US creates ‘anti-Iran group’ to setup strategy

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has created a dedicated group to run the country’s policy towards Iran following President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal over the nuclear deal.

The Iran Action Group (IAG) was formed yesterday at a press conference in the US. “We are committed to a whole-of-government effort to change the Iranian regime’s behaviour and the Iran Action Group will ensure that the Department of State will remain closely synchronised with our interagency partners,” Pompeo said.

“The IAG will also lead the way in growing efforts with nations which share our understanding of the Iranian threat.”

Trump announced in May the United States was withdrawing from an Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015 between Tehran and six world powers and imposing sanctions on Tehran. America has said it would only end the sanctions if Iran agreed to a tougher deal.

Yesterday, Pompeo named senior policy adviser Brian Hook as Washington’s special representative for Iran. The move came as the Trump administration prepares to increase economic pressure on Iran.

The US’ withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal has allegedly had an immediate impact on the Yemen war rescinding. Commenting on Iranian support for the Houthis, Abd Rabboh Moftah, deputy governor of Marib city, said: “There is still some support, but we have seen it drop since the US pulled out” of the nuclear deal. “Any way that support from Iran is lessened, is helpful in stopping the war. The Houthis were feeding on this deal, and legitimacy.”

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