Pompeo, Religion, and Regime Change in Iran

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj In his brief stint as CIA director, Mike Pompeo brought God to Langley. At least that’s how it felt it to many in the intelligence community. According to Foreign Policy, Pompeo attended “weekly Bible studies held in… Continue Reading

As Trump Goes Nuclear on Iranian Oil, Europe Must Match His Brinkmanship

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj In the view of veteran observers of the oil industry, Trump has “gone nuclear.” Speaking during a background briefing on Tuesday, a senior state department official announced that the the Trump administration wants to completely eliminate imports… Continue Reading

North Korea’s Negotiating Position Is Out of Reach for Iran, Even if It Acquires a Bomb

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj The Singapore Summit was bittersweet for those working to save the Iran nuclear deal. Just a few weeks after Trump violated a robust, multilateral arms control agreement, he choreographed his own bid to strike a similar agreement… Continue Reading

They Want War With Iran, They’re Settling for Economic War

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Valiollah Seif, governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” accusing him of moving “ millions of dollars on… Continue Reading

New Iran Polling Data Provides Vital Background for Trump’s Pending Announcement

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj With Trump finally poised to announce his decision on the Iran nuclear deal, many policymakers and business leaders are understandably feeling that, even though bad news is expected, there will finally be some clarity on the future… Continue Reading