US threatens Tehran with dire consequences if it attacks any Americans
Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Adviser, emphasized Washington’s willingness to respond to any Tehran’s provocations.
The White House warned Iran on Sunday that it would suffer terrible repercussions if it harmed any Americans, including the 52 Americans who were recently sanctioned by Tehran for the death of Qassem Soleimani in a drone assault in 2020.
“We will cooperate with our friends and partners to deter and respond to any Iranian strikes,” said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement. “If Iran strikes any of our citizens, including any of the 52 persons mentioned, the consequences would be terrible.”
Sullivan emphasized the US’ willingness to respond to any Tehran provocations, saying, “We will act against Iran to safeguard our civilians wherever in the globe.”
He stated unequivocally that if Iran targets an American person, “we will deter it in collaboration with friends and partners.”
Tehran sanctions US nationals
This comes after Tehran placed sanctions on scores of other Americans, many of whom were members of the American military, in connection with Soleimani’s assassination.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced penalties against 52 Americans, accusing them of “terrorism” and human rights violations.
Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ international wing, was killed in a drone attack in Iraq on January 3, 2020, at the instruction of then-US President Donald Trump.
US General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Robert O’Brien, a former White House national security advisor, were among those named on the Iranian sanctions list.
In a similar step a year ago, Iran sanctioned Trump and many senior US officials for “terrorist and anti-human rights” conduct.
After the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, the Trump administration levied penalties on Iranian leaders, legislators, and businesses.
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Iranian officials, politicians and companies after the US withdrew in 2018 from Tehran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers.
Iran and the US are currently holding indirect talks in Vienna to salvage the agreement.
