U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, speaks throughout an instruction at the United States Department of State January 17, 2020, in Washington, DC.
Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — Brian Hook, the Trump administration’s leading diplomat for Iran, is stepping down from his post as Washington attempts to control Tehran with its “maximum pressure” project.
“Special Representative Hook has been my point person on Iran for over two years and he has achieved historic results countering the Iranian regime,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated in a Thursday declaration. “He has been a trusted advisor to me and a good friend. I thank him for his service,” Pompeo included without offering a factor for Hook’s departure.Â
Pompeo stated that Hook will be prospered by Elliott Abrams, an Iran hard-liner who is presently the State Department’s unique agent for Venezuela. It was likewise not right away clear when Hook would leave his function.
The most current discovery comes at a crucial time for U.S. diplomatic relations with Iran. Tensions in between Washington and Tehran have actually skyrocketed after Trump’s withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear offer brokered by the Obama administration.
Next week, the United Nations Security Council will vote on whether worldwide powers need to extend a worldwide arms embargo on Iran. The arms embargo on Iran is presently set to end on Oct. 18 under Tehran’s 2015 nuclear handle world powers.
The 2015 nuclear contract raised sanctions on Iran that paralyzed its economy and cut its oil exports approximately in half. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran accepted limitations on its nuclear program and allowed worldwide inspectors into its centers. Tehran has stated it will not work out with Washington while sanctions remain in location.
