The American president's now-well-established willingness to cross accepted and familiar thresholds and act "outside the box" has seemingly had a substantial restraining effect on the Iranian adversary.

Finance Ministry says demand for the issues reached an all-time high of $20 billion and attracted more than 400 different investors from 40 countries.

Government's goal is to eliminate coal usage altogether by 2025. The two units are slated to be completed in 2022 and will supply 1,200 megawatts of power.

Congress "have serious, urgent concerns about the administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Speaker Nancy Pelosi says. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, the administration needs to notify Congress on major military actions.

Like the previous decade, the new year – and perhaps the new decade – is likely to be marked by popular protest, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.