Western powers prepare IAEA resolution against Tehran amid fragile nuclear talks
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken a significant step in cracking down on money laundering for Iran, sanctioning 35 individuals involved in the illicit activity. This move comes as the Biden administration continues its efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran over its nuclear weapons program.
According to a State Department spokesperson, the network targeted by the sanctions has been responsible for laundering billions of dollars through Iranian exchange houses and foreign front companies. These funds are used to support Tehran’s campaigns of terror, which pose a threat to international peace and security while enriching regime elites.
As tensions with Iran escalate, Western powers are reportedly considering a resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that would formally declare Tehran in non-compliance with its nuclear obligations. This would be a significant development, as it would mark the first time in two decades that such a motion has been brought against Iran at the IAEA.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the potential resolution, labeling it a “strategic mistake” and accusing the UK, France, and Germany of prioritizing “malign action” over diplomacy. He warned that Iran would react strongly against any violations of its rights.
As negotiations between the US and Iran continue, voices from within Iran reveal a complex reality. While many citizens are desperate for relief from economic hardship, they fear that any deal reached with the regime could only serve to strengthen its grip on power. The economic situation in Iran is dire, with inflation soaring, infrastructure failing, and the value of the rial plummeting.
Despite the potential short-term benefits of a deal, some Iranians remain skeptical. They point to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as an example of promises made but not fulfilled. Many feel that only those connected to the regime benefited from the agreement, while the general population saw little improvement in their quality of life.
There is also a deep mistrust of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his regime among Iranians. Many believe that Khamenei is not to be trusted and that any agreement made with him will ultimately serve to bolster his oppressive rule. The regime’s survival, they argue, depends on its hostility towards the US and Israel, making lasting peace unlikely.
Recent protests and strikes in Iran, including a nationwide truckers’ strike, are seen as signs of grassroots unrest and dissatisfaction with the current regime. These movements have been met with harsh crackdowns and suppression, leaving many Iranians wary of expressing dissent.
Despite the challenges and complexities of negotiating with Iran, the Biden administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be closely watching for any signs of progress or regression in the negotiations.
