US concerned about Iran, Venezuela’s independence: Analyst

An analyst says the US is concerned about Iran and Venezuela’s independence because of the fact that they pursue an independent policy that "sets a bad example" for other nations.

“Well both countries pursue an independent policy, foreign policy. They look after the interest of their own people as opposed to the United States, as to find by American multi-national corporations and other special interest groups there. So it is really their independence that the United States is concerned about,” Edward Corrigan, international lawyer told Press TV in an interview on Friday.

“Iran is not a threat to the United States, Venezuela is not a threat to the United States but they are example of them pursuing an independent policy in terms of using their resources to help the people as opposed to a narrow economic elite in Europe and the United States… It sets a bad example,” he added.

The comments came after a top US official said Washington is waging a maximum and intense pressure campaign on Iran and Venezuela.

Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the US has taken an increasingly hawkish posture toward Iran. That hostile approach intensified last year, when Trump unilaterally withdrew America from a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal with Iran. He also re-imposed nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. More sanctions have since been introduced.

The United States has also imposed a series of sanctions against the Venezuelan government. Caracas has slammed the sanctions as “illegal,” and an attempt to interfere in country’s internal affairs.

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