Iran's foreign minister said Wednesday that pressure groups in the United States map out the course of its foreign policy.
With reference to recent anti-Iran remarks of the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters that "Mr. Pompeo's speech was with no heads or tails and was illogical."
Pompeo said on Monday that Iran will suffer the toughest sanctions in history from the United States if it does not change the current behavior and course of action domestically and regionally.
He urged Tehran to report to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about its nuclear program, end proliferation of its missiles, and stop supporting "terrorist groups" in the Middle East.
"This is an indication of bankruptcy in the U.S. foreign policy, signifying that it (foreign policy) is put up for lease, and the pressure groups which spend more money can influence the course of Washington's foreign policy," Zarif reacted.
"Pompeo and other officials in the current U.S. administration are prisoners of both their illusions and dreams, as well as the corrupt pressure groups," Zarif said.
The United States has so far failed to create division among Iranians by imposing sanctions against the Islamic republic, he said, adding that "I am sure that the Iranians will resolutely resist their pressures."
Also, Washington has failed, through the spread of lies, to establish an international coalition to pressure Tehran, he pointed out.
Pompeo's recent remarks came after the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration withdrew from the historic Iran nuke deal earlier this month despite the global outcry.
While announcing the pullout, Trump vowed to impose "the highest level" of economic sanctions on Tehran and inflict punishments like secondary sanctions on nations that have business links with Tehran.
The United States' European allies, which have many economic links with Tehran, have been particularly frustrated.
