keeps using executive orders to dismantle or overturn policies put in place by his predecessor Barack Obama.

Yet what Trump once considered his No. 1 priority on his to-undo-list, the Iran nuclear agreement, seems to be more difficult to scrap than the self-declared uber-dealmaker initially thought.

Fresh evidence of this reality is expected to arrive at the White House on Friday, when British Prime Minister Theresa May will be the carrier of an important message: The Iran nuclear deal is here to stay!

Previewing Mays trip to Washington, her spokesperson said that she will stress the British strong support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, concluded between Tehran and six world powers.

During the campaign, candidate Trump called the Islamic Republic the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism, a threat across the Middle East, and a country that has covert cells ready to inflict carnage around the globe.

Allowing Iran access to billions of dollars in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, Trump argued, was not in Americas or the worlds interests.

But during their Senate confirmation hearings Trumps own national security cabinet picks acknowledged the diplomatic reality and avoided the term re-negotiation altogether.

Signs that there is no appetite for a new round of grueling negotiations are not only coming from London, but also from Paris, Berlin, Moscow, Beijing and Tehran, the other signatories of the agreement.

The other P5+1 are not going to support an effort to re-negotiate a deal, if they think its just a clever way to destroy it, says Gary Samore, Executive Director for Research at Harvard Universitys Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Even if Trump were to engage Iran in new bilateral negotiations given the unlikelihood of multilateral talks, he would need to offer more sanctions relief to lure Tehran back to the table. Yet, Trumps natural instincts will be to pressure and threaten Iran with new sanctions, Samore says.

Probably Trumps best option, likely to be favored by Washingtons foreign policy establishment, would be to abide by the nuclear deal and to focus instead on other non-nuclear threats from Iran in the region, Samore says.

Likely topics could be Irans non-nuclear armament, Tehrans support of various violent extremist groups in the region and its role in destabilising regional governments. But will Trump follow such a path?

In Tehran, the biggest concerns are Trumps general unpredictability, the Iranophobia of his cabinet appointees, and that pressure from Congress could derail the deal, writes Arthur MacMillan in Foreign Policy.

The Iranian government isnt sanguine about Trump, and both supreme leader Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani have become increasingly bellicose about the United States since November.

The reason is that there remains a way Trump could single-handedly renege on the agreement by simply allowing waivers of past sanctions to lapse. That would derail the deal at least on the American side, but it is unclear whether it would have Trumps desired general effect, given that the Europeans, Russians and Chinese have no intention of re-instating sanctions.

Trump, a newcomer to international diplomacy, should recognise the new global strategic reality involving Iran, says Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian-American Council. In its quest for formulating a viable Middle East strategy, the US needs to look eastward and rethink American interests.

Instead of being bogged down in endless conflicts by questionable allies who only want the US to fight their wars, maintaining the Iran deal would allow the United States to gain more maneuverability and become less dependent on traditional allies from Israel to Saudi Arabia to the Gulf states, Parsi says.

So far, Trump has given no hint of what his Middle East policy would look like. But his America first mantra may lead his administration to re-assess future involvements in that troubled region as well.

See more here:
Why the Iran nuclear deal will likely survive President Trump - euronews

If mainstream media truly wishes to repair itsimage with the general public, these outlets must recognize they do not merely suffer from a "bubble" reinforced by overwhelmingly liberal staffing, or from supposedly insufficient outreach to working class communities.

The mainstream's issues are apparentin their content choices, suggesting an intractableproblem. Following decades of allowing the Democratic Party to select the day'snarrative, they possess no measure of professional competence for objectively judging the importance of information.

The media's remarkablydifferent responses to the following two stories offer a definitive example:

2. Per the Washington Free Beacon: "Two high-level Iranian government backers, including a former Islamic Republic official and another accused of lobbying on Tehrans behalf, were hosted at the Obama White House for more than 30 meetings with top officials atkey junctures in the former administrations contested diplomacy with Iran ...

"Sources familiar with the nature of the meetings told the Washington Free Beacon that both Parsi and Mousavian helped the White House craft its pro-Iran messaging and talking points that helped lead to the nuclear agreement with Iran. These efforts were part of a larger pro-Iran deal 'echo chamber' led by senior Obama administration officials who were tasked with misleading Congress about the nature of the deal ..."

Just about every mainstream outlet has covered the Michael Flynn story with multiplearticles: Newsweek, CNN, Daily Beast, CBS News, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and others -- a thorough search returnsdozens of high-profile sources that publishedhighly trafficked pieces.

Several pundits demanded answers, pointing to the calls as further evidence of Donald Trump having aligned himself with Vladimir Putin's dictatorial regime, and having allowed Putin to direct elements of his campaign and his coming presidency. Later, these same outlets announced that an "FBI investigation" into Flynn'scalls and texts had commenced.

