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PHOTO FILE: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks at a press conference on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the US headquarters in New York, United States, the September 26, 2018. REUTERS / Brendan Mcdermid / File Photo
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United States has chosen the wrong way to impose sanctions on Iran and will be defeated, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday, according to the Tasnim news agency.
Washington reinstated sanctions against the Iranian oil industry on November 5 to force the Islamic Republic to accept tougher restrictions on its nuclear program, halt the development of ballistic missiles and support the forces of substitution in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.
"The Americans will definitely be defeated in this way. The path they chose is wrong and incorrect, "Rouhani said. "If they are honest and they are looking for regional security, it's not the way." If they are honest and respect the Iranian people, this is not the way to go.
He added, "They have become more infamous in the world and in front of our people. It is clear to everyone that the wrong and cruel sanctions imposed by America will hurt the dear and honorable people of our country. "
US National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Tuesday that Washington intends to strengthen the enforcement of sanctions against Iran and "squeeze them very hard."
President Donald Trump reimposed the sanctions after withdrawing the United States from the nuclear agreement reached between the world powers and Iran in 2015, concluded before taking office. The other signatories – Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China remain committed to the agreement. Iran has said it will stay in the country only if the other powers maintain its economic benefits against US pressure.
Reportage of Babak Dehghanpisheh; Edited by Mark Heinrich
