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KT edit: US sanctions on Iran

The combined effect of sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic could put pressure on the leadership to see reason in cooperation and opening up to the world

Iran has been a belligerent country keen on exporting its revolution to the region and beyond at the cost of its own people. Inflation is officially at 26 per cent, the rial has reached a historic low against the dollar, and the economy is expected to shrink by 6 per cent. The coronavirus pandemic has claimed over 24,300 and pushed the teetering economy on the verge of collapse. Yet, Iran's military adventurism in the region continues as the leadership in Tehran exhibits its unwillingness and inability in managing the domestic affairs well.
America's 'maximum pressure' campaign had worked before, and could show results even now. Sanctions in 2018 severed Iran's ties with the world and the country eventually was dependent on border trade with countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkey. With the pandemic closing those doors too, and oil price collapse, Iran is embroiled in a severe crisis. Tehran can turn the course of the nation if it abandons its hegemonic plan and builds ties based on cooperation and mutual respect. However, this seems unlikely. The Donald Trump administration's decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran may bring the country back to the table. The combined effect of sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic could put pressure on the leadership to see reason in cooperation and opening up to the world.