Pompeo forms Iran Action Group for post-nuclear deal policy
The US secretary of state, has formed a dedicated group to coordinate and run the country's policy towards Iran following President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal from a multinational nuclear deal with Tehran.
Mike Pompeo announced the creation of the Iran Action Group (IAG) at a news conference on Thursday, naming Brian Hook, the Department of State's director of policy planning, as its head.
"We are committed to a whole of government effort to change the Iranian regime's behaviour and the Iran Action Group will ensure that the Department of State will remain closely synchronised with our interagency partners," he said.
"The IAG will also lead the way in growing efforts with nations which share our understanding of the Iranian threat."
Speaking to reporters after Pompeo, Hook said Iran's "malign activities" were "wide-ranging" and Washington's new strategy was addressing all manifestations of "the Iranian threat".
"The new Iran Action Group will be focused on implementing that strategy," added Hook, who will have the formal title of the Special Representative for Iran.