IN times of crisis, for example, when natural disasters strike, it is advisable to put politics aside and help others — even geopolitical adversaries — in their hour of need. However, the unfortunate fact is that cold realpolitik often trumps humanitarian principles, as we have seen in the case of the recent deadly floods in Iran. Around 1,900 communities have been inundated while at least 70 lives have been lost as several Iranian provinces have been battered by the deluge. However, getting help to Iran has proved to be difficult, because, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, American sanctions imposed after the US withdrew from the JCPOA, as the nuclear deal is formally known, have created obstacles in the smooth flow of relief. The Red Crescent says the sanctions have prevented it from accessing cash. On the other hand, Pakistan has offered support and sympathies to the Iranians, with both the prime minister and foreign minister reiterating their resolve to help their western neighbour in this difficult phase. “We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance required” to Iran, Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted.

Unfortunately, under the Trump administration the US has taken a vindictive, inhuman approach towards Iran. Whatever Washington’s geopolitical differences with Tehran, the Americans could have taken the initiative to build bridges with Iran on this occasion by lifting restrictions on relief goods and funds so that aid flowed freely to those affected by the floods. But realpolitik can be incredibly cruel and those currently calling the shots in Washington have proved this to be so. While Pakistan, a country of limited means and plenty of internal problems of its own, has come forward in a spirit of neighbourliness and humanitarianism to support Iran, the most powerful nation in the world has proved that, to it, politics trumps humanity. The US should reconsider its rigid stance, and allow goods and funds to flow freely to victims of the floods in Iran. Moreover, the European states — that have kept channels open with Tehran even when relations between Iran and the West have been testy — should step forward and help foreign aid reach Iran. If the US thinks helping increase the Iranian people’s misery by blocking much-needed aid will make them rebel against their government, it might find itself mistaken. If anything, such misplaced steps will only add to anti-Americanism in Iran, as the Islamic Republic’s citizens suffer due to cruel US sanctions.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2019