Iran calls US 'loser' as new US sanctions loom

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The second round of US sanctions on Iran will take effect next Monday. The White House described the upcoming sanctions as the toughest ones. However, Iran said it is not concerned over the new sanctions on its vital oil and financial sectors. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei even called the US a "loser".

Second round of sanctions

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said on Friday via a teleconference that the US will reimpose sanctions on Iran's energy, shipbuilding, shipping, and banking sectors.

"These sanctions hit at the core areas of Iran's economy," Pompeo said, adding the US has worked closely with other countries to cut off Iranian oil exports as much as possible.

Pompeo stressed Iran would have zero oil revenue to spend on ballistic missiles, terrorism, cyber attacks, or other destabilizing activities.

Eight importers permitted to buy Iran oil

During the teleconference, Pompeo said the US will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil, saying two will stop imports and the other six will significantly reduce them.

Turkey, Japan, India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are said to be among the eight temporary waivers, according to reports.

"We will ultimately move Iran to zero crude oil," Pompeo told Fox News, saying the US move has no huge impact on crude oil prices.

Iran: US will not reach any of its goals

Iran said it is not concerned.

The US has always been the "loser" in a confrontation with Iran over the 40 years, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday, official IRNA news agency reported.

"In the past few months our people have faced difficult times and it's possible that the next few months will be difficult. But the government will use all its power to reduce these problems," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Rouhani also stressed the US would not be able to reach any of its goals with regard to Iran's oil.

In an op-ed published by the Financial Times this week, Rouhani not only lashed out at Washington for its foreign policy over the past two years but also asked Europe to cooperate with Iran to counter US unilateralism.

(Cover: An image posted on Donald Trump's Twitter account on November 2, 2018 /Xinhua Photo)

(With inputs from agencies)