Move to stop permitting Iraqi purchases of Iranian energy will tighten sanctions but stress a U.S. partner in the region.

The decision to let Iraq's waiver lapse upon its expiration "ensures we do not allow Iran any degree of economic or financial relief," the spokesperson said, adding that Trump's campaign on Iran aims "to end its nuclear threat,

The Trump administration responded to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s refusal to negotiate with Washington. The White House urged him to prioritize the interests of the Iranian people over terror,

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei decried “bullying governments” in an apparent response to a letter the White House sent to Iran earlier in the week.

President Trump said he sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week asking that the two leaders "negotiate" over the Islamic republic's nuclear program. On Saturday, the Iranian leader condemned the effort by unnamed "bullying governments" to make a deal over the program.