Iran war: Trump tries economic pressure — again
Iran has survived decades of sanctions. Faced with more, it is likely to escalate rather than surrender, analysts said.
The United States' decision to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran is a familiar strategy, but one that has yielded mixed results in the past. The Trump administration is betting that by targeting Iran's economy, it can bring the country to the negotiating table and curb its nuclear ambitions. However, as analysts point out, Iran has a long history of withstanding sanctions, and it's unclear whether this approach will be any more effective.
Iran's economy has been under pressure for decades, and the country has consistently shown a willingness to defy external pressure. The Islamic Republic has a strong track record of finding ways to circumvent sanctions, and its leaders have long argued that economic hardship is a small price to pay for national sovereignty. As a result, it's likely that Iran will respond to renewed sanctions with increased aggression, rather than surrendering to US demands.
What's next to watch is how the international community responds to the escalating tensions. European countries, in particular, have been critical of the US approach, and may try to find ways to mitigate the impact of sanctions on Iran's economy. Meanwhile, the US will be looking for signs of Iranian weakness, or concessions, to justify its strategy. The risk, however, is that the situation could spiral out of control, leading to a wider conflict in the region.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.