Will Washington succeed in crippling Iran’s economy?

What is the Iranian menace that has worried the Gulf states and Washington? And why do we expect Trump to back down at the last minute?

The pressing question reverberating in regional and global circles is whether the administration of US President Donald Trump will succeed in isolating Iran and strangling it economically through the sanctions it threatens to impose, which it considers the largest financial attack on Iran ever, and whether any country that cooperates with Iran will become globally isolated.

The immediate answer is a resounding “no” because Iran has not complied with past US sanctions and blockades since 1979. Furthermore, all prior American military, political, and economic threats have dismally failed. The United States and Israel fought three wars but were unable to subdue Iran or force its capitulation. All American aircraft carriers, over 20 military frigates, and hundreds of modern aircraft were unable to impose American sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, or defeat the Iran-backed resistance brigades, either financially or militarily.

Iran prepared for the American military mobilisation with high-level smart management, fortifying its internal front against military intelligence breaches, closing most, if not all, security gaps, and enhancing national unity. It is now demonstrating the same, if not greater, readiness to confront this economic war. This readiness is evident in the following steps:

First, Iran has confirmed that it will retaliate to this economic assault in all possible ways, including targeting all American economic interests in the region, particularly those tied to oil.

Second, an Iranian parliament committee specialising in economic defence approved a preliminary decision to impose tariffs on all ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Payment will be in Iranian rials or other officially adopted currencies, except friendly countries.

Third, there is a threat to punish all countries, particularly the Gulf states bordering Iran, if they comply with American demands and participate in the blockade.

Fourth, continue the policy of targeting American military sites not only in the Middle East but also in European countries involved in the economic war, such as Cyprus, Bulgaria, and possibly Turkey.

The Trump administration uses grandiose descriptions of its military threats before officially admitting the failure of its military option and resorting to economic aggression, such as the largest military strike in history, the largest attack since World War II, opening the gates of hell, and removing Iran from the map. When the Iranian leadership responds to these threats with mockery, resilience, and readiness, President Trump backs down at the last minute, terrified of the consequences of implementation, and, unfortunately, sends “Muslim” intermediaries to get him out of this jam and reach a settlement that cancels or freezes the military option. The memorandum of agreement and two-month truce were designed to preserve Trump’s face while also providing a lifeline for his administration.

General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, the country’s de facto ruler and America’s strongman, was slated to arrive in Tehran today, leading a delegation that included the Interior Minister. The announcement came after a phone discussion between him and President Trump, at the latter’s request, to offer him a path down from the high tree of heavy economic penalties.

Trump elevated the stakes, claiming that this financial and economic attack on Iran will be the greatest ever, and the Iranian response has been indifference. To whom do you sing your psalms, David? We know you well, and welcome you to your new obvious refuge. Those who have resisted and remained firm despite all your previous penalties will know how to deal with your new ones, no matter how large or small.

Iran has won the military clash, as confirmed by 92% of Israelis and 82% of Americans, and it will win the economic war by the same margin, if not more. And we’re waiting to learn the details of these penalties and Trump’s disgraceful retreat, as well as his famous justification that this withdrawal was at the request of the Pakistani mediator and following meetings in Tehran.

https://www.raialyoum.com/will-washington-succeed-in-crippling-irans-economy/