What if this pressure was deliberately planned because the measures being taken now could seriously affect Iran. What we are witnessing appears to be an attempt at all-out pressure, with the past several months bringing not only economic and political pressure but also setbacks and losses for Iran. Most recently, the pressure has expanded to the aviation sector. On September 8, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned all remaining active Iranian airlines and suspended certain aviation-related authorizations, while additional pressure has reportedly been placed on countries and companies dealing with Iranian carriers.

If this pressure continues to expand, it could become a serious problem for Iran, particularly if more countries begin restricting the landing or operation of Iranian passenger aircraft. We also have to watch closely how the countries that have stood by Iran as allies respond to such pressure under these circumstances. Will they stand their ground and weather the storm, or will the pressure prove too much and send the whole arrangement off the rails? At this stage, it is too early to tell, but their response could prove crucial in determining whether this pressure campaign gains traction or ultimately goes nowhere.

–@enemywatch