Trump reinstates ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran
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Trump Launches New Iran Sanctions Targeting Oil Network
Above: The Iranian national flag in Bandar Abbas on Jan. 9, 2019. Image copyright: Ali Mohammadi/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The sanctions are necessary to prevent Iran from funding dangerous activities and destabilizing the region. Tehran continues to develop nuclear capabilities and support proxy groups through illicit oil sales. These measures protect international security by targeting Iran's primary source of revenue.
Establishment-critical narrative
The sanctions represent economic piracy against a sovereign nation's legitimate oil trade. The pressure campaign has only pushed Iran to increase uranium enrichment in response to US actions. The measures harm ordinary Iranian citizens while failing to achieve their stated diplomatic goals.