WASHINGTON: The US is working to renew theÌýarms embargo on Iran, the special envoy to Iran Brian Hook said on Tuesday, adding that sanctions on the Iranian regime hadÌýproduced "excellent results."
Speaking to Brett D. Schaefer of the Heritage FoundationÌýduring an online session, Hook said: "The sanctions on Tehran have led to excellent results and we have deprivedÌýthe Iranian regime of billions of dollars thanks to the sanctions."
Hook also saidÌýIran was at the forefront of sponsoring terrorismÌýand added thatÌýlifting the arms embargo on Tehran would provide the Islamic Republic "an opportunity to destabilize the region."
He said:Ìý"Iran is an isolated country and does not enjoy international support," also sayingÌýthat the USÌýdispute with other countries over policy onÌýIran wasÌý"tactical and not substantive."ÌýHe continued: "Russia and China want to sell arms to Iran, and the embargo does not suit them."
Hook, citing Iran's attempts to target ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ through proxies, saidÌýthat "not arming Iran contributes to bringing stability to the Middle East," and that preventing the armament of the regime would stopÌýit attacking its neighbors through its proxies.
He said US President Donald Trump had beenÌý"very strong against Iran," adding that "the Iranian regime is languishing under great pressure and the door is open to diplomacy ... President Trump will continue to pressure and Iran must respond."
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