GENEVA: The United States has chosen the wrong path in reimposing sanctions on Iran and will be defeated, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, according to the Tasnim news agency.
Washington reinstated sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry on November 5 as it seeks to force the Islamic Republic to accept tougher curbs on its nuclear programme, halt its development of ballistic missiles as well as its support for forces in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.
“The Americans will definitely be defeated in this path. The path they have chosen is wrong and incorrect,” Rouhani said. “If they are being honest and they are looking for regional security, this is not the path. If they are being honest and respect the Iranian people, this is not the path.”
He added, “They have made themselves more infamous in the world and in front of our people. It’s clear for everyone that the incorrect and cruel sanctions of America will harm the dear and honourable people of our country.”
US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday that Washington intends to step up enforcement of sanctions on Iran.
President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions after withdrew the United States from world powers’ 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, reached before he took office. The other signatories — Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China remain committed to the deal.
Iran has said it will stay in it only if the other powers preserve its economic benefits against US pressure.
Meanwhile, Iraq has agreed with Iran to exchange Iraqi food items for Iranian gas and energy supplies, two Iraqi government officials said on Wednesday.
Baghdad is now seeking US approval to allow it to import Iranian gas which is used in its power stations, and needs more time to find an alternative source, they said. The sources are a government official and a member of Iraq’s ministerial energy committee. — Reuters
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