Trump faces a lose-lose situation as Iran gains leverage. Negotiation is the only option, but Tehran’s demands and Israel’s sabotage may close his window for a face-saving exit.
Browsing: sanctions
Russia shouldn’t celebrate: temporary oil waivers for Iran war, not Ukraine-linked. Linkage remains crucial.
Iran’s middle class, forged by war trauma, rejects foreign “liberation” despite hating regime. Sanctions strategy failed.
Lebanon’s Jamaa al-Islamiyya is at a crossroads: isolated by U.S. sanctions and internal paralysis, it faces a stark choice.
A growing “shadow fleet” now transports nearly a fifth of global tanker capacity, evading U.S. sanctions; China is the primary buyer.
Despite 50 years of U.S. sanctions, Iran has achieved 90% literacy, indigenous missiles, and independent satellite launch capability.
In Iran, sovereignty is priced in dollars; U.S. pressure has created “governance by weather,” where daily life pivots on external signals.
Tehran will not dismantle its nuclear program without real sanctions relief; limited strikes would provoke forceful retaliation.
Iran can agree to a nuclear deal, but not on missiles—they are now its only deterrent after Hezbollah’s erosion.
For 22 months, the world has watched Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza and done little. Hollow gestures must end.