ROMA (ITALPRESS) – After days of high tension and threats of imminent armed intervention, the Trump administration has significantly reduced the hypothesis of direct military action against Iran. The American president, who in recent days appeared determined to launch “fast and decisive blows”, has adopted in the last hours a more cautious and de-escalation-oriented tone. Regional sources close to different governments in the Middle East have revealed to the Financial Times the existence of a dense network of diplomatic contacts – some of which are directed between Washington and Tehran – which have helped to prevent, at least for the moment, a military escalation. According to five informed sources, several Arab capitals and not only have pressed on the American administration to show moderation, warning that an attack against Iran would cause immediate damage to neighbouring countries and a dramatic surge in oil prices globally
A high Arab official said at Arabiya: “The escalation level has been reduced for now. Washington decided to give time to interviews with Tehran to check where they can arrive.” The same sources have confirmed that through these secret channels – probably facilitated by mediators such as Russia or the Sultanate of Oman – the Iranian leaders have reassured the United States that no further capital executions are foreseen against the protesters, and that the budget of the victims is lower than it circulated abroad. The White House spokesman, Karoline Leavitt, said yesterday that “there were about 800 executions, but they were stopped”, adding that President Trump had talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the whole story.
In parallel to diplomacy, however, the American military device remains active: satellite images and diplomatic sources confirm that the USS carrier group Abraham Lincoln is heading towards the Middle East, along with several escort units from the South China Sea. The arrival in the region is expected within a week, according to the New York Times. Military experts and former Pentagon officials believe that Washington does not necessarily need a massive deployment to conduct a significant operation, but that the administration is still strengthening its positions in a precautionary manner, in view of the threats of Iranian retaliation. The same analysts emphasize however that isolated air attacks could hardly destabilize the Tehran regime and would instead risk triggering an unpredictable chain reaction throughout the region.
PER ONG HRANA 2.677 MORTI DA INIZIO PROTESTE
At least 2,677 people killed during the protests that broke out in Iran on December 28 rescue against devaluation of the local currency, rial, and against the regime. The Human Rights Activists Agency (Hrana) is known in the bulletin updated yesterday, 19th day of protests. The figure also includes 16 minors and 20 civilians who were not manifesting. In addition, 163 members of the security forces or persons affiliated with the regime were killed.
The organization reveals that another 1.693 deaths are in vain. The Ong states that yesterday there were protests in 187 Iranian cities, despite the total blockade of telecommunications systems. As regards arrests, the detention of 19,097 people was confirmed. In addition, Hrana reports 115 cases of forced confession and 2,677 people with serious injuries. Due to the difficulty of communication, the number of victims could be different from that indicated by Hrana.
NETBLOCKS, BLACKOUT INTERNET DA OLTRE 180 ORE
The internet blockade in Iran, imposed as a result of protests against the government, now continues for over 180 hours, or almost eight days. Netblocks estimates. Connectivity was blocked last January 8, after about ten days since the beginning of protests against the carovita and the regime. The block affects the ability of users to access information and communicate. The absence of the internet prevents the real number of victims caused by repression. “With 180 hours, the total Internet blackout in Iran has exceeded the duration of the 2019 block, and no partial or regional restoration has yet occurred. Only after the recovery of connectivity in 2019 was made known the extent of brutal repression,” Netblocks wrote.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
