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Added on the 04/09/2019 17:58:04 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The United States announces sanctions on Iraqi low-cost airline Fly Baghdad, saying it provided assistance to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and proxies, while also targeting leaders of a pro-Iranian Iraq militia for sanctions. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby tells reporters the sanctions are "designed to protect not only our financial system but our national security." SOUNDBITE
The United States demands that Iran immediately release a ship seized off Oman's coast in avowed retaliation for US actions. "The Iranian government must immediately release the ship and its crew. This unlawful seizure of a commercial vessel is just the latest behavior by Iran or enabled by Iran aimed at disrupting international commerce," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
The United States calls for Iran to free a Panama-flagged oil tanker seized in the Strait of Hormuz, the second vessel Tehran's forces have taken control of in a week. "Iran's harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional and international waters are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional stability and security," says State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel during a press briefing. SOUNDBITE
In the 4th century BC, the ancient Sanskrit treatise, the Arthashastra, said 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' According to Business Insider, Iran and Venezuela may be taking that to heart as their relationship grows ever closer. While the nations are US President Donald Trump's most frequent foreign-policy targets, Iran has been sending oil tankers directly to Venezuela. In September, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US would place more sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Pompeo accused Maduro's government of working with Tehran 'to flout the UN arms embargo.' US officials say intervening to stop Iranian tankers from reaching Venezuela was an option, raising concerns Trump may seek a confrontation before the election.
The United States slaps sanctions on five Iranian officials in charge of vetting candidates for this week's parliamentary elections, in which thousands have been barred from running. "The five officials being designated today have denied the Iranian people free and fair parliamentary elections," says the US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook. SOUNDBITE
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