Iran called the U.S. sanctions on its country “reckless,” after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced them last week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the action amounts to “#EconomicTerrorism.”
“The US’ approach to sanctions betrays a pathological and reckless addiction—a condition that renders no bounds or boundary to what the US may or may not do,” he posted. “And this addictive behavior affects friends and foes alike, unless collectively pushed back.”

The US’ approach to sanctions betrays a pathological and reckless addiction—a condition that renders no bounds or boundary to what the US may or may not do.

And this addictive behavior affects friends and foes alike, unless collectively pushed back.#EconomicTerrorism
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 22, 2019

Pompeo announced the sanctions, which takes aim at people in the judicial courts and security services, Thursday after the country erupted in protests beginning last month resulting in a brutal government pushback. He also said visa restrictions would be applied to current and former Iranian officials convicted of or being complicit in human rights violations against peaceful protesters. 

Protesters took to the streets after fuel prices increased, resulting in about 300 people being killed and thousands being injured and detained, human rights groups estimate.

The move aligns with President Trump administration’s efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear efforts. Tensions between the two countries intensified after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration and instituted sanctions against Iran.

Source » thehill