Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you both for being here. I really appreciate your testimony.
I'd like to start my questions with Mr. Stanton. You've talked about the eight stages and how they are meant as a guide for policy-makers. I was wondering if you could elaborate a little more on the steps that Iran has taken as it steps closer to step seven: extermination. In particular, I'm looking at the stages of organization, polarization, and preparation.
The reason I want more detail is that we've heard previous witnesses indicate, certainly, that religious minorities have been persecuted, specifically Azerbaijanis, Bahá'ís, and Kurds, but we've also heard testimony that other quasi-religious minorities like Christians and Jews receive or are the beneficiaries of greater protections under the constitution.
We also know that there is at least an enclave of a Jewish community within Iran, yet I have not heard testimony about their specific persecution. The thought crosses my mind that if Iran were intent on annihilating the Jews in Israel, certainly they would take steps within their own country first, but I have not heard that testimony yet.
Perhaps you can provide some insight into what persecution of the Jews is occurring within Iran. Also very helpful would be any information you can provide about the steps closer to step seven, extermination, which would provide a very strong argument about their place at that stage.