Iran, with the 4th largest oil reserves in the world, is a country which has been highly significant for the geoplitical strategies of Western powers since the end of World War II. The West has employed various tactics in its attempt to maintain control, including politcal subversion, destabilisation, installation of puppet leaders, sanctions, the lifting of sanctions and veiled threats of war. Today we take a look at the history of Iran's relations with the West and we evaluate the recent assertion by US President Donald Trump that Iran is the "world's number 1 state sponsor of terrorism". We also reflect upon the interesting observation that each successive wave of extremist ideologies and militant political movements which have emerged from the Middle East has been a response and a reaction to invasions, occupations and interference by Western powers, right up to the emergence of ISIS in the past few years. We further reflect on the way in which the anti-Islam rhetoric of the alt-right is perhaps softening up the general population to accept the proposition that a war against Iran is necessary and just. Related Links History of Egypt under the British Mattis: Iran sponsoring terrorism MILO At University Of New Mexico: America Deserves Borders (FULL TALK) Iran and state-sponsored terrorism Application of Islamic law by country Judicial system of Iran Hezbollah US Betrays Iran Deal as Predicted - Edges Closer to War US Navy base in Bahrain would be ‘razed to ground’ by retaliatory Iranian missiles – MP Female genital mutilation Is Female Genital Mutilation an Islamic Problem? Female Genital Mutilation Is Not a Uniquely Muslim Problem LGBT rights by country or territory