I completely understand the damaging implications of sanctions on Iranian Public (Trump administration is exceedingly harsh on Iran). I am just baffled how stubborn Iranian regime is, and how misplaced its priorities are in the face of crippling sanctions (and protests from within Iran). Iranian regime have prioritized funding Iranian militias/stooges in other countries over the well-being of its own people. This is what ticks me off about Iran.
Iran is not just at odds with USA, it is at odds with many Islamic states due to its militia politics. And all are preparing to teach Iran an unforgettable lesson; this is becoming inevitable.
I see repeat of Iraq-like tragedy once again. And I digress.
As long as US admin is occupied by sycophants like Pompeo who are thirsty for war with Iran, they want nothing less than total capitulation and for Iran to become a puppet state before they remove sanctions. US intentionally make ridiculous demands they know Iran would never agree to and then blames Iran for not becoming a puppet state. US asked Iran to hand over its missiles, what kind of country would ever agree to something like that? So US can strike Iran's cities freely with impunity? There are real people living in those cities. What kind of country would accept its citizens being killed without retaliation? Pakistan of all countries should know this given how many US drone strikes have killed civilians as collateral damage. Imagine how stupid it would be if Pakistan agreed to hand over its missiles to India. Pakistan would never do it, and neither should Iran.
Let's not pretend Iran is the only country funding proxies, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudia are doing the same thing. Iran spends less money than almost all of the Arab countries, funding is not the problem. Iran could agree to do whatever the US wants and they would still be sanctioned because the current US admin is not run by rational people. They are not interested in removing sanctions no matter what happens. What options does Iran left when they are dealing with an irrational adversary like that? US trashed the avenue of diplomacy when they ditched the JCPOA, which made it pretty clear to Iran that increasing tensions with more attacks is the only avenue left to get some change, since diplomacy is gone and they have nothing to lose by trying. The alternative to doing nothing is more sanctions. People like Pompeo want blood and are more interested in starting another disastrous war than using logic and diplomacy to reduce tensions. If US actually cared about resolving this issue, they would leave a path open to diplomacy open instead of maximum pressure and crippling sanctions. By imposing more sanctions, they are intentionally trying to box Iran into a corner with no way out, an outcome bound to have severe consequences. Increasing hostility with Iran and closing the door to diplomacy leaving no way out for Iran guarantees war after enough time which is exactly what Pompeo wants.
If anything, Iran is doing the Gulf a huge favor by being this patient instead of taking the US bait and starting a war while being egged on by Pompeo and having every right to do so. What kind of admin bans humanitarian and health relief for political revenge while thousands are dying? The current US admin is nothing short of morally bankrupt. Pompeo had every intention of wanting to start a war with Iran when they assassinated Gen Soleimani, Iran was within in their right to respond to it. The fact that Iran chose not to get into a war despite US desperately wanting war is something we should be grateful for. Pompeo and those surrounding him are dangerous people. Iran has had patience to avoid a war for 4 years, but they won't be patient for 8 years. The current level of sanctions if continued will guarantee some tipping point in the next 4 years that will ignite a war with Iran. We have already been lucky enough to avoid a war in the past 4 years given everything that has happened. It is essential to remove sanctions and reduce tension with Iran before the US provokes another war. It would be very irresponsible, dangerous and highly volatile in a region as unstable as the Middle East and with a country as powerful as Iran. Pakistan has just finished dealing with the consequences of 19 year war in Afghanistan that wreaked havoc on Pakistan's economy and security situation. Imagine what a war with Iran would do. It would devastate the entire region. No one would be safe. Pakistan should want removal of sanctions on Iran if for no other reason than its own security. It is in the interest of US, Iran, Pakistan, and the rest of the Gulf to find a robust and comprehensive resolution to this conflict through dialogue, not sanctions before it is too late. Then maybe one day, the region can start the long road to reconciliation one day allowing unfinished projects such as the IP pipeline to bear fruit.
