U.S. slaps sanctions on Iranian general

[sabra]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on an Iranian general from the elite Qods force as well as three Iraqis living in exile in Syria and Iran for fomenting violence in Iraq.

The new sanctions come amid fresh tensions this week between Tehran and Washington after Iranian speedboats confronted three U.S. Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz, an action President George W. Bush called "provocative."

The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement identified the Iranian general as Brig-Gen. Ahmed Foruzandeh, who it said "leads terrorist operations" against U.S. forces in Iraq and directed assassinations of Iraqi figures.

Economic sanctions were also placed on Syrian-based Al-Zawra television station. The sanctioned Iraqis were named as Mishan al-Jaburi, Ismail Hafiz al Lami and Abu Mustafa al-Sheibani.

"Iran and Syria are fueling violence and destruction in Iraq. Iran trains, funds and provides weapons to violent Shia extremist groups while Syria provides safe haven to Sunni insurgents and financiers," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSWAT00867020080109

[bemildred]

1. The thing that annoys me most about this is that it holds us up for ridicule. nt

[jasmine621]

2. And the evidence for this allegation is....?

Did i miss it?

[ohio2007]

3. So, this means , Ollie North can't e mail this guy

and sanction merchandise has been suspended ?

[bemildred]

4. This is getting pathetic. nt