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U.S. toughens stance on Iran; lists sweeping demands

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By Lesley Wroughton and Parisa Hafezi

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61 Comments
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Oh, then why not use the framework to force the sanctions back on? China and Russia would be forced to comply.

I’m not part of the administration, but I’m sure, they will come up with hard hitting punishing sanctions for Iran to make it as painful as possible.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Not according to Israeli reports, not according to the Sunni Arab reports, not according to congress.

Oh, then why not use the framework to force the sanctions back on? China and Russia would be forced to comply.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's the same Israeli intelligence that gave us reports of Saddam's anthrax and yellow cake, and who knows how many other lies.

Right the same intelligence the French, had, the Brits had, the Kuwaiti’s had as well. Intelligence gathering isn’t always perfect, but on this one, we at least have the tangible documents to back it up.

The US is becoming more and more isolated, almost as much as Israel.

Sounds Great to me!!!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Iran was in compliance. The other nations would have acted. Trump just isolated the US is all

Not according to Israeli reports...

It's the same Israeli intelligence that gave us reports of Saddam's anthrax and yellow cake, and who knows how many other lies.

The US is becoming more and more isolated, almost as much as Israel.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Iran's government is evil and fanatical but Trump has proven that the US government is run by a bunch of loudmouth bullies themselves.

So you think being a wimp and capitulate to the enemy and appeasing the enemy to be the last administration did is the best way to go? I see.

Trump needs to SHUT UP.

I’ve been following Trump for 30 years, good luck with that. Lol

Remember, he’s a New Yorker.

He has NO right telling demands and ultimatums on anyone when he himself is just looking out for his interests alone and not America's.

Actually he does, he is the president anyone in his cabinet that doesn’t want to follow, can always resign. As for looking out for his interests, one could say the same about the last president.

He's been shooting his motormouth even more lately because he's ashamed that Stormy d revealed that he loves to get SPANKED.

But you don’t know that for certain, after all she is a failed porn star.

Spanky Don has disgraced himself so many times, I can't imagine anyone accepting him as a leader of anything.

And yet he sits in the White House, you tell me, but I helped put them there as well. I support his populist pro-growth agenda

THAT ERA IS OVER. Donnydouchebag and his cabinet of yes-people are a complete pathetic JOKE.

Not by the latest polls.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Saudi Arabia is said to be the world's largest source of funds and promoter of Salafist jihadism, which forms the ideological basis of terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda, Taliban, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and others.

This is very true, but they are not calling for the ultimate destruction of the US and they are not coming for the ultimate destruction of the Israel.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

"Who are you to decide for Iran and the world?," the semi-official ILNA news agency quoted Hassan Rouhani as saying. "The world today does not accept America to decide for the world, as countries are independent ... that era is over ... We will continue our path with the support of our nation."

Iran's government is evil and fanatical but Trump has proven that the US government is run by a bunch of loudmouth bullies themselves. Trump needs to SHUT UP. He has NO right telling demands and ultimatums on anyone when he himself is just looking out for his interests alone and not America's. He's been shooting his motormouth even more lately because he's ashamed that Stormy d revealed that he loves to get SPANKED. Spanky Don has disgraced himself so many times, I can't imagine anyone accepting him as a leader of anything. THAT ERA IS OVER. Donnydouchebag and his cabinet of yes-people are a complete pathetic JOKE.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Iran was in compliance. The other nations would have acted. Trump just isolated the US is all

Not according to Israeli reports, not according to the Sunni Arab reports, not according to congress.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Well, the people of the world can stand up to US bullying by implementing their own personal boycotts of US products. Every gesture, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Meanwhile Obama’s shameful agreement rewards a country universally recognized as the largest state sponsor of terrorism on the planet. And the political Left in the US and Europe are cool with that. The more the Iranians threaten to wipe Israel off the map and chant ‘Death to America”, the more giddy the Left gets.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Iran was in compliance. The other nations would have acted. Trump just isolated the US is all.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Oh my...

Pompeo vows strongest sanctions ever on Iran

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq2F7yvZZqQ

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Not really. The crown prince who isn't the king, says he recognises Israel, not much on that.

