World War 3 WARNING: Iran leader Rouhani vows to DEFEAT Trump as tensions peak

The White House reimposed biting economic restrictions after hauling the US out of a key 2015 global deal that limited Iran’s nuclear abilities. A fresh wave of US sanctions launched at the start of November are targeting Iran’s oil sector, drawing anger from Tehran. Mr Rouhani said: “The Americans will definitely be defeated in this path. 

“The path they have chosen is wrong and incorrect.

“If they are being honest and they are looking for regional security, this is not the path.

“If they are being honest and respect the Iranian people, this is not the path.”

The new sanctions ban foreign companies from dealing in Iranian crude oil.

Under Mr Trump’s latest barrage of measures, companies trading with Iran would be banned from doing business in the US.

Tehran’s energy, shipping and financial sectors have also been targeted.

Mr Trump vowed that companies trading with Iran would be hit by secondary sanctions but the EU wants to support companies that trade with Iran.

The US President hauled the US out of a 2015 deal that imposed strict controls on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Global powers, including the US, that signed up to the deal lifted sanctions on Iran in 2016.

The US has now unilaterally re-imposed the measures, with other countries refusing to back Mr Trump.

A defiant Mr Rouhani has launched persistent attacks on Mr Trump since the sanctions were re-imposed, vowing to withstand the US’s “cruel” measures.

He added: “They have made themselves more infamous in the world and in front of our people.

“It’s clear for everyone that the incorrect and cruel sanctions of America will harm the dear and honourable people of our country.”

Eight countries, including US allies Italy, India, Japan and South Korea, are exempt from the US oil sanctions.

Iran’s gold, precious metals and car sectors were subject to strict measures under a wave of

Mr Trump has accused Iran of “threatening the United States and our allies and supporting terrorism.”

His US administration wants Iran to halt development of ballistic missiles and its support for forces in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.