Washington 0
9 May 2019

In a statement, Secretary of State Pompeo asserted that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks. The response of the U.S. and our partners and allies has been clear: we do not seek war. But Iran's forty years of killing American soldiers, attacking American facilities and taking American hostages is a constant reminder that we must defend ourselves". Pompeo went on to warn Tehran "that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against U.S. interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive U.S. response. Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve". "We appeal to those in Tehran who see a path to a prosperous future through de-escalation to modify the regime's behaviour", the statement added. 

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