Pompeo threatens 'strongest sanctions' on Iran

US ecretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday tore into the Iranian regime, saying he threatened to impose the "strongest sanctions in the history" of Iran.

Pompeo asserted that the deal required "major" changes and said Washington D.C. would never allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon, saying, "Not now, not ever," CNBC reported.

Vowing to impose tough sanctions on Iran, he added, "Sanctions that had been lifted under the agreement are due to go back into effect, and they are expected to pressure an already shaky economy of Iran. This is just the beginning. The sting of sanctions will be painful. These will be the strongest sanctions in history when complete."

While pressing for the total disbandment of developing ballistic missiles, the US Secretary of State also demanded that its nationals should be released from prisons in Iran.

Pompeo called for Iran's non-support of terrorist groups in the Middle East and beyond and the banning of the heavy-water reactor, the most common way of developing nuclear energy.

"Iran will never again have carte blanche to dominate the Middle East," Pompeo quipped.

However, Pompeo had a soft corner for Iran, saying that if Tehran made "major changes" in the nuclear agreement, then Washington D.C. would also lift all its economic sanctions.

"Unlike the previous administration, we are looking for outcomes that benefit the Iranian people, not just the 'corrupt' regime. If Iran makes 'major changes,' the US willing to lift all sanctions. We are ready to restore full diplomatic and commercial ties," Pompeo further said.

On May 8, President Donald Trump announced the US' withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or the Iran nuclear deal which limited the country's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

Calling the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core", Trump also warned of severe consequences if Iran resumed its nuclear programme.

The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme.