Iran Seeking Bargaining Chips?

With the news of the United States placing the Revolutionary Guard on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, Iran is becoming predictably unstable. It would make sense for them to attempt to drive a wedge in the International community, playing the fears of conflict on one side against the resolve to prevent nuclear holocaust on the other. It appears that they may be making such an attempt.

Iranian authorities have arrested 2 Chinese citizens, charging them with spying on Iranian facilities. The quote from the New York Times reads:

"“The Chinese nationals were detained while photographing and recording video of a military complex in Arak city,” said the spokesman, Alireza Jamshidi, according to the news agency ISNA. Mr. Jamshidi said the two had entered the country at Kish Island, a resort island in southern Iran on the Persian Gulf.

Mr. Jamshidi said their case was under initial investigation at a court in Arak, but he would not give further details about the arrest or the suspects’ identities."

Iran could not have a much better business partner than China, owing a great deal of missile technology and small arms to the Red Government of Beijing. This could be a naked attempt to strain Sino-American relations as the noose tightens around the government of the mullahs. It could also be an attempt to gain leverage in securing uninterrupted trade with China, a country not known for ethical business practices.

This is a developing story worth watching.