Iranian Officials React against Senate’s Decision to Extend Iran Sanctions
The US’ Senate’s unanimous vote to extend sanctions against Iran for another ten-year period has raised the ire of Iranian officials who view it as a gross breach of the JCPOA, the nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers, which ruled out design and imposition of any new sanctions against the country after it rolled back its nuclear program. "'Initiating sanctions' is no different from 'renewing them after their expiration,' and the latter is also [an instance of imposing] sanctions and violation of the previous commitments by the opposite side," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had said in the beginning of the week. Following are comments by a number of senior Iranian officials on the Senate vote.
Maj. General Hassan Firouzabadi, former Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces
The US Senate should calculate the heavy political, international, legal, financial and military costs of violating the JCPOA before voting for extension of sanctions against Iran. Considering the undesirable state of the US’ economy, they should not create a new challenge for the country.
Bahram Ghassemi, Speaker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The recent bill passed by the House of Representatives and the US Senate to extend sanctions against Iran violates the JCPOA and is against United States’ commitments, based on international law, not to interfere in domestic and diplomatic affairs of other countries.
Iran has shown its commitment to international agreements, but it has also prepared for different scenarios and is ready for effective, strong and judicious protection of the rights of the Iranian nation.
Ali-Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization
The extension [of Iran Sanctions Act] is a gross violation of the JCPOA, especially if it becomes effective and operational.
Iran feels no necessity to disclose [its response to this decision]. We have taken necessary preparations already, and are prepared to show reaction.
Mohammad-Ali Movahhedi Kermani, Friday prayers’ leader of Tehran
United States’ hostility is nothing unexpected. If you [Americans] want to tear the JCPOA, we, as our Supreme Leader said, will burn it before you.
We should negotiate with those who are reliable. Americans say extension of D’Amato Act is not the same as imposing a new sanction. Whatever it is, we call it wickedness … our officials should wake up and stop tying their hopes to the United States.
Mohammad-Reza Aref, head of the parliament’s Reformist bloc
US Senate’s decision to extend sanctions against Iran for another ten years will weaken trust in this country among members of the international community.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, while upholding its international commitments, will show serious reaction to this measure by the US senate.
Iranian officials should continue their vigilant monitoring of countries involved in the JCPOA, particularly the new administration of the United States, which seems to be making efforts to blame the violation of the JCPOA on Iran.