Exclusive; America: We Will Continue to Enforce 'Strict' Sanctions Against the Islamic Republic

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told the Persian section of Voice of America that the Biden administration will continue to enforce 'strict' sanctions against the Islamic Republic, including those related to oil and petrochemical trade. In response to comments by Nasser Kanani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, regarding a 'deal' between Tehran and Washington and the continuation of Iran's oil exports despite sanctions, he stated that oil export figures fluctuate over time and depend on prices and methodological changes, 'but the framework of U.S. sanctions against Iran remains strong.' This U.S. diplomat added that the Biden administration regularly warns other countries against taking actions inconsistent with U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Referring to the extensive actions of the Biden administration against the Islamic Republic, he attributed high inflation and a 70% drop in the value of Iran's national currency since Biden took office to his efforts to counter the Islamic Republic. He described the 'numerous' sanctions against officials, affiliates, and supporters of the Islamic Republic, as well as countering Iran's destabilizing behaviors 'from terrorist plots to its missile program' as other actions taken by the Biden administration against the Islamic Republic. This American diplomat noted that over the past year, more than 300 entities and individuals have been sanctioned, 160 of which were related to Iran's oil and petrochemical sectors. He emphasized that the United States, in cooperation with its allies and partners and using a wide range of diplomatic and economic tools, closely monitors and deters Iran's destabilizing behavior. In response to Nasser Kanani's comments regarding the situation of Jamshid Sharmeh, a dual Iranian-German citizen sentenced to death, the U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that the United States is 'closely' monitoring Mr. Sharmeh's case. Kanani had called for an explanation from Washington regarding the meeting of Jamshid Sharmeh's children with Abram Paley, the deputy special envoy for Iran. The U.S. diplomat declined to comment on the details of the conversation between Mr. Paley and Jamshid Sharmeh's children. He stated that the U.S. had previously called the treatment of this dual citizen 'unacceptable' and continues to condemn it 'in the strongest possible terms.' This American diplomat noted that Jamshid Sharmeh was sentenced to death after what has been widely described as a 'sham trial.' He emphasized that the Islamic Republic must respect all of Mr. Sharmeh's rights and fundamental freedoms, including how he is treated and ensuring a fair trial.