It’s pretty jarring how almost every mainstream media conversation on Iran or Venezuela doesn’t mention the sanctions as major contributor to the plight of the respective people.
Almost like they have some kind of narrative to push and don’t actually care about the cause of the suffering…
NPR yesterday mentioned quite clearly in an interview with John Bolton that economic sanctions are the biggest factor in Iran, and very much on purpose. It is a US strategy, even pre-Trump.
He acknowledged the cultural upheaval that’s been going on years ago, too, and also that negotiations with their regime is a “waste of oxygen.” But sanctions were definitely central.
Though I suppose NPR isn’t really sensationalized… you wouldn’t interview John Bolton if you wanted sensational news.
and don’t forget the pink washing!
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pink washing is used to justify it like the “omg headscarf” panel.
you can see it in action here: https://lemmy.ml/post/41625813/23334074
Context: How US sanctions crippled lives of Iranians Trump says he wants to ‘help’
The protests in Iran started from Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, after the rial plunged to a record low against the US dollar. Shopkeepers shuttered their businesses to rally against rising prices in Iran.
The plummeting currency has triggered steep inflation, with food prices 72 percent higher than last year on average.
I immediately assume someone is braindead when they downplay the role of economic sanctions on the crisis of a country.
