New US sanctions on Iranian citizens and businesses
Six citizens and three institutions of the Islamic Republic targeted, guilty of having financed the "malignant activities" of the Pasdaran. Iranian President Rouhani invokes "security and stability". Netanyahu: Teheran "has passed the red line". Bahrain also supports Israel's "right" to "defend itself" against the Iranian threat.
Teheran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The United States is issuing new sanctions against six Iranian citizens and three Iranian companies that, according to Washington, have close ties with the leaders of the Revolutionary Guards, the Pasdaran serving the great Ayatollah Khamenei.
The provision follows the decision of US President Donald Trump to end the Iranian nuclear agreement (JCPOA). A move that has triggered the immediate reaction of Iran and exacerbated tensions between Tehran and Israel, protagonists in these hours of mutual attacks on the Syrian front.
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the penalties targeted those who had funnelled millions of dollars to the "malign activity" of the Pasdaran with millions of dollars. The measures affect the central bank among others, which would have guaranteed dollars through "a large currency exchange network". Following the decision, taken in agreement with the United Arab Emirates (Eau), American citizens will no longer be able to do business with these people and institutions.
In a situation of growing tension in the Middle-Eastern region, words of detente are spoken by the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. In a telephone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the leader of the Islamic Republic stressed that "Iran has always tried to reduce tension in the region, trying to strengthen security and stability". Finally, he made no reference to the air raids made by Israel in response to rocket launches on the Golan Heights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still making warlike proclamations. He stressed that Iran will not be allowed to settle in Syria. Teheran, he added, "has crossed the red line" and, for this reason, "our reaction will be adequate" and will also hit the government of Damascus in case of need.
Bahrain, governed by a Sunni dynasty in a majority Shiite nation, through its Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid al-Khalifa says it supports Israel's right to "defend itself" from attacks. "As long as Iran violates the status quo in the region - he added - and invades neighbouring countries with its forces and its missiles, any other state, including Israel, has the right to defend itself by destroying the sources of danger".
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10/05/2018 10:01
21/01/2019 09:20
