Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Rumors of War - Persia

Mike Pompeo vows to place 'strongest sanctions in history' on Iran - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States would place the strongest sanctions in history on Iran unless it changes its behavior in the Middle East, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday. [...] Iran used money gained from the accord to fuel proxy wars across the Middle East instead of boosting the 'economic fortunes of a struggling people,' he said. The United States will 'crush' Iranian operatives and Hezbollah operatives around the world, Pompeo said, adding that if Iran chose to restart their nuclear program, they would have 'bigger problems that they've ever had before.'"

Iran sanctions: Zarif condemns Pompeo announcement - BBC News
The BBC reports: "Mr Zarif said America was 'regressing to old habits' but his country was working with other partners to the nuclear deal in order to find a solution. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani launched a personal attack on Mike Pompeo, questioning his credibility as a former CIA chief to make decisions for Iran and the world."

Comment: I know that we have been wondering what comes next after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal. We are starting to get an answer. The danger is that increased sanctions will hurt our allies as well as Iran. There is, on the other hand, a possibility that domestic unrest in Iran will cause a change in policy.  Stay tuned.

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