Iran really needs the sanctions to be lifted; US expert

Ronnie D. Lipschutz who focuses on Regional Studies at the University of California said the sanctions are killing people and should be removed immediately.

Referring to the rapidly-spreading coronavirus in the world, he added that but I also imagine that the Europeans are kind of distracted at the moment. There is not much coming in from abroad except for breathless reports about Italy; otherwise, the gaze in as inward one and the Middle East is almost forgotten (as is the "peace agreement" between the U.S. and the Taliban).

Answering to question about the consequences of recent NY Times, the US Professor confirmed that “White House is split over retaliation against opposition groups in Iraq that are claimed to be pawns of Iran. In the past, war in the region would have been seen as a potential threat to oil flows but, again, the enormous drop in oil prices due to reduced demand is also lessening the current importance of oil from the region.”

“At the same time--not that I think this is a good idea--this would be an excellent time for someone to engage in activities that might otherwise be challenged by the U.S., because of the pandemic, he added.

Lipschutz believes that next US Presidential elections could change world order and adding “In an election year, Trump cannot afford to "accept defeat" or anything that makes him look weak or is his responsibility.  I would not expect any change in the near future.”

Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 47,500 people have been infected, 3,036 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 15,400 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

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