U.S. Official’s Middle East Tour Focuses on Iran Sanctions
In a move reflecting the ongoing U.S. strategy towards Iran, John Hurley, the Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is set to embark on a tour of the Middle East and Europe starting Friday. The primary focus of the trip is to strategize on increasing pressure on Iran, according to an official statement.
Key Objectives of the Middle East Tour
The tour comes as the Trump administration intensifies its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. This includes efforts to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and curtailing its regional influence. Hurley, the highest-ranking sanctions official at the Treasury, will visit Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Lebanon in the coming days. This marks his first trip to the Middle East since assuming his current role. The core objective is to coordinate international efforts to deny Iran and its proxies access to financial resources, thereby limiting their ability to circumvent international sanctions and fund activities that undermine regional stability.
Specific Areas of Discussion
During his meetings, Hurley will discuss ways to enhance the U.S.-led campaign against Iran, particularly concerning its proxies in the region. In Turkey, discussions will center on how both countries can collaborate to counter “malicious activities” in the region and prevent the circumvention of sanctions. The Trump administration, since taking office for a second term, has been persistent in its approach, emphasizing that Iran’s destabilizing activities must be met with consistent and coordinated pressure.
The Broader Context
The tour underscores the U.S.’s continued commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by Iran. The focus on financial intelligence and sanctions highlights the U.S. strategy to use economic tools to achieve its foreign policy objectives. The discussions in the Middle East are expected to provide insights into regional dynamics and the effectiveness of current measures. The aim is to ensure that Iran’s actions do not go unchecked and that the country is held accountable for its activities.
Source: Annahar
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