News analysis

Trump treads fine line between sanctions and war with Iran

President Trump has said repeatedly that he does not favour the United States getting involved in endless wars abroad - and he wants to bring American troops home. PHOTO: AFP
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WASHINGTON - During a visit to Russia on Tuesday (May 14), US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said his country was not seeking war with Iran.

"We fundamentally do not seek a war with Iran," Mr Pompeo told American media travelling with him in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. But he added: "We have also made clear to the Iranians that if American interests are attacked, we will most certainly respond in an appropriate fashion." He was speaking at a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

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