Pompeo, Trump criticize Iran
Speech, tweet take leaders to task as sanctions approach
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday called the religious leaders of Iran “hypocritical holy men” who amassed vast sums of wealth while allowing their people to suffer, part of a highly critical broadside issued as the republic approached the 40th anniversary of its Islamic revolution and the U.S. prepared to reimpose economic sanctions.
“Sometimes it seems the world has become desensitized to the regime’s authoritarianism at home and its campaigns of violence abroad, but the proud Iranian people are not staying silent about their government’s many abuses,” Pompeo said in prepared remarks for a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
“And the United States under President Trump will not stay silent either. In light of these protests and 40 years of regime tyranny, I have a message for the people of Iran: The United States hears you. The United States supports you. The United States is with you,” he said.
And President Donald Trump warned Iranian President Hassan Rouhani that he will face dire consequences for threatening the United States.
Trump tweeted early Monday about the dangers to Iran of making hostile threats after Rouhani said Sunday “American must understand well that peace with Iran is the mother of all peace and war with Iran is the mother of all wars.” Trump responded early Monday with a tweet that warned: “NEVER EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKE OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE.”
Pompeo castigated Iran’s political, judicial and military leaders, accusing several by name of participating in widespread corruption.
He also said the government has “heartlessly repressed its own people’s human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms.”
Pompeo said the U.S. is undertaking a diplomatic and financial pressure campaign to cut off funds, focusing on reimposing sanctions on its banking and energy sectors.
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal in May and the first sanctions to be reimposed were expected to hit on Aug 4.