2nd LD: Pompeo threatens toughest sanctions in history on Iran

WASHINGTON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday here that Iran will suffer the toughest sanctions in history from the United States if it does not change the current course.

In a speech at the Heritage Foundation unveiling "a new Iran strategy" of the United States, Pompeo urged Tehran to report to the International Atomic Energy Agency about its nuke program, end proliferation of its missiles, and stop supporting "terrorist groups" in the Middle East.

Outlining the bid to establish an international coalition to pressure Iran, Pompeo said the United States wants a better deal to address its concerns on Iran, and will send teams around the globe to explain the U.S. motives and build global momentum.

The speech came after the Trump administration withdrew from the historic Iran nuke deal earlier this month, which sparked wide international outrage.

U.S. allies in Europe, which have many economic links with Tehran, have been particularly frustrated.

After the exit announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said that China regrets the U.S. decision. Enditem