But this week, we learn the hysteria about Flynn and the FBI appears to have been unwarranted. The outlets which had previously inflated the story have since backed down.

As you read their follow-up stories below, note the cause of their initial hysteria: you knowof the Mike Flynn story simply due tojournalistic ineptitude -- specifically, the journalists' ignorance of diplomatic practices -- combined with their predetermined acceptance of the Trump/Russia narrative.

Yesterday, per NBC News:

The FBI eavesdropped on telephone calls between President Donald Trump's national security adviser and the Russian ambassador but found nothing improper, a U.S. intelligence official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said late Monday that there was never a formal "investigation" of the calls in December between retired Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn and Sergei Kislyak, Russia's ambassador in Washington.

According to the source, who was confirming a Washington Post report earlier Monday, intelligence officials merely listened in as part of routine eavesdropping on Kislyak.

...

The former official, who requested anonymity to speak about sensitive information, said it was not uncommon for diplomats or other U.S. officials to garner such attention to if they are recorded talking to foreign counterparts. Rarely anything comes of this, however, because U.S. officials have wide latitude in how they communicate as part of their jobs.

Originally posted here:
Media Covers Fake Mike Flynn Story, Ignores Bombshell on Secret Obama/Iran Meetings - PJ Media

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The crown prince is the son of Irans last king, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. He is the president of the National Council for Free Elections in Iran.

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We realize that the current regime is not going to voluntarily leave the scene, which is why we have put together a campaign of resistance and civil disobedience, Pahlavi told Breitbart News. And thats why weve been in contact with a variety of secularists within Iran representing all sorts of views from workers to teachers to labor unions to other organizations.

Adelle Nazarian of Breitbart News interviews Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. (Photo: Breitbart News)

Over half of Irans population is under the age of 40. The crown prince noted that the advent of social media and technology is a priceless tool inthe quest for freedom. And fortunately in this world of social media and Internet communication most of the give and take happens by means that were not available 20 years ago, he said.

Pahlavi recentlypenned a letter to President Donald Trump congratulating him on his victory. Asked how he views Trump and his administration with regard to U.S.-Iran relations, he said, I think the current president has indicated that he wants to be much more in support of strengthening the peoples hand and, at the same time, weakening the regime. And I think thats exactly what we were hoping to hear.

He said this rhetoric and support should not be limited to the U.S, adding that hes always advocated that the empowerment of any people is always the best solution at the end, especially when they have to fight very oppressive regimes. So, engaging with the people, helping civil society in these countries, is the quickest path to maximizing the success of such nations to overcome whatever struggle they are facing.

Irans former recently died. The businessmanhad a checkered political past and was considered the father of Irans nuclear program. While some within the regime described his as a man of peace, he was better remembered by many of the Iranian people as an oppressor and for having orchestrated several international terrorist atrocities.

The crown prince also commented on the recent death of Irans former president, Hashami Rafsanjani, who was described in the media as a man of peace but who was the father of Irans nuclear program, as well as an oppressive ruler. Pahlavi compared Rafsanjanis death to the passing of Cubas late dictator Fidel Castro: Its not the same anymore, no matter how many more junior cadres remain. And in that sense, more of a void will be created. He noted the importance of making sure that the void is filled with the proper alternative. Thats something everyone should be concerned with.

Earlier Monday evening, Pahlavi addressed a private audienceandurged civil disobedience by means of non-violence.

Reza Pahlavi (middle) receiving key to the city from currentBeverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch (right) and former mayor Lili Bosse (left). (Photo: Breitbart News)

Although he did not mention President Barack Obama by name, the crown prince said, When you fight extremely brutal regimes, such movements cannot succeed without having tacit support from other freedom-loving countries and governments. His words evoked memories of the failure of the Obama administration to provide much-needed support to the ailing Iranian people during the 2009 Green Revolution and the stolen election that fueled it.

With Rafsanjanis death, however, the crown prince noted that the regime is pretty much beginning to show indications of fragmentation, going eventually towards their collapse. He noted the importance of making sure that the path to the alternative is as smooth as possible and that complete measures are taken to make sure that a dictatorship willnot be replaced by another one. And that, indeed, it is the people who will triumph and nobody else.

Asked if the crown prince would consider taking on an elected or lineal leadership role in his country of birth, and the land where his father reigned as its last king, Pahlavi said:

Ive always said this is not about me. Its about the Iranian people and their opportunity to finally get self-determination and freedom. Thats my only objective at this point. And the day that we have free elections will be the day I will consider my political mission in life accomplished. From that day on, I cannot tell you now what the circumstances will be. Ive always said that Im ready to serve my country, in whatever capacity that my constituents choose.

Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter and Periscope@AdelleNaz

More here:
Iran's Crown Prince Pahlavi: Civil Disobedience for a Free Iran - Breitbart News

SAIPA Diesel a subsidiary of SAIPA, Irans second largest automaker, will start production of three new models of Volvo FM trucks in the coming months. The company has been producing several models of Volvo trucks in recent years. But according to the local automotive website, Persian Khodro, production of the FM series was halted five years ago. Volvo Trucks is a global truck manufacturer based in Gothenburg, Sweden, owned by AB Volvo. It is the world's second largest heavy-duty truck brand and a respected name in Iran. The website said SAIPA is set to produce three new models of the FM trucks namely D13B, D11C, and D13C. D11C has a 10.8-liter engine with a power output between 330ph to 450ph. D13B which was introduced by Volvo in 2007 has a 12.8-liter engine and power output between 360ph to 440ph. The model uses Volvos Exhaust Gas Recirculation configuration and VGT turbocharger. D13C also has a 12.8-liter engine and a power output between 380ph to 500ph. News about the three new trucks entering the local market led to a 2% growth in SAIPA and SAIPA Diesel share value in the local stock market while the bourse in Tehran has generally been on the downward trajectory. The improving fortunes of the car company could also be due to the upcoming visit of the French Foreign Minister to Iran. Jean-Marc Ayrault is expected to lead a strong trade and economic delegation. Citroen officials are expected to be part of the delegation, which is likely to lead to positive moves in the implementation of SAIPA-Citroen deal. SAIPA and Citroen signed a joint venture in January. The Iranian firm is set to hand one of its production plants in Kashan in Isfahan Province to Citroen in the coming months. Saipa Diesel had a successful experience in producing Volvo trucks in Iran. Saipa Diesels Volvo sold FH 12 series quickly dominated Iran roads, back in 2005. During the sanctions; however, Saipa started to partner Chinese firms offering cheaper models. There are 120,000-130,000 vehicles in Iran's cargo truck fleet with over 25 years in age on average. The Roads Ministry is planning to replace 15,000 old trucks each year. Earlier this week, the ministry signed a contract with Mammut Industrial Group, Scanias official partner in Iran, over replacing 5,000 old trucks with brand-new Scania models, either assembled or imported by Mammut. Iran Khodro Diesel, Middle Easts largest automaker, has also inked a deal with Germanys Daimler to produce Mercedes-Benz models in near future. Contrary to their Chinese competitors, the above-mentioned companies are favored by drivers and fleet owners, as they offer top quality builds, good fuel economy and highly liquid when it comes to selling.

The rest is here:
Volvo To Make Trucks in Iran - Financial Tribune

Philip Gordon, the former White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Persian Gulf region. (photo credit:REUTERS)

A former top adviser to president Barack Obama said at a panel in Tel Aviv on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump is delusional about his ability to change the Iran nuclear deal.

It is fantasy to think that fundamental changes of the [Iran] deal could be achieved, Philip Gordon, a former top Obama administration official on Iran and the Middle East, said on Tuesday at an Institute for National Security Studies Conference panel discussion in Tel Aviv on the deals future under the Trump administration.

Gordon then listed specific aspects of the deal which he did not believe the Trump administration would be able to change.

For example, he said President Trump would fail to change: the deals sunset provisions, which remove limits on Irans nuclear program when certain deadlines pass; the number of centrifuges Iran can continue to operate under the deal; and the modalities of the deals inspection regime.

If Trumps team wants to see a fundamental revision without the support of our allies, Gordon said, anyone who thinks they can call Iran back to the table to get Iran to agree to a 30-year deadline for maintaining nuclear limits instead of the current deadlines of 6.5, 8.5 and 12.5 years, is kidding themselves, and will merely find the US itself more isolated.

I cant predict what Iran will be in 15 years, but lets see if it [the deal] buys us 10 to 15 years. If it still wants to build nuclear weapons and remains a regular threat, then the US, EU, Israel will decide what to do then, but why provoke that crisis decision today? he asked.

Gordon also predicted that even if the Trump administration does set a different tone in its dealings with Iran, at the end of the day there are structural geopolitical differences between US and Israeli interests. Those differences mean Israels threshold will probably always be in a different place in terms of at what point it feels threatened by Iran.

Former CIA director David Petraeus, who was also on the panel, called for Congress to pass a bipartisan statement that Iran will never get to enrich uranium to weapons-grade level.

Petraeus added that statement should be followed by saying openly that US Central Command has the authority to carry out any operations necessary just in case and to act with allies in the region to do more to confront Iran.

Petraus, the general who commanded US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the US should consider rolling back Iranian aggression in the region by backing Saudi Arabia more strongly in Yemen.

He said that the US had acted problematically by slamming the Saudis for civilian casualties caused by its attacks against Iran-allied forces in Yemen, while failing to give it more advanced precision-guided munitions, while cutting off assistance in target selection.

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Top Obama adviser: Trump is living in 'fantasy' over changing Iran deal - Jerusalem Post Israel News