That’s huge! As the member of the royal family the crown prince has a lot of sway and influence, younger, trying to modernize the country, it’s a great new first step.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What make you state that? Wahhabism which in July 2013, was identified by the European Parliament in Strasbourg as the main source of global terrorism.

Yes, not minimizing it, but as of now, we need the Saudis and now they and the Israelis are working together to make sure that doesn’t happen. Sometimes you have to make a deal with the devil if you truly want and believe in progress.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Seems like the Saudis are modernizing faster than the Iranians.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Nice to finally treat rouge nations like they deserve

"Saudi Arabia?"

Heck, why stop at Saudi Arabia, Jimizo, keep going, there's a whole slew of countries that fit the description of rouge nation, probably you'd like to include the U.S. on it, lol

VP Mike Pence on US efforts to change Iran regime's behavior

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZeja97h_VE

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

They were not

Then they are not now and it will go more in this direction as the Iranians start to build those nuke now instead of years later. What's Trump doing to do about it other than look stupid (like looking stupid from the wall not being built)?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

But just not the CIA, FBI,

You serious???

MI6, French DGSE,

Whose countries want and care more about business dealings than with making sure Iran not keeping a bomb.

Mossad's hundreds of illegal assassination in many countries, including many European countries.

And with good reason.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

You have told us many times, we should not believe the CIA or the FBI, accusing them of lies,

Yup.

but we are suppose to believe Mossad,

I never asked you to believe them, you believe whatever you want. Lol, but given the fact that these people are some of the most highly skilled in formidable special forces out there in everything they do and infiltrating going under and doing covert operations, without a doubt, I believe them.

whose sole mission is to upgrade Israeli and downgrade its enemies even if that means lying.

I feel the same about Iran and so do the Arabs, the US and the Israelis.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Iran was in compliance.

They were not, not according to the Israelis, the Arabs and US all know that it was a complete ruse.

It might help if you read news reports that didn't conveniently ignore relevant details about the timeline of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

I do, but I just don’t believe in reading one side it complicated liberal talking points so-called news stories, especially the Slate.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I don’t believe it, Mossad proved that they weren’t,

False again. Iran was in compliance. It might help if you read news reports that didn't conveniently ignore relevant details about the timeline of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/04/netanyahus-big-speech-against-the-iran-deal-unwittingly-made-the-case-for-keeping-it.html

Netanyahu is a schmuck.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I don’t believe it

Like Trump's failure with building the wall? And that walls can't be defeated with ladders? But regarding the Iran deal, there is nothing stopping them from making nukes now. Then what will Trump do? Iran will start making nukes now and Trump will look stupid.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Mossad didn't prove that Iran was in noncompliance.

Yes, they did.

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-did-mossad-steal-thousands-of-nuclear-documents-from-iran-2018-5

https://www.timesofisrael.com/mossad-agents-snuck-nuclear-files-out-of-iran-with-authorities-on-their-tails/

Iran was in compliance with the terms of the agreement.

I don’t believe it, Mossad proved that they weren’t, the Arabs knew the Iranians were full of it, the US State Department knew it, Obama knew it, that’s why he didn’t bring it to e floor of congress. That sneaky Obama.

Mossad 'proved' what everyone already knew since the early 2000s,

And found out much more thanks to the vids that Netanyahu showed at thr conference.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

But Iran is free to make the nukes now. What is Trump going to do?

Dance around the truth and talk tough for his followers.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

if the Iran deal was so sound, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

But Iran is free to make the nukes now. What is Trump going to do?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It wasn’t a lie, Mossad proved it,

Mossad didn't prove that Iran was in noncompliance. Iran was in compliance with the terms of the agreement. Mossad 'proved' what everyone already knew since the early 2000s, that Iran had a covert program back then that they discontinued. Details like this don't matter to Trumpsters, though. And Bibby Netanyahu knew his puppet show would sway Donny and Friends.

the Sunnis don’t trust the Iranians, the Israelis and the other Arabs don’t trust them. 

Islamic State doesn't like the Iranians either. They're Sunni. Are you taking their side now? And FYI, Iranians aren't Arabs.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Nice to finally treat rouge nations like they deserve. Not bowing and caving to their demands like past Presidents. you mean like Bush Jnr, he went to war on a lie. The irony is that Iraq just elected president a cleric that was a terrorist and responsible for many killing of US soldiers. What America just cant seem to understand is no amount of bullying or pressure will crush the will of the people of those countries, if anything itll just create more fanatics that elect people into power that are just as fanatical.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Clearly it's time to send EU warships to the coast of the US, time to send a strong, united message.

