Iranian president vows lawsuit over US sanctions

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday vowed to sue U.S. officials for imposing sanctions on the country, Reuters reported.

Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television that he had ordered the ministries of foreign affairs and justice “to file a legal case in Iranian courts against those in America who designed and imposed sanctions on Iran”.

“These sanctions are a crime against humanity,” he added.

{mosads}The Trump administration last year reimposed sanctions against Iran that had been lifted as part of a nuclear agreement reached under the Obama administration. 

The sanctions target Iran’s energy, shipping and financial sectors.

Rouhani on Monday said the sanctions had created difficulties including a weaker rial currency that has fed into higher inflation.

If the Iranian court finds against the U.S. officials, the country will pursue the case in international courts of justice, the Rouhani said, according to Reuters.

Rouhani also reiterated his position that the sanctions have been imposed to force regime change.

“The Americans have only one goal: They want to come back to Iran and rule the nation again,” he said.