Sparking turmoil in global energy markets and undermining Gulf countries’ reputations for economic stability is all part of the Iranian regime’s strategy, according to a Middle East analyst. Speaking to FRANCE 24, Paymon Azmoudeh, senior consultant in the risk and compliance practice at Forward Global, explains that Tehran hopes to pressure Washington to end the war. Iran, he says, is very aware of the political risks for Donald Trump if the global – and US – economy takes a hit, especially with mid-term elections later this year. “When you have Abbas Araghchi, for example, the foreign minister, going on Fox News and NBC […] they’re basically making a mid-term pitch,” he adds.