[Former US Defense Department Official: Sanctions Against Iran Won't Overthrow the Iranian Regime, But Will Severely Damage the Revolutionary Guard] Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Mulroy stated that the new round of sanctions against Iran aims to extend its impact far beyond Iran. He said, "This is what's called secondary sanctions. All countries, institutions, and entities that do business with Iran and have trade relations with it will be sanctioned. This includes other countries and financial institutions that handle Iranian financial transactions." Mulroy stated that Washington is also targeting Iranian infrastructure used to circumvent restrictions: "The US is also taking action against shadow fleets used to smuggle Iranian oil and circumvent sanctions." However, he stated that this strategy has limitations: "These measures won't overthrow the Iranian regime, but they will deal a significant blow to it and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cutting off financial support to the organization." Mulroy linked the push for sanctions to a key point in US domestic politics. He stated, "I think the US chose this option rather than escalating military action before the US midterm elections because war isn't particularly popular with the American public or in American public opinion." He added that if Iran attacks any regional allies or US targets, the current standoff "could escalate to the military level."
