 "Since Donald Trump returned to power, the US has undertaken a more confrontational foreign policy built around threats, sanctions and military action. AFP")
The Iran conflict has emerged as the defining test of Donald Trump’s second term as US President. Since Trump returned to power, the US has undertaken a more confrontational foreign policy built around threats, sanctions and military action.
Trump has taken aim at countries he claims threaten American interests, from Iran and Yemen to Venezuela and Mexico. Some nations have been subjected to direct US strikes, while others have been hit with sanctions, tariffs or diplomatic pressure.
The campaign against Iran, including strikes on nuclear facilities and military infrastructure, has raised fears of war in West Asia. In Latin America, Washington’s operation against Venezuela’s leadership signalled a renewed willingness to intervene in the region.
Trump has even criticised allies such as Canada and Spain over trade and defence disputes while threatening tougher action against drug cartels in Mexico.
Let’s take a closer look: