Washington 0
27 May 2020

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, asserted that “President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign has constrained and countered Iran in unprecedented ways. We have deprived the clerical rulers of vast amounts of revenue. We have disrupted their financial networks and their sectarian networks. Because of our pressure, Iran’s leaders are facing a decision: either negotiate with us or manage economic collapse… The U.S. will continue its successful strategy of maximum economic pressure and diplomatic isolation”. Hook also noted that “we are pressing ahead with diplomacy. We are working methodically to build support in the [UN Security] Council to extend the [arms] embargo. We have drafted a resolution, we certainly hope it will pass, and our efforts are focused on securing passage in the Council”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson responded: “we do shatter your maximum pressure campaign with maximum resistance, stiffening resolve and reliance on the national capabilities…It is you who face a choice: either admit the defeat and start respecting the Iranian nation or further keep being hated, humiliating and isolating yourselves”.

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