US Must Stop Economic War against Iran, Return to Path of Law: Foreign Ministry

Saeed Khatibzadeh made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Iran’s Alalam news network, which will be broadcast in full later on Sunday. Reacting to the result of the recent presidential election in the United States and the possibility of a change in Washington’s approach to Tehran after Joe Biden is inaugurated as the new US president, the Iranian spokesman said, “The difference between Biden and [the incumbent US President Donald] Trump is obvious, but we are waiting for practical steps to be taken.” “As the Leader [of the Islamic Revolution] said, the United States must repent. This means that it must firstly, admit to its mistakes and secondly, stop the economic war against Iran. Thirdly, it must mend its ways and commit to its obligations and, as the fourth step, compensate [Iran] for losses [it has inflicted on the country],” Khatibzadeh added. Trump, a hawkish critic of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), unilaterally withdrew Washington from the agreement in May 2018, and unleashed the “toughest ever” sanctions against the Islamic Republic in defiance of global criticism. The US unleashed the so-called maximum pressure campaign and targeted the Iranian nation with draconian restrictive measures in order to bring it to its knees, but Iran’s economy keeps humming and is getting back on its feet. Following its much-criticized exit, Washington has been attempting to prevent the remaining signatories — the UK, France China and Russia plus Germany — from abiding by their commitments and thus kill the historic agreement, which is widely viewed as a fruit of international diplomacy. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday advised the incoming US administration to make up for its predecessor’s mistakes and return Washington to its international commitments. “An opportunity has arisen now for the next US administration to make up for the past mistakes and return to the course of commitment to international obligations by respecting international principles,” Rouhani said. Source: Iranian Agencies