The statement reflects concerns about the challenges American businesses face when engaging with Iran, particularly under the current U.S. sanctions regime. It highlights that if American companies need government-backed financial support to operate in Iran, it underscores significant business risks associated with doing so.
At a deeper level, this quote also implies broader geopolitical tensions and economic complexities involved in transacting with Iran. Pompeo’s statement suggests that the high risk and potential need for federal assistance indicate serious diplomatic and legal hurdles, including sanctions imposed by the United States aimed at limiting trade with Iran. This indicates not only business risks but also the delicate nature of international relations between the U.S. and Iran.
The quote is attributed to Mike Pompeo, who served as the 70th Secretary of State under President Donald Trump from April 2018 until January 2021. Pompeo was a strong advocate for imposing stringent sanctions on Iran during his tenure, reflecting a broader policy stance against what the U.S. government perceives as destabilizing activities by Iran in the Middle East and beyond.