FM Zarif Condemns US’ Economic Terrorism against Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif lashed out at US National Security Adviser John Bolton and what he calls "the B-Team" for targeting the Iranian nation with "economic terrorism”.

News ID: 444591

Date: 30 April 2019 - 16:43

RNA - "While John Bolton and the ‘B Team’ say the Iranian people 'deserve better', they’ve admitted to targeting them with economic terrorism,” Zarif said in a post on his official Twitter account on Sunday.

The Iranian foreign minister added that what the B-Team is doing by targeting the Iranian nation with "economic terrorism -- and even war --" is a delusional pursuit of “regime-change,” questioning whether US President Donald Trump would let them realize their dreams of another "Forever War."

The hawkish “B-team” is comprised of US National Security Adviser John Bolton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Speaking in a question-and-answer session at the Asia Society in New York on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister said the "B-team” is trying “to push Iran to take action” as a pretext for “crazy” and “adventurous” US actions.

“President Trump has a plan, but he’s being lured into not a plan but a trap,” Zarif said, adding, "It will cost another $7 trillion and even a greater disaster."

Also in an interview recorded on Friday, which was aired on Fox News on Sunday, the Iranian foreign minister said all measures adopted by the administration of President Trump in dealing with Iran conveyed a message that "the United States is not reliable."

"Maybe he (Trump) believes in America first, but America cannot be first in a globally insecure environment," Zarif told the "FOX NEWS SUNDAY".

"We all need to work together in a global environment that is safe and you can only live in a safe global environment if you respect yourself by respecting your signature," he added.

He once again emphasized that the B-Team seeks to "lure" the US into a confrontation with Iran that Trump himself does not want.

"They have all shown an interest in dragging the United States into a conflict," Zarif said of Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates plus White House National Security advisor.

On Saturday, Iranian foreign minister said "I believe President Trump's intention to put pressure, the policy of maximum pressure on Iran in order to bring Iran to its knees so that we would succumb to pressure" is doomed to failure.

In relevant remarks earlier, Zarif, in a Twitter message, criticized the US for keeping silent towards Saudi Arabia's execution of 37 men.

"Being a member of Bolton, Bin Salman, Bin Zayed and Netanyahu team gives immunity for atrocity crimes," he said.

"After a wink at the dismembering of a journalist, not a whisper from the Trump administration when Saudi Arabia beheads 37 men in one day—even crucifying one two days after Easter," Zarif added.

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