Belfer Iran Brief—Iran backs away from al-Maliki and other news

Highlights

• Iran has begun to distance itself from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, according to reports. 

• Exports of Iranian oil to India dropped to their lowest point in 10 months in June.

• The IAEA is reportedly concerned about the slow pace of cooperation with its investigation of the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program. 

Diplomacy and nuclear issue 

• The IAEA is reportedly concerned about the slow pace of cooperation with its investigation of the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program. (Reuters, 7/22/14) 

• Iranian state television reported that the next round P5+1 talks will begin in early September. (Reuters, 7/23/14) 

• The IAEA will need another 1 million euros to maintain its monitoring of Iran’s compliance with the JPA through the new November deadline for negotiations. (Reuters, 7/25/14) 

Sanctions and Iran’s economy

• Boeing agrees to sell airplane parts to Iran Air. (Reuters, 7/24/14)

• Iran set to unveil new oil extraction contracts for foreign companies in November. (Tehran Times, 7/23/14)

• India paid the last $550 million tranche owed to Iran under the JPA. (The Hindu, 7/24/14)

• Exports of Iranian oil to India dropped to their lowest point in 10 months in June. (Reuters, 7/23/14)

Iranian domestic politics

• Iran’s own satellite jamming is preventing it from predicting deadly dust storms. (RFERL, 7/24/14)

US-Iran relations

• Senate Republicans introduced a bill that would require the president to receive formal approval from Congress for any comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran. (National Journal, 7/23/14)

• Iran detained four journalists, three of whom are American citizens. (Reuters, 7/24/14)

• A federal judge ruled that Iran and North Korea are liable for damages resulting from Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel in the 2006 Lebanon War. (JPost, 7/25/14)

Geopolitics and Iran

• Iran has begun to distance itself from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, according to reports. (WSJ, 7/22/14) Note: Iraqi Shiite politicians say al-Maliki has refused Iran’s requests for him to step down. (Telegraph, 7/24/14)

Israel

• No significant developments.

“Red lines,” “points of no return,” and military strikes

• No significant developments.

Uncertain or dubious claims

• No significant claims.