US Special Representative for Iran Elliott Abrams began his regional tour to the Middle East from Israel where he discussed with top officials the recent developments in the region as well as bilateral relations. Abrams’ visit precedes the expected tour of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo which aims to review President Donald Trumps decision to impose new sanctions on the Iranian regime for its nuclear program and military activities against countries in the region. Israeli sources said that Abrams arrived in Israel and will head to other countries to prepare for Pompeos visit, adding that the visit aims to inform countries about the new sanctions the US administration intends to impose on Tehran during the remainder of Trumps term. An Israeli official believes this move comes in response to recent reports claiming the new White House administration, headed by President-elect Joe Biden, will lift the sanctions imposed on Iran during Trumps term. He indicated that the Trump administration is seeking to proceed with a plan to impose a series of sanctions on Iran during his last ten weeks in the White House. Reuters reported that Washington is expected to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations a year ago. One source said next week’s designations would be a major action, covering multiple individuals as well as several dozen Iranian entities.