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IRAN-US–DIPLOMACY-SYRIA
Syria slams renewed US sanctions on ally Iran
DAMASCUS, Aug 7, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Syria on Tuesday condemned the United
States’ reimposition of sanctions on Iran, describing the move against its
longtime ally as “illegal” and driven by “arrogance”.
A first wave of renewed US sanctions came into effect on Tuesday, hitting
Tehran’s access to US banknotes and key industries such as cars and carpets.
Syria “sharply condemned the American administration’s decision to
reimpose economic sanctions on Iran”, said a foreign ministry official,
quoted by state news agency SANA.
The sanctions on Iran follow US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal in May
from a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran, Washington and other
world powers.
“These unilateral actions are illegal under international law and confirm
that the US administration’s policies have a proclivity for hegemony and
arrogance,” the Syrian official said.
Damascus has long been subject to US sanctions and Iran backs President
Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s civil war, providing political, military and
economic support.
Tuesday’s sanctions on Iran are due to be followed by another round of
punitive measures from Washington in November, targeting the country’s vital
oil sector.
In an executive order Monday, Trump said the sanctions seek to pile
financial pressure on Iran and force a “comprehensive and lasting solution”
to aggressive activities, including its development of missiles and “malign”
regional activities.
The US has sought to curtail Tehran’s influence in the Middle East,
including its support for Assad’s regime.
Syria’s conflict has killed more than 350,000 over the past seven years.
Damascus is in full solidarity with Iran “in facing the hostile policies
of the US administration”, the Syrian foreign ministry official said.
“Iran’s leadership, government, and people will triumph over all the
ramifications of these steps”, the official added.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1855 hrs