Brian Hook: US Sanctions Against Iran Do Not Target Medicine and Food

Brian Hook, the US Special Representative for Iran, stated that the aim of US sanctions is solely to change the "malicious behavior" of the Islamic Republic's government and that these sanctions do not target humanitarian transactions such as medicine and food. In a video message to the people of Iran on Tuesday, November 6, he emphasized that despite the imposition of "harsh sanctions against the regime" of the Islamic Republic, the sale of food, medicine, medical equipment, and agricultural goods to Iran has "never been and is not sanctioned." He addressed the Iranian people, stressing, "Regardless of what you have heard from your leaders, the United States has never targeted humanitarian transactions with its sanctions." Mr. Hook stated that the goal of these sanctions is to change the "malicious and repressive behavior" of the Islamic Republic's government. He emphasized that the US "stands with the proud people of Iran." Iranian officials have repeatedly claimed that even banks that play a "key role in importing food and medicine" have been sanctioned "on the grounds of connections to the Basij through eight intermediaries." However, Brian Hook insisted that the Iranian government provides the people with "false information" regarding this issue, stating that the aim of US sanctions is not to harm humanitarian transactions, including food and medicine. The United States imposed very severe sanctions against Iran on Monday, but at the same time granted temporary exemptions to eight countries for purchasing oil from Tehran. Concurrently with the re-imposition of these sanctions, the Swiss government announced that it is negotiating with Tehran and Washington to open a banking channel for the sale of humanitarian items to Iran. Following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the rise in the dollar price, reports have emerged about some people hoarding goods. The head of the country's Management and Planning Organization announced on September 7 that five packages had been prepared to support five groups against US sanctions and currency market fluctuations, including the provision of essential goods and support for low-income individuals. According to a report by the US State Department and Radio Farda; E.M./K.R. In this context, the "failure of the European Union" to establish a special trade mechanism with Iran coincides with the return of sanctions, resulting in a "two billion dollar" loss for Iran since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA. SWIFT suspended services to several Iranian banks. What will happen to the financial institutions sanctioned by the US? Erdogan: We will not comply with US sanctions against Iran. Severe government repression and the risk of "underground" protests. What doctors and eyewitnesses recount about the injured in the protests. The limitations of China-Iran relations becoming apparent amidst the protests.