Twelve, in the post–JCPOA era, the West badgered Iran for maintaining its missile capabilities, constantly using it as a means of pressure against Iran. But they’ve witnessed Iran’s decisive rejection of giving up its missile capabilities every time they’ve tried. They now know very well that ballistic missile capabilities are vital to the country’s defensive strategy.

The United States has recklessly dragged the Persian Gulf region to the brink of war. Tragically, we’ve witnessed an unintended consequence of the Trump administration’s disastrous policy: the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane by Iran which lead to the loss of 176 precious lives, many of whom were Iranians. “I think if there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families,” said Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in the aftermath of the tragedy, many of whose victims held Canadian citizenship. Such unintended consequences may occur again if the United States does not change its policies and actions in the region.

Seyed Hossein Mousavian is Middle East Security and Nuclear Policy Specialist at Princeton University and a former Iranian diplomat.

Image: Reuters.