Courtesy Russian Television (RT): The cauldron of tension between Iran and the west is simmering. It seems a slightest increase of heat could cause it to boil over into an all-out war.
It does not appease Washington that the international nuclear watchdog is on site closely monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities.
“Are they trying to develop a nuclear weapon? No. But we know that they’re trying to develop a nuclear capability. And that’s what concerns us. And our red line to Iran is ‘Do not develop a nuclear weapon,’” said US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.
Meanwhile, Iran’s main source of livelihood – its oil export – is in danger. The US is imposing fresh sanctions that will dramatically complicate transactions through Iran’s Central Bank. Iran is also close to losing Europe as a customer.
Cornered by crippling sanctions, Iran threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz – a vital oil artery through which one sixth of the world’s oil is shipped.
The US has replied by moving its Fifth Fleet to the region, saying if Iran goes for it, they will attack.
Categories: Americas, Iran, United States, War