Iran has strongly criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions on its oil industry, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioning against potential negotiations with Washington. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions, announced on Thursday, labeling them "illegitimate and unlawful," as reported by the official IRNA news agency.
Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the U.S. decision to exert pressure on the Iranian populace