Bolton: We are ready to increase pressure on Iran if necessary

The White House national security advisor on Tuesday, emphasizing that the United States is monitoring Iran’s behavior, warned the Islamic Republic that if it does not change its conduct, the United States is ready to increase its pressure on Iran.

John Bolton on September 24 at a meeting of the “United Against Nuclear Iran” (UANI) group in New York described Iran’s government as a permanent threat to America and its allies and said: “If you take action against us and our allies and harm our citizens, if you continue with your lies, tricks and deceptions, you will certainly face very serious consequences.”

Mr. Bolton said in part of his remarks that the United States will continue its pressure on Iran until it stops its destabilizing behavior and added: “Whenever we conclude that the [Iranian] regime is expanding its enrichment activities, the United States is ready to pursue various options. Whatever is necessary and appropriate.”

He noted that the U.S. president intends to implement new sanctions against Iran as of November 5 in addition to previous sanctions and added: “Our sanctions will be severe and merciless. This is a maximum pressure campaign.”

Mr. Bolton further warned that “those who want to provide financial and banking facilities to Iran in these circumstances should prepare themselves for the risks of doing so.”

These remarks came as yesterday, following a meeting of foreign ministers of the five remaining parties to the JCPOA and Mohammad Javad Zarif, the parties issued a statement in which they emphasized their “commitment to pursuing specific measures” to ensure payment of money and continuation of Iran’s oil exports.

The statement emphasized “pursuing commitments … specifically for concrete and effective measures to ensure payment channels [to Iran], and the continuation of exports of oil and gas condensates, petroleum products and petrochemicals.”

The White House national security advisor on Tuesday, dismissing the importance of this statement, said: “The European Union is strong in rhetoric and weak in follow-through… We are watching the development of this structure that does not yet exist and no specific timeline has been announced for its creation. We will not allow our sanctions to be violated by Europe or anyone else.”

He further, referring to the withdrawal of companies such as Siemens, Maersk, Hyundai, British Airways and Mazda from Iran, said that Swift should also follow the same path and reconsider its cooperation with Iran.

The financial system known as Swift monitors all international bank transfers.

Earlier in early September, 16 Republican U.S. senators had also asked the country’s Treasury Department to take “all necessary measures” to expel Iran from the Swift financial system.

“Days of impunity for Tehran are over”

John Bolton on Tuesday, emphasizing Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region, the continuation of the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile program and its support for proxy groups, said: “This regime (Iranian government) proudly chants ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel.’ We must take them seriously. The Ayatollahs do not come to make peace.”

He further referred to last December’s protests in Iran and said: “The Iranian people deserve a better government than the current one… This country should have a vibrant and hopeful nation and friends and partners throughout the world, including America. We look forward to that day when we can achieve this dream together, a day when Iran and America can begin a new friendship in peace and balance. But until that day comes, this government will use every tool within the scope of its legal power to protect the United States, our allies and our people.”

The White House advisor concluded by noting: “The United States is not simple. We no longer fall for tricks and deceptions and we will not tolerate threats. The days of impunity for Tehran and its perpetrators are over. A deadly government and its supporters, if they do not stop their behavior, will face significant consequences… We are watching and we will follow you.”

Source: Radio Farda