Iran-US Tensions: Financial Times

Iran and the United States test each other. The US president withdrew from the 2015 accord to limit Iran’s nuclear weapons development, increased sanctions and most recently dispatched a aircraft carrier group to the region after suggesting that Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq threaten US troops. Iran’s president suggested that the country could step back from the accord, too. International inspectors continue to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities while Europe, China and Russia still back the deal. “The crucial question now is whether Mr Trump’s efforts to strangle Iran economically will force Tehran to retreat or embolden hardliners,” Andrew England and Najmeh Bozorgmehr write for the Financial Times. “At stake is the balance of power in a region where the Persian and mainly Shia country’s main Sunni Arab rivals, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are pursuing more aggressive policies.” Even some Arab officials express concern about lack of diplomatic efforts. The 2003 US invasion of Iraq strengthened Iran, improving its relations with Iraq, and a network of Iranian-trained militias provides security against groups like the Islamic State. Iraq could be key in preventing more war, devastating for the region, instigating yet another wave of refugees and economic hardship. – YaleGlobal