51 Citizens Sanctioned By Iran, US National Security Adviser: One Of Them Attacked, Consequences Severe!

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan (Wikimedia Commons/The White House)

JAKARTA - The United States has warned Iran that it will not remain silent over sanctions against 51 of its citizens imposed by Iran last Saturday over the 2020 assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike.

In a statement on the official website, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Iran imposed sanctions on 51 US citizens, as Iranian proxy militias continue to attack American troops in the Middle East, and as Iranian officials threaten to carry out terror operations in the United States and elsewhere. around the world.

"Make no mistake, the United States will protect and defend its citizens. This includes those who serve the United States now and those who previously served. As Americans, we have differences of opinion about politics," Sullivan was quoted as saying by The White House website January 10.

He further said, despite having different opinions about Iran's policy. However, the United States is united in its determination to resist threats and provocations and to defend its citizens.

Sullivan also said he would work closely with US allies and partners to prevent and respond to any attacks carried out by Iran.

"If Iran attacks any of our citizens, including one of the 51 people named yesterday, it will face severe consequences," he stressed.

As previously reported, Iran's Foreign Ministry said 51 Americans had been targeted by what it called "terrorism" and human rights violations. The move allows Iranian authorities to confiscate any assets they have in Iran, but the absence of those assets means it is likely to be symbolic.

"The persons on the sanctions list participated in decision-making, planning, organization, financing, support, as well as in the leadership or execution of terrorist acts (operation against Soleimani)," the ministry quoted Sputnik News as saying January 8.

Soleimani, commander of Iran's Quds Force, an overseas force of the elite Revolutionary Guard, was killed in Iraq in a drone strike on January 3, 2020, ordered by former United States President Donald Trump.

Also killed in the attack was Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the head of the Kata'ib Shiite militia. Hezbollah, as well as the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Those added to the Iran sanctions list include US General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien.

Earlier, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, speaking on the second anniversary of Soleimani's assassination last week, said Donald Trump must be brought to justice for the killing, or Tehran would seek revenge.