Nauert: Tough Actions Against Iran to Combat Terrorism and Improve Human Rights

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated on her Twitter account that tough actions against Iran are aimed at combating terrorism outside its borders and improving human rights within the country. Heather Nauert said on November 21, 'We need strict measures against Iran to stop terrorism and violence outside its borders and to improve the human rights situation inside.' She added, 'We will continue to support the voice of Iranians and strengthen international support for our efforts.' According to the U.S. State Department spokesperson, 'The world must unite to say no to Iran's malfeasance.' Nauert emphasized that U.S. sanctions are not intended to cover humanitarian issues, referencing statements made by the U.S. ambassador in London. U.S. officials have reiterated this point in recent weeks. Nauert noted, 'Targeting humanitarian trade has never been U.S. policy. Our sanctions aim to change the destructive behavior of the Iranian government.' On Wednesday, the Iranian Medical Council warned in a letter to Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, about the consequences of U.S. sanctions on Iran's medical and pharmaceutical needs. In November, a number of Iranian artists, activists, cultural figures, and journalists signed an open letter stating that the notion that 'the result of sanctions will be the achievement of citizenship rights and human rights, enjoying the blessings of freedom, and improving living conditions for the Iranian people' is 'naive' and that 'the Iranian people will pay the price for these sanctions.' On the other hand, U.S. officials argue that it is the policies of the Islamic Republic, particularly regarding the spending of the country's funds abroad, that have created problems, not U.S. sanctions. Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, stated that the goal of U.S. sanctions is not to overshadow humanitarian trade, including food and medicine, and that the Iranian government misleads the public on this matter. According to Hook, the exceptions that the U.S. has considered are in favor of the Iranian people, but the Iranian government, which is responsible for economic problems, issues related to basic needs, and water shortages, provides false information to the Iranian people. Donald Trump exited the nuclear agreement with Iran last spring, and sanctions against Iran have been implemented in two rounds, the latest being in November. U.S. officials have stated their intention to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, with oil and gas constituting a significant portion of Iran's total exports.