Mattis Says Iran is Biggest State Sponsor of Terrorism

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By: Elias J. Atienza

Secretary of Defense James Mattis said that Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism in a press conference in Tokyo yesterday, Russia Today reported.

“As far as Iran goes, this is the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world,” Mattis said at a press conference in Tokyo on Saturday.

I think it is wise to make certain that Iran recognizes that what it is doing is getting the attention of a lot of people,” Mattis added. “It does no good to ignore it. It does no good to dismiss it and at the same time I don’t see any need to increase the number of forces we have in the Middle East at this time.”

“We always have the capability to do so but right now I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated since the United States slapped new sanctions on Iran due to a missile test conducted by Iran. The United States imposed sanctions on over two dozen individuals and companies associated with Iran.

“The recent test was in line with our plans and we will not allow foreigners to interfere in our defense affairs,” Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said, in defense of the missile test. Iran has also mobilized a “massive” military exercise as well.

Iran and the United States have seen relations flare up recently despite the landmark Iran deal by the Obama administration, which lifted sanctions imposed by the international community in exchange for Iran capping their uranium enrichment program. Mattis has said the United States should stand by the deal.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, said that Iran will never “initiate war” and only act in “self-defense” on Twitter.

We will never use our weapons against anyone, except in self-defense. Let us see if any of those who complain can make the same statement. pic.twitter.com/xwGquvqLvb

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) February 3, 2017

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