If I were the head Ayatollah of Iran

[DFW]

I would take a look at the big picture and my nuclear program, and do..................nothing.

As long as I abide by the treaty and Europe opens up trade and diplomatically (tourism money!!), Europe will pull our sorry asses out the financial fire, especially with Erdoğan making such an ass of himself that half of Germany, England and Scandinavia is busy canceling their summer vacations in Turkey. Why should Spain, Italy, Croatia and Greece have all the fun?

[OnDoutside]

1. I really hope the EU step up but Putin then wins.

[DFW]

3. A prosperous Iran is not in Putin's interest

He wants Iran poor and afraid of both us AND the EU. The EU can make Iran prosperous with Trade and mass tourism. Putin can't.

[OnDoutside]

5. Accepted but it would cause big division between the US and the EU. There

is then the threat of anyone breaking US sanctions. If the EU do a deal to keep things as they are, that puts Trump and the EU in direct conflict, where he would lose major face if the EU didn't toe his line.

[DFW]

6. Trump has already caused the rift with the EU

Even the threats of his punishing customs tariffs have made huge waves here. The EU knows they are no longer dealing with a country they can reliably call an unconditional ally. They are willing to test the waters.

As for losing face, I assure you, over here, Trump has no more face to lose. About the only thing he could do to raise his image at this point is resign, and even then the initial response of the public in Europe will be, "FINALLY!! What took you so long?"

[OnDoutside]

11. All correct but on Planet Trump, HE would know he's losing face and in that

scenario, does he accept it meekly, or double down by going after the EU for breaking his sanctions ? The thought then of everyone laughing at him, is likely to make him even more erratic.

[DFW]

13. He seems to have a gift for denial

Any embarrassment he can't make go away, he just says it didn't happen. I'm sure Bill Cosby would have liked to learn that trick before his trial.

[OnDoutside]

14. Of all the times he would do this, I would want him to do it this time !!!

[Yonnie3]

7. "Our" abassador to Germany says

Link to tweet

[OnDoutside]

12. Interesting, thanks. If the EU don't roll over, we might end up with an insane sanctions/trade war

between the US and the EU because Trump would feel he would lose face if he didn't follow through on his threat to those cooperating with Iran, which is what I inarticulately was getting at in my first post, about Putin winning.

[mercuryblues]

21. The reason US sanctions

have an impact is that the US enlists other countries to join. I don't see any other country joining. Any retaliation by trump against those countries still honoring the treaty will have a far greater impact on us than on them. So of course trump will retaliate and the EU will laugh and laugh. Or maybe they will blackmail into silence with the pee pee tape and still laugh.

[OnDoutside]

25. Normally, it would make sense that the US and EU would act as one, but I hope the EU shows a

backbone and tries to keep the deal going, for the very positive reason that if they cave on this, it makes it that bit easier for Trump to start a war, knowing that the EU fell over last time.

[eleny]

2. That would be the quietest slap in the face to Trump, wouldn't it

And one that would sting quite a bit, perhaps. To keep abiding by the agreement while the U.S. breaks it's part of the agreement. And there would be no justification for our starting a war with Iran.

Food for thought in your proposal. Rec'd.

[DFW]

4. Sometimes the quietest blows have the biggest impact

One merely has to know how and when to apply them.

[NightWatcher]

8. Someone may have heard you

Link to tweet

Still looking for a more official report but it appears to be the case.

[DFW]

9. Like I said:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210591193

I am reminded of this bit if Dialog from "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming:"

Walt Whittaker: [to Rozanov] I'm sorry. Are you hurt?

Lieutenant Rozanov: I'm wounded in dignity only. Please, I know everybody on this island is complete and total crazy. But you, Whittaker Walt? You are crazy too? I only came back here to get Kolchin.

Walt Whittaker: [stammering] It's just that when I saw you and the gun, well, I thought something had happened to Annie, our daughter. I'm sorry, I... I wasn't trying to... Well, I... I was trying to kill you, I'll admit that, but it wasn't... I mean, it wasn't anything personal.

Lieutenant Rozanov: Hmm... don't do it no more.


Iran will say to the EU--"But you, EU? You are crazy, too?" And the EU will say, "no, that's just the Americans."

[eleny]

10. From your lips to Iran's ears...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210591490

[roamer65]

15. Iran will become a full member of SCO.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Iran is an observer in it. Expect full admittance very soon. They will also start selling oil in yuan and euro.

It will now be under full control of the Sino-Russian alliance.

Iran’s nuclear future will now be determined by Russia and China.

[sweetapogee]

23. Iran's nuclear future will now be determined by Russia and China.

Which is exactly the same situation in North Korea.

[former9thward]

16. I wonder if gay Europeans are welcome to spend their "tourist money!" in Iran?

Or will they come home with a broken neck from being hung? Or smashed in brains from being thrown from a building? I did not know Iran such such a tourist delight.

