iran seeks covert nuclear materials, devices in germany

Frederic Hof writes: Assad, with Russian and Iranian connivance, continues to conduct mass murder. And ISIS continues to dodge bombs from the air and Kurds on the ground. Being wrong analytically does not make one blind or immune to the consequences of what the United States has done, and failed to do, in Syria. – Real Clear World

For years, Iran covered up its military activities in Syria and Iraq, so the government could deny any official involvement on the ground…Now every Iranian killed in action is named, his picture published, his valor lauded in elaborate tributes in the hard-line news media and on Instagram accounts dedicated to the fighters. The reason for the change, analysts say, is not some newfound dedication to transparency but a rift between the Iranian establishment’s hard-liners, who control the military, and the moderates. – New York Times

The Obama administration is brushing aside new German intelligence reports indicating that Iran has accelerated its efforts to procure key nuclear materials, despite promises to end this behavior as part of last summer’s nuclear accord, according to comments by a U.S. official provided to the Free Beacon. – Washington Free Beacon
 
Michael Makovsky writes: We should adhere to the JCPOA, which is not legally binding, only as long as it serves our interests. We should commit that under no circumstances will Iran develop its ballistic missile and advanced nuclear R&D programs. At some point we're going to have to confront, whether diplomatically or otherwise, a more robust Iran and ensure that its nuclear program is ended. It could get very messy and very dangerous. And we will be able to thank President Obama and his crowning foreign policy achievement for putting us in that position – The Weekly Standard

The Tower:  U.S. Funded Iranian Nuclear Program

Simon Henderson writes: Washington's confidence in the JCPOA's continued success is highly optimistic. Tehran is resentful of continued restrictions on its efforts to expand trade; although these limitations are largely a consequence of nonnuclear sanctions and Iran's own shortcomings (e.g., in the banking sector), the regime has nevertheless accused Washington of reneging on the deal. For their part, U.S. allies are skeptical of Washington's ability to firmly enforce the agreement. In words attributed to a British diplomat at the UN and repeated by numerous others, "The United States is no longer feared by its enemies or respected by its friends." – Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Foreign Policy Initiative - Total Intelligence - Iran Seeks Nuclear Material Abroad

Olli Heinonen writes: Iran plans to manufacture and install additional advanced centrifuges at its Natanz facility in about 10 years, substantially boosting the country’s uranium-enrichment capability, according to a confidential document leaked last week by the Associated Press. According to the plan – which Iran reportedly shared with the IAEA six months ago – Tehran’s breakout time will shrink to a few weeks or less. – Foundation for Defense of Democracies
 
Emanuele Ottolenghi and Annie Fixler write: The Iran nuclear deal failed to meet America’s goals and achieve long-term stability in the Middle East. When it unravels, neither diplomacy nor economic coercion will be available to fix its shortcomings. – Jewish Journal