Explaining the Iran-U.S. Tensions

The following is an informative summary of the recent tensions between the United States of America and Iran.

On January 3rd of 2020, President Trump issued a drone strike on Qasem Soleimani, who was a major Iranian general. Soleimani had arrived at an airport in Baghdad, Iraq where he was planning to meet with politicians and military allies when he and 9 others in his convoy were killed. Trump declared that “Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks” and added, “We took action to stop a war, not start one.” During Soleimani’s funeral procession that took place in Iraq the following day, thousands mourned and protested. Assassinating the top military commander of Iran was a bold move and a risky one at that. In retaliation, Iran launched over a dozen missiles at U.S. troops positioned in an Iraqi base. The base housed 1,500 people; 300 of those being Americans. No one was killed but several structures containing equipment were destroyed. Some speculate that Iran is purposefully trying to avoid doing anything that might make the U.S. strike back. The Supreme Leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (which is a branch of the Iranian military) stated that the U.S. would be the target of “harsher revenge soon”. Just a few hours after the missiles were fired, Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 was passing overhead of a military center at what seemed like a hostile altitude. Iran, in fear of U.S. aggression, misidentified the aircraft as a cruise missile and shot down the plane, leaving 176 dead including passengers and crew. 82 Iranians were on board as well as 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, 4 Afghans, 3 Germans, and 3 British nationals. Most were in their 20s-30s but there were some younger children on board as well. Vigils all over are being held to remember the lives of those who were lost in this tragic event. 

Throughout this time of uncertainty we hope for safety and guidance. This is an example of a time where we need to communicate with each other. The United States is best when we work together in times of crisis.