The United States Goverment has supported the United Kingdom’s announcement of plans to create a new sanctions authority to hold Iran accountable for its hostile activities.
In a statement released by the State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Thursday, adding that the United States encourages additional measures by all like-minded partners to address Iran’s hostile actions.
On Thursday, British Government announced plans to sanction Iranian officials behind what it called hostile activities, according to the Foreign Secretary who said since January 2022 there had been 15 credible threats by Iran’s regime to kill or kidnap Britons or UK-based people.
The United States said it will continue to stand with the UK and international community to counter Iran’s destabilizing actions, its proliferation of weapons, its brutal repression at home, and its threats against individuals around the world.
“We once again condemn Iran’s plots against U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, and we reiterate our resolve to work with the UK and other allies and partners to deter and respond to any threats or attacks by Iran.
“Iran’s hostile activities contrast starkly with the United States’ efforts to seek de-escalation and secure a more integrated, prosperous Middle East region”, United States added.
Meanwhile, Under existing legislation, the UK can sanction Iranians for human rights violations or nuclear proliferation activities within the Islamic republic. “UK will not “tolerate this malign behaviour”, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.
The new plans would allow the government to target Iranian’s responsible for “hostile activities towards the UK and our partners… including threats to our people, property or security”. Iranians sending missiles and drones to Russia could also be sanctioned.
