WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on U. S. sanctions on Iran (all times local): 7:35 a.m. European foreign ministers say they…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on U. S. sanctions on Iran (all times local):
7:35 a.m.
European foreign ministers say they «deeply regret» the reimposition of U. S. sanctions on Iran.
A statement Monday by European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom insisted that the 2015 Iran nuclear deal «is working and delivering on its goal» of limiting Iran’s nuclear program.
President Donald Trump withdrew the U. S. from the deal, which had lifted international sanctions in exchange for Iran agreeing to restrictions on its nuclear program. U. N. inspectors said Iran was complying with the deal, but Trump argued that it didn’t do enough.
But the European ministers said the Iran deal is «crucial for the security of Europe, the region and the entire world.»
The first set of reinstated U. S. sanctions goes into effect Monday. Those target Iran’s automotive sector as well as gold and other metals.
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12:31 a.m.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the renewed sanctions against Iran are an important pillar in U. S. policy toward the Tehran government.
Pompeo says the sanctions will be rigorously enforced and remain in place until the Iranian government radically changes course.
Those sanctions go back in place on Monday.
Pompeo told reporters on his way home from a three-nation trip to South East Asia that the Trump administration is open to looking beyond sanctions but adds that would «require enormous change» from Tehran.
He said President Donald Trump is intent on getting Iran to «behave like a normal country.»
U. S. sanctions had been eased by the Obama administration under the terms of the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump decided in May to withdraw from the accord.
