An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 19 and the country's first legislature. In 1953, a coup instigated by Brit- ain and the United States resulted in greater dictatorial rule under Mohammad Reza Shah with increasing western influences. In the years that followed a number of far reaching reforms prompted industrial growth and land reforms and increased women rights. These reforms only benefited some, resulting in widespread dis- satisfaction amongst the populace resulting in the 1979 revolution which established the existing Islamic State. During the 1980s, Iran fought a war with Iraq that resulted in the deaths of thousands and economic depression for both sides. Iran is a founding member of the UN, ECO, NAM, OIC and OPEC. The country has large reserves of fossil fuels including the world's largest gas supply and the fourth largest proven oil reserves. This exerts considerable influences in relation to international energy security as well as the world's economy. In 2015, Iran agreed a long-term deal on its nuclear programme with a group of world powers known as the P5+1 – the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany. This agreement came after years of tension over Iran's alleged efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran insisted that its nuclear programme was peaceful but the international community were suspicious and imposed sanctions on the country. Under the accord, Iran agreed to limit its development and allow international inspectors to enter the coun- try and examine the work being conducted on the programme. This was in return for the lifting of many sanctions which were crippling the country. While progress was made in the short term, in May 2019 Iran suspended commitments under the agreement and gave the other signatories 60 days to protect it from US sanctions. If this was not forth coming, Iran would resume production of highly enriched uranium. In recent months escalating tensions between Iran and the United States has created a flash point at the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping lane, where close to one-fifth of the world's crude oil is supplied to Gulf countries, has become a place of concern after a number of tankers were attacked. The strait is 21 miles at its narrowest point and abuts southern Iran. In April of this year Iran threatened to close off the waterway as the US President, Donald J. Trump, ended sanctions and waivers to importers of Iranian oil, thus eliminating a vital source of revenues for Tehran. The US deployed a carrier strike force to the region but a series of attacks against oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman has increased tensions. Iran denies these attacks with some countries believing America to be the aggressor with European countries requesting restraint by both sides. Iran has been described as the Middle East's most powerful military force. Iran is equipped with relatively modern US made equipment that was delivered before 1979. While experts say it would be difficult for Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz for a prolonged period, its small motor torpedo boats can interrupt and delay shipping. Since the Arab Spring, the rise of Islamic State and the fall of many Middle Eastern leaders, the region has become unstable and the flow of oil and gas has been disrupted. World leaders are now monitoring the situation and hoping that a war does not develop. Nego- tiations and compromise all sides are required to avoid conflict. A senior Iranian official stated that any conflict in the region will have, "unimagina- ble conse- quences." A speedboat of Iran's Revolutionary Guard trains a weapon toward the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which was seized in the Strait of Hormuz on 19th July 2019. Photo: Morteza Akhoondi / AP Iranian fast boats buzz around US Warship in the Gulf. Photo: Getty

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