Iran Hardens Stance on Nuclear Material as US Deliberates

Iran is signaling a tougher stance on its nuclear program, with a senior security official stating that enriched nuclear material will not be exported from the country. Mohsen Rezaei, a prominent figure in Iran's security establishment, declared in an interview with Al-Mayadeen that Tehran needs the enriched uranium, estimated at around 440 kilograms of 60% purity, for developing nuclear-powered ships and submarines. Rezaei also informed Moscow, which had previously offered to receive the uranium, that Iran would use it domestically. He further stated that no negotiations are currently underway with the US and threatened that any new American attack would be met with strikes on distant US bases, with other Iranian military sources warning of global targets being hit if escalation continues.

Meanwhile, Iran is grappling with a deepening economic crisis exacerbated by US sanctions that hinder its oil exports and war damage to its gas facilities. First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref estimated a winter gas shortage of 100 to 250 million cubic meters per day, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf urged citizens to reduce gas consumption by at least 10%, promising financial incentives. Despite the economic hardship, Iran does not appear to be softening its positions, seemingly awaiting the new US Congress and Senate, now controlled by Democrats after the midterm elections, to reassess its strategy.

Separately, heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Gaza, submerging approximately 40,000 tents and leading to the deaths of several children due to cold and harsh conditions. Palestinian activists have criticized Hamas for allegedly obstructing the distribution of more durable tents provided by the Palestinian Authority and aid organizations, possibly to hoard them or sell them later at inflated prices. The article also touches upon Israel's role in maintaining Hamas's control in Gaza, suggesting that Israel is blocking alternative leadership, which, if established, could increase international pressure for reconstruction. This issue was reportedly discussed between Trump and Netanyahu, with Trump urging the interim prime minister to implement his 20-point plan for the Strip.

In a related development, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty revealed that Egypt has maintained an undisclosed military presence in Saudi Arabia for several months, at Riyadh's request, to bolster its defenses against attacks during the war with Iran. This deployment, intended for defensive purposes including protecting sensitive sites and Islamic holy places, aims to support Saudi Arabia, which has been repeatedly attacked by Houthis. Egypt has a vested interest in Saudi security due to significant financial aid and the impact of Red Sea shipping disruptions on the Suez Canal revenues. The deployment, however, is sensitive in Egypt due to constitutional requirements for parliamentary approval and historical trauma from past military engagements.

The article also includes a historical note about the establishment of the "Democratic Movement for Peace" in Hebron on November 14, 1982, by approximately 2,000 members of village associations. This movement called for direct negotiations with Israel based on recognition and compromise, and supported the Reagan Plan. The initiative was criticized by both Palestinians, who viewed the associations as collaborators, and Israelis, including left-wing groups and settlers, who feared it could lead to a Palestinian state. The project was eventually discontinued, and the associations were disbanded in 1984.