Iran claims fighting 'four-front' war amid nationwide government rallies
Iran claims facing 'four-front war' amid nationwide rallies, EU considers sanctions.
Photo by Clay Banks
Key Facts
Iran: Claims fighting 'four-front' war
EU: Considering additional sanctions against Iran
Internet shutdown: Lasted over 84 hours
Iran Human Rights: At least 192 protesters killed
U.S. Agency: Claims 544 deaths
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: International Relations - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
GS Paper 3: Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, critical evaluation.
Visual Insights
Geopolitical Implications of Iranian Conflict
Map showing Iran and key countries involved in the conflict, including the US, Israel, and EU member states. Highlights potential areas of instability and influence.
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More Information
Background
The current tensions between Iran and the United States have deep historical roots, tracing back to the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, orchestrated by the CIA and MI6, which overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and reinstated the Shah. This event fostered resentment and distrust towards the West. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, further solidified anti-American sentiment and established the Islamic Republic.
The hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran intensified the animosity. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), during which the U.S.
supported Iraq, deepened the divide. Subsequent U.S. policies, including sanctions and designation of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, have contributed to the ongoing tensions.
The development of Iran's nuclear program and its regional influence have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the current state of heightened conflict.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, signed in 2015, offered a brief period of de-escalation. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under the Trump administration and the reimposition of sanctions have significantly strained relations.
Iran has responded by gradually reducing its compliance with the JCPOA. The assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 further heightened tensions. Looking ahead, the future of Iran-U.S.
relations remains uncertain, with potential scenarios ranging from renewed negotiations and de-escalation to continued confrontation and even military conflict. The outcome will depend on the policies of both countries and the broader regional dynamics.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): 1. It was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries. 2. It aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. 3. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the agreement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The JCPOA was signed between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and the EU. It aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, and the IAEA is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance.
2. In the context of Iran's foreign policy, which of the following best describes the concept of 'Resistance Axis'?
- A.A military alliance between Iran and Russia.
- B.A coalition of states opposing Western influence in the Middle East.
- C.A trade agreement between Iran and China.
- D.A cultural exchange program between Iran and several Arab nations.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The 'Resistance Axis' refers to a coalition of states and non-state actors, including Syria, Hezbollah, and Hamas, that oppose Western influence and Israeli policies in the Middle East. Iran is a key supporter of this axis.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Supreme Leader of Iran?
- A.He is the highest political and religious authority in Iran.
- B.He is elected directly by the people of Iran.
- C.He is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
- D.He has the power to dismiss the president.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Supreme Leader is not directly elected by the people. He is selected by the Assembly of Experts, a body of clerics elected by popular vote.
4. Assertion (A): Iran claims it is fighting a 'four-front' war, including economic and military conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Reason (R): The U.S. and Israel have imposed economic sanctions and conducted covert operations against Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true but R is false.
- D.A is false but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The U.S. and Israel's actions are the basis for Iran's claim of a 'four-front' war.
Source Articles
Iran protests LIVE: Death toll reaches at least 646, expected to rise further - The Hindu
Iran protests updates: Protesters will be considered an 'enemy of God,' a death-penalty charge, warns Attorney General - The Hindu
Iran protests: Trump says Iran wants to negotiate, death toll at nearly 600 - The Hindu
India closely following developments in Iran, says MEA - The Hindu
Iran internet shutdown has lasted over 84 hours, says monitor - The Hindu