President Trump signed an executive order Monday to impose new sanctions on Iran.
Trump signed the order before reporters in the Oval Office, saying it enacts “hard-hitting sanctions on the supreme leader of Iran and the office of the supreme leader of Iran, and many others.”
“Today’s action follows a series of aggressive behaviors by the Iranian regime in recent weeks, including the recent shooting down of U.S. drones … and many other things,” Trump said.
NEW: Pres. Trump says he will sign “an executive order imposing hard-hitting sanctions on the supreme leader of Iran and the office of the supreme leader of Iran.” https://t.co/tCBlV8dkFn pic.twitter.com/0pYXlVv95s
— ABC News (@ABC) June 24, 2019
“The supreme leader of Iran is one who ultimately is responsible for the hostile conduct of the regime. He’s respected within his country. His office oversees the regime’s most brutal instruments including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” he continued.
“Sanctions imposed through the executive order … will deny the supreme leader and supreme leader’s office, and those closely affiliated with him and the office, access to key financial resources and support,” Trump explained.
Trump added that Ayatollah Khamenei and his office will also be included in the sanctions.
After announcing new sanctions, President Trump says Iran can “never” have a nuclear weapon https://t.co/fQ53CVzE4j pic.twitter.com/g2e7amyBDN
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 24, 2019
Trump vowed to continue pressure against Iran “until the regime abandons its dangerous activities and its aspirations, including the pursuit of nuclear weapons, increased enrichment of uranium, development of ballistic missiles, engagement and support for terrorism, fueling of foreign conflicts, and belligerent acts against the United States and its allies.”
Trump also criticized the nuclear deal with Iran, which he said was so short termed that it permitted Iran to develop nuclear weapons in a few years.
“Never can Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated.
President Trump took questions from reporters after signing an executive order imposing new economic sanctions on Iran.
VIDEO: https://t.co/D5SfY60Hrc pic.twitter.com/FWOU1NHStb— CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2019
Trump expressed willingness to meet with Iran to potentially discuss a new deal, which he urged Iran to do quickly instead of continuing on their “destructive” path.
“We do not seek conflict with Iran or any other country,” Trump told reporters. “I can only tell you we cannot ever let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
