“If Iran makes this fundamental strategic shift…”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo laid out the United States’ new Iran policy on Monday, threatening to impose “the strongest sanctions in history” if the nation fails to enter a new nuclear deal on the Trump administration’s terms.
Pompeo, who was sworn in as secretary of state earlier in May, said the U. S. is ready to offer concessions to Iran if it agrees to make “major changes.”
“In exchange for major changes in Iran, the United States is prepared to take actions which will benefit the Iranian people,” Pompeo said during a speech Monday at the conservative Heritage Foundation.
He also laid out 12 “basic requirements” for Iran to abide by, which includes the nation agreeing to “stop enrichment and never pursue plutonium reprocessing,” and also allow “unqualified access” to all sites throughout the country.
“Once this is achieved, we’re prepared to end the principal components of every one of our sanctions against the regime,” Pompeo explained.
“If Iran makes this fundamental strategic shift, we too are prepared to support the modernization and reintegration of the Iranian economy into the international economic system,” he added. “Relief from our efforts will come only when we see tangible, demonstrated and sustained shifts in Tehran’s policies. We acknowledge Iran’s right to defend its people, but not its actions which jeopardize world citizens.”
The newly confirmed secretary of state then took a shot at the Obama administration, stating that unlike “the previous administration, we want to include Congress as a partner in this process.”
Pompeo also noted that “unlike the previous administration, we are looking for outcomes that benefit the Iranian people, not just the regime.”
“Is this what you want your country to be known for?” Pompeo asked, regarding Iranian backing of groups like Hezbollah. “The United States believe you deserve better.”
William is a Senior Congressional and Breaking News Reporter for IJR. Prior to that, he covered politics and breaking news at AOL.com, leading the sit… more
