US President Donald Trump has slapped fresh sanctions on Iran. The targets of the action include the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.
The move comes after Iran shot down an unmanned US drone last week. Trump spoke to reporters before signing the executive order on Monday.
He said the sanctions imposed through the order will deny the Supreme Leader and the Supreme Leader's office access to key financial resources and support.
The president said the Supreme Leader is ultimately responsible for what he called the regime's "hostile conduct."
The US Treasury Department said it is also imposing sanctions on eight Iranian military commanders and revealed that the Iranian Foreign Minister will also be subject to sanctions before long.
In the meantime, President Trump said he does not wish conflicts with any country whether it is Iran or other countries. He added that he looks forward to the day when sanctions can be lifted and Iran will be a peaceful and prosperous country.
However, it is highly likely that Iran will react to the US actions and tensions could escalate even further.
NHK
