Former Indian Ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar and Newsclick’s Prabir Purkayastha discuss what lies ahead in West Asia as a new US administration takes charge

Deputy head of the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi militia, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was killed in a drone strike by the US inside Iraq last year, along with top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran has also issued a similar warrant against Trump and 47 other Americans 

As the US continues to mount pressure on Iran, the latter has said it “intends to produce low-enriched uranium up to 20 percent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant”

The elections to the Majlis that are scheduled for February 21 are taking place at a time of intense diplomatic and political aggression by the US. This has strengthened the conservative sections in the country

Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif said that Germany, France and the UK, which are signatories to the deal, had failed to provide necessary safeguards to Iran against the illegal sanctions imposed by the US

This marks a gradual withdrawal from a provision of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). As per the agreement, not complying with certain sections is allowed in case one or more signatories withdraws from the deal.

Political analyst Aijaz Ahmad talks about the US ramping up threats against Iran, its ability to exercise hegemony through control of financial institutions, and the response of European powers to the situation.