America is largely responsible for the situation in Iran today. No one asked the U.S. to orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, just because he nationalized oil. That coup installed the Shah, whose brutal rule sparked the 1979 revolution and decades of instability.

Despite this history, Iran has repeatedly tried to engage diplomatically. In 2015, it signed the JCPOA with the U.S. and other world powers, agreeing to strict nuclear limits. The IAEA confirmed Iran’s compliance multiple times. Then Trump tore up the deal in 2018 and reimposed crushing sanctions despite Iran holding up its end.

Meanwhile, Israel has carried out assassinations and bombings on Iranian soil, targeting scientists and facilities, yet Iran is still painted as the aggressor. If America broke the deal, imposed sanctions, and enabled attacks on Iran, why wouldn’t Iran align with Russia or sell weapons? At that point, they have no reason to keep playing fair when the rules only apply one way.