'Iran Won't Remain Silent': Tehran Prepares Response to New US Sanctions

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi slammed the recently adopted US sanctions against the Islamic Republic, adding that Tehran would take a number of reciprocal measures as this move was a direct violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Ghasemi, many states, including Washington's allies, criticized the sanctions bill.

"Iran will not remain silent on the violation of JCPOA by the US and a series of reciprocal measures will be soon announced by Iranian parliament and government… Iran will continue its resistance against US hostile moves and make efforts in earnest toward the establishment of stability and security in the region," Ghasemi said as quoted by Mehr news agency on Thursday.

On Wednesday, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said that the United States seeks to pull out the agreement by pushing Iran to withdraw from the deal first.

On July 29, the US Senate approved a bill on new non-nuclear sanctions against Iran. On July 30, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the US bill violated the provisions of the agreement on Iran's nuclear program by scaring individuals away from doing business with the country.

Agreed in July 2015, the JCPOA lifts nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran in exchange for the assurance that Tehran will not operate its nuclear program outside of the promotion of peaceful purposes. According to the deal, all sides agreed to refrain from policies intended to affect Iran's trade and economic relations.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signed into law a new bill imposing additional sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea on Wednesday. Earlier, the bill was overwhelmingly approved by Senate and the House of Representatives.