EU to cooperate with Iranian FM Javad Zarif despite US sanctions

The European Union will cooperate with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Javad Zarif despite the United States sanctions against him, according to media reports. The United States imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister on Wednesday for acting for the Supreme Leader of Iran. The US Treasury Department said Zarif acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Treasury designates Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif for acting for the Supreme Leader of Iran https://t.co/FEaxRqmpNQ

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) July 31, 2019

Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said "Javad Zarif implements the reckless agenda of Iran's Supreme Leader, and is the regime's primary spokesperson around the world. The United States is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime that its recent behavior is completely unacceptable."

Zarif brushed off the sanctions saying on Twitter that the sanctions have no effect on him or his family as he has no property or interests outside of Iran.

The US' reason for designating me is that I am Iran's "primary spokesperson around the world"Is the truth really that painful?It has no effect on me or my family, as I have no property or interests outside of Iran.Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 31, 2019

Tensions have escalated between the two countries since US President Donald Trump last year unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015. Since then, it has reimposed punishing sanctions on Iran, including measures aimed at slashing its oil exports to zero, as part of a campaign aimed at pressuring Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear deal.