Source: Reuters
On May 21, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened Iran with “the strongest sanctions in history” if Tehran refuses to “stop enrichment” of uranium and does not permit “unqualified access to all sites throughout the country” to international inspectors, Sputnik reported.
Speaking at the Heritage Foundation, Pompeo stressed that the US “will apply unprecedented financial pressure” on Iran unless it changes the course. He stated that the “protection of the US citizens” had been put at risk with the adoption of the Iran nuclear deal.
“These will end up being the strongest sanctions in history by the time we are complete,” Pompeo said. “Thanks to our colleagues at the Department of Treasury, sanctions are going back in full effect and new ones are coming … These will indeed end up being the strongest sanctions in history.”
Pompeo listed 12 “basic requirements” of a new nuclear agreement that could permit Iran to avoid sanctions. The withdrawal of all Iranian forces from Syrian territory and cease to support Hezbollah, Hamas, IJ, Houthis, Taliban groups considered by the US as terrorist organizations were among these demands.
Demands from #Iran , Pompeo:
•Close heavy water reactors
•Allow IAEA inspectors everywhere
•End ballistic missile
•Release US citizens
•End support to Hezbollah, Hamas, IJ, Houthis, Taliban
•Iran must withdraw from Syria
•Iran must support Iraq Gov, disarm Shia militias— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) May 21, 2018
Addressing to Iranian people, Pompeo said:
“President [Hassan] Rouhani and Foreign Minister [Javad] Zarif… are your elected leaders. Are they not the most responsible for your economic struggles?”
“The United States believes you deserve better.”
Pompeo expressed hope that these Washington’s sanctions would supported by US allies and they would accept a new policy towards Iran as “the right one.”
On May 8, US President Donald Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal, which demanded Iran to maintain a peaceful nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump repeatedly criticized the deal and ordered to impose new economic sanctions against Iran for its “malicious activities.” Trump’s decision wasn’t welcomed by the US European allies-members of the deal: China, Germany, France, Iran, Russia, and the UK.
