'Iran biggest state sponsor of terrorism' says Mattis

US Defense secretary James Mattis said Iran was the world's biggest state sponsor of terrorism, as fresh sanctions were imposed by President Donald Trump. 

"As far as Iran goes, this is the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world," Mattis told reporters at a press conference in Tokyo. 

"It does no good to ignore it. It does no good to dismiss it and at the same time I don't see any need to increase the number of forces we have in the Middle East at this time," he said.

"We always have the capability to do so but right now I don't think it's necessary," he added. 

 Trump imposed new sanctions against Iran's weapons procurement network on Friday after Iran conducted a ballistic missile test this week. 

Officials, however, maintain that the US will not break the deal signed with Iran under Obama administration to lift measures aimed at Iran's nuclear programme. 

(WION with inputs from AFP)