US warns Iran: Attack on Americans will have severe consequences

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told Iranian officials that there will be severe consequences if they attack American citizens. Sullivan made the remarks in response to Iran’s sanctions against 52 American citizens.

Reuters reported on Sunday, January 9, that White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement that any Iranian attack on American citizens would have "serious consequences."

Mr. Sullivan said that the sanctions announced by Iran on Saturday, January 8, against 52 Americans coincided with continued attacks by pro-Iranian groups on American soldiers in the Middle East, as well as threats by Iranian officials to carry out terrorist operations inside the United States and elsewhere in the world.

The White House National Security Advisor warned the leaders of the Islamic Republic: "Make no mistake. America will defend its citizens, and that includes current and former employees of the United States government."

Sullivan continued his statement by emphasizing that the United States wants to work with its allies and partners to deter Iranian attacks.

He also added that "the United States will respond to any attack carried out by Iran" and that if Iran attacks any of our 52 citizens, it will be dealt with severely.

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday, January 8, that 51 Americans have been sanctioned for "terrorism" and "human rights violations."

These sanctions allow Iranian authorities to seize the assets of sanctioned Americans. However, the Islamic Republic knows full well that Americans have no assets in Iran and that sanctioning them is more of a “symbolic” measure.

In its article on this issue, Reuters also noted that Mr. Sullivan's statement mentioned 52 people, while Iranian officials have only announced the sanctions on 51 people.

The sanctions on Iran also include General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, and Robert O'Brien, the country's national security adviser.

Source: DW