US sanctions cannot make Iran change its Middle East policy

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Photo: Reuters

“The sanctions that came into effect today (August 6) can only strengthen Iran’s unwillingness to make any concessions in the Middle East,” said Andrei Bystritsky, an expert at the Valdai International Discussion Club.

“Sanctions are only really effective if they are supported globally,” he noted, adding that in this case China “has no plans to stop buying Iranian oil and European countries have no plans to withdraw from the nuclear deal.”

According to the expert, this is purely a domestic political issue for Americans. Bystritsky asserted: “The administration of US President Donald Trump must do something corresponding to its statements and somehow divert public attention from the fight revolving around the fantasy of alleged election interference, the country’s economic policy, trade issues between the US, Europe and China.”

“These sanctions will to some extent inform US relations with allies, with China, with Russia, and with the situation in Syria,” he stressed.

The US reimposed its first round of sanctions against Iran on August 6, 90 days after President Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The restrictions will include the auto sector, gold trading and other essential goods.

Trump announced Washington's decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, on May 8. According to the leader's statement, the agreement still excludes Iran from the ability to exceed all restrictions to build a nuclear bomb.

The US President affirmed that Washington is ready to sign a new agreement to replace the JCPOA. However, according to TASS, Mr. Trump raised the conditions as practically impossible, firmly demanding that Iran withdraw its missile program, change its policy in the Middle East and its attitudes on human rights issues.