Iran latest: Trump blasted for being ISOLATED and SYMBOL OF MISTRUST in bitter trade war

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted on state TV on Monday as criticising their “oppressive policies and violent measures”.

He said: “Today, Trump, (Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad) Bin Salman and (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu have become the symbol of mistrust in the world.

“Their oppressive policies and violent measures have made them isolated. The world has distanced itself from their hostile policies against Iran.”

The latest criticism of the US President and the country’s Middle Eastern allies comes on the eve of the first round of sanctions imposed on Iran, which had been lifted under the 2015 international deal over its nuclear programme.

The sanctions on Iran, which finds itself facing a deep economic crisis, will cover its purchases of dollars, its trade in gold and precious metals and its automotive sector.

Under the initial deal, most international sanctions imposed on Iran had been lifted in 2016 in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme.

But Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in May, after claiming it failed to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 and its role in regional wars.

Israel, which itself is at loggerheads with Iran, has backed the imminent resumption of sanctions by the US.

Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz posted on Twitter that they “will compel the Iranians to decide between meeting the demands of the United States, or risking the regime’s collapse and fall”.

He said: “The first option is good, the second excellent.”

Russia, China and Europe, including the UK, France and Germany, immediately criticised the US President for withdrawing from the deal and despite trying to salvage it, he is urging countries to cut all imports of Iranian oil from November when sanctions are reimposed on its oil and shipping industries.

The latest war of words comes as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani prepares to address the nation in response to Mr Trump’s trade tariffs.

The Islamic Republic News Agency has reported that he will discuss “various issues” regarding foreign policy, including President Trump’s tariffs.

Domestic currency and high prices are also expected to feature.

Last Monday, the Trump administration released a statement saying the President would be willing to meet with Iran’s leaders.

This came after a threatening tweet he sent on July 22 which read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: never, ever, threatens the United States again or you will suffer consequences the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before.

“We are no longer a country that will stand for your demented words of violence & death. Be cautious.”