Who is responsible for U.S.-Iran tensions?

The United States is working to gain consensus for tougher sanctions on Iran after the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the country was engaging in research that could only be used for developing a nuclear trigger.

Iran has consequently threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil exports. There is also increased concern that Israel will prepare to take tough measures against Iran.

In an article in Foreign Policy, author and historian Mark Perry describes a series of CIA memos revealing a false-flag operation involving Israel’s intelligence agency, the Mossad. The memos report that Israeli spies posed as American agents to recruit members of Jundallah, a Pakistan-based separatist group, to carry out attacks in Iran.

Adding to tensions, an Iranian nuclear scientist was killed last week, and Iranian officials blame the United States and Israel for the death.

In this episode of The Stream, we talk to Vali Nasr, former senior adviser with the U.S. State Department; Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-Israeli writer; and Mark Perry.

What do you think? Who is responsible for growing tensions between the United States and Iran? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

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