Today @CrisisGroup released its report on Trump administration’s likely imminent attempt to snapback multilateral sanctions on Iran. Includes, thanks to @RichardGowan1, everything you’ve ever wanted to know about UN procedures & never dared ask. [Thread]

crisisgroup.org/middle-east-no… 2/ The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran is reaching its logical conclusion: an attempt to wipe out the JCPOA through unilateral action at the UN Security Council.

The U.S. administration is temporarily shifting from maximum pressure to minimum diplomacy in pursuit of the same goal: to kill off the Iran nuclear deal. Here’s what to watch as the U.S. introduces a UN resolution to extend arms restrictions due to expire in October. [thread] 2/ 2015 nuclear deal was unanimously endorsed by a Security Council resolution (2231) that set a 5 year expiration on restrictions for the transfer by & to Iran of conventional weapons. That milestone is coming up October 18.

5 years ago today, I was in Vienna with a great team led by @JohnKerry, @WendySherman & @ErnestMoniz at the signing of the JCPOA. [Thread]: The deal was struck to keep Iran's nuclear program in check. If you can look at this graph from @NYTimes & argue we were better off before the JCPOA than after it or better off today than before Trump left it, you might not be serious about non-proliferation. 2/

1/ Much hand-wringing over @EmmanuelMacron interview w/@TheEconomist. Suspect his staff reacted like many in Obama administration when he spoke to @TheAtlantic : “Boy our boss is smart, but does he have to display it so openly while still in office?”

economist.com/europe/2019/11… 2/ On substance, some is debatable (eg on pol Islam), much insightful: on EU gradually viewing itself only as market; anachronism of NATO mission; implications for EU of Trump’s worldview & rise of authoritarianism; need for inclusive diplomacy & rethink relations w/ Russia

1/ Important piece on #michaelkovrig's detention via @washingtonpost that makes several key points:

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2018/… 2/ "People in the int'l NGO, business, academic & diplomatic communities who deal with China should pay attention. Kovrig’s employer, the International Crisis Group, is supported by a number of European governments & is not considered inimical by China".