Pompeo's Phone Conversation with British and French Foreign Ministers Regarding Iran

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department says Mike Pompeo discussed "countering Iranian-backed terrorist activities" and "Iran's destructive behaviors" with his British and French counterparts. Robert Palladino states that the U.S. Secretary of State spoke with Jeremy Hunt, the British Foreign Secretary, about "countering Iran's destructive behaviors" and other issues such as "the safe process in Syria" and "denuclearization of North Korea." Mr. Pompeo, in a call with Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, referred to France's efforts to counter Iranian-backed terrorist activities in Europe and the Middle East and discussed some other issues with him. The United States has accused Tehran of being the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, the root of problems and crises in the Middle East, and a "rogue" government. The Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran, claiming that the deal does not prevent Iran's military and nuclear activities in the long term, nor does it stop the development of ballistic missiles and other actions by the Islamic Republic in the region. The U.S. government states that it seeks a "change in behavior" from the Iranian regime and for it to become a "normal" country. However, Tehran denies the allegations of interference in the affairs of regional countries and accuses Washington of violating an agreement supported by the United Nations Security Council. The U.S. has also accused Iran of violating UN resolutions by conducting missile tests. The Iranian Foreign Minister states that the U.S. government's "hostility" towards the Islamic Republic has pushed it towards "supporting dictators and extremists." Donald Trump has described U.S. support for regional countries like Saudi Arabia as a means to prevent Iran from "controlling" the region, investments, and fighting terrorism. The Islamic Republic does not recognize Israel and its senior officials have repeatedly spoken of its destruction; a subject that has faced widespread criticism, including from the United Nations. America's European allies had called for the U.S. to remain in the JCPOA and have taken steps to preserve it. Mr. Trump, unlike the previous administration under Barack Obama, has stated that the nuclear agreement "did not bring peace and security" and does not serve U.S. national interests. European countries, in alignment with Washington, have asked Iran to halt its ballistic missile development and withdraw its forces from countries like Syria. Tehran claims its missile program is "defensive" and will not negotiate on it.