New US Sanctions against Iran Armed Forces Ineffective: Defense Minister


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami shrugged off the US government’s recent sanctions against the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff and some high-ranking military people and said the move would have no negative effect on the forces.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet session in Tehran on Wednesday, Brigadier General Hatami said the Americans have targeted the Armed Forces as part of measures against the Iranian nation.

“This time, again, a number of our dear commanders have been targeted by the sanctions, which will have no effect,” he stated.

“Because from the view point of the Armed Forces, one being sanctioned is like one who was shot by the enemy and… and they are sources of pride for the people and the Armed Forces,” the official went on to say.

The US Treasury last week announced the new sanctions against the financial assets of what the US called the “inner circle of both military and foreign affair advisers” to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

The sanctions block any US-controlled property or interests held by those targeted and prohibit anyone or any entities in the United States from dealing with those sanctioned.