Iran’s Leaders Are Defying US, Signal No Tolerance For Dissent

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s leadership has solidified around hard-line military generals and clerics, preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the U.S. and aiming to prevent domestic unrest. This counters claims of a regime change by U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran’s leaders warn of escalating the conflict as American sanctions strain the economy. The new head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has threatened to halt oil exports if the economic war continues. Other recent top-level appointments appear aimed at internal cohesion and a tougher stance toward the U.S. Iran’s president, a relative moderate, is an increasingly lonely voice calling for a return to negotiations.