"Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon", Tim Morrison, special assistant to the president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction and biodefense, has stated, as Tehran earlier announced it was scaling back some curbs placed on its nuclear programme.
The White House official continued with warning European banks, investors, and businesses against involvement in a non-dollar payment system for trade with Iran.
Earlier in the day, Tehran said that it had suspended some of its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran gave Europe 60 days to ensure that its interests are protected. Tehran pledged to return to full compliance if the other parties to the nuclear deal were able to help solve problems caused by US sanctions.
According to media reports, Washington suspects Tehran of moving its short-range ballistic missiles by sea to the Persian Gulf. Reports say that the Pentagon is mulling the possibility of sending additional weapons to the Persian Gulf, including anti-missile defence systems, such as Patriot missile defence systems.
Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated over the past year after Washington withdrew from the JCPOA and reinstated sanctions against Tehran.