Trump threatens war and punitive tariffs to recapture Iranian resources – just as in 1953, when the CIA overthrew Mossadegh and US corporations immediately seized 40% of the oil, says SEVIM DAGDELEN
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump continues to ramp up rhetoric against Iran as the threat of a further Middle East war becomes greater. Trump claims that he called off air strikes against Iran recently at the last minute, after being told of the potential death toll of up to 150 innocent Iranians.
The threatened strikes were in response to Iran shooting down an unmanned US spy drone, which had “strayed” into Iranian air space.
The reality is that Trump is responding to a crisis largely of his own making. In pulling the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year, the Iran nuclear deal signed between Tehran and Barack Obama, Trump triggered increased tensions with Iran.
The US’s bid for regime change in the Islamic Republic has become more urgent as it seeks to encircle and contain a resurgent China, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ
While Trump praises the ‘successful’ attack on Iranian nuclear sites, the question arises as to the real motives behind this escalation. MARC VANDEPITTE explores the issues



