Iran and Oil

The Iranian government is shocked when a leading Saudi prince, the Minister of Finance of the Kingdom no less, approaches them secretly. Would the Iranian government have an interest in contributing funds to a "trading pool" for the express purpose of financing terrorist events designed to spiral oil prices through the roof? Not only would the Iranian government share in the spoils of trading profits resulting from the action, but a massive wealth transfer would be effected for a country whose primary revenues stem from the export of oil.

The Iranians have observed Prince Tariq before, of course. They have noted his funding, albeit small in comparison with their own, of Hezbollah. A Saudi Wahhabist prince funding the premier Shiite radical group in the world? Perhaps, Tariq is making an overture to Tehran. Does he have plans for the throne in Riyadh and might need their clandestine support?

The Iranians take a flyer on the Prince, appointing Khoranei, one of their major UN diplomats, to oversee their contributions and are subsequently delighted when the band led by Tariq succeeds in doubling oil prices in a matter of months. The instantaneous increase in wealth is intoxicating to the Iranians. Their country produces 4 million barrels per day, less than half of the Saudis, but impressive nonetheless. The additional money brought in by higher oil prices will help fund their nuclear aspirations.

The higher revenues from oil prices gone ballistic also allow further financing of Hezbollah and Hamas, two major clients of Iran. Certainly, Hezbollah is near and dear to Tehran, having helped the group form in 1982 in southern Lebanon. There is nothing quite like having a Shiite terror organization poised at the doorstep of Israel. Additional funding may also be directed toward cultivating Hezbollah-like counterparts in the new Iraq. The situation in Basra is ripe for the latter action.

One problem occurs, however. A not so minor problem. Khoranei is mysteriously killed in New York. Do the Americans know what is going on and taking action? A major diplomatic row is created at the UN where the U.S. government is accused of terminating a senior Iranian diplomat with corresponding immunity. Privately, Tehran blisters Tariq: find the problem and fix it. Or Tehran will.

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