I want to start my article with my deepest condolence to the losses in the plane crashof Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 in Tehran, Iran.
The year has just begun and the first sign of world war three lightened in the sky like the fireworks on new year day. It all happened when American President Donald Trump decided to kill the Iranian Commander Qassem Soleimani in a surprise drone attack in Bagdad because there was an imminent attack on Americans.
According to Japan times, on the first day of 2020, President Donald Trump addresses the United States on Wednesday from the White House on a ballistic missile strike conducted by Iran on Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops. “Iran fired at least a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases where U.S. troops were stationed in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani, who is hailed by some as a hero. […] Trump addressed the nation later that day, saying there had been no known casualties in the attacks and that “only minimal damage was sustained” at the Iraqi bases.”
Security fear was sparked after the incident, Japanese firms including MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) and Mizuho Bank said that they have moved people in Tehran to somewhere outside the country. SMBC said that it was only a “temporary measure” adding that their employers are still working normally outside the country.
In another article written by RT, also pointed out that “Some other Japanese companies have also issued warnings and orders for their staff. Construction machinery maker Komatsu has prohibited travel to Iran and Iraq for the time being. Hitachi Construction Machinery, which has an office in Dubai, banned employees from traveling to the two countries as a general rule. It also discouraged visits to the rest of the Middle East.”
According to Japan Times, as of 2018, there are approximately 30 companies have operational bases in Japan. Many are financial institutions and trading companies.
An article written by the Wall Street Journal pointed out that not just Japanese companies are pulling out of Iran but other big companies like Huawei Technologies Co., Lenovo Group, LG Electronics Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. are reconsidering their base in Iran due to are reacting to the Trump administration’s moves to squeeze Iran’s oil exports and impose a terror designation on its paramilitary force in 2019. The article argues that “Asian companies that had provided a lifeline to Iran after the U.S. reimposed sanctions last year are pulling back, hurting the hobbled Iranian economy and leaving the Islamic Republic with less incentive to stay committed to a multination nuclear deal, Western diplomats say.”
The recent tension between Washington and Iran is not showing any kind of improvement to Iran’s economy. With more multi-national cooperation consider their safety in the country, Iran will be losing many manufactures and trade companies.
After missile shooting, there is no sign of tensions being eased. 2019 did not end on the right note, 2020 did not start on the right foot. After World War 1, America tried to not be involved in World War 2. However, it seems like they are starting a World War 3. Like what Miss Congeniality said, “I want World Peace.”
