US Report: Human Trafficking in Iran
The U.S. State Department cited Iran as “a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor” in its 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report.The U.S. State Department cited Iran as “a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor” in its 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report.Kerry: Iran Helpful in Fight Against ISIS
On June 28, Secretary of State John Kerry said that Washington and Tehran have a common interest in Iraq and the fight against ISIS, also known as ISIL, Daesh or the Islamic State. Iran “has been in certain ways helpful, and they clearly are focused on ISIL/Daesh,” he said at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Kerry acknowledged the remaining differences between Iran and the United States, but he also emphasized that the brokering of the nuclear deal opened up a new opportunity for communication with Iran.
Iran in 2016 Fragile States Index
Iran’s ranking on the annual Fragile States Index improved slightly compared to 2015. The Fund for Peace ranks 178 countries based on their levels of stability and the pressures they face as reflected by twelve indicators. Iran ranked 47 in 2016 compared to 44 in 2015, with one being the most unstable. Its stability ranking was similar to that of Cambodia and Gambia. Lebanon was the closest Middle Eastern country in terms of ranking at number 40.
Financial Task Force Keeps Iran on Blacklist
On June 24, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced that it will keep Iran on its list of high-risk countries. The inter-governmental body, however, welcomed Iran’s commitment to address its record on money laundering and financing terrorism, and, as a result, suspended some restrictions for a year while Iran attempts to improve deficiencies. But the FATF warned that it would reinstate its counter-measures if Iran fails to improve. The group, whose 37 members met in South Korea, also decided to keep North Korea on its blacklist.
Iran Files ICJ Complaint to Reclaim Assets
Iran has filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice to reclaim some $2 billion in assets frozen in the United States, President Hassan Rouhani announced on June 15. Tehran’s move is a response to an April 2016 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that held Iran financially responsible for terrorist attacks dating back to the 1983 Marine Corps barracks bombing in Beirut.
Khamenei Warns US Presidential Candidates on Nuclear Deal
On June 14, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that if the next U.S. president tears up the nuclear deal, Iran will “set fire to it.” He appeared to be referencing remarks by presumptive Republican candidate for president, Donald J. Trump.Khamenei Warns US Presidential Candidates on Nuclear Deal
On June 14, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that if the next U.S. president tears up the nuclear deal, Iran will “set fire to it.” He appeared to be referencing remarks by presumptive Republican candidate for president, Donald J. Trump.US Treasury Guidance on Sanctions Relief
On June 8, the U.S. Treasury released additional guidance on what transactions U.S. and foreign entities can have with Iranian entities following the lifting of sanctions as part of the nuclear deal. “U.S.
Iran Denies Visas to Republican Lawmakers
Iran has denied visas to three Republican lawmakers who wanted to observe Iran’s parliamentary elections, meet Iranian leaders, inspect nuclear sites, and meet with Americans held in Iran. In February 2016, Representatives Mike Pompeo (R-KS), Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) filed applications with the Iranian interest section at the Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C.
US Report: Iran’s Support for Terror
In 2015, Iran “increased its assistance to Iraqi Shia terrorist groups, including Kata’ib Hizballah (KH), which is a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, as part of an effort to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and bolster the Asad regime in Syria,” according to the newly released State Department annual report on terrorism. Iran also supported Hezbollah, Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza, and various groups in Iraq and throughout the Middle East.