Iran says the latest round of sanctions imposed by the U.S. marks the end of any diplomatic path forward between the two nations. A spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry blamed the Trump administration for trying to destroy the established methods of maintaining peace and security across the globe.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the White House is "afflicted by mental retardation." Rouhani spoke out today, blasting new U.S. sanctions against top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He accused Washington of lying about negotiations, sanctioning the foreign minister while at the same time asking for negotiations. The foreign ministry said the new sanctions imposed yesterday represent the permanent closure of diplomacy. Tensions have continued to mount in recent weeks amid attacks on tankers and the downing of a U.S. drone. Iran has denied involvement in the tanker attacks.
President Trump says he doesn't need Congress's approval to strike Iran. In an interview with The Hill, Trump said he likes to keep Congress informed about what military action he's taking, but claimed it's not something he legally has to do. Trump pulled back from striking Iran last week in retaliation for shooting down an unmanned U.S. drone. Trump explained that the casualties Iran would've sustained weren't in proportion to the loss of the drone.
Photo: Getty Images