Iran Accuses US of ‘Economic Terrorism’

Rouhani says no talks will happen under US pressure

In his address to the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was deeply critical of US policy and sanctions, saying they amounted to “merciless economic terrorism.”

Rouhani further said US officials “pride themselves” on sanctions, and look to exploit them “in an addictive manner.” He said Iran will never surrender to the aggression that the sanctions amount to.

He went on to say Iran is steadfastly against sanctions, and will not accept any proposal to hold negotiations under US pressure. He added that Iran remains committed to the nuclear deal.

And while Rouhani chiefly blamed the Trump Administration for moves against the nuclear deal, he also was critical of Europe for failing to follow through on promises to protect Iranian interests under the deal with sanctions relief, cautioning that Iranian patience is limited.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.