February 2, 2020.  “Iran has ‘de-escalated,’ but threat of retaliation remains, general says,” Missy Ryan, Washington Post, February 2, 2020.  The use of force and the threat of retaliation from the U.S. again works to put Iran back into line.  This is a repeated theme over the past 40 years.  The converse is true--that if the U.S. -- or anyone -- does not exercise due diligence and provide deterrence, this Regime and under these two Supreme Leaders takes steps to expand the Revolution.  This article from the WPost tells us, “Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie Jr., who heads U.S. Central Command, said Iran had “de-escalated” its ballistic missile force and brought its air defense forces back to a “normal state of readiness” following its retaliatory strikes on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq.”

February 2, 2020.  $80,000 per killed passenger is simply inadequate by any standards.  “Zelenskiy also said that Ukraine still was waiting for Iran to hand over the black boxes of the plane.”  See “Ukraine wants larger compensation for its citizens killed in plane shootdown in Iran,” Reuters, February 2, 2020.  Likewise, see “Ukrainian President Says Compensation Offered By Iran For Shooting Down Airliner Not Enough,” RFE/RL, February 2, 2020.  “Zelenskiy said that Ukraine had yet to receive the recorders, and that Tehran had instead suggested that Ukrainian specialists fly to Iran on February 3 to examine the black boxes.  "I'm afraid that the Iranians might attract our specialists and then say, 'Let's decipher [the recorders] on the spot,' and then say, 'Why do you need the black boxes now?'" Zelenskiy said.  "No, we want to take these boxes [to Ukraine]," he added.”

“Iranians must have 'right to choose' at polls: Hassan Rouhani,” AFP, February 2, 2020.  The president complained in response to the Guardian Council’s disqualification of thousands of “moderates” who wanted to run in the upcoming Parliament election.

“Iran welcomes Allawi's appointment as Iraqi prime minister, calls for U.S. pullout,” Reuters,” February 2, 2020.

“Iran’s Quds Force to work with Hamas, Islamic Jihad against Trump deal,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 2, 2020.

“PS752 downing: Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along,” UNIAN, February 2, 2020.

“Iran's Former Anti-Narcotics Chief Says 'Dirty Money' Influences Elections,” Radio Farda, February 2, 2020.