Isolated ... the regime is cracking down on opposition.

LONDON: PUNITIVE international sanctions imposed on Iran have strengthened the government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and helped its post-election crackdown on the opposition movement, a leading reformist politician and former presidential candidate says.

”These sanctions have given an excuse to the Iranian government to suppress the opposition by blaming them for the unstable situation of the country,” Mr Karroubi said in emailed responses to questions.