Bolton: The Return of Sanctions Has Had a Powerful Impact on Iran's Economy and Public Opinion

Donald Trump's National Security Advisor states that while regime change in Iran is not part of U.S. policy, the reinstatement of U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic has had a powerful impact on public opinion and Iran's economy. U.S. sanctions against Iran were resumed in mid-August following the announcement of the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA, as Washington believed that the nuclear agreement failed to prevent Tehran's destructive activities in the region and that Iran had not been honest about its intentions to acquire nuclear weapons. After the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in May, and despite other powers involved in the nuclear agreement emphasizing the preservation of the JCPOA and supporting companies trading with Iran, the Trump administration's hardline stance towards Iran and Washington's serious emphasis on enforcing sanctions have led many foreign companies to decide to halt their activities in Iran. In this context, John Bolton, Trump's National Security Advisor, who is visiting Israel, stated that the return of sanctions on Iran has now had a significant impact on Iran's economy and public opinion within the country. According to a Reuters report, Mr. Bolton, at his press conference on Wednesday in Jerusalem, emphasized in response to a question about U.S.-Israeli collaboration regarding potential exploitation of economic protests in Iran and whether such protests could pose a tangible threat to the Iranian regime, that 'regime change in Iran is not U.S. policy, but we seek significant changes in the behavior of the Iranian government.' Iran's economy, especially in recent months, has been struggling with high unemployment, inflation, and the collapse of the rial, and the return of sanctions could worsen the economic situation in Iran. Last January, thousands of residents in various Iranian cities protested against rising prices, lack of job opportunities, and widespread government corruption. These protests also occurred in August of this year in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, and several other cities. These protests, primarily formed around slogans regarding economic demands and against inflation, quickly turned into gatherings against the government of Hassan Rouhani and other pillars of the Iranian regime, with slogans against the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and in praise of the Pahlavi regime. Such protests occur as the Islamic Republic prepares for the fortieth anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, which ended the long history of the monarchy in Iran. Now, the U.S. National Security Advisor states that the economic effects of the reinstatement of sanctions are certain and even more powerful than Washington had anticipated. He also added that despite these effects, 'Iran's activities in the region continue aggressively; including what they are doing in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, and what they threaten to do in the Strait of Hormuz'; Mr. Bolton referred to statements by President Hassan Rouhani and some military commanders of the Islamic Republic regarding blocking the Strait of Hormuz if Iran's oil exports are cut off. Part of the sanctions on Iran that were resumed in August target trade in gold and precious metals, the automotive industry, and the ability to purchase U.S. dollars, and according to the planning of the U.S. Treasury Department, the next round of sanctions, which will be implemented in mid-November, will target Iran's banking and insurance sectors as well as the oil industry. However, John Bolton emphasized on Wednesday that the U.S. will use other tools in addition to economic sanctions to pressure Iran, although, according to Reuters, he did not provide further details on this matter. Donald Trump's National Security Advisor also expressed hope that European governments, like European companies, would realize that 'the choice between trading with Iran or trading with the U.S. is very clear.' He noted that we will see what happens in November (with the return of the second round of sanctions), but President Trump has clearly stated that he seeks maximum pressure on Iran. Mr. Bolton stated: 'There should be no doubt that the U.S. seeks a peaceful resolution to the issue, but we are fully prepared for any situation that Iran creates.'