Tensions Between Iran and the United States: Choices of War and Peace
March 8, 2025, 3:13 pm

Tensions Between Iran and the United States: Choices of War and Peace

ترامب وإيران

The rising tension between the United States and Iran is reflected in the behavior of U.S. President Donald Trump, who swings between threats and offers, stating that Tehran faces the choice of curbing its nuclear program or facing direct military action. While Trump indicates the possibility of reaching an agreement, he hints at imminent actions against Iran, reflecting the prevailing atmosphere of instability.

Eyes are on a potential military action by Israel, which is simulating an attack on Iran within Syrian territory. This raises questions about Iran's ability to secure its maneuverability during this critical phase.

According to a report by The New York Times, Israeli officials have confirmed that the current moment is seen as the most opportune for targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. However, executing such an attack would require significant logistical and military support from the U.S.

Iran, for its part, refuses to negotiate under the pressure of sanctions, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue to occur under normal conditions. Hossein Rouyvaran, a political science professor at Tehran University, stated that Iran is willing to provide assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program in exchange for the complete lifting of sanctions. Rouyvaran argued that the solution lies in negotiations, warning against military alternatives that no one desires.

In subsequent statements, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while indicating the possibility of diplomatic solutions. Trump said, "We are on the verge of critical moments with Iran, and something will happen very soon."

Israeli forces are conducting military exercises in areas that resemble Iranian terrain, demonstrating Tel Aviv's seriousness in preparing military options. Israeli military sources reported that these maneuvers simulate complex scenarios, including aerial assaults and engagements in rugged mountainous regions.

At the same time, Iran is conducting extensive military exercises, involving the testing of advanced missiles, such as the "Khaybar 4," which features a destructive capacity estimated at 60 tons of TNT. Tehran confirmed that it would respond forcefully to any U.S. or Israeli attacks, indicating that Israeli nuclear facilities would be among its retaliation targets.

With U.S. sanctions and Israeli pressures ongoing, Iran faces a difficult situation as it seeks to maintain independence in its political decisions while recognizing the dangers of military escalation. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, former Israeli diplomat Meir Cohen emphasized that matters are approaching a critical stage, where a decision must be made between comprehensive settlement or military action that will cost everyone a hefty price.

As each side works to strengthen its negotiating position, the future of the region hangs by a thin thread, paving the way for either military options or diplomacy, should Trump or any other American president decide to keep the doors open for negotiations.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.