Tillerson’s Comments Example of Modern Savagery: Iran’s Shamkhani

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani lashed out at those who speak of stability and security in the region and the world while they themselves are the root and the fruit of expanding terrorism.

“Radicals in the US and the ISIS terrorists are two sides of the same coin. Having the same goal but using different tools, both of them are seeking to have a negative impact on the domestic situation of Iran so as to put the security of the Islamic Republic at stake,” he added.

Shamkhani seemed to be making the statements in reaction to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who recently accused Iran of destabilizing the Middle East and having aspirations of hegemony in the region, and declared that Washington is going to help elements inside Iran to effect a regime change in the country.

In his Sunday’s remarks, Shamkhani also stressed that the failed experience of imposing war or comprehensive sanctions against Iran and even carrying out extensive terrorist acts showed that the integrity of the Islamic Republic would not be jeopardized by such moves because it is formed based on legitimacy and popular support.

The representative of Iran’s Leader at SNSC also referred to the recent move by the US Senate to approve new sanctions against Iran, and underlined that the committee to supervise the implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, known as JCPOA, has recently studied the sanctions bill carefully and made necessary decisions on Iran’s countermeasures.

Elaborating on the measures taken by Iran’s Parliament to deal with the US Senate’s move, Shamkhani stressed that one of the most effective ways to mobilize the capacities of the country to deal with Washington’s hostile approach is to adopt binding legal measures, and in this regard, Iran’s Parliament will take necessary actions.

Shamkhani also called such moves “hostile and illegal”, saying that the continuation of non-constructive approach of the United States’ ex-government towards Iran shows that the US officials without paying attention to internationally-accepted norms are looking for excuses to increase tensions and instability in the region.

Back on Thursday, the US Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that would step up sanctions against Iran and Russia. The measure, passed by a vote of 98 to 2, includes new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program and alleged “continued support for terrorism”.

In order for the new Senate bill to become law, it must still pass the US House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump.

Many experts have slammed the hostile move as a breach of both the text and the spirit of the JCPOA.