Iran condemns US threat to impose 'strongest sanctions in history'
The US is 'regressing to old habits, imprisoned by delusions [and] failed policies', Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Iranian politicians have reacted with anger to a promise from newly appointed US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to impose “the strongest sanctions in history’ on the Islamic Republic following the US’ withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani said on Monday Mr Pompeo’s background as a former CIA chief made him an untenable choice to make decisions which “affect Iran and the world”.
The remarks carried on Iranian state media were quickly followed by tweets from Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif, who said US diplomacy was a “sham”.
The US was “regressing to old habits”, he added, “imprisoned by delusions [and] failed policies.”
The condemnation comes in the wake of a speech from Mr Pompeo in Washington DC in which he said the US would impose “unprecedented financial pressure on the Iranian regime”.
Any new rapprochement would mean Iran would have to withdraw its forces in Syria and its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, he added.
US president Donald Trump announced earlier this month the US would withdraw from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) brokered under Barack Obama, calling the nuclear accord a “rotten deal”.
The JCPOA, agreed between Iran and the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China, lifted crippling international sanctions on the Islamic Republic in exchange for curbs on its nuclear energy programme and any nuclear weapons ambitions.
The US has already re-imposed old sanctions on Iran’s central bank. Mr Pompeo did not outline what further action will look like.
The unilateral action from the Trump administration has been widely criticised by European diplomats.
After Mr Pompeo’s speech on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also rebuked the US, warning there is “no alternative” to the 2015 accord.
The other five parties to the JCPOA have agreed to honour it, although European businesses may now find themselves running afoul of US sanctions rules if they continue to explore financial opportunities with Iran - one of the world’s biggest oil producers.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments