A Nation With a History of Violence Seeks Retribution

Declassified info shows that Iran is struggling under the weight of economic sanctions imposes by the US. They have told several proxy groups working in the region that they should seek other sources of income. Iran has traditionally accounted for over 70% of the Lebanese based terrorist group’s income. If reports are to be believed, they have given up to $700 million dollars annually in the past to the group. Hezbollah uses this funding to bribe fighters with free health-care and groceries, as well as to pay the salaries of soldiers and administrators alike.

Iran has used Hezbollah and similar groups since the 80’s to further their interests abroad. The have accomplished this with suicide bombings and murders on the one side. While on the other side they have claimed to be working towards humanitarian goals. All this may come to an end as sanctions put in place by the US have denied Iran over ten billion dollars in income from oil alone.

Iran Lashes Out

Two oil tankers were attacked in May, off the coast of The United Arab Emirates (UAE). Officials believe that the attacks were perpetrated by Iranian agents. This would make sense, as the ships were owned by Saudi Arabia. Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been rivals. Both nations are rich in oil. Both nations claim to be the center of Islamic culture. Iran has long sought to destabilize the region. While Saudi Arabia seeks to prevent mass revolutions. The reason, however, may simply be because Saudi Arabia supports the US. Saudi Arabia has even cut a deal to reduce oil prices to the US. They have done this to make sure the Iran sanctions on oil do not negatively affect the US.

Intelligence officials also believe a couple rockets recently fired into Iraq’s “green zone” were launched by Iran, to frighten the US. This may be a reasonable assumption, as the rockets landed within one mile of the US Embassy.

The US Response

President Trump has said that his motivations for imposing the sanctions are to keep Iran from engaging in terrorist activities. He claims that they were not honoring their deal with the US and several European nations to not develop nuclear weapons. Intelligence gathered by the Israeli government seems to confirm this alleged activity. Iran appears to now be actively venting its frustration with the situation.

US Troops in The Persian Gulf

Up till now, when US has responded to intelligence about possible threats from Iran in a couple of ways. They have evacuated all none essential personnel from the embassy in Iraq. They have deployed an aircraft carrier to the area. They also have informed Iran that although they do no want war, they are willing to fight one. Good to their word, US leaders announced yesterday that they will be sending 1,500 more troops to the Persian Gulf. They hope that this will dissuade Iran from continuing its assaults. Only time will tell what will happen