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Grey zone conflict: How Iran is using Russia’s playbook to defuse America’s military might

(Image courtesy of the Kremlin)

by ·

On Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani responded to news of new American troop deployments to the Middle East with measured words. Despite rising tensions between the United States and Tehran and a history of fiery rhetoric from Iranian officials, Rouhani adopted an almost victim-like posture.

Iran will not wage war against any nation,” Rouhani said in a live TV broadcast. “Those facing us are a group of politicians with little experience. Despite all of the Americans’ efforts in the region and their desire to cut off our ties with all of the world and their desire to keep Iran secluded, they have been unsuccessful.”

The language is reminiscent of another world leader with a nefarious reputation who found himself in the U.S. cross-hairs during the Trump administration: Kim Jong Un. As tensions rose between the United States and North Korea earlier in Trump’s presidential tenure, Kim also shifted his outward approach to paint his nation as the victim of American diplomatic imperialism, using phrases like “gunboat diplomacy” to characterize America’s approach.

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Comments

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  • Dog Solitude

    Thanks for this well written article, Alex. Whenever an even such as this happens, I read some of the MSM, but I most look forward to NEWSREP's take on it, because I know you're going to give us a more knowledgeable and accurate report.

  • Alex Hollings

    Thanks for your kind words! I agree with your assessment here.

  • HowFar?

    Very well written article SO MUCH BETTER than stuff posted by major media. Its harassment and does not call for open warfare on Iran it would just escalate and the US & NATO have more to lose. They are the most sinister nation-state a step ahead of Russia in their actions and a policy of containment and countering like continued sanctions is prudent. Once again Iran and others are just trying to provoke the U.S. and bleeding us more- not worth it.