Since the Iran nuclear deal was signed two years ago, Iran has got further involved in the wars in the region, in particular in Syria and Yemen. The Iranian regime has been focused on saving the Syrian dictator Assad’s regime and has been smuggling arms and explosives across the Middle East, attempting to destabilise the Gulf states.

Iran’s ballistic missile program has also went through some rapid development in the past few years. The range and payload capacity has increased and the threat to the rest of the world is enormous.

Iran’s belligerence has been most prevalent in the region and with its neighbours. Saudi Arabia has been a regional rival for some time, and its presence in Syria is unwavering. However, the United States is facing an increasing threat from Iran as more and more provocations are being sent that way.

One such example is the increasing number of incidents involving US Navy ships, where Iranian vessels have approached, despite warnings. The total number of incidents deemed “unsafe” between US Navy ships and Iranian vessels is at 14 so far this year. US forces in Syria are also on the receiving end of more and more provocations.

These incidents show that Iran is not interested in peace, contrary to the claims of the NIAC. The Iranian regime’s claims of moderation are not consistent with its actions.

The United Nations recently released a report detailing how Iran was continuing to violate international accords regarding ballistic activities. However, other than the sanctions the US has imposed on Iran, no other action has been taken. None of the UN member states have so much as responded to the report, and once again, Iran gets away with more belligerence.
More needs to be done to address Iran’s non-compliance with international regulations. Terrorism is the main agenda for the Islamic Republic and nothing is going to change this. Appeasement was a failure, so the opposite approach needs to be implemented, not just from the US, but from the entire international community.