Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, reacting to new US sanctions against Tehran over its missile program and alleged support for terrorism, said Iran should be alert and refrain from acting to the benefit of Washington.

On July 18, the US departments of Treasury and State announced that they were targeting 18 Iranian individuals, groups and networks.

Mentioning US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and a deal with Cuba, Rouhani said in a televised Cabinet meeting July 19, “This indicates that the US cannot claim advocacy for human rights, rule of law, and security and stability in the world." He added, “One who is not stable, does not respect the law and regulations, and does not stand by its own signature cannot invite others to stability, security and peace.”

Stating that Tehran’s commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — which was signed in 2015 between Iran and six world powers — will continue, Iran’s president said, "Iran will always stand by its international commitments, although the Americans are giving with one hand and taking away with the other."