Syria Condemns US Sanctions Against Iran, Russia Expresses 'Regret'

On Tuesday, August 7, the Russian government expressed 'deep regret' over President Donald Trump's decision to resume unilateral sanctions against Iran. Meanwhile, Damascus condemned this US action. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement: 'We are deeply sorry for the US decision to resume its national sanctions against Iran.' The ministry emphasized that it would take all 'necessary measures' to preserve the historic nuclear agreement with Iran and protect shared economic interests with Tehran. The statement further noted: 'This is a clear example of the violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (regarding the agreement with Iran) and international law by the US.' Russia claims that the nuclear agreement between Iran and global powers, from which Donald Trump withdrew on May 8, has been 'effective.' The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the international community not to allow such an important achievement in international diplomacy to be sacrificed for US goals to pressure Iran. The statement added: 'As long-term experiences have shown, pressure cannot extract concessions from Iran.' The US government resumed part of its unilateral and severe sanctions against Iran on Tuesday, which had been lifted under the JCPOA. The main goal of the first wave of these sanctions, which began to be implemented from the first moments of Tuesday (US time), is to prohibit Iran's access to US dollars and target sectors such as the automotive industry and carpets. The impact of the resumption of US sanctions on the Iranian economy has been evident for months, and since Trump's announcement of withdrawal from the JCPOA, the rial has lost half of its value. Meanwhile, the Syrian government condemned the resumption of US sanctions against Iran. On Tuesday, the Syrian government condemned the resumption of sanctions against its longtime ally Iran, describing the action as 'illegal' and a result of US 'arrogance.' The state news agency of Syria quoted a foreign ministry official stating: 'The Syrian government strongly condemns the US decision to resume economic sanctions against Iran.' Syria has long been targeted by US sanctions, and the Iranian government has been politically, militarily, and economically supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime during the civil war in that country. The US government is trying to curb Iran's influence in the region, including its support for Assad's regime. More than 350,000 people have been killed during the seven-year civil war in Syria. The Syrian foreign ministry official stated: 'To counter the hostile policies of the US government, Damascus is in full solidarity with Iran. The leadership, government, and people of Iran will prevail over the consequences of these actions.'