US diplomat warns EU 'time to reflect' on Iran 'is over' – 'Brussels must join us and act'

The US Ambassador rejected calls from European Union countries for talks on how to handle Iran as he insisted “the time to reflect is over”. Tensions between Tehran and the United States have escalated over the past few months, with the situation nearly rocketing into full-out war when President Donald Trump ordered a strike on Iran in June. While the order to attack was called off, Mr Sondland reiterated his country’s commitment to a hard stance against the state on BBC’s Today programme, saying: “The time for reflection is over. It’s time to act.

“By acting, I mean that the European Union, our European friends, should join the United States in unequivocally condemning Iran’s actions with respect to their activities not just in the Strait of Hormuz but throughout the world and bring them back to the table to discuss a comprehensive negotiation over all of their activities.

“Including currently being the leading state sponsor of terror, plotting attacks in Europe, their missile development programme and their general Middle East aggression in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Israel with Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houtis and others.”

Last week the Iranian Government attempted to seize a British tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf. The ship was ordered to change course before the alleged Revolutionary Guard ships tried to seize the tanker.

In spite of the attempt to take over the British ship, the UK, France and Germany issued a joint statement on Sunday urging “all stakeholders to pause and consider the possible consequences of their actions.”

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The statement added: “We believe the time has come to act responsibly and seek a path to stop the escalation of tensions and resume dialogue.”

The European Union has remained committed to upholding the terms of the Iran nuclear deal they signed up to in 2015 despite President Trump pulling the US out shortly after his election.

The US President dismissed the agreement as the “worst ever” negotiated and reinstated sanctions on Iran despite attempts from Brussels to prevent their withdrawal. 

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt traveled to the Belgian capital on Monday to launch a last-ditch attempt to stop the nuclear deal from unraveling. 

He said: “We’re getting ready now to move out. We have a pretty clear concept of what we want to do.” HMS Duncan, currently in the Black Sea, will relieve Montrose in the Gulf so the Type 23 frigate can undergo planned maintenance and crew changes, the Government confirmed.

A spokeswoman said: “This will ensure that the UK alongside international partners can continue to support freedom of navigation for vessels transiting through this vital shipping lane.”

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday claimed his country would be willing to enter negotiations with the US if President Trump agreed to lift sanctions on Tehran.

President Rouhani said: “We have always believed in talks. If they lift sanctions, end the imposed economic pressure and return to the deal, we are ready to hold talks with America today, right now and anywhere.”

But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed the offer, insisting the offer mimicked ones the Iranian leader had made to his predecessor, John Kerry, and former President Barack Obama.

Secretary Pompeo said: “President Trump will obviously make the final decision. But this is a path that the previous administration had gone down and it led to the Iran nuclear deal which this administration, President Trump and I both believe was a disaster.”

source: express.co.uk