[DFW]

17. Probably, if they don't make a splash

From your description, Iran sounds as bad as Wyoming and North Carolina. Caution must indeed be exercised.

[former9thward]

18. You are unaware of the state sanctioned murder of gays in Iran?

Wow....

[DFW]

19. I know about them, but I don't think they'll bother foreign tourists who aren't open about it

They want money more than they want Allah.

[B2G]

20. Tourism in Iran!

Enjoy your stay!!

"Local laws and customs


Iran is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. It is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan.

In 2018, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 15 May and finish on 15 June. See Travelling during Ramadan

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced. In any public place women must cover their heads with a headscarf, wear trousers (or a floor length skirt), and a long-sleeved tunic or coat that reaches to mid-thigh or knee. Men should wear long trousers and long-sleeve shirts.

There are additional dress requirements at certain religious sites. Women may be asked to put on a chador (a garment that covers the whole body except the face) before entering.

Relationships between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, although few Westerners have been prosecuted. If a Muslim woman is found in a relationship with a non-Muslim man, she may be sentenced to be whipped.

Women should take extra care, particularly when travelling alone or with friends of the opposite sex. If you’re a woman travelling in Iran you should respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas. See these travel tips for women travellers.

Unmarried partners and friends of the opposite sex travelling together should be discreet at all times in public. Iranian hotel managers could insist on seeing a marriage certificate before allowing any couple to share a double hotel room.

Homosexual behaviour, adultery and sex outside of marriage are illegal under Iranian law and can carry the death penalty. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Women’s magazines and DVDs or videos depicting sexual relations are forbidden. There are occasional clampdowns. Satellite dishes and many Western CDs and films remain illegal.

The import, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden on religious grounds, with exceptions only for certain recognised Iranian religious minorities (not foreigners). Penalties can be severe.

Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Sensitive government buildings and facilities are often difficult to identify. Take extreme care when taking photographs in any areas that are anything other than very obvious tourist attractions.

Using a laptop or other electronic equipment in public places can be misinterpreted, especially if it contains photographs. You may be arrested and detained on serious criminal charges, including espionage. It’s better to ask before taking photographs of people.

Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and enforced. Many individuals convicted of drug offences, including foreign nationals, have been executed.

Importing pork products isn’t allowed.

The Iranian legal system differs in many ways from the UK. Suspects can be held without charge and aren’t always allowed quick access to legal representation. In the past, consular access has been very limited. The Iranian authorities don’t grant consular access to dual-nationals.

In some cases, we believe that individuals involved in commercial disputes with Iranian companies or individuals have been prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.

As a representative of a British or western company, you may be subject to particular attention. British business people travelling to Iran should take appropriate steps to protect commercially sensitive information (including password protection of electronic devices (minimum 4 digits) and not taking unnecessary information with you). Electronic devices may be screened by customs officials on arrival and departure.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport for identification. Make sure you have included emergency contact details."

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran/local-laws-and-customs

[Ghost Dog]

22. EU tells Trump he doesn't have the power to unilaterally scrap the Iran nuclear deal

The European Union has rebuked Donald Trump over his move to break the Iran nuclear deal, telling the US president he does not have the power to unilaterally scrap the international agreement.

In a statement delivered on Tuesday night EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said the US should reconsider its position, but that it was not within the power of the country’s president to end the accord...

Speaking in Rome the EU’s Ms Mogherini said Europe “regrets” Mr Trump’s new policy, but added: “As we have always said the nuclear deal is not a bilateral agreement and it is not in the hands of any single country to terminate it unilaterally...

“The nuclear deal with Iran is crucial for the security of the region, of Europe and of the entire region. As long as Iran continues to implement its nuclear-related commitments as it is doing so far the European union will remain committed to the continued, full, and effective implementation for the nuclear deal.”...

(Video at link)

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-donald-trump-iran-nuclear-deal-end-us-macron-france-rouhani-mogherini-a8342501.html

[Proud Liberal Dem]

24. Hopefully, Iran will stay put in the agreement with the remaining countries

and the rest of the world can go on functioning while we work on getting this orange madman out of office and/or at least getting him in a straightjacket until his term is up in 2020. Trump and his minions, by pulling out of these treaties and antagonizing international institutions- for whatever reason(s)-is basically sidelining us and making the US unimportant in the world. Hopefully, the rest of the world understands that, while enough voters voted to put this crazy guy in office, a much stronger majority of Americans did not actually vote for him nor do we support anything he's doing and will (peacefully) fix the problem as soon as we can.

[Johnny2X2X]

26. Iran should renegotiate

They should express a desire to remain in the deal like they have, but they should push the other countries in the deal for more favorable trade deals to make up for what they lose from the US violating the treaty.