TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign minister says US sanctions re-imposed by the Trump administration last year have been the major obstacle to successful rescue efforts for flood-stricken areas of Iran.
Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted late Monday that America’s “maximum pressure” policy on Iran “is impeding aid efforts by #IranianRedCrescent to all communities devastated by unprecedented floods.”
He says the sanctions have prevented Tehran from getting badly needed equipment, including relief helicopters. “This isn’t just economic warfare; it’s economic TERRORISM.”
.@realDonaldTrump ‘s “maximum pressure”—flouting UNSC Res 2231 & ICJ ruling—is impeding aid efforts by #IranianRedCrescent to all communities devastated by unprecedented floods. Blocked equipment includes relief choppers: This isn’t just economic warfare; it’s economic TERRORISM. pic.twitter.com/EEKTMiXLEi
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 1, 2019
Iran has been facing major flooding that killed 45 people. Local authorities have repeatedly asked for more helicopters to reach remote areas.
State media say the floods have struck hundreds of villages as well as towns and cities in the western half of the country. In some parts, an emergency has been declared.
