Pompeo: The U.S. is Determined to Pursue Maximum Pressure Campaign Against Iran

Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated that the United States is determined to pursue a maximum pressure campaign against the Iranian government. In a note published this week in 'Foreign Affairs,' Pompeo wrote: The United States is resolute in its maximum pressure campaign against Iran, a government that disregards international norms, violates human rights concerning the Iranian people, and spreads death and destruction worldwide. The U.S. Secretary of State said that the goal of the aggressive sanctions is to force the Iranian government to choose between continuing or reversing the policies that led to these sanctions. In May of this year, the United States announced its withdrawal from the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA with six world powers and that sanctions against the Islamic Republic would be reinstated. The United States reactivated the first round of suspended sanctions against Tehran in mid-August this year. The U.S. has stated that the second round of sanctions will be implemented on November 4 (13 Aban), aimed at reducing Iran's oil exports to zero. The U.S. sanctioned 20 companies and financial institutions linked to the 'Basij Cooperative Foundation.' Pompeo also wrote that the Iranian government's decision to continue its destructive activities has so far had severe economic consequences, which have been exacerbated by mismanagement, to the extent that the regime cannot benefit from its economic interests. The U.S. Secretary of State added that economic pressure is only one part of the U.S. campaign. Containment is another aspect of this campaign. President Trump believes that clear actions must be taken to prevent Iran from seeking to resume its nuclear program and continuing its destructive activities. Pompeo emphasized: We are not seeking war. But we must make it clear that escalating tensions are not in Iran's favor; the Islamic Republic cannot withstand the military power of the United States, and we have no qualms about reminding Iranian leaders of this. Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that U.S. sanctions are part of a psychological war against Tehran. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, also described the new U.S. sanctions as a sign of Washington's 'addiction' to sanctions. The U.S. seeks negotiations regarding the future of Iran's nuclear program after the JCPOA, its missile program, and Iran's regional activities. Meanwhile, officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran state that Tehran will not negotiate at all regarding the JCPOA and its missile program.