Trump Targets Iran's Trading Partners, Again (Sound Familiar?)
Former President Trump announced a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran, a policy move straight out of his previous 'maximum pressure' playbook. DW presents this as a stern warning against Tehran, sidestepping the historical reality that previous rounds of such economic strangulation largely strengthened hardliners and failed to curb Iran's nuclear program, according to a 2021
Congressional Research Service report. One might 're-elect' the same policies, but that doesn't make them effective. This isn't about some sudden strategic insight; it's a campaign-trail dog whistle, appealing to the very same pro-Israel lobbying groups who championed these failed tactics before. As OpenSecrets.org data clearly shows, these groups, including AIPAC, have consistently funded
candidates who advocate for aggressive stances against Iran. It appears some politicians find it easier to threaten economic warfare than to learn from history, especially when there's a lucrative donor base cheering them on.