And what would those to ships do besides making themselves look like fools and biting the hand that literally feeds them.

Bit far-fetched, isn't it? Almost as implausible as the lie that Iran weren't keeping to the deal.

It wasn’t a lie, Mossad proved it, the Sunnis don’t trust the Iranians, the Israelis and the other Arabs don’t trust them. I don’t care how Europeans feel, I care how the people feel that have to live with these crazy Iranian mullahs.

Meanwhile, the US continues to arm Israel and Saudi Arabia.

As they should, if the Iran deal was so sound, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

Two rogue states who engage in terrorism.

Iran and NK on Pompeo, Mattis and Trump’s list

Well, the people of the world can stand up to US bullying by implementing their own personal boycotts of US products. Every gesture, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Lol, yeah....

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

For all the fox news/cnn fans, an interesting piece is available on this site that may make you think differently about Iran. https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/column-i-just-visited-iran.-here%E2%80%99s-what-i-heard-about-the-u.s.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Iraq/n

0 ( +0 / -0 )

When the current Iran nuclear agreement ends, should it make it to term, there is no written statement saying Iran can now manufacture Nuclear weapons. Should they attempt to then the International community would again implement harsh sanctions upon Iran. Iran states its Nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only and that's as far as they can be allowed to go.

In other words another agreement will need to be negotiated when this one finishes or all the sanctions return.

Trump is not happy with just a non nuclear Iran, it wants a toothless Iran. Every country has the right of self defense, even Iran. America exports its vision of how people should live and has no inherent rights to stop anyone else from doing the same.

Only one country can truly manipulate America and it resides at the heart of the Middle East conflict. America needs to shake off the strings being pulled from so far away and stand up to be its own independent, self governing, rational government and people. One place in the Middle east seems to take an enormous amount from America but never gives anything back. It needs to stop.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Obama, at the end, was the first American President to show some rationality on Iran since Carter.

And seeing as everyone with even a layman's understanding of what it takes to make a nuclear weapon agreed that the terms of the JCPOA eliminated every possible route for Iran to develop a nuclear weapons program, let alone make a nuclear weapon, the rational people thought they'd come up with a solution to the problems caused by the irrational people who ignored the reports by the IAEA INSPECTORS, and claimed Iran had a nuclear weapons program.

The problem is that they forgot that irrational people are, well, irrational.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

So what will the US do if Iran goes ahead and does it now then?

Jump up and down and impose sanctions. Basically, nothing.

I know, your question was rhetorical and meant for the high minded right wingers who are slow to answer a question like this because it requires a modicum of thought.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Why would the US join an agreement to legitimize Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons 7 years from now when the agreements restrictions are lifted?

So what will the US do if Iran goes ahead and does it now then?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Is American foreign policy truly American or is it another country's policy?

Partially American policy for the region and partially policy to back Israel (first of all) and Saudi Arabia.

American policy: the U.S. doesn't want a strong religious Muslim state in the ME because it is too much like a dictatorship without any ability to have rational dialog or even peace with. There is a fight over who can influence the region. Normally, who would really care about a desert. However, there is oil there, so it boils down to religious control over oil, and the oil funding militant religious views or militant dictator's views.

Israel policy: Iran has called for the destruction of Israel, and America has a strong Christian undertones, which believe a bible verse about resettling Israel. Yes, in that way, America and Israel are religious states in competition with the religious state of Iran. American policy has historically been to protect Israel, and in fact, Israel receives more aid per person from the American government than an typical American receives from its own government. Israel (canaan) has historically acted as a middlemen for ME trade given its access to the Mediterranean.

Saudi policy: Saudi Arabia is also a strong religious state with a different type of religion that Iran's, which puts them in conflict with Iran as each attempts to impose their own religious influence. In addition, they are competing oil producers. America has backed Saudi Arabia because they have oil and are more moderate and friendly to western ideas and ultimately money.

Since Iran is fighting against those three powers, it has used atypical warfare like terrorism and training of militants with a friendly view on their religion. Iran has also used conventional military, but that generally was when they were in a direct economic, military and religious competition with Iraq.

