Iran criticizes new US sanctions and rejects talks

Friday 07 February 2025 - 11:37

Iran has condemned the new sanctions imposed by the United States on its oil industry, calling them "illegitimate and unlawful." A spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the US of attempting to pressure the Iranian people by preventing the country from engaging in legitimate trade with its partners. The spokesperson further stated that the US would be held responsible for the consequences of such actions.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed his disapproval of any negotiations with the US, labeling them as "unwise, unsmart, and dishonorable." Khamenei stressed that past concessions made by Iran had been disregarded by the US, citing the US's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement under President Trump. The Supreme Leader warned that if the US threatens Iran’s security, Iran will respond in kind.

The new sanctions, which target Iranian individuals, companies, and tankers involved in shipping oil to China, are part of the US’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program by reducing its crude exports. The measures were introduced following President Trump’s return to office, after his previous withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, which led to Tehran violating the agreement’s terms.

Despite the sanctions, Iran remains open to diplomatic efforts, with senior officials expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with the US to resolve disputes. Iran has long rejected sanctions on its oil sector, considering attempts to seize its oil exports as "piracy."