The Perennial Threat: A Familiar Script for Sanctions and War
THE ACTORS: Same Characters, Different Year The 2018 Newsweek report highlighted statements from Iran's Army Chief, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, warning the US and Israel against 'mistakes'. The report also referenced then-President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, earlier that year. The constant presence
of 'anonymous sources' and 'analysts' cited in such articles often obscures the direct involvement of think tanks and lobbying groups whose funding ties reveal their true allegiances. THE FUNDING: Billions for 'Influence Operations' The infrastructure supporting hawkish narratives against Iran is well-funded. Organizations like the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), which consistently
advocates for maximum pressure on Iran, received $50.3 million in revenue in 2022 (FDD, 2022 Annual Report). Similarly, groups like United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) push for stricter sanctions and often amplify warnings of Iranian aggression. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) reported nearly $100 million in lobbying expenditures and political contributions in 2022, directly
impacting foreign policy debates that often target Iran (OpenSecrets, 2022). These funds are not merely for 'advocacy'; they shape media discourse, commission studies, and influence policymakers to maintain a state of heightened tension. THE INCENTIVES: Perpetual Crisis, Perpetual Profit For some actors, a constant state of tension with Iran is highly profitable. Arms manufacturers benefit from