If I were to guess what "model" is being applied by the U.S. here, it would be regime change through economic pressure. There is no goal to disarm Iran of nuclear weapons or curtail their support of militants like Hezbolla. The U.S. will economically target common people and attempt to create a popular uprising, which Iran will oppose with political and religious police (similar to brown shirts of Nazi Germany).

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world. 

You're forgetting that Iran provided significant assistance in defeating ISIS.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

The European Union largely dismissed Pompeo's speech and said it remained committed to the full implementation of the nuclear deal.

Europe is tired of Trump and his ilk. With any luck Iran will get a better deal and the world can turn a page on the relevancy of the USA

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The US really screwed up royally this time...

Let's hope the EU manages to save the deal, or the Middle East will really implode.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Wolfpack: Why would the US join an agreement to legitimize Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons 7 years from now

Perfect example of disinformation.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Clearly it's time to send EU warships to the coast of the US, time to send a strong, united message.

Bit far-fetched, isn't it? Almost as implausible as the lie that Iran weren't keeping to the deal. Meanwhile, the US continues to arm Israel and Saudi Arabia. Two rogue states who engage in terrorism.

Well, the people of the world can stand up to US bullying by implementing their own personal boycotts of US products. Every gesture, no matter how small, makes a difference.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

The lack of logic and astounding overreach the Trump administration is taking will isolate America from its allies and open historic inroads to America's rivals in the region. It's a travesty at the criminal level.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Why are no sanctions imposed on Saudi Arabia for their meddling in Syria and their bombing of civilians in Yemen? If you have a set of principles they should be applied equally to every country. It appears the US is just making up foreign policy as it goes along. There is no long-term strategy at all.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

First, renege on your agreement. Then, make unreasonable demands. There's a simple word for such behavior - warmonger!

Make America a warmonger(-el?) Again!!

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Why didn’t Trump just keep the nuclear framework in place and demand the other things he wants? Makes no sense.

If you're looking at the goal of a non-nuclear Iran, it makes no sense. If you're looking at the goal of whipping his worshippers into a frenzy by undoing something Obama did, it makes all the sense in the world.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Good man, keep up the pressure!

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

Why is the key crux of American foreign policy all about Iran?

It’s not. But Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world. Why would the US join an agreement to legitimize Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons 7 years from now when the agreements restrictions are lifted?

-17 ( +1 / -18 )

Why didn’t Trump just keep the nuclear framework in place and demand the other things he wants? Makes no sense.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

"Who are you to decide for Iran and the world?," the semi-official ILNA news agency quoted Hassan Rouhani as saying. "The world today does not accept America to decide for the world, as countries are independent ... that era is over ... We will continue our path with the support of our nation."

Good. Let's hope more countries will have the courage to stand up to the new Axis Of Evil.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

Curious. Why doest the terrorist haven pakistan get as much shtick for possession of wmds? They're not signatory to the iaea. Care to guess what country is and by that extension has all the legal permission to enrich?

Lets face facts, the saudis, another crass group of individuals that blatantly support terror globally and are given a pass, paid up. Hence this noise. That and israel constantly nipping at the heel. That's all. Hence the use of the term middle eastern allies. What was that saying again? Show me your friend and I'll tell you your character?

11 ( +12 / -1 )

@cla68burningbush Is American foreign policy truly American or is it another country's policy?

Good question. Given Iran is Russia's partner in Syria and in manipulating global gas and oil markets, and given Trump's dubious connections with Putin and his Russian oligarchs, it is a confusing mess. Which globalist faction is Trump part of?

0 ( +7 / -7 )

It never ceases to amaze me how many supposedly serious people think that this is a deal between the US and Iran, and does not also involve all the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the EU. It was not a great deal, but it was the best deal we were going to get with multiple parties involved. Any one of those could break the deal and make it worse. Now the US has left the JCPOA, we have no leverage. 

Donald Trump fantasizes that he is the dictator of all of the world. Mike Pompeo foolishly indulges his delusions.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

Nice to finally treat rouge nations like they deserve

Saudi Arabia?

21 ( +24 / -3 )

Nice to finally treat rouge nations like they deserve. Not bowing and caving to their demands like past Presidents.

-17 ( +7 / -24 )

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