The conflict with Iran. How we got here and what could come next. This is Dr. Jim Denison's

The Daily Article podcast for Monday, June 24th, 2019. Nick and Liana Willenda safely crossed

Times Square last night on a high wire 25 stories above the pavement. Their feet feels like a

parable for escalating tensions in the Middle East. What has led to the

present crisis with Iran? Why would the Iranians escalate conflict with the U.S.? What could come next?

And where's got at work? As for how we got here, two oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz

recently, following attacks on four commercial ships off the coast of the United Arab Emirates last month. The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the UK blame Iran.

Last Monday, Iran stated that it would soon surpass the previously imposed 300-kilogram limit

on its stockpiles of enriched uranium. The Pentagon then announced plans to send approximately

1,000 more troops to the

Middle East, quote, for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats, end quote.

Last Thursday, Iran shot down an unmanned U.S. surveillance drone. The U.S. claims that the aircraft

was in international airspace. Iran claims that it was flying over their territory. Later that day,

the United States Cyber Command conducted online attacks against an Iranian intelligence group

that American officials believe helped plan the oil taker attacks. This was meant to be a direct

response to the downing of the drone as well. President Trump also approved military strikes against

Iran in retaliation for the drone

attack, then canceled the strike. However, he announced over the weekend that the U.S. is

putting major additional sanctions on Iran on Monday. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said yesterday

that he wants to build a global coalition against Iran. An Iranian military official warned

this morning that his country is capable of shooting down more American spy drones.

Now, why would Iran escalate conflict? Iran's economy is expected to shrink by 6% this year,

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