By U.S. MISSION GENEVA MAY 23, 2023 Statement by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council Michèle Taylor on the Appointment of the Iranian Ambassador as the Chair of the Social Forum The United States is appalled that the Iranian Ambassador in Geneva may serve as the Chair-Rapporteur of the Social Forum, an annual meeting in Geneva …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 May, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN April 27, 2023 Sanctioning Russian Federation and Iranian State Actors Responsible for the Wrongful Detention of U.S. Nationals The United States has no higher commitment than bringing home wrongfully detained Americans. Today, we are promoting accountability for those …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 April, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN April 24, 2023 Designating Iranian Officials in Connection with Serious Human Rights Abuses Or Censorship in Iran The United States condemns Iran’s continued human rights abuses and remains committed to supporting the people of Iran as they face the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 April, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN April 20, 2023 United States Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Military Procurement Network The United States remains firmly committed to taking action to disrupt Iran’s military programs and its procurement networks. We are designating elements of an Iran’s procurement …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 April, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 22, 2023 On the Occasion of Ramadan I wish a peaceful Ramadan to all those observing the holy month. For Muslims here in the United States and abroad, Ramadan is a sacred period …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 April, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 21, 2023 United States Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Military Procurement Network The United States is designating four entities and three individuals for sanctions, pursuant to Executive Order 13382, involved in an …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 April, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Iran BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Islamic Republic of Iran is an authoritarian theocratic republic with a Shia Islamic political system based on velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the jurist). Shia clergy – most notably the rahbar (supreme leader) – and political leaders vetted by the clergy dominate key power structures. The supreme leader is …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East North Africa
The White House Washington FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2023 Statement from President Joe Biden Marking Nowruz Today, Jill and I send our best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz across the United States and around the world—from the Middle East, to Central and South Asia, to the Caucasus, to Europe. The Nowruz holiday brings loved …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 20, 2023 Nowruz Message I wish a happy Nowruz to all those celebrating around the world. I hope the new year brings you happiness, health, and prosperity. Nowruz is a symbol of rebirth. It is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends by the haft sin …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Sanctioning Those Connected to Human Rights Abuses in Iran PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 8, 2023 Today – on International Women’s Day – the United States is taking action in coordination with the European Union, United Kingdom, and Australia to promote accountability for the Iranian regime’s continued human rights abuses, particularly …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 9, 2023 Designating Iran Sanctions Evasion Networks We are imposing sanctions on a “shadow banking” network of 39 entities across multiple jurisdictions. These multi-jurisdictional illicit finance systems provide sanctioned Iranian entities access to the international financial system …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 9, 2023 United States Imposes Sanctions on a Network Supporting Iran’s Aircraft Procurement and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Activities The United States is designating five entities and one individual based in the People’s Republic of China for …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
The September 16 death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, visiting Tehran from her home in Kurdistan, while in the custody of Iran’s so-called “Morality Police,” sparked months of grassroots, women-led protests across Iran’s 31 provinces. Iran’s state-sponsored violence against women has a long history, yet Amini’s brutal killing touched a nerve in Iranian society, galvanizing a …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 2, 2023 Designating Iran Sanctions Evaders The United States is committed to significantly reducing Iranian energy exports and will sanction those facilitating Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trade. Today, the Department of the State is designating …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 March, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN February 9, 2023 Designating Entities Involved in the Iranian Petrochemical and Petroleum Products Trade The United States is designating nine entities, pursuant to Executive Order 13846, that are involved in Iran’s petrochemical and petroleum products trade. The …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 February, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN February 3, 2023 U.S. Sanctions Leadership of Iran’s UAV Program The United States is designating eight Iranian individuals in leadership roles at Paravar Pars, an Iranian firm that produces unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Islamic Revolutionary …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 February, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Remarks during UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board First Regular Session 2023 Tuesday, January 31, 2023; 3:00-5:00 pm Agenda Item 7: UNDP Country Programmes and Related Matters: Presentation and Approval of Country Programme Documents Thank you, Chair. This is a joint statement of Canada and the United States on the UNDP – Iran Country Program Documents (CPD). Chair, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 February, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN January 23, 2023 Designations in Connection with Human Rights Abuses in Iran Concurrently with the United Kingdom and the European Union, the United States today is taking further action to press for accountability for the Iranian regime’s human …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 January, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN New Sanctions Targeting Iran’s UAV and Ballistic Missile Industries January 6, 2023 The United States has designated seven individuals in leadership positions with Qods Aviation Industries (QAI), an Iranian defense manufacturer responsible for the design and production of unmanned aerial …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 January, 2023 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN December 21, 2022 Sanctioning Iranian Officials Connected to Serious Human Rights Abuses Since protests erupted across Iran in September, the Iranian regime has responded with ruthless crackdowns on peaceful protestors in an effort to suppress the Iranian people’s …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 December, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON December 21, 2022 On the Iranian Nation’s Observance of Shab-e Yalda The Winter Solstice, or Shab-e Yalda as it is known in Iran, would normally be a festive time for many Iranians. It is a time for celebrating at …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 December, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Ambassador Robert Wood Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs New York, New York December 19, 2022 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Under Secretary-General DiCarlo, for your briefing, as well as Ambassadors Fergal Mythen and Silvio Gonzato for your remarks. Seven and a half years ago, this Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2231 as …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 December, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
PRESS STATEMENT ANTHONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 14, 2022 Removal of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women Today’s vote by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to remove Iran from the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women sends an unmistakable message of support from around the world …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 December, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
United States Mission to the United Nations Iran CSW Vote Remarks (As Delivered) Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations December 14, 2022 Thank you, Madam President. The resolution this Economic and Social Council will consider today is an important one. It will reverberate across the globe. This resolution …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 December, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN December 9, 2022 Combatting Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses On International Anti-Corruption Day and on the eve of Human Rights Day, the United States is taking dozens of actions to promote accountability for corruption and human rights …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 December, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN November 24, 2022 The United Nations Human Rights Council Holds Special Session on Iran Today’s Special Session at the UN Human Rights Council addressed the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, with a particular and appropriate focus on …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN November 23, 2022 Designating Iranian Officials Connected to Serious Human Rights Abuses in Iran’s Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan Provinces The United States is gravely concerned by reports that Iranian authorities are escalating violence against peaceful protesters. Today, we …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release November 17, 2022 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Designating Sanctions Evaders Involved in Iranian Petrochemical and Petroleum Trade The United States is taking further action to disrupt sanctions evasion efforts involving the sale of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. Specifically, the Department of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2022 Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Maritime Attack Against the MV Pacific We condemn in the strongest possible terms the November 15 attack against a commercial tanker, the MV Pacific Zircon, that was transiting in international waters off the coast of Oman. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN November 16, 2022 Sanctioning Senior Officials of Iranian Broadcaster The United States is designating six individuals for acting for or on behalf of the Iranian state-run media corporation, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). IRIB was previously …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN November 15, 2022 Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Individuals in Response to Iran’s Transfer of Military UAVs to Russia Today we are imposing sanctions in response to Iran’s support of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, including Tehran’s transfer …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2022 Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Continued Crackdown on Protestors in Iran We are deeply concerned about reports from Iran of mass arrests, sham trials, and now a death sentence for protesters voicing legitimate demands against a government that systematically denies basic dignity …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on the Ongoing Protests in Iran Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York November 2, 2022 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Nazanin. That was an extraordinarily powerful statement. And thank you for your call to support the freedom-loving …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on Iran Protests and the UN Commission on the Status of Women The United States continues to stand with the brave women of Iran as they protest peacefully for their fundamental rights and basic human dignity. All people in Iran must have the right to freedom of expression and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 November, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Sanctioning the Iranian Entity Responsible for a Bounty on Salman Rushdie ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 28, 2022 In response to the attack on author Salman Rushdie, the United States is designating the Iranian entity ‘15 Khordad Foundation.’ Before the attack, this entity had issued …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 31 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Designation of Iranian Officials and Entities Connected to Ongoing Protest Repression, Censorship, and Prison Abuses ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 26, 2022 It has been 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa “Zhina” Amini in the custody of Iran’s so-called “Morality Police.” We join her family and the Iranian people for a …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Human Rights Defenders on Women and Human Rights in Iran REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE THOMAS JEFFERSON ROOM WASHINGTON, D.C. OCTOBER 14, 2022 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. We’re gathered today as we see remarkable displays of courage throughout Iran as women, young people, and many others continue to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN October 6, 2022 Sanctioning Iranian Leaders Responsible for Human Rights Abuses or Censorship The United States condemns the Iranian government’s continued violent suppression of protests following the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN October 5, 2022 On Baquer Namazi’s Departure from Iran Baquer Namazi is now in Abu Dhabi after departing Iran for Muscat; he has been reunited with his family and will soon receive urgently needed medical treatment. A U.S. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Statement by President Biden on the Violent Crackdown in Iran I remain gravely concerned about reports of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Iran, including students and women, who are demanding their equal rights and basic human dignity. They are calling for just and universal principles, which underpin the UN Charter and Universal …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON October 1, 2022 Iran’s Lifting of Travel Ban on Baquer Namazi and Granting of Humanitarian Furlough to Siamak Namazi We were deeply gratified to learn from the UN Secretary-General today that Iran has lifted the travel ban imposed on …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 October, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Press Releases, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 29, 2022 Designating Iran Petroleum and Petrochemical Sanctions Evaders The United States is taking further action to disrupt efforts to evade sanctions on the sale of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. Specifically, the Department of State is …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 30 September, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 23, 2022 Advancing the Free Flow of Information for the Iranian People Today we are issuing a General License to advance our efforts and commitments to ensure that the Iranian people can …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 September, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 22, 2022 Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran The United States condemns the tragic and brutal death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who died in the custody of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 September, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 14, 2022 Sanctioning Iranians for Malicious Cyber Acts The United States is sanctioning ten individuals and two entities, all affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, for their roles in conducting malicious cyber acts, including ransomware activity. