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This Week in Iran Policy
10 MINUTE READ
August 28, 2020

The one-sided nuclear deal didn’t bring security for America, stability in the Middle East, or a change in the regime’s behavior – it never will. Re-establishing the @UN Arms Embargo on Iran puts pressure Iran to behave like a normal country and come back to the bargaining table.”

–Secretary Pompeo Tweet, August 27, 2020

DESIGNATIONS FOR IRANIAN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFENDERS, AUGUST 25

On August 21, the U.S. Department of State announced visa restrictions on 14 Iranian individuals for their involvement in gross violations of human rights on behalf of the Iranian regime, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. This action was taken pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, FY 2020, making ineligible for entry into the United States officials of foreign governments and their immediate family members about whom the Secretary of State has credible information of involvement in a gross violation of human rights. This action includes visa restrictions on 13 officials involved in a brutal and intricately planned assassination carried out in Switzerland in 1990 as part of Iran’s ongoing worldwide campaign of violence and terrorism. These 13 individuals, who posed as Iranian diplomats, were acting under the highest orders of their government to silence opposition and show that no one is safe from the Iranian regime, no matter where they live. Below is a list of their names:

  • Sadegh Baba’ie
  • Ali Reza Bayani Hamadani
  • Said Danesh
  • Ali Hadavi
  • Saeed Hemati
  • Mohammad Reza Jazayeri
  • Moshen Sharif Esfahani
  • Ali Moslehiaraghi
  • Naser Pourmirzai
  • Mohsen Pourshafiee
  • Mohammad Said Rezvani
  • Mahmoud Sajadian
  • Yadollah Samadi

In addition, the Department of State publicly designated Hojatollah Khodaei Souri, the director of Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, under 7031(c), rendering him ineligible for entry into the United States. Souri oversaw an institution synonymous with torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

For further information, please contact PAPressDuty@State.gov.

NOTABLE TWEETS

@SecPompeo Aug 27

The one-sided nuclear deal didn’t bring security for America, stability in the Middle East, or a change in the regime’s behavior – it never will. Re-establishing the @UN Arms Embargo on Iran puts pressure Iran to behave like a normal country and come back to the bargaining table.

@SecPompeo Aug 27

If any member of the @UN Security Council introduces a resolution to continue sanctions relief, the U.S. will oppose it. If no resolution is introduced, the sanctions on Iran will still return on September 20. That’s how UNSCR 2231 works.

@SecPompeo Aug 27

Last week, the U.S. triggered the 30-day process to restore virtually all @UN sanctions on Iran after the Security Council failed to uphold its mission to maintain international peace and security. These sanctions will snap back at midnight GMT on September 20.

@SecPompeo Aug 25

It is no surprise that the illegitimate Maduro regime is looking to Iran for deadly weapons. This is exactly why we are restoring all @UN sanctions on Iran, including the arms embargo. We will fully enforce these sanctions.

@SecPompeo Aug 24

In addition to continuing the @UN arms embargo, the UN sanctions we are restoring on Iran will also re-impose accountability for other forms of Iranian malign activity that the authors of the nuclear deal foolishly downplayed.

@StateDeputySPOX Aug 24

@SecPompeo is in Israel to meet with @IsraeliPM @Netanyahu to discuss ongoing efforts to counter Iran’s malign influence in the region and the historic Abraham Accords

@SecPompeo Aug 24

Met with @gantzbe and @Gabi_Ashkenazi in Jerusalem to discuss our effort to address Iran’s malign influence and the importance of forging peace with Israel’s neighbors such as in the historic Abraham Accords. As always, the U.S. supports Israel and is committed to its security.

@SecPompeo Aug 23

The American people should know that President @realDonaldTrump will always do the right thing. If it means we have to stand alone and lead, we’re always going to do it. We will make sure that the Iranian regime doesn’t become an arms dealer around the world.

@StateDeputySPOX Aug 22

We are restoring sanctions under @UN Security Council Resolution 2231 that former President Obama got rid of under the failed Iran plan. We think this action makes Israel safer, and we think it makes America safer.

@SecPompeo Aug 22

President @realDonaldTrump and his Administration have discarded the fiction that the regime merely seeks a peaceful nuclear program.

@SecPompeo Aug 21

Today marks the annual Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Terrorists must be held accountable and today we announce visa restrictions on 14 Iranian individuals for their involvement in gross violations of human rights on behalf of the Iranian regime.

@SecPompeo Aug 21

I notified the @UN Secretary-General and the Security Council President that the U.S. is initiating the restoration of virtually all sanctions on Iran lifted under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Those sanctions will go back into effect in 30 days. America will not appease.

@StateDeputySPOX Aug 20

Today @SecPompeo announced designations including 13 operatives involved in the brutal 1990 assassination carried out in Switzerland on behalf of the Iranian Regime. The U.S. will not stand for the Iranian regime’s terrorism at home and abroad.