Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan has stressed that US sanctions on Tehran are aimed at changing the Iranian regime’s behavior, saying Washington is working with its allies to enforce them.
Sullivan discussed with Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during a visit to Manama the importance of Gulf Cooperation Council unity to help consolidate security and stability in the region.
According to the State Department, the Deputy Secretary and the Prime Minister also discussed US-Bahrain counterterrorism cooperation, countering the Iranian regime’s malign influence in the region and other bilateral and regional issues.
Sullivan also had the opportunity to meet with several other Bahraini officials.
Bahrain News Agency quoted Sullivan as saying that the US intends to impose the sanctions on Iran and is trying to convince its allies to do so as well.
The first round of US sanctions against Iran that were approved in August covers financial transactions and imports of raw materials.
Further measures due to hit in November will affect Iran’s central bank and the vital hydrocarbon industry.
During the meeting with the Bahraini PM, Sullivan also lauded Bahrain’s interest in pushing bilateral ties forward, stressing his country’s keenness to deepen its distinguished cooperation and friendship relations with the country in various fields.
The Deputy Secretary also visited the US Navy’s 5th Fleet Central Command based in Bahrain.
Source » aawsat