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 September, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 9, 2022 Sanctioning Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security for Malign Cyber Activities The United States is designating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and its Minister of Intelligence, Esmail Khatib, for engaging in cyber-enabled activities …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 September, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 8, 2022 Designating Iranian Proliferators of Shipping Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology to Russia for Use in Ukraine The United States is designating a person involved in the shipment of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 September, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN July 19, 2022 Issuance of Executive Order on Bolstering Ongoing Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Home We continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to bring home U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 July, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Testimony of Robert Malley Special Envoy for Iran U.S. Department of State Senate Foreign Relations Committee “The JCPOA Negotiations and United States’ Policy on Iran Moving Forward” May 25, 2022 Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, Members of the Committee, Thank you for this opportunity to talk about the Biden Administration’s strategy toward Iran. Let me begin …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 June, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements, Transcripts | Tags: Near East and North Africa, Statement, Transcript
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN June 9, 2022 The IAEA Board of Governors Resolution on Iran Yesterday, we joined the overwhelming majority of the IAEA Board of Governors in expressing support for the IAEA’s essential mission of safeguarding nuclear material to prevent nuclear …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 June, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN May 25, 2022 Targeting an Oil Smuggling Network Supporting the IRGC-QF and Hizballah The United States remains fully committed to imposing costs on the Iranian regime for its support to terrorist proxies that destabilize the Middle East. To …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 May, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 30, 2022 United States Imposes Sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile-Related Activities The United States is designating five Iranian individuals and entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 31 March, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Statement on the Passing of Madeleine K. Albright 03/23/2022 07:57 EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was a brilliant diplomat, a visionary leader, a courageous trailblazer, a dedicated mentor, and a great and good person who loved the United States deeply and devoted her life to serving it. She was also a …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 March, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
Statement by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden Marking Nowruz MARCH 20, 2022 . STATEMETNS AND RELEASES Jill and I extend our best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz in the United States and around the world today — including in Iran and the Middle East, Central and South Asia, the Caucuses, and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN March 20, 2022 Nowruz Greeting On behalf of the State Department, I wish a Happy Nowruz to all those celebrating around the world. Whether in the United States, Iran, the broader Middle East, Central and South Asia, Europe, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON March 13, 2022 Iran’s missile strikes on the Kurdistan region of Iraq The United States strongly condemns the missile strikes on Erbil, Iraq last night that emanated from Iran. The strikes were an outrageous violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. No …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 March, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
FEBRUARY 23, 2022 The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 February, 2022 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN December 7, 2021 Targeting Repression and Supporting Democracy Consistent with the goals of this week’s Summit for Democracy, the United States is committed to using its full range of tools to counter serious human rights abuse and repressive …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 December, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. GCC Iran Working Group Statement 11/17/2021 01:26 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson Senior officials of the United States (U.S.) and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), convened their Working Group on Iran at the GCC’s headquarters in Riyadh on November 17, as decided by the U.S.-GCC Foreign Ministerial on September 23. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 November, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN November 18, 2021 Designation of Iranian Cyber Actors for Attempting to Influence the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election State-sponsored actors, including Iranian groups, have engaged in covert and deceptive activities to disseminate disinformation through websites and social media designed …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 November, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN October 29, 2021 Designation of Six Targets Involved in Iran’s Destabilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Activities Today, the United States designated six Iranian targets – two entities and four individuals – using Executive Orders (E.O.) 13224 and 13382, which …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 November, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN October 13, 2021 Sixth Anniversary of Iran’s Wrongful Detention of Siamak Namazi Today marks six years that Iran has wrongfully detained Siamak Namazi, a U.S. citizen who has committed no crime and has been held by the Iranian government for the better part of a …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 October, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 17, 2021 The United States Imposes Sanctions on International Networks Supporting Terrorism The United States has designated Lebanon- and Kuwait-based members of a financial network that funds Hizballah, as well as members of an international network of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 September, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN September 3, 2021 Sanctioning Iranian Intelligence Affiliates for Targeting Dissidents Abroad Iran’s attempt to kidnap a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil because she used her freedom of speech to criticize the Iranian government is unacceptable and an egregious …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 September, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa
The United States is imposing sanctions on members of an international oil smuggling network, the leaders of which have provided support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). This action targets an oil broker from Oman who, in partnership with senior IRGC-QF officials, has used several companies to facilitate shipments of Iranian oil to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 August, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
We join our partners and allies in our strong condemnation of the attack against the Mercer Street, a commercial ship that was peacefully transiting through the north Arabian Sea in international waters. Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 August, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON July 28, 2021 Protests in Iran Protests in Iran that began with a water shortage — owing to drought and governmental mismanagement and neglect — in the Khuzestan province have now spread across various cities including Tehran, Karaj and Tabriz. The Iranian people are now putting a spotlight not only …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 29 July, 2021 | Topics: Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson REMARKS TO THE PRESS May 12, 2021 Secretary Antony J. Blinken On Release of the 2020 International Religious Freedom Report Press Briefing Room Washington, D.C. MR PRICE: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce Secretary Blinken, who will …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 May, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Official Reports, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa, Official Reports, Statements
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Virtual Remarks at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Multilateralism May 7, 2021 Washington, D.C. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, good afternoon, good evening. Let me start by thanking China and Foreign Minister Wang for initiating this critical discussion on the future of the United Nations and the international order. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 May, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Speeches, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa, Speeches, Statements
Remarks by President Biden in Address to a Joint Session of Congress APRIL 29, 2021 • SPEECHES AND REMARKS U.S. Capitol (April 28, 2021) **See correction below, marked by an asterisk. 9:06 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Good to be back. And Mitch and Chuck will understand it’s good to be almost home, down …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 29 April, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Speeches, Statements | Tags: Near East and North Africa, Speeches, Statements
Today, the 51st Earth Day, we must work together to combat the climate crisis and restore our Earth for the benefit of everyone. Each year, an estimated one billion people around the world mobilize for action on Earth Day, and this year, the United States joins this wave of action. This morning, President Biden will …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 April, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
SPEECH ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NATO HEADQUARTERS AGORA BRUSSELS, BELGIUM MARCH 24, 2021 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. A few weeks ago, not long after becoming Secretary of State, I spoke directly to the American people. I said that my number one job is to ensure that America’s foreign policy delivers for them – that it makes their lives more …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 March, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements, Transcripts | Tags: Near East and North Africa, Statement, Transcript
Spring is an eternal symbol of renewal and rebirth, with light and hope filling the hearts of people from the United States to Iran, Central Asia, the Caucuses, the Middle East, and Europe. That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honoring with a Haft-Sin table in the White House. This …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, President of the United States, Statements
March 20, 2021 On behalf of the State Department, I would like to extend my best wishes for a Happy Nowruz to everyone around the world who celebrates this festive occasion: from the people in Iran and the Middle East, to Europe, the Caucasus, Central and South Asia, and the Americas. Marking the first day of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements, Transcripts
Today at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, we made clear our concerns about the abuses the Iranian government continues to perpetrate against its citizens, including the unjust detention of far too many in deplorable conditions. The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those responsible for such actions. Therefore, I am announcing the designation of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) interrogators Ali Hemmatian and Masoud Safdari pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 March, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Today marks 14 years since Iran abducted beloved husband, father, grandfather and former FBI agent Robert “Bob” Levinson. In December, the United States sanctioned two high-ranking officials of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security who were involved in the abduction, detention and likely death of Bob Levinson. However, this case is not closed. We call on the Iranian government to provide credible answers to what …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 March, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
President Biden’s Executive Order sends a message loud and clear: refugees are welcome in the United States of America. Today, the United States is recommitting to treating all individuals applying for U.S. refugee programs with dignity and respect, and free from discrimination. I look forward to implementing the Executive Order with the State Department’s team …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 February, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, News, Statements | Tags: Near East North Africa, Statements
Iranian conventional arms proliferation poses a persistent threat to regional and international security, as evidenced by Iran’s continued military support and confirmed arms transfers that fuel ongoing conflict in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere. On September 21, we announced the implementation of Executive Order 13949 that provides the United States additional tools to hold …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 January, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on two organizations controlled by the Supreme Leader of Iran, the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) and Astan Quds Razavi (AQR). While masquerading as charitable organizations, EIKO and AQR control large portions of the Iranian economy, including assets seized from political dissidents and religious minorities, for the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 January, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Today, I revealed new information about how the Islamic Republic of Iran has given a new operational headquarters to al-Qa’ida, the terrorist network with more American blood on its hands than any other. For al-Qa’ida, Iran is the new home base. Tehran gives sanctuary to the terror group’s senior leaders as they plan attacks against …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 January, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
In December Iran’s parliament passed a law requiring expulsion of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear inspectors unless all sanctions are lifted. Today a member of the parliamentary leadership repeated that threat: all IAEA watchdog inspectors will be ejected unless sanctions are lifted. Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear program to extort …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 January, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
