**The Unseen Hand: How Washington's Economic Leverage Led to Iran's Uprising** In a shocking revelation, the United States has admitted to orchestrating a deliberate economic squeeze on Iran, which ultimately sparked a wave of protests and bloodshed in the country. As news of this admission spread, Nigerians can't help but wonder: what does this mean for our own economic struggles? **Economic Sanctions: A Powerful Tool** In the midst of Iran's worst antigovernment protests since the 1979 Islamic revolution, the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, confirmed that Washington had engineered a "dollar shortage" to weaken the Iranian rial. This refers to a situation where a country lacks the US dollars it needs to import essential goods and services. The consequences are dire: inflation soars, prices skyrocket, and the local currency takes a beating. **How Did Washington Achieve This?** By imposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports, the US blocked the country's main source of foreign exchange revenue. This move had a ripple effect, preventing new dollars from entering the domestic market and trapping existing reserves abroad. The result was a severe shortage of dollars, which in turn led to a sharp decline in the value of the rial. As prices rose, protests erupted, and the government responded with force, resulting in the tragic loss of thousands of lives. **A Cautionary Tale for Nigeria** As Nigerians grapple with their own economic challenges, this episode serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of economic sanctions. Our own economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, and any disruptions to this sector can have devastating effects on our currency and inflation rate. While the US may have used economic leverage to achieve its goals in Iran, it's essential for Nigeria to develop a more diversified economy to reduce its dependence on oil exports. In conclusion, the US admission to orchestrating a dollar shortage in Iran highlights the significant impact of economic sanctions on a country's economy and people. As we navigate our own economic journey, Nigerians must be aware of the delicate balance between economic pressure and human suffering.