Tehran faces increased pressure as US begins measures to corner the regime

Tehran : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani yesterday cautioned US President Donald Trump about pursuing hostile policies against Tehran, saying “America should know ... war with Iran is the motherof all wars”.

Iran faces increased US pressure andlooming sanctions after Trump’s decisionto withdraw the United States from a2015 international deal over Iran’s nuclearprogramme.Addressing a gathering of Iranian diplomats,Rouhani said: “Mr Trump, don’tplay with the lion’s tail, this would onlylead to regret,” the state-news agencyIRNA reported.

More than half a dozen current andformer officials said the campaign, supportedby Secretary of State Mike Pompeoand national security adviser JohnBolton, is meant to work in concert withUS President Donald Trump’s push toeconomically throttle Iran by re-imposingtough sanctions.

The drive has intensified since Trumpwithdrew on May 8 from a 2015 seven-nationdeal to stop Iran from developingnuclear weapons.The White House declined commenton the campaign. The State Department also declined to comment on the campaign specifically, including on Pompeo’srole.