WASHINGTON, May 21 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened "the strongest sanctions in history" against Iran if it doesn't change course, and issued a list of demands he wants to be included in a new nuclear treaty with Tehran.
"This is just the beginning. The sting of sanctions will be painful," Pompeo said before the conservative Heritage Foundation on Monday. "These will be the strongest sanctions in history when complete." A week ago, President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal created under President Barack Obama. Sanctions that had been lifted due to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are scheduled to go back into effect.
"Sanctions are going back in full effect, and new ones are coming," he highlighted.
Under a new nuclear treaty, the secretary pressed that he would like Iran to stop developing ballistic missiles, release Americans held as prisoners in the country, stop support of terrorist groups, and ban heavy-water reactors.
"We will ensure freedom of navigation on the waters in the region. We will work to prevent and counteract any Iranian malign cyber activity. We will track down Iranian operatives and their Hezbollah proxies operating around the world and crush them," Pompeo said. "Iran will never again have carte blanche to dominate the Middle East." In return, the secretary said that if Iran makes "major changes" the US would be willing to lift all sanctions, restore full diplomatic ties with Tehran, and support modernizing its economy.
"It is America's hope that our labors toward peace and security will bear fruit for the long-suffering people of Iran," Pompeo said.
In regards to the US' allies in Europe who are working to keep the old nuclear agreement alive, Pompeo asserted, "That is their decision to make. They know where we stand." (end) ak.msa