The American people honor the memory of the passengers and crew of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752, whose lives were abruptly and senselessly taken one year ago by an unjustified Iranian shootdown. The United States joins the Governments of Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Afghanistan in paying tribute to, and calling for justice …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 January, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on 17 companies and one individual in connection with Iran’s metals industry. The Iranian regime uses revenue from its metals sector to fund the regime’s destabilizing activities around the world. The Department of State is designating China-based Kaifeng Pingmei New Carbon Materials Technology Co., LTD (KFCC) and Iran-based …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 January, 2021 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Today, the Department of State has designated the Saraya al-Mukhtar group as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224 for posing a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Saraya al-Mukhtar is an Iran-backed terrorist organization based in Bahrain, reportedly …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 December, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
For 13 years, the Iranian regime has denied knowledge of Robert A. “Bob” Levinson’s whereabouts or condition. However, senior Iranian officials authorized Levinson’s abduction and detention and launched a disinformation campaign to deflect blame from the regime. Today, the United States is designating two senior officials of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), who …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 December, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
The United States condemns the law recently approved by Iran’s Majles and Guardian Council, which is nothing more than the regime’s latest ploy to use its nuclear program to try to intimidate the international community. If implemented, this law would result in Iran enriching uranium to the dangerous 20% level, while Iran is already exceeding …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 December, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Today, the United States is designating Hasan Irlu, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Qods Force (IRGC-QF) officer Iran recently sent to Sana’a Yemen to serve as the group’s liaison to the Houthi Movement. The United States is also designating Al-Mustafa International University, an Iranian university with over 50 international branches which provide a platform …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 December, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
The United States condemns any Iranian regime involvement in a chemical weapons program and will sanction those involved in any such activity. Today, the United States designated Iranian defense entity Shahid Meisami Group and its director, Mehran Babri, under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or WMD delivery systems, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 December, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Iranian Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), Sanctions, Shahid Meisami Group and Mehran Babri, United States
The United States welcomes the Agreement announced today by the negotiating teams from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban. This Agreement is a major milestone in the Afghanistan Peace Negotiations that have been underway since September 12, 2020. The Agreement codifies the rules and procedures the two sides have been negotiating since the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 December, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the United States sanctioned four entities located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia for supporting Iran’s missile program, under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). We imposed sanctions against Chengdu Best New Materials Co., Ltd. and Zibo Elim Trade Co., Ltd. in the PRC …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 November, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: China, INKSNA, Iran, Sanctions
The Maximum Pressure campaign against the Iranian regime continues to be extraordinarily effective. Today, Iran’s economy faces a currency crisis, mounting public debt, and rising inflation. Prior to the Maximum Pressure campaign, Iran was exporting nearly 2.5 million barrels of oil per day. Now it struggles to export even a quarter of that volume. Since …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 November, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
One year ago, the Iranian regime killed as many as 148 Iranian civilians in Mahshahr, while imposing digital darkness to hide evidence of their savage crackdown on last November’s protests in that city. Both protesters and bystanders were targeted by snipers on rooftops, tracked down and surrounded by armored vehicles, and sprayed with machine-gun fire. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 November, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Human Rights, IRGC, Mahshahr, Massacare, Sanctions
On November 15, 2019 and in the week that followed, brave Iranians took to the streets of more than 200 cities across Iran to protest four decades of mismanagement by a corrupt regime that squandered its people’s wealth on terrorism abroad and oppression at home. As the protesters exercised their freedom of expression, the regime …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 November, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
On November 10, 2020 the Department of the Treasury designated an international network of six companies and four individuals for facilitating the procurement of sensitive goods, including U.S.-origin electronic components, for Iran Communications Industries (ICI). ICI is a sanctioned Iranian military firm and a subsidiary of Iran Electronics Industries, which falls under Iran’s Ministry of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 November, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Forty-one years ago today, Ayatollah Khomeini’s followers broke into the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took more than 50 U.S. diplomats hostage. For the next 444 days, the Iranian regime tormented these brave Americans and their families who did not know if they would ever see their loved ones again. The survivors of the Iran …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 November, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
One year ago the United States, in conjunction with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and our local Iraqi and Syrian partners, launched an operation that took out Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder and leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This followed the destruction of ISIS’s fraudulent territorial “caliphate” and was another major victory …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Baghdadi, Coalition, Dead, ISIS, Michael R. Pompeo, US
Instead of using its natural resource wealth to improve living conditions for the Iranian people, the Iranian regime prefers to pawn its oil to fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and support its terror proxies as they sow chaos and destruction around the Middle East. We will not let that happen. Today, pursuant …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Iran, IRGC, IRGC-QF, Oil, Sanctions
President Donald J. Trump, Sudanese Chairman of the Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today to discuss Sudan’s historic progress towards democracy and opportunities to advance peace in the region. After decades of living under a brutal dictatorship, the people of Sudan are finally …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Israel, Sudan, US
The United States will not tolerate foreign interference in our elections. The whole of the U.S. government is using all the tools at our disposal to target those who attempt to interfere in our democratic process. Today’s action sanctions five Iranian entities pursuant to Executive Order 13848 for their efforts to spread disinformation and undermine …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: cyber, Elections, interference, Sanction
For many years, the Iranian regime and its primary tool of regional destabilization, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), have exploited Iraq to advance their own interests at the expense of the Iraqi people. The IRGC-QF’s activities in Iraq continue to undermine Iraqi security, sovereignty, and prosperity. Today, the United States is taking another …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Iran, Iraq, IRGC, Official, Sanctioned, United States
The international community has long recognized that the Iranian regime uses the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) to transport proliferation-sensitive items intended for Iran’s ballistic missile and military programs. One of the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1929 now in effect due to the snapback of UN sanctions mandates vigilance when doing …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
On September 19, virtually all UN sanctions on Iran returned, including re-imposition of the UN arms embargo. Accordingly, the export of certain conventional arms to Iran is a violation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 and the procurement of any arms or related materiel from Iran is a violation of UNSCR 1747. The United …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Arms, Iran, Sanctions, UN, UNSCR
Today, the United States is identifying the Iranian financial sector as subject to the terms of Executive Order (E.O.) 13902 and sanctioning 18 major Iranian banks, further depriving the Islamic Republic of Iran of funds to carry out its support for terrorist activities and nuclear extortion that threatens the world. These sanctions will take effect …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 October, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
The Iranian regime must respect the human rights of the Iranian people. Despite its obligations and commitments, the regime continues to subvert its justice system to fuel fear and repression. The United States is committed to holding accountable those who are denying freedom and justice to the people of Iran, and today we are taking …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Courts, Iran, Judge, Sanctions
Today, I am taking new actions to restrict Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, and conventional weapons pursuits. My Administration will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, nor will we allow Iran to endanger the rest of the world with a fresh supply of ballistic missiles and conventional arms. To ensure this cannot happen, I …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Iran, Missile, New, Nuclear, President Trump, Sanctions, Weapons
The Trump Administration has made clear that the United States will do whatever it takes to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and anti-Semitism, from spreading death and mayhem throughout the Middle East and the world. Rather than wait for the day that Iran threatens the world with …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: 2231, Iran, New, Sanction, US
The Trump Administration has always understood that the greatest threat to peace in the Middle East comes from Islamic Republic of Iran, whose violent efforts to spread revolution have killed thousands and upended the lives of millions of innocent people. History shows appeasement only emboldens such regimes. Thus today, the United States welcomes the return …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: 2231, Iran, JCPOA, Pompeo, Sanction, UN, UNSCR, US
The Iranian regime is one of the world’s leading threats to cybersecurity and human rights online. Today, the United States is sanctioning the Iranian cyber threat group Advanced Persistent Threat 39 (APT39), 46 associated individuals, and a front company, Rana Intelligence Company (Rana) pursuant to Executive Order 13553. Together, these groups and individuals targeted at least 15 countries …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
“No policy,” said Charles de Gaulle, “is worth anything outside of reality. That maxim guides the United States’ policy regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. We recognize the regime for what it is: the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and the primary source of instability in the Middle East. I believe our friends in …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: France, Iran, Kerry, Le Figaro, Macron, Pompeo, Regime, Sanctions
Today, the Department of State imposed sanctions on five entities, under section 3(a)(ii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The Department of State also imposed sanctions, under section 5(a)(vii) of E.O. 13846, on three …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 September, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Friday, August 21 marks the annual Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. To both remember and honor these victims, today the U.S. Department of State is announcing 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 …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 August, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
Good afternoon, everyone. Just a few minutes ago, I delivered letters to both the UN Secretary-General Guterres and to the president of the Security Council. I notified them that the United States is initiating the restoration of virtually all UN sanctions on Iran lifted under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. This process will lead to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 August, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Iran, Pompeo, Sanctions, UN, UNSCR
Because of the flawed nuclear deal negotiated by the prior administration, the arms embargo on the world’s most heinous terrorist regime is scheduled to expire on October 18th, a mere four months from now. This Chamber has a choice: Stand for international peace and security, as the U.N.’s founders intended, or let the arms embargo …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 July, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements
The Iranian regime uses revenue it receives from the export of metals to provide funding for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, and other malign activities in the Middle East, and beyond. Today, as part of our maximum pressure campaign, the United States designated eight entities connected with Iran’s metal industry …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 June, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: China and Hong Kong, Designations, Iran’s Metal Industry, IRGC, IRISL, Sanctions, SDN List, Steel
Today, the United States, under Executive Order 13599, is sanctioning five Iranian ship captains, who delivered approximately 1.5 million barrels of Iranian gasoline and related components to Venezuela in support of the illegitimate Maduro regime. These individuals who headed five Iranian-flagged tankers – CLAVEL, PETUNIA, FORTUNE, FOREST, and FAXON – to Venezuela’s shores are now added to the List of Specially Designated Nationals and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 June, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Political Affairs, Statements
