Leaders of the Iranian Regime and leaders of Venezuela have joined together in an effort to create a Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have stated their intention to work together in an effort to decrease Western dominance through out the world. Additionally, the two countries have signed numerous agreements that would increase trade between their countries.
This increase in cooperation comes at a time when the U.S. and some of its allies have finally begun to take a stronger stance with Iran. Recently the U.S. has come up with a deal to sell in an effort to counter Iran’s growing threat in the region. The UN Security Council resorted to sanctions earlier this year and since then the U.S. has imposed its own round of sanctions. However, certain neighboring countries, like Turkey, have been unwilling to significantly aid in these efforts.
Iran has continued to exert its influence not only by its support for terrorist organizations, but now by establishing banks in other Muslim countries. Because Iran’s banks are predicated on an Islamic banking system (which do not allow the charging of interest), the establishment of these banks in Muslim nations is key. Additionally, Bank Melli, Iran’s state bank, has been heavily involved in the financing of Iran’s nuclear program.
In the mean time, Iran’s continued threat to U.S. interests has steadily been growing as well as its abhorrent human rights record. If Iran continues on this current path undeterred, the United States and the world will be facing a threat to not only security and financial interests on a global scale but also the example that Iran will set for other rogue nations who with to challenge American interests and belief in universal human rights.