The US launched new sanctions against Iran senior figures, which led to a tying up of diplomatic relations. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on 24 June against the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian FM Javad Zarif. The moves come after Iran shot down a US drone last week and Trump reportedly called off a retaliatory air strike. Iranian FM spokesman, Abbas Mousavi tweeted that imposing new sanctions would permanently close the path of diplomacy between the two countries. Russian FM Sergei Lavrov said the situation around Iran was increasing instability in the region. US officials have launched a diplomatic campaign to rally their allies in the face of the escalating crisis. Foreign Secretary Pompeo met on Monday 24 June with leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both sharing a strong line against Iran. UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told Parliament on 25 June that the UK would not agree to any moves to go to war if the US asked them to. He expressed the European position too by saying “The message we are sending with our partners in the European Union particularly the French and the Germans is that […] it is absolutely essential that they stick to that deal in its entirety for it to preserve and for us to have a nuclear free middle east.” Iran has given an ultimatum until 8 July to European countries, where it demands a lift of sanctions or else it will enrich uranium to levels banned under the deal.