US banking on Iran's internal situation, says regional expert
Washington is betting that internal pressures in Iran could spark a legitimacy crisis, but may also push Tehran toward brinkmanship, an analyst says.
Key Takeaways
AINabil Al-Atoum, Director of the Iranian Studies Program at the Center for Regional Studies, said the United States is banking on Iran's internal situation, which could turn external pressure into a legitimacy crisis, but may also push Iran toward a policy of brinkmanship.
Speaking in a call with Al Arabiya FM, Al-Atoum added that the escalation has now reached a new level, as the US has begun targeting the arteries of Iran's economy—especially oil, which is Iran's main source of hard currency.
He continued that the rules of engagement have changed, and US responses are no longer limited to military targets. The US has added Iran's economy to its target list, imposed a new maritime deterrence equation by targeting Iranian oil tankers, and is increasing domestic pressure on the ruling regime.
The United States is tightening its maritime siege on Iran and stepping up economic sanctions in response to attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian strikes on regional countries and oil tankers have completely stalled negotiations, according to the report.
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