More than six years ago, the brave photographer known as Caesar shocked the world by smuggling out of Syria the photographic proof that the Assad regime was torturing and executing many thousands of Syrians in the regime’s prisons. This act of bravery is the inspiration behind the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (the Caesar Act), signed …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 June, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Assad, Syria Caesar Act Designations
Signatories to this statement reiterate our deep concern regarding Beijing’s decision to impose a national security law in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of freedom. The international community has a significant and long-standing stake in Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. Direct imposition of national security legislation on Hong Kong by the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 30 May, 2020 | Topics: East Asia & Pacific, Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, United Kingdom, United States
As the US special representative for Iran, I receive complaints regularly about Voice of America’s Persian service. Iranian viewers say its American taxpayer-funded programming often sounds more like the “Voice of the mullahs” than the “Voice of America.” VOA Persian needs to do a better job of countering Iranian disinformation and propaganda. This is a …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 May, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Brian Hook, Hook, VOA, Voice of America
Today, I am announcing the end of the sanctions waiver covering all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran – the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the export of Iran’s spent and scrap research reactor fuel. The sanctions waiver covering these activities will end following a final, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 May, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Arak, Bushehr, designation, Iran, Israel, JCPOA, Sanctions, United States, waiver
Today, the United States is imposing financial sanctions and visa restrictions on Iranian individuals and entities under human rights-related authorities. These actions with respect to 12 Iranian individuals and entities by the Department of State and Department of the Treasury send a message of support to the Iranian people that we will continue to amplify …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 May, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Policy, Statements | Tags: Ali Fallahian, Alisa Flatow, Buenos Aires, Rahmani Fazli, Sanctions, visa restrictions
The People’s Republic of China is one of the rapidly dwindling number of countries that welcomes Mahan Air, which ferries weapons and terrorists around the world for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Such cooperation has consequences. Today, the United States designated Shanghai Saint Logistics Limited, a PRC-based company that provides general sales agent services for …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 May, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements, U.S. & Iran | Tags: China, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mahan Air, Sanctions
For years, Iran has claimed its space program is purely peaceful and civilian. The Trump Administration has never believed this fiction. This week’s launch of a military satellite by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, makes clear what we have said all along: Iran’s space program is neither peaceful nor entirely civilian. In February 2020, the head …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 April, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Coronavirus, COVID-19, embargo, EU, ICBM, Iran, IRGC, Program, Space, UN
“I also want to call attention to the Iranian regime’s misinformation campaign surrounding the origination of the Wuhan virus. Instead of focusing on the needs of the Iranian people and accepting genuine offers of support, senior Iranians lied about the Wuhan virus outbreak for weeks.” The Iranian leadership is trying to avoid responsibility for their …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 March, 2020 | Topics: Featured Event, Human Rights, Near East & North Africa, Statements
This past week, the IAEA issued two reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran is hiding nuclear material – its nuclear material and nuclear activities. Iran is party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran’s safeguard agreements under that treaty require it to declare nuclear material to the IAEA and provide the IAEA inspectors with full …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 March, 2020 | Topics: East Asia & Pacific, Statements | Tags: Iran, Nuclear, Pompeo, Sanctions, UNSC, US
Today, the United States designated five members of Iran’s Guardian Council and its Elections Supervision Committee who have played a role in denying Iranians their right to free and fair elections. This includes Ahmad Jannati, the Secretary of the Guardian Council, who has in the past praised the killing of political dissidents and previously called …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 February, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Statements | Tags: Elections, Guardian Council, Iran, Jananti, Majles, Michael R. Pompeo, United States
The United States calls on Iran to fulfill its commitments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and adhere to the FATF’s anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism standards that protect the international financial system from illicit finance. Iran should be treated like any other nation. Nearly every country in the world has …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 February, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Press Releases, Statements | Tags: FATF, Iran
The Iranian regime uses satellite launches to develop its ballistic missile capabilities. The technologies used to launch satellites into orbit are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in longer range systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. Each launch, whether failed or not, further allows Iran to gain experience using such technologies that could benefit its …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 February, 2020 | Topics: Near East & North Africa, Press Releases, Statements, U.S. & Iran | Tags: Ballistic Missile Program, Failed Space Program, Iran
Iranian authorities arrested and imprisoned at least 1.7 million of their own people in the Tehran area over the past four decades, and many were executed, a 2019 report says. Among them: more than 5,700 members of the Baha’i religious minority and at least 860 journalists and citizen-journalists, according to Reporters Without Borders. The …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 February, 2020 | Topics: Fundamental Freedoms, History, Human Rights, Near East & North Africa, News, Reports, Statements, U.S. & Iran | Tags: Faces of Iran, Iran
بیانه ی مطبوعاتی وزیر امور خارجه مایک پامپئو دولت آمریکاعمیقا نگران مسائلیست که آژانس بین المللی انرژی اتمی در یک جلسه ی ویژه با هیئت دولت مطرح کرد. اگراین مسئله درست باشد، اظهاراتی که براساس آن وزیر سابق امورخارجه ، جان کری، برجام را پایه گذاری کرد کاملا دروغ و فریب آمیزاست. آژانس بینالمللی انرژی …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 November, 2019 | Topics: Economic Affairs, Policy, Political Affairs, Press Releases, Statements, U.S. & Iran
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO August 28, 2019 Designation of Individuals and Entities Linked to Iranian Procurement Networks under E.O. 13382 (“Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Supporters”) Today, the Department of the Treasury designated nine entities and individuals based in Iran and one entity based in Hong Kong for supporting Iranian proliferation-sensitive procurement …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 30 August, 2019 | Topics: News, Statements
The United States assesses that the M/T Grace I was assisting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by transporting oil from Iran to Syria. This could result in serious consequences for any individuals associated with the Grace I. The IRGC has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States. Crewmembers of vessels assisting …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 August, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 June, 2019 | Topics: Policy, Statements
SECRETARY POMPEO: Good afternoon. It is the assessment of the United States Government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman today. This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 June, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements, U.S. Secretary of State
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on an Iraq-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) financial conduit, South Wealth Resources Company (SWRC), which has trafficked hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of weapons to IRGC-QF-backed Iraqi militias. SWRC and its two Iraqi associates, who are …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 June, 2019 | Topics: Statements
PGPIC Awards IRGC Construction Firm Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Contracts WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today against Iran’s largest and most profitable petrochemical holding group, Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC), for providing financial support to Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters (Khatam al-Anbiya), the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 June, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements
PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 3, 2019 On behalf of the United States Department of State, I would like to wish all Muslims a blessed Eid al-Fitr. This holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for celebration across Muslim communities worldwide. It is a culmination of a month …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 June, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements, U.S. Secretary of State
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release May 9, 2019 The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks. The response of the United States and our partners and allies has been clear: We do not seek war. But Iran’s forty …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 May, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements, U.S. Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release May 8, 2019 One year ago today, President Trump announced the United States would cease to participate in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and would instead embark on a bold new strategy to end Iran’s destabilizing behavior and prevent Iran from ever acquiring …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 May, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements, U.S. Secretary of State
We call on the regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions, change its destructive behavior, respect the rights of its people, and return in good faith to the negotiating table.” – President Donald J. Trump
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 May, 2019 | Topics: President of the United States, Press Releases, Statements
May 8, 2019 Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran One year ago, I dramatically strengthened our national security by ceasing America’s participation in the horrible, one-sided Iran nuclear deal. Today, I am signing an executive order to impose sanctions with …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 May, 2019 | Topics: President of the United States, Press Releases, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
In response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings, the United States is deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to the U.S. Central Command region to send a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interests or on …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 May, 2019 | Topics: Statements
For Immediate Release Fact Sheet May 3, 2019 The Administration has imposed the toughest sanctions ever on the Iranian regime. We will continue to apply maximum pressure until Iran’s leaders change their destructive behavior, respect the rights of their people, and return to the negotiating table. The United States is committed to denying Iran …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 May, 2019 | Topics: Statements
Fact Sheet May 3, 2019 Advancing the Maximum Pressure Campaign by Restricting Iran’s Nuclear Activities Maximum Pressure Campaign The Administration has imposed the toughest sanctions ever on the Iranian regime. We will continue to apply maximum pressure until Iran’s leaders change their destructive behavior, respect the rights of their people, and return to the negotiating …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 May, 2019 | Topics: Statements
Statement by Morgan Ortagus, Spokesperson May 3, 2019 Secretary Pompeo Tightens Nuclear Restrictions on Iran The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region’s stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon. As part of the administration’s unprecedented maximum pressure …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 May, 2019 | Topics: Statements
The Department of State is appalled by the Iranian regime’s secret execution of two 17-year old males, Mehdi Sohrabifar and Amin Sedaghat, in Adelabad prison in Shiraz, as reported by Amnesty International. According to this report, Iran has resumed its execution of minors, while attempting to keep this inhumane practice hidden from the world. The …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 May, 2019 | Topics: News, Statements
On-The-Record Briefing April 22, 2019 Press Briefing Room Washington, D.C. MS ORTAGUS: Go ahead, yeah. We have some familiar faces for all of you for the rest of them. Do you have one in the back? Yeah, go ahead. QUESTION: Hey guys. Thanks very much for doing this. Nick from PBS NewsHour here. A couple of follow-ups: One, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements, Transcripts
President Donald J. Trump has decided not to reissue Significant Reduction Exceptions (SREs) when they expire in early May. This decision is intended to bring Iran’s oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue. The United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, three of the world’s great energy producers, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements
Statement by Secretary Pompeo April 22, 2019 Decision on Imports of Iranian Oil Today we are announcing the United States will not issue any additional Significant Reduction Exceptions to existing importers of Iranian oil. The Trump Administration has taken Iran’s oil exports to historic lows, and we are dramatically accelerating our pressure campaign in …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements
April 8, 2019 Press Briefing Room Washington, D.C. MR PALLADINO: Thank you all very much. We now have Special Representative for Iran and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State Brian Hook and our Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism Nathan Sales. They’d be happy to take additional questions. Please. Let’s start – Associated Press, Matt. QUESTION: …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements, Transcripts
Today the Secretary of State announced his intent to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its Qods Force, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This designation is a historic step to counter Iran-backed terrorism around the world.
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements
The State Department intends to designate as a Foreign Terrorist Organization the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in its entirety, including the Qods Force. This is a historic step to counter Iran-backed terrorism around the world.
