WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) — Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Saturday called for new sanctions to be placed on Iran due to its ballistic missile testing program.
Clinton made the comment in a statement following news that most sanctions on Iran would be lifted and four American prisoners held in Iran would be freed.
The former secretary of state said if she becomes the U.S. president, her method of dealing with Iran would be to “distrust and verify.”
“Iran is still violating UN Security Council resolutions with its ballistic missile program, which should be met with new sanctions designations and firm resolve,” Clinton said in the statement.
“I will vigorously enforce the nuclear deal as part of a comprehensive strategy that confronts all of Iran’s negative actions in the region and stand side-by-side with our ally Israel and our Arab partners.”
Clinton praised the administration of President Barack Obama for securing the release of the four American prisoners: Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, U.S. Marine veteran Amir Hekmat, Idaho Christian pastor Saeed Abedini and businessman Nosratollah Khosrawi Roudsari — who all hold dual U.S./Iranian citizenship.
“I am greatly relieved by the safe return of American prisoners from Iran. Their families and our country have waited and prayed for this day to come,” Clinton wrote.
“These prisoners were held unjustly by a regime that continues to threaten the peace and security of the Middle East. Another American, Bob Levinson, still isn’t home with his family.”
