In what’s seen as tit for tat, Iran has levied sanctions against 15 American companies as payback for sanctions President Trump has placed on companies said to be aligned with Iran’s ballistic-missile program. Iran says that the sanctioned companies support terrorism, repression, and Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land. What’s next in the saga?
How Bad is the Growing Animosity Between Iran and the U.S.?
Iran vowed to respond to sanctions almost immediately after the country came under sanctions from Trump a month of ago. Iran was also one of the six countries targeted in Trump’s new travel ban. Now, with animosity growing between the two countries, regional peacemaking efforts are poised to take a hit, and the peace plan the Obama administration pushed forward is sure to falter as a result of the new sanctions.
The companies targeted by Iran are mainly American defense companies whom Iran says have helped Israel and helped cause regional instability, but also real estate company Re/Max Holdings, Inc. which Iran said had a role in Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. Regardless of reasons given, the sanctions seem to just be payback for Trump’s sanctions a month ago.
In addition to the sanctions, Iran’s ministry has also said that it would consider branding the U.S. military, along with the CIA, as terrorist groups if Congress considers Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist group.
Both Iran and the U.S. play important roles in the United Nations, and could draw other countries into an escalating situation as tensions continue to mount. President Trump, not one known for foreign policy or patience, is sure to respond in his traditional manner, most likely escalating the situation further.
Is war likely to follow?
Watch this video from USA Today as White House describes the sanctions on Iran:
Highly doubtful. While animosity grows, Iran would not actually attack the U.S., and while Trump may voice aggression, it’s highly unlikely that he would actually intentionally start a war. That being said, the situation is worth monitoring. And if troops have to be sent into the region, traders should invest in defense stocks.
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