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements
Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC April 2, 2019 On behalf of the American people, we offer our condolences to the victims of the recent floods in Iran. These floods once again show the level of Iranian regime mismanagement in urban planning and in emergency preparedness. The regime blames outside entities when, in …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 April, 2019 | Topics: Statements
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against 25 individuals and entities, including a network of Iran, UAE, and Turkey-based front companies, that have transferred over a billion dollars and euros to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), in addition to procuring millions of dollars’ worth of vehicles for MODAFL. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 March, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, Statements
United States Imposes New Nuclear Sanctions on Iran as it Refuses to Answer Questions Related to Its Secret Nuclear Archive The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region’s stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes ensuring that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. Today, the United …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 March, 2019 | Topics: Statements
I send my warmest wishes to those in the United States and around the world observing the ancient holiday of Nowruz. Nowruz is a special time of thanksgiving and celebration for many across western and central Asia, and especially in Iran, to gather and reflect on the blessings of the previous year as they prepare …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 March, 2019 | Topics: Statements
February 13, 2019 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated an Iran-based entity that organizes international conferences that supported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force’s (IRGC-QF’s) efforts to recruit and collect intelligence from foreign attendees, including U.S. persons, and four associated individuals. OFAC also designated a …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 February, 2019 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Robert Palladino Deputy Spokesperson Washington, DC February 7, 2019 In defiance of the international community, the Iranian regime continues to develop and test ballistic missiles, including a reported second failed space launch in less than a month. Space launch vehicles use technologies that are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 February, 2019 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Robert Palladino Deputy Spokesperson Washington, DC February 4, 2019 Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Iranian women’s rights activist, journalist, and author, Masih Alinejad. Ms. Alinejad is the founder of the My Stealthy Freedom campaign, which initiated the White Wednesdays campaign, both of which work to promote freedom of expression and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 February, 2019 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against two Syria-based, Iran-backed militias composed of foreign nationals, an Iranian airline linked to designated Iranian airline Mahan Air and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), and an Armenian general sales agent (GSA) providing services to Mahan …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 January, 2019 | Topics: Policy, Statements
MEDIA NOTE January 11, 2019 Joint Statement on the Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Poland to announce the Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 January, 2019 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson Statement By Secretary Pompeo January 3, 2019 Warning to the Iranian Regime on Space Launches that Defy UNSCR 2231 The Iranian Regime’s Ministry of Defense has publicly announced plans to launch three Space Launch Vehicles (SLV) in the coming months. Such actions would once again demonstrate Iran’s defiance of UN Security …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 January, 2019 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Robert Palladino Deputy Spokesperson Washington, DC December 28, 2018 The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian regional actions that endanger Israeli national security and the safety of the Israeli people. Iranian support of and supply to terrorist groups in Syria and across the region that have the clear intent …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 December, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2018 Seventy years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Emerging from a world war that shocked humanity with its cruelty, the sovereign nations of the world united to specify those rights that are inherent to all persons, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 December, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC December 7, 2018 Corruption facilitates transnational crime, fuels terrorism, obstructs economic growth and development, weakens the rule of law, and undermines democracy. Ultimately, it endangers our national security. That is why, as we look ahead to International Anticorruption Day on December 9, we pledge to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 December, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
A young Uighur mother says she was tortured and subjected to other brutal conditions in one of the “re-education” camps in China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Province where, according to the State Department, China has sent between 800,000 to possibly over 2 million Muslims since April 2017. At a November 26 event at the National Press …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 December, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy December 3, 2018 Press Release: Ambassador Haley on an Open Letter by Families of Political Prisoners in Iran The Iranian regime’s long history of human rights violations are well known. Judicial cases, trials, and sentences continue to proceed without …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 December, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2018 The Iranian regime has just test-fired a medium range ballistic missile that is capable of carrying multiple warheads. The missile has a range that allows it to strike parts of Europe and anywhere in the Middle East. This test violates UN Security …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 December, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Treasury Designates Iran-Based Financial Facilitators of Malicious Cyber Activity and for the First Time Identifies Associated Digital Currency Addresses PRESS RELEASES November 28, 2018 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today against two Iran-based individuals, Ali Khorashadizadeh and Mohammad Ghorbaniyan, who helped exchange digital currency (bitcoin) ransom …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 November, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC November 26, 2018 Iranian President Rouhani has once again called for the destruction of Israel. He referred to it as a “cancerous tumor” and a “fake regime.” Such statements inflame tensions in the region by seemingly calling for war. At an international conference on Islamic …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 November, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
November 20, 2018 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating nine targets in an international network through which the Iranian regime, working with Russian companies, provides millions of barrels of oil to the Syrian government. The Assad regime, in turn, facilitates the movement of hundreds of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 November, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
November 13, 2018 Action follows signing of new Hizballah sanctions legislation and re-imposition of Iran-related sanctions Washington – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today to target four Hizballah-affiliated individuals who lead and coordinate the group’s operational, intelligence, and financial activities in Iraq. Specifically, OFAC designated Shibl Muhsin ‘Ubayd …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 November, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
U.S. Government Fully Re-Imposes Sanctions on the Iranian Regime As Part of Unprecedented U.S. Economic Pressure Campaign November 5, 2018 WASHINGTON – Today, in its largest ever single-day action targeting the Iranian regime, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned more than 700 individuals, entities, aircraft, and vessels. This action …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 November, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Office of the Press Secretary November 2, 2018 Statement by the President Regarding the Reimposition of Nuclear-Related Sanctions on Iran In May, I announced that the United States would withdraw from the horrible, one-sided Iran nuclear deal. This agreement failed in its fundamental objective, which was to permanently block all paths to an Iranian …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 November, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC November 2, 2018 Today, we commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. We renew our steadfast commitment to promoting a free and independent press and advocating for accountability against those who commit violence or other crimes against journalists. Commemorating this day is particularly …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 November, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: Crimes, Impunity, Journalists
Office of the Press Secretary November 2, 2018 PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS REIMPOSING ALL SANCTIONS LIFTED UNDER THE UNACCEPTABLE IRAN DEAL “The United States has launched a campaign of economic pressure to deny the regime the funds it needs to advance its bloody agenda.” – President Donald J. Trump REIMPOSING ALL SANCTIONS: President Donald …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 November, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Statement By Secretary Pompeo October 30, 2018 Ending the Conflict in Yemen The United States calls on all parties to support UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen based on the agreed references. The time is now for the cessation of hostilities, including missile and UAV strikes …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 31 October, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: Houthis, Saudi, Yemen
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary October 25, 2018 Today, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act (HIFPAA) of 2018, which imposes additional hard-hitting sanctions on Hizballah, a radical Islamist terrorist organization and close partner and proxy of the Iranian regime. Hizballah has kidnapped, tortured, and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 October, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Hizballah, Marine Barracks
Treasury and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Partners Sanction Taliban Facilitators and their Iranian Supporters Today, the seven member nations of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) took significant actions to expose and disrupt Taliban actors and their Iranian sponsors that seek to undermine the security of the Afghan Government. The TFTC Member States …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 October, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Treasury Sanctions Vast Financial Network Supporting Iranian Paramilitary Force That Recruits and Trains Child Soldiers October 16, 2018 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today against a vast network of businesses providing financial support to the Basij Resistance Force (Basij), a paramilitary force subordinate to Iran’s Islamic …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 October, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Basij, Child soldiers
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC September 28, 2018 The President and I have no more important priority than the safety and security of American citizens, including our diplomatic, military and other officials serving abroad. Threats to our personnel and facilities in Iraq from the Government of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 October, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC October 10, 2018 Authorities in Germany announced yesterday the extradition of Asadollah Assadi, an Iranian official working under diplomatic cover, to Belgium for his role in the disrupted Iranian terrorist plot to bomb a political rally near Paris, France on June 30. The scale of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 October, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: extradition, Iranian official
To the situation in Iraq, Iran is the origin of the current threat to Americans in Iraq. It is to blame for the attacks against our mission in Basra and our embassy in Baghdad. Our intelligence in this regard is solid. We can see the hand of the ayatollah and his henchmen supporting these …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 October, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Treasury Targets Thai Company Supporting Iranian Airline Mahan Air September 14, 2018 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Thailand-based My Aviation Company Limited for acting for or on behalf of Mahan Air, an Iranian airline previously designated for supporting Iran’s terrorism activities. The action today was …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 September, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 11, 2018 Statement by the Press Secretary Over the past few days, we have seen life-threatening attacks in Iraq, including on the United States consulate in Basra and against the American embassy compound in Baghdad. Iran did not act to stop these attacks by its proxies …
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By Virtual Embassy Iran 40 | 12 September, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy September 7, 2018 As Ambassador Haley stated on September 4, President Trump will host a UN Security Council meeting when he visits New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September. In addition to addressing Iran’s destabilizing aggression …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 September, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC August 27, 2018 Today, oral proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began in The Hague on an application for provisional measures in a case brought by Iran against the United States, Alleged Violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 August, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Michael R. Pompeo
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 13, 2018 The Department of State has designated Qassim Abdullah Ali Ahmed, AKA Qassim al-Muamen, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 August, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: Qassim Abdullah Ali Ahmed, Qassim al-Muamen
President Donald J. Trump is Reimposing Sanctions Lifted Under the Horrible Iran Deal FOREIGN POLICY Issued on: August 6, 2018 Our policy is based on a clear-eyed assessment of the Iranian dictatorship, its sponsorship of terrorism, and its continuing aggression in the Middle East and all around the world. President Donald J. Trump REIMPOSING TOUGH SANCTIONS: President …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 August, 2018 | Topics: Fact Sheets, Human Rights, Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
Press Release July 9, 2018 Washington – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Mahan Travel and Tourism Sdn Bhd, a Malaysia-based General Sales Agent (GSA), for acting for or on behalf of Mahan Air, an Iranian airline previously designated in connection with Iran’s support for international terrorism. GSAs …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 July, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: Mahan Air, U.S. Treasury
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC July 11, 2018 Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will deliver remarks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs in Simi Valley, California, on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. Secretary Pompeo’s remarks on “Supporting Iranian Voices” will be delivered as part …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 July, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Statement by Secretary Pompeo June 27, 2018 Recent Protests in Iran The Iranian government is squandering its citizens’ resources, whether its adventurism in Syria, its support for Hizbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, or its ambitions for wastefully expanding its nuclear program, it will only add to the suffering of the people of Iran. As I …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 June, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Washington, DC June 19, 2018 SECRETARY POMPEO: Good afternoon. The Trump administration is committed to protecting and promoting the God-given dignity and freedom of every human being. Every individual has rights that are inherent and inviolable. They are given by God, and not …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 June, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Ambassador Haley, Human Rights Council, Michael R. Pompeo
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON June 18, 2018 Execution of Mohammad Salas, Iranian Sufi Dervish We condemn the Iranian government’s execution of Mohammad Salas, a member of the long-persecuted Iranian Gonabadi Sufi Dervish community. According to reports, Mr. Salas was hanged this morning at Rajai Shahr Prison, the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 June, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
The United States applauded the Canadian parliament’s condemnation of Iran for support for terrorism. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the move in a tweet and called on other nations to hold Iran’s leaders accountable. Canadian lawmakers on June 12 approved a resolution that “strongly condemns the current regime in Iran for its ongoing sponsorship of terrorism around the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 June, 2018 | Topics: Culture, Human Rights, Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary June 15, 2018 Presidential Message on Eid al-Fitr Melania and I wish Muslims across the United States and around the world a blessed Eid al-Fitr. Eid marks the end of a month of reflection and a return to daily life with a renewed sense of joy and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 June, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO June 14, 2018 On the Occasion of Eid al-Fitr On behalf of the U.S. Department of State, I extend my best wishes to our Muslim friends and partners celebrating Eid al-Fitr. This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, charity, compassion, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 June, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON June 14, 2018 Arrest of Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh We are deeply concerned by reports that Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been arrested again. Ms. Sotoudeh was reportedly arrested today at her home and taken to Evin Prison, the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 June, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO June 1, 2018 LGBTI Pride Month The United States joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Pride Month, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all, including LGBTI persons. In many parts …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 June, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Release U.S. Department of the Treasury MAY 30, 2018 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Iranian entities for committing serious human rights abuses on behalf of the Government of Iran, as well as three leaders of one of these entities, the Ansar-e Hizballah organization. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 30 May, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
U.S. Department of the Treasury MAY 17, 2018 Action disrupts Hizballah’s global business empire in Europe, Africa, and Middle East Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Hizballah financier Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi and Hizballah’s representative to Iran Abdallah Safi-Al-Din as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) pursuant to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary MAY 15, 2018 Presidential Message on Ramadan With the rising of tonight’s moon, I send my greetings and best wishes to all Muslims observing Ramadan in the United States and around the world. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
U.S. Department of the Treasury Treasury Targets Iran’s Central Bank Governor and an Iraqi Bank Moving Millions of Dollars for IRGC-Qods Force MAY 15, 2018 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the Governor and a senior official of the Central Bank of Iran, an …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary May 11, 2018 Statement from the Press Secretary on Iranian Aggression Against Saudi Arabia and Israel Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pours resources into exporting destabilizing influence throughout the Middle East, even as the Iranian people are victims of a struggling economy. Already this week, the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs May 10, 2018 United States and United Arab Emirates Disrupt Large Scale Currency Exchange Network Transferring Millions of Dollars to the IRGC-QF Washington – Today the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) jointly took action to disrupt an extensive currency exchange network in …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
The White House Office of the Press Secretary May 10, 2018 Statement from the Press Secretary on Iranian Regime Provocation against Israel The United States condemns the Iranian regime’s provocative rocket attacks from Syria against Israeli citizens, and we strongly support Israel’s right to act in self-defense. The Iranian regime’s deployment into Syria …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary May 8, 2018 My fellow Americans: Today, I want to update the world on our efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is the leading state sponsor of terror. It exports dangerous missiles, fuels conflicts across the Middle East, and supports terrorist …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson Statement by SECRETARY POMPEO On President Trump’s Decision to Withdraw from the JCPOA May 8, 2016 As we exit the Iran deal, we will be working with our allies to find a real, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Iranian threat. We have a shared interest with our allies in …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
The White House Statement by the Press Secretary April 30, 2018 The United States is aware of the information just released by Israel and continues to examine it carefully. This information provides new and compelling details about Iran’s efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 May, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary April 26, 2018 Statement from the President on the Confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State I am pleased with the Senate’s confirmation of Mike Pompeo to serve as our country’s top diplomat. Having a patriot of Mike’s immense talent, energy, and intellect leading the Department …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 April, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Ambassador Nikki Haley U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City April 17, 2018 Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Lowcock, thank you for your briefing, and Special Envoy Griffiths, the United States welcomes you to this Council. You have taken on one of the world’s most …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 April, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON April 4, 2018 First Anniversary of the Sarin Attack in Khan Shaykhun, Syria One year ago today, the Assad regime launched a horrific attack using the nerve agent sarin against its own citizens in Khan Shaykhun, killing approximately 100 people – including many …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 April, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
The White House Office of the Press Secretary March 30, 2018 Statement by The Press Secretary on The Efforts by Yemen’s Houthis to Destabilize The Arabian Peninsula Yemen’s Houthis have responded to efforts by the United Nations to reinvigorate a political process in Yemen by threatening to conduct more reckless missile attacks, like those they …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 April, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson March 26, 2018 Holding Russia Accountable for its Destabilizing Behavior On March 4, Russia used a military-grade nerve agent to attempt to murder a British citizen and his daughter in Salisbury. This attack on our Ally the United Kingdom put countless innocent lives at risk and resulted in serious injury to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 March, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: March 19, 2018 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs, (202) 622-2960 Treasury Department Reaffirms Commitment to Fostering Internet Freedom and Supporting the Iranian People WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today highlighted existing guidance …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
March 19, 2018 As spring arrives, I wish the people of Iran and everyone who celebrates this wonderful tradition a happy Nowruz. Today, I offer my best wishes to all of the communities here in the United States, as well as in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2018 | Topics: Culture, Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary March 19, 2018 Statement by President Donald J. Trump on Nowruz I wish a beautiful and blessed Nowruz to the millions of people around the world who are celebrating the arrival of spring. The history of Nowruz is rooted in Iran, where for millennia a proud nation …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 March, 2018 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON March 15, 2018 Harassment of the Press in Iran This week, the UN Human Rights Council discussed the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. The United States notes with concern the grave conditions facing the press …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 March, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy March 12, 2018 Ambassador Haley Delivers Remarks at a UN Security Council Meeting on the Ceasefire in Syria Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks this morning at a UN Security Council briefing on UN …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 March, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON March 9, 2018 The Eleven-Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Robert Levinson Today marks the eleven-year anniversary of Robert Levinson’s disappearance from Kish Island, Iran. The United States remains unwavering in our commitment to bring him home. We share our deepest sympathy with …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 March, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Annual Observance of International Women’s Day Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC March 8, 2018 As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th, the United States renews our steadfast commitment to addressing inequalities between women and men at home and abroad and reaffirms the importance of advancing the status of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 March, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Human Rights, Women, World Women's Day
The White House Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2018 The United States condemns the ongoing military offensive that the Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, is perpetrating against the people of Eastern Ghouta. After repeatedly delaying the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2401, which demanded a 30-day cessation of hostilities across Syria, Russia has …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 March, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Statement by the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council Geneva February 27, 2018 The United States is appalled to learn that the government of Iran is sending its Justice Minister, Seyyed Alireza Avaei, to address the UN Human Rights Council. Minister Avaei oversaw the summary executions of Iranians in the late 1980’s. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 February, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
United States Mission To The United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy February 25, 2018 Press Release: Ambassador Haley on Iran Human Rights Violator Speaking at UN Human Rights Council This week, Iran’s Minister of Justice, Seyyed Alireza Avaei, is set to address the UN Human Rights Council. Mr. Avaei is responsible for some of the worst …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 February, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary February 15, 2018 Today, our Nation commemorates the birthday of an American hero, visionary, civil rights leader, and pioneer in the women’s suffrage movement—Susan B. Anthony. Born in 1820, Susan B. Anthony lived during a time when women across our country were unable to fully enjoy the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 February, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC February 15, 2018 This week marks the seven-year anniversary of the detention of 2009 Iranian presidential election candidates Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi, as well as Mousavi’s wife and women’s rights advocate Zahra Rahnavard. The continued house arrest of these three individuals contradicts Iran’s international obligations including …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 February, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
United States Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy February 14, 2018 Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks at a UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Syria. “The Assad regime has become a front for Iran, Hezbollah, and their allies to advance …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 February, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Speeches, Statements
Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson February 13, 2018 Death of Pakistani Human Rights and Democracy Advocate Asma Jahangir We join Pakistan and others around the world in mourning the untimely death of Pakistani human rights and democracy advocate, Asma Jahangir. For years, she courageously defended the rights of those who did not have a voice, and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 February, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary February 7, 2018 The Donald J. Trump Administration is deeply concerned that Iran has returned United States citizen Baquer Namazi to its notorious Evin Prison after briefly releasing him on bail so he could undergo medical examination. We understand the decision to return Mr. Namazi to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 February, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy January 23, 2018 Reports of chlorine gas being used against innocent civilians in Eastern Ghouta by the Syrian regime are yet another demonstration of its blatant disregard for international law and cruel indifference for the lives of its own people. In …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 January, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 18, 2018 Ambassador Haley Delivers Remarks at a UN Security Council Meeting on Nonproliferation Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks at a UN Security Council briefing on nonproliferation of weapons of mass …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 January, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
United States Mission to The United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy January 12, 2018 Statement by Ambassador Haley on the President’s Announcement on Iran Today, the President took decisive action to make it clear the United States will continue to abide by the terms of the Iran nuclear deal, but will not tolerate …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 January, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary January 12, 2018 Statement by the President on the Iran Nuclear Deal The Iranian regime is the world’s leading state sponsor of terror. It enables Hezbollah, Hamas, and many other terrorists to sow chaos and kill innocent people. It has funded, armed, and trained more than 100,000 …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 January, 2018 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
Press Release JANUARY 12, 2018 Treasury Sanctions Individuals and Entities for Human Rights Abuses and Censorship in Iran, and Support to Sanctioned Weapons Proliferators Iranian Regime Prioritizes Destabilizing Weapons While Silencing Its Citizens Washington – Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 14 individuals and entities in connection with serious …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 January, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary January 10, 2018 Statement by the Press Secretary on Iran Protests The Trump Administration is deeply concerned by reports that the Iranian regime has imprisoned thousands of Iranian citizens in the past week for engaging in peaceful protests. Further reports that the regime has tortured or killed …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 January, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: Iran, Jail, Protests, Statement, Torture
Remarks at an Emergency UN Security Council Briefing on Iran Ambassador Nikki Haley U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations January 5, 2018 Thank you, Mr. President, and Happy New Year to all of the members of the Security Council and the General Assembly. In the past week, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 January, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson Designations Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 In far too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals’ ability to adopt, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 January, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson Statement by Heather Nauert, Spokesperson January 4, 2018 We continue to monitor closely the protests and violence in Iran. The Iranian people have been expressing their desire for dignified treatment, an end to corruption, improved transparency, and increased economic opportunities. Protesters have also demanded that the regime stop diverting the nation’s …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 January, 2018 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC December 29, 2017 We are following reports of multiple peaceful protests by Iranian citizens in cities across the country. Iran’s leaders have turned a wealthy country with a rich history and culture into an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence, bloodshed, and chaos. As …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 30 December, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Ambassador Nikki Haley U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City December 19, 2017 Thank you Mr. President. This discussion couldn’t come at a better time. There were reports this morning that the Houthi militants in Yemen have fired yet another missile into Saudi Arabia. According …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 December, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy December 18, 2017 Ambassador Haley Vetoes a Draft UN Security Council Resolution on Jerusalem Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks at a UN Security Council meeting after vetoing a draft Security Council resolution on Jerusalem. In …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 December, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Ambassador Nikki Haley U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations December 14, 2017 It’s really important that you be here today, because we have a story to tell, and the story is a very important one. And it’s not just important for the United States, it’s important for the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 December, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements, Transcripts
Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2017 Sixty-nine years ago today, in the aftermath of World War II, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to recognize and elevate the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all individuals, and that these rights are the foundation …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 December, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC December 6, 2017 President Trump‘s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital aligns U.S. presence with the reality that Jerusalem is home to Israel’s legislature, Supreme Court, President’s office, and Prime Minister‘s office. We have consulted with many friends, partners, and allies in advance …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 6 December, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Remarks by Secretary Tillerson in the joint statement to the media, with the European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini Brussels, Belgium December 5, 2017 Well, thank you very much. It’s indeed a pleasure to be back in Brussels, and I think meetings like the one that was just held between the high representative and myself illustrate …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 December, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC November 30, 2017 On the eve of World AIDS Day 2017, the United States announced that the impact of President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has reached historic highs through the program’s rapid acceleration of HIV prevention and treatment efforts, driven by transparent, accountable, and cost-effective investments. As …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 December, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: AIDS, HIV, Statement, World AIDS Day
Treasury Designates Large-Scale IRGC-QF Counterfeiting Ring 11/20/2017 Iranian Network Prints Counterfeit Yemeni Bank Notes for IRGC-Qods Force WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated a network of individuals and entities involved in a large-scale scheme to help Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) counterfeit currency to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 November, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
In light of the recent earthquake in Iran, how can I help the Iranian people while making sure to abide by U.S. sanctions? In light of the tragic earthquake in Iran, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) would like to highlight some of the ways in which Americans can provide …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 November, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC November 13, 2017 The United States expresses its sincere condolences to all of those affected by the earthquake in Iran and Iraq. We keep the families of those who were killed, and injured, in our thoughts as well as the communities that have suffered damage to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 November, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
United States Mission to The United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy November 7, 2017 Press Release: Ambassador Haley on Weapons of Iranian Origin Used in Attack on Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia recently released information regarding a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis into Saudi Arabia in July 2017. The information shows that the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 November, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Joint Statement on Syria Chemical Weapons by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC November 8, 2017 On October 26, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 November, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary November 8, 2017 White House Statement on Iranian-Supported Missile Attacks Against Saudi Arabia The United States welcomes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s statement exposing the Iranian regime’s support for Houthi militias, including the supply of illegal arms such as ballistic missiles. We condemn the Iranian regime’s activities …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 November, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson November 2, 2017 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Around the world, journalists work often at great personal risk to report on issues that impact the lives of individuals in all societies. They shine a light on abuses and corruption, expose threats posed by …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 November, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy October 26, 2017 Press Release: Ambassador Haley on the Release of a Report on Chemical Weapons Use in Syria The findings issued today by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and United Nations’ Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) have concluded …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 October, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON October 26, 2017 In Recognition of Intersex Awareness Day In recognition of Intersex Awareness Day, the United States stands in solidarity with intersex persons and their advocates around the world. We recognize that intersex persons face violence, discrimination, harassment, and persecution on account of their sex characteristics. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 October, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC October 25, 2017 President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 13780, Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States, was issued in order to protect Americans by addressing weaknesses in our visa program and refugee vetting system. We are taking new steps to eliminate …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 October, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements, Visas
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary October 21, 2017 Statement by President Donald J. Trump on the Defeat of ISIS in Raqqah I am pleased to announce that the Syrian Democratic Forces, our partners in the fight against ISIS in Syria, have successfully recaptured Raqqah – the terrorist group’s self-proclaimed capital city. Together, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 23 October, 2017 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Excerpts of Statement by Secretary Tillerson October 20, 2017 Raqqa’s Liberation from ISIS … We congratulate the Syrian people and the Syrian Democratic Forces, including the Syrian Arab Coalition, on the liberation of Raqqa. The United States is proud to lead the 73-member Global …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 October, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Raqqa, Rex Tillerson, Statement
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S NEW STRATEGY ON IRAN “It is time for the entire world to join us in demanding that Iran’s government end its pursuit of death and destruction.” – President Donald J. Trump President Donald J. Trump, in consultation with his national security team, has …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 13 October, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary October 3, 2017 Statement by the Press Secretary on the Death of Former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani The United States offers its sincere condolences on the passing of Iraqi statesman and former president, Jalal Talabani. We remember him as a true patriot and partner who was instrumental in transitioning …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 October, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Today, I vetoed S.J. Res. 68, which purported to direct me to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran. This was a very insulting resolution, introduced by Democrats as part of a strategy to win an election on November 3 by dividing the Republican Party. The few Republicans who voted …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 29 September, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Statement
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC September 25, 2017 The United States is deeply disappointed that the Kurdistan Regional Government decided to conduct today a unilateral referendum on independence, including in areas outside of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The United States’ historic relationship with the people of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region will not …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 September, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Iraq, Kurdistan, Referendum, Statement
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 24, 2017 New security measures establish minimum requirements for international cooperation to support U.S. visa and immigration vetting Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the establishment of enhanced national security measures, aimed at creating—for the first time in history—minimum requirements for international cooperation to support visa …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 September, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Treasury Targets Supporters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Networks Responsible for Cyber-Attacks Against the United States U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs 9/14/2017 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 11 entities and individuals for engaging in support of designated Iranian actors …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 September, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 11, 2017 Statement by the Press Secretary on the Violence in Burma The United States is deeply troubled by the ongoing crisis in northern Rakhine State in Burma, where at least 300,000 people have fled their homes in the wake of attacks on Burmese security posts …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 12 September, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Burma, Statement, Violence
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON September 11, 2017 On the Anniversary of the 9/11 Terror Attacks Today we remember the victims of the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, and honor the heroes who valiantly saved many lives that day, even sacrificing their own. Their courage on that day …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 11 September, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Rex Tillerson, Statement
STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON September 1, 2017 Sentencing of Mohammad Ali Taheri to Death in Iran We are deeply concerned by reports that an Iranian court has sentenced Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of an Iranian spiritual movement, to death. The charges of founding a religious cult and “spreading corruption on earth” are inconsistent with …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 September, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON August 31, 2017 On the Occasion of Eid al-Adha As the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina comes to a close, I wish Muslims across the globe a meaningful and blessed Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha, also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ is …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 September, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Eid al-Adha, Islam, Muslims, Rex Tillerson, Statement
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary August 21, 2017 Statement on the Anniversary of the 2013 Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack Today marks the 4th anniversary of the Syrian regime’s deadly chemical weapons attack that killed more than 1,400 people in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. This tragic event precipitated an international effort that …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 August, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
MEDIA NOTE July 28, 2017 Iran’s Space Launch Vehicle Inconsistent with UNSCR 2231 Joint Statement by France, Germany, the United Kingdom and United States With its latest launch of a Simorgh space launch vehicle on 27 July, Iran has again demonstrated activity inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231. We condemn this action. This …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 29 July, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Treasury Sanctions Key Ballistic Missile Entities in Iran Action Follows Iran’s Launch of Simorgh Space Launch Vehicle and Continued Provocations Washington – Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned six Iran-based subordinates of Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group (SHIG), an entity central to Iran’s ballistic missile program, in response to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 28 July, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements, Transcripts
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary July 21, 2017 Statement on American Citizens Unjustly Detained in Iran President Donald J. Trump and his Administration are redoubling efforts to bring home all Americans unjustly detained abroad. The United States condemns hostage takers and nations that continue to take hostages and detain our citizens without …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 July, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: American Citizens, Baquer Namazi, Human Rights, Iran, Robert Levinson, Siamak Namazi
Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON July 18, 2017 United States Announces New Iran-Related Sanctions The United States remains deeply concerned about Iran’s malign activities across the Middle East which undermine regional stability, security, and prosperity. Iran continues to support terrorist groups such as Hizballah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad that threaten Israel …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 July, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON July 10, 2017 Liberation of Mosul On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I congratulate Prime Minister Abadi and the Iraqi people on their liberation of Mosul. This is a critical milestone in the global fight against ISIS, and underscores the success …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 10 July, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Coalition, Iraq, IS, ISIL, ISIS, Liberation, Mosul, Rex Tillerson, Statement, Victory
Statement from the Press Secretary The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children. The activities are similar to preparations the regime made before its April 4, 2017 chemical weapons attack. As we have previously …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 June, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Press Releases, Statements
U.S. Supreme Court Decision on the President’s Executive Order “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC June 26, 2017 With the objective of maximizing national security, the Department of State will implement Executive Order 13780, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 June, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Press Releases, Statements, Travel & Tourism
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary June 24, 2017 On behalf of the American people, Melania and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 June, 2017 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC June 23, 2017 On behalf of the U.S. Department of State, best wishes to all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr. This holiday marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month in which many experience meaning and inspiration in acts of fasting, prayer, and charity. This day offers …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 June, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Rex Tillerson
Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC June 20, 2017 On World Refugee Day, we recognize the plight of those forced by persecution and war to flee their home countries. We also recognize the pressing challenges posed by ongoing refugee crises. Today, refugees number more than 22 million around the world. …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 20 June, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC June 19, 2017 The United States strongly condemns last night’s attack that appears to have targeted Muslim worshippers in London. We extend our sympathies to the families and community of the victims and our hopes for the quick recovery of those wounded. We commend the work of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 June, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC June 7, 2017 In recognition of LGBTI Month, the Department of State affirms its solidarity with the human rights defenders and civil society organizations working around the world to uphold the fundamental freedoms of LGBTI persons to live with dignity and freedom. We also recognize …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 8 June, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Human Rights, Policy, Statements | Tags: LGBTI, Rex Tillerson
STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON June 7, 2017 Terrorist Attacks in Tehran The United States condemns the terrorist attacks in Tehran today. We express our condolences to the victims and their families, and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Iran. The depravity of terrorism has no place in a peaceful, civilized world.
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 June, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Press Releases, Statements
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC June 3, 2017 The United States condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening. We understand U.K. police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request. Our hearts are …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 June, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Press Releases, Statements
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy June 1, 2017 Statement by Ambassador Nikki Haley on the President’s Decision to Withdraw from the Paris Agreement As a Governor, I always worked to balance economic growth and environmental protection. We can, and we must do both. President Trump acted in …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 2 June, 2017 | Topics: Environment, Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON May 31, 2017 On the Terrorist Attack in Kabul, Afghanistan The United States strongly condemns today’s deadly attack in Kabul. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured, including our Afghan partners, members of the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 31 May, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Afghanistan, Attack, Kabul, Rex Tillerson
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary May 26, 2017 Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Ramadan On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan. During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 26 May, 2017 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump, Ramadan, Statement
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON May 20, 2017 From a Press Availability in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the Reelection of Iranian President Rouhani What we hope – what I would hope – is that Rouhani now has a new term, and that he use that term to begin …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 May, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC May 17, 2017 We are concerned by the violent incidents involving protesters and Turkish security personnel Tuesday evening. Violence is never an appropriate response to free speech, and we support the rights of people everywhere to free expression and peaceful protest. We are communicating our concern to …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 18 May, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
5/17/2017 Action reflects concern with Iran’s continued development of ballistic missiles Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven targets in connection with Iran’s ballistic missile program. OFAC designated two senior Iranian defense officials, including a defense official who facilitated the sale of explosives and provided other …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 May, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Press Releases, Statements
May 17, 2017 U.S. State Department Issues Report on Human Rights Sanctions on Iran Highlights Iran’s Continuing Human Rights Abuses The State Department released today its semi-annual report to Congress detailing sanctions imposed on persons involved in human rights abuses in Iran. The report cites recent sanctions against the Tehran Prisons Organization and Sohrab Soleimani, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 17 May, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Press Releases, Statements | Tags: Human Rights, Iran, Sanctions
Office of the Spokesperson May 14, 2017 Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson Nine Year Imprisonment of Bahai Leaders in Iran Nine years ago, seven leaders of Iran’s Bahai community were arrested and convicted of espionage, insulting religious sanctities, and propaganda against the Islamic Republic for activities related solely to their belief in and practice of …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 May, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC May 3, 2017 Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting the fundamental principles of a free press around the world. We honor those men and women who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to tell the stories we would …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 3 May, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
The White House Office of the Press Secretary April 24, 2017 Today, we remember and honor the memory of those who suffered during the Meds Yeghern, one of the worst mass atrocities of the 20th century. Beginning in 1915, one and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, or marched to their deaths in the final …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 25 April, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON April 18, 2017 Iran Continues to Sponsor Terrorism Trump Administration Undergoing Interagency review of Iran Deal The U.S. Department of State certified to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan today that Iran is compliant through April 18th with its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 April, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON April 4, 2017 Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria The United States strongly condemns the chemical weapons attack in Idlib province, the third allegation of the use of such weapons in the past month alone. There are reports of dozens dead, including many children. While …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 5 April, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING SPOKESPERSON April 4, 2017 UN International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action Today is the United Nations’ International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, which provides an opportunity for the world to reflect on both the …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 April, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Mine
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson MEDIA NOTE March 24, 2017 Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act Sanctions On March 21, the United States imposed sanctions on 30 foreign entities and individuals in 10 countries pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). These sanctions apply to the specific …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 March, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Iran, Missile, Nonproliferation, Nuclear, Sanctions
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary March 22, 2017 Statement by President Donald J. Trump on Nowruz This week, I would like to send my best wishes to all those around the world celebrating the wonderful ancient holiday of Nowruz. Many millions of people of Iranian, Iraqi, Turkish, South Asian, and Central Asian …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 22 March, 2017 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump, Nowruz, Statement
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON Message on the Occasion of Nowruz March 20, 2017 I wish a joyful and prosperous Nowruz to all those around the world celebrating this ancient tradition that marks the beginning of spring and the beginning of a new year. Millions of people across …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 21 March, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Nowruz, Rex Tillerson, Statement
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson March 9, 2017 Statement by the Spokesperson The Ten-Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Robert Levinson Today marks the ten-year anniversary of Robert Levinson’s disappearance from Kish Island, Iran. The United States remains unwavering in our commitment to bring him home. Over the last decade his family …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 March, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements, U.S. Citizen Services
Today, we mark the ten-year anniversary of the disappearance of United States citizen Robert “Bob” Levinson from Kish Island, Iran. The Trump Administration remains unwavering in our commitment to locate Mr. Levinson and bring him home. We want him back, and we will spare no effort to achieve that goal. The Levinson family has suffered …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 March, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements
International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon the meaningful progress women have made throughout society, while also acknowledging that there is still much work that remains to be done to ensure the complete and consequential participation of women in all spheres of economic, political, and public life. Throughout our …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 9 March, 2017 | Topics: Culture, Policy, Statements
As the President laid out in his address to Congress, the State Department will continue to engage to advance U.S. interests in the world in cooperation with our partners and allies. We will also continue to support policies and institutions that keep Americans safe, including a robust NATO where Allies meet their responsibilities, an immigration …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 March, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Policy, Statements | Tags: Rex Tillerson
The White House Office of the Press Secretary Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States — (applause) — and citizens of America: Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our nation’s path towards …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 March, 2017 | Topics: Policy, President of the United States, Speeches, Statements | Tags: Donald J. Trump
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson February 14, 2017 STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING SPOKESPERSON Six-Year Anniversary of the House Arrests of Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karroubi and Zahra Rahnavard This week marks the six-year anniversary of the detention without formal charges of former senior Iranian officials and 2009 presidential election candidates Mehdi …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 14 February, 2017 | Topics: Human Rights, Policy, Statements, Transcripts | Tags: Mehdi Karroubi, Mirhossein Mousavi, Zahra Rahnavard
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary February 3, 2017 Statement by National Security Advisor Michael T. Flynn on Iran Today, the United States sanctioned twenty-five individuals and entities that provide support to Iran’s ballistic missile program and to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the world’s …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 4 February, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements | Tags: Flynn, Iran, National Security, Sanctions
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary January 27, 2017 It is with a heavy heart and somber mind that we remember and honor the victims, survivors, heroes of the Holocaust. It is impossible to fully fathom the depravity and horror inflicted on innocent people by Nazi terror. Yet, we know that in the darkest hours of humanity, light shines …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 27 January, 2017 | Topics: Policy, Statements
President Trump acted on Monday to keep a signature campaign promise: withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. As he signed the order in the Oval Office, Trump said, “We’ve been talking about this for a long time,” adding it’s “a great thing for the American worker.”
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 24 January, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Policy, President of the United States, Speeches, Statements, Transcripts | Tags: Donald J. Trump, TPP
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Today marks the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – a deal that has achieved significant, concrete results in making the United States and the world a safer place. This historic understanding reached between the United States, France, the United …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 16 January, 2017 | Topics: Statements
Office of the Spokesperson December 19, 2016 Statement By Secretary Kerry The United States condemns the assassination today in Ankara of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, the Russian people, and with the other victims who were injured in this shooting. We stand ready to offer assistance to Russia …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 19 December, 2016 | Topics: Statements
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY December 15, 2016 Statement by Secretary Kerry on Renewing Waivers Related to Extension of the Iran Sanctions Act Ensuring the continued implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a top strategic objective for the United States and for our allies and …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 December, 2016 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Statements | Tags: JCPOA, John Kerry, Sanctions
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary December 15, 2016 This Administration has made clear that an extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, while unnecessary, is entirely consistent with our commitments in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Consistent with this longstanding position, the extension of the Iran Sanctions Act is becoming law …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 15 December, 2016 | Topics: Statements
Statement by the President on the 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor The White House Office of the Press Secretary Seventy-five years ago today, a sudden and unprovoked attack turned a tranquil harbor into a sea of flames. Over 2,400 American patriots lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor—military and civilian, …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 7 December, 2016 | Topics: Culture, Events, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Statements, Transcripts | Tags: Anniversary, Attack on Pearl harbor, Barack Obama, Pearl harbor
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2016 On World AIDS Day, we commemorate the lives lost and communities devastated by HIV/AIDS. We also celebrate those lives that have been saved and the courageous individuals who have brought hope and healing to those living with and affected by this disease. Thirty-five …
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By Virtual Embassy Tehran | 1 December, 2016 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Statements | Tags: AIDS, HIV, John Kerry, Statement, World AIDS Day