Question

The United States imposed sanctions by threatening to punish foreign companies doing business in Iran, causing foreign auto makers to leave the country. As a result, Iran must rely on locally made engines and other equipment that cannot use the latest technology. Air pollution is a particular concern in Iran. Air pollution is reported to increase the incidence of respiratory and other diseases, resulting in 4,000 premature deaths per year in Tehran and 40,000 in the country as a whole.

Answer 1

• The passage highlights the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran, particularly in the context of foreign companies leaving the country, leading to a reliance on locally made equipment that lacks the latest technology. This has consequences for various sectors, including the automotive industry. One notable concern is the issue of air pollution in Iran, which is exacerbated by the inability to access cutting-edge technology.

• The consequences of increased air pollution are significant, contributing to higher rates of respiratory and other diseases. The reported statistics indicate a substantial human toll, with 4,000 premature deaths per year in Tehran and 40,000 across the entire country attributed to the effects of air pollution. This underscores the health implications of economic and political decisions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global issues and their impact on public well-being.