LOC02:29
23:29 GMT
WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- Former US administration's policy of maximum pressure and no diplomatic engagement with Iran has proved failure, US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price has said.
"I think however you look at maximum pressure, you can only be left with that one conclusion," Price told reporters in a press briefing Thursday.
"Now, our approach recognizes that maximum pressure accompanied by the lack of diplomatic engagement got us to where we are. That is why we are embarking on a different path. One that prioritizes real principled clear eyed diplomacy," he added.
"I think when you look at the results of maximum pressure, you can only be left with one conclusion," he noted.
Maximum pressure was supposed to result in a better deal, he said, noting that it was supposed to cow Tehran and its proxies.
"It was supposed to isolate Iran from the rest of the world. It was supposed to leave America's interests in a better position. In fact, every single one of those, the opposite has been true.
"Rather than cowing Tehran and its proxies into submission, Tehran and its proxies as we talked about in this briefing room and as we saw starting really in 2018 in 2019, have been emboldened," he concluded. (end)
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