Tehran Analyst Alleges US Aims to Control Iranian Oil and Fragment Nation

Tehran. A political analyst from the University of Tehran has alleged that the United States and its allies have attacked Iran with a strategy aimed at controlling its oil resources and fragmenting the country. Foad Izadi, an analyst at the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran, told Al Jazeera that many Iranian citizens believe the main cause of the current conflict is the control over Iran's oil resources and the reconstruction of the regional power balance.

According to Izadi, statements made by US Senator Lindsey Graham have also confirmed the long-standing suspicions of Iranians. He stated, 'We were not surprised to hear Senator Graham say that 'Trump wants Iran's oil.' Iranians have been saying this for many years.' Izadi also accused Washington of attempting to establish dominance in the Persian Gulf region, similar to Britain in the 19th century, comparing the US strategy to old imperialist policies.

He added that US President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting that Iran's borders could change after the war have also increased suspicion within Iran. Izadi said, 'The view held by many Iranians is that Trump wants to separate oil-rich southern Iran to fragment, or 'balkanize,' the country.'

According to him, there is a growing belief in Iran that if such a plan succeeds, a new state could be established in southern Iran to control oil resources, increase pressure on China, and expand Israel's influence in the Middle East. However, he asserted that such a plan would not succeed, noting that Iranian society and state structure are much stronger than expected.