Iran claims Trump Administration’s actions “mentally retarded”; Iran FM warns of permanent closure of path of diplomacy; Trump signs executive order placing sanctions on Khamenei and government bodies; Trump: We cannot ever let Iran have a nuclear weapon. And it won’t happen.
President Trump signed an executive order to impose additional “hard-hitting sanctions” targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, his office, and other Iranian government officials.
The most recent round of sanctions targeting Supreme Ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei went into effect on Monday. And will block billions of dollars in assets, as well as strategically target what President Trump referred to as the source of Iran’s aggression. The US sanctions are the latest issued by the Trump Administration who reiterated its committed to “increase pressure on Tehran until the regime abandons its dangerous activities and its aspirations, including the pursuit of nuclear weapons, increased enrichment of uranium, development of ballistic missiles, engagement in and support for terrorism, fueling of foreign conflicts, and belligerent acts directed against the United States and its allies.”
The President listed his reasons for the new sanctions, mainly Iran’s military aggression in the Middle East and targeting of US positions. Specifically, on sanctions targeting Khamenei, he reported on Monday “The Supreme Leader of Iran is one who ultimately is responsible for the hostile conduct of the regime. He’s respected within his country. His office oversees the regime’s most brutal instruments, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.” He claimed the sanctions would “deny the Supreme Leader and the Supreme Leader’s Office, and those closely affiliated with him and the office, access to key financial resources and support. The assets of Ayatollah Khamenei and his office will not be spared from the sanctions.”
The White House additionally announced it would place sanctions on Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif later this week.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani denounced the sanctions and claimed through insults on Tuesday that “The White House actions mean it is mentally retarded.” Rouhani furthered attacked the United States and claimed its sanctions to be placed on Zarif as “outrageous and idiotic.” And claimed hypocrisy as “you sanction the foreign minister simultaneously with a request for talks,” in reference to the United States’ call for negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned the United States that its actions would serve as a “permanent closure of the path of diplomacy.” Further accusing, “Trump’s desperate administration is destroying the established international mechanisms for maintaining world peace and security.”
