Iran Press/ America: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the announcement that Hook was resigning after being the main point person for the Trump administration’s 'maximum pressure' campaign against the Iranians.
Abrams has been serving as the US State Department’s special representative for Venezuela, a post he will continue to retain.
President of the American Jewish Congress Jack Rosen told JNS that Abrams will have little time to settle in, citing the upcoming deadline to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran. He expressed faith that the new appointee, like his predecessor, will work determinedly towards countering Iran’s activities in the Middle East.
"The United States will present a resolution at the UN Security Council next week to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran," announced Pompeo on Wednesday.
The 2010 arms embargo is set to be lifted on Oct. 18, in accordance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The Trump administration withdrew from that agreement in May 2018, reimposing sanctions lifted under it, along with enacted new financial penalties against Iran.
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B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel Mariaschin told JNS: "My organization welcomes the appointment of Abrams, who has deep experience and longtime knowledge of the region and its players."
Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET) founder and president Sarah Stern called Abrams 'extraordinarily' capable, and an experienced diplomat and negotiator.
Zionist Organization of America president Mort Klein told JNS: "Abrams is a very knowledgeable, highly intelligent, and a committed Zionist and American patriot whom I’m pleased was chosen."
"We appreciate Brian Hook’s service and his determined efforts to combat Iran’s destabilizing actions," AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann told JNS, adding: "Elliot Abrams brings impressive experience to the effort to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon and prevent its regional aggression."
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said in a statement that it welcomed Abrams, 'a formidable diplomat', taking on the new role and maintaining his duties concerning Venezuela. The Conference said: "Abrams is a strong advocate for the US-Israel relationship and will capably advocate American policy at a critical time. We look forward to working with him as he builds upon Special Representative Hook’s success." 207
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