On Saturday the US and European Union lifted sanctions against Iran after a report by the global nuclear watchdog said the country had complied with all of the nuclear agreement’s requirements, including the dismantling of the reactor at its Arak nuclear facility.
Advertisement
The newest US sanctions imposed on Iranian companies and individuals connected to the country’s ballistic missile program are illegitimate, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday.
“Iran will respond to such (U.S.) acts of propaganda and harassment by seriously continuing its missile program and enhancing its defensive capabilities and national security”, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaber Ansari said at his weekly press briefing.
In remarks made at the White House, Obama praised his administration for making Iran stay away from a nuclear bomb with a “smart, patient and disciplined approach to the world”.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would continue to closely monitor Iran’s compliance, development of ballistic missiles and its involvement in terrorism.
President Obama on Sunday hailed the release of Americans from Iranian custody and the implementation of an historic accord to curb Iran’s nuclear program, pointing to the breakthroughs as products of diplomacy. He said the start of his presidency would be like that of Ronald Reagan in 1981, when Iran released hostages taken at the American embassy in Tehran in 1979.
Obama pledged to counter vigorously Iran’s “destabilising behavior” across the Mideast even while the USA engages with the Islamic Republic. Iranian news media said the released prisoners also included Amir Hekmati, a Marine veteran; and Saeed Abedini, a pastor.
Obama also announced the resolution of a longstanding dispute over money Iran had transfered to buy military equipment from the USA before the two nations broke ties.
“We are relieved that this 545-day nightmare for Jason and his family is finally over”, Washington Post publisher Frederick J. Ryan said in a statement.
During his speech, the president also said that a fifth USA citizen student, Matthew Trevithick, imprisoned by Iran was released as well separately Saturday.
Advertisement
The announcement of the sanctions came a day after several Western powers including the US lifted sanctions on Iran as part of the nuclear deal signed in July.
