Month: March 2022

Russia’s Attack on Ukraine Raises Stakes For Iran Nuclear Talks

While it does not appear that Russia has become interested in undermining the JCPOA as a whole, dragging out the talks could serve Russia’s interests.

Russia’s military attack on Ukraine has had a number of consequences for Iran, the most important of which have impacted the state of the nuclear negotiations and the energy market. With nuclear talks in Vienna in their final and most critical stages, a return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would lead to the lifting of the “maximum pressure” sanctions that were first imposed on Iran under the Trump administration.

Ukraine-Russia war: Russia, the world’s most-sanctioned country – report

The total number of sanctions against Russia stands at 5,532, which is more than those imposed on Iran, Venezuela, Cuba and Myanmar combined.

Russia has officially become the most-sanctioned nation on Earth in the span of just 10 days, surpassing the likes of North Korea and Iran, due to the recent actions of President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine, according to sanctions-tracking database Castellum.ai.

Russia-Ukraine War explainer: What is a no-fly zone?

While 74% of the US public supports working with NATO to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine, prominent US leaders have cautioned against the move.

As war rages in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for a “no-fly zone” over Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv. The EU, NATO and the United States have denied all requests for the NFZ as of now, fearing that the move could exacerbate the conflict.

Russia-Ukraine War: What is a thermobaric bomb?

The Russia-Ukraine War has seen increased discussion about the danger of thermobaric weapons, but what are they exactly and how do they work?

What is a thermobaric bomb?

Thermobaric weapons are a type of explosive that uses aerosolized fuel – fuel droplets suspended in air – to ignite oxygen to create intense heat and pressure waves.

The Limits of a New Iran Nuclear Deal

Why the Original Agreement’s Flaws Remain Unresolved

After months of discussion, negotiators appear close to an agreement to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Although some issues—including a series of last-minute Russian demands—remain outstanding, both the United States and Iran appear committed to securing a deal in the coming days or weeks. The agreement, if fully implemented, would bring the United States and Iran into compliance with the original pact, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), rolling back parts of Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from the most severe U.S. sanctions regime ever imposed.

How the War in Ukraine Could Get Much Worse

Russia and the West Risk Falling Into a Deadly Spiral

During the first week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian leaders repeatedly raised the prospect of a nuclear response should the United States or its NATO partners intervene in the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his speech announcing war in Ukraine by warning that “anyone who tries to interfere with us … must know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to such consequences as you have never before experienced in your history.” He subsequently emphasized Russia’s “advantages in a number of the latest types of nuclear weapons” while ordering Russian strategic nuclear forces on alert. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov returned to this theme a few days later, noting that a third world war would be a nuclear war and urging Western leaders to consider what a “real war” with Russia would entail. The message was crystal clear: nuclear escalation is possible should the United States or its NATO partners intervene in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Erdogan Aide Says Zelenskyy, Israel and Soros ‘Leading Ukrainians to Death’

Just before Israeli President Herzog arrives for Turkey visit, Erdogan’s adviser says in an antisemitic tweet that Ukraine and its people ‘are being used up and thrown away’

A senior adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy of leading his own people to death in the fight against Russia’s invasion, and said the Ukrainian president, who is Jewish, is supported by Israel and billionaire financier George Soros.