Tensions Rise as Iran is Hurt by Western Sanctions
January 19, 2012
Tensions between Western countries and Iran over its nuclear program continue to rise as sanctions threaten the country’s economy. Analysts are expressing concern a military confrontation could occur in the Middle East
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Iranian war games in the Persian Gulf amid threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The United States and Europe tighten sanctions to choke off Iranian oil revenues. Iran begins enriching uranium at an underground plant, as one of its nuclear scientists is killed in a bomb attack.
All signs, analysts say, that a military confrontation could be looming.
International Institute of Strategic Studies expert Mark Fitzpatrick. “I think Iran is feeling under increasing pressure. It is feeling, probably for the first time, sanctions that do have a real bite," he said.
Iranian analysts say a possible oil embargo is essentially a declaration of war, and for the government to survive it will fight back.
Sadegh Zibakalam of Tehran University said, “The only natural weapon that Iran has is to block the Strait of Hormuz.”
U.S. military and diplomatic officials have warned that Iran will not be allowed to block the strait. Patrick Clawson of The Washington Institute said, “And if they were to do that, I do not know if they quite realize that they would be crossing an American red line and that there would be military conflict.”
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