U.S Iran Air Strike

Why in news?

US President decided to pull back from air strikes on Iran.

What is the reason for escalation between them?

Iran shot down an Unmanned American drone.
Iran maintains that the US aircraft was downed in Iranian territory as it violated Iranian airspace.
U.S maintains that the incident occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz.

What is the strategic position of Strait of Hormuz?

What is the US’s stance?

US decided to pull back from air strikes on Iran.
US President does not seem to be in favour of launching an open conflict with Iran which could be prolonged and disastrous.
Iran has ballistic missiles, proxy militias and a relatively vibrant navy.
U.S does not want to take a risk unless there are provocations from Iran targeting American lives.
On the contrary, US President’s National Security Adviser has threatened Iran with war several times.
The current state of tensions between Iran and U.S is seen as a product of the adviser’s maximum pressure tactic.

What is US’s maximum pressure tactic?

A year ago, US President pulled the U.S. out of a nuclear deal with which Iran was fully compliant, setting off the escalation.
His plan was to squeeze the Iranian economy and force Tehran to renegotiate for a “better deal” on the nuclear issue, missile programme and regional activism.
A year later, the U.S. and Iran are on the brink of a war.
If he continues with the pressure tactics, tensions will stay high, the Strait of Hormuz would be on the brink.

What is Iran’s stance?

Iran is ready to take limited risks.
Its actions such as the threat to breach the uranium enrichment limits set by the nuclear deal and the downing of the American drone suggest to break the stranglehold of the sanctions.
What Iran wants the most is relief from the sanctions.

What can be done?

US could seize the moment to assure Iran that his primary goal is engagement, not conflict.
Instead of sticking to a policy that has proved to be counter-productive and risky, Mr. Trump could offer Tehran some reprieve in return for its remaining in the nuclear deal.
This could be followed up by a fresh diplomatic opening.

Source: The Hindu

Quick Fact

Iran Nuclear Deal

It is also called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In 2015, Iran agreed a long-term deal on its nuclear programme called JCPOA with a group of world powers known as the P5+1.
P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany.
It came after years of tension over Iran's alleged efforts to develop a nuclear weapon.
Under the accord, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.
It is implemented by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).