US National Security Adviser John Bolton has warned Iran's leaders that there will be 'hell to pay' if they harm the US, its citizens or allies. Speaking at an anti-Iran conference in New York, Bolton said the 'murderous regime' of 'mullahs in Tehran' would face significant consequences if they continued to 'lie, cheat and deceive'.
His comments came hours after President Donald Trump accused Iran of sowing 'chaos, death and destruction' across the Middle East during his address to the UN General Assembly. Trump defended his decision to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal, arguing that renewed economic pressure would force Iran to agree to a new agreement.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani responded by criticising the Trump administration for its hostility, stating that dialogue should begin by ending threats and 'unjust sanctions'. He accused the US of 'bullying and imposition' in its approach to international relations.
The US recently reinstated sanctions after withdrawing from the nuclear deal, targeting Iran's purchase of US dollars, trade in gold, and automotive sector. A second batch of sanctions on Iran's oil and shipping sectors is due in November.
The remaining signatories to the nuclear deal—the UK, China, France, Germany and Russia—have announced plans to set up a new payment system to maintain business with Iran and bypass US sanctions. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the plan as 'one of the most counterproductive measures imaginable'.
Bolton, who has previously argued for military action against Iran, said the US would be aggressive in enforcing economic sanctions. 'If you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens, there will indeed be hell to pay,' he warned.
