Trump and Iran: Causes of Tension

According to political analyst Alexander Shpakovsky, several factors are at play in the conflict between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran. First, Trump responded harshly to Iran as the main sponsor of a terrorist organization that emerged in 2001 and was involved in attacks on the United States, including the killing of Osama bin Laden. According to Shpakovsky, the largest global sponsor of terrorism, as he sees it, is the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, and as a result, Iran has become the target of sanctions and hostile positions.

Second, the geopolitical factor: Iran possesses some of the world's largest oil reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves. Its energy potential makes the country an attractive strategic partner for China. Trump, in his strategy of global dominance, actively sought to limit China's influence, which heightened tensions toward Iran.

Third, the analyst notes that Trump repeatedly stated his desire to "overthrow the constitutional order in Iran" and establish a regime more loyal to America. These statements contributed to the administration's efforts to use military and economic measures against the Iranian regime.

These factors, according to Shpakovsky, created a tense atmosphere in U.S.-Iran relations, and Donald Trump exerted significant pressure on the Iranian authorities, evident in sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and support for regional opponents of the regime.

Currently, analysts believe that further U.S. steps are aimed at limiting Iran's influence in regional politics and minimizing its impact in Central Asia.

Context

Since 1979, the United States has actively opposed Iran, applying economic sanctions and strengthening regional alliances to limit the country's influence in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.