Pompeo to discuss Iran’s nuclear, missile programs with allies in Europe, Middle East

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will commence talks with allies in Europe, the Middle East and Asia in an effort to persuade them to press Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs, according to a US official. Pompeo is ready to discuss the issues immediately following his return from North Korea on Thursday. Discussions with Britain, France and Germany, as well as Japan, Iraq and Israel on the next steps had already taken place since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear pact with Iran on Tuesday, Reuters quoted a senior State Department official as saying. “There will be an effort to go out globally and talk to our partners around the world who share our interests. That is the first stage,” the official said of plans for talks by Pompeo and his chief Iran negotiator, Brian Hook. The talks will focus on how to raise pressure on Iran “in a way that is constructive and conducive to bringing them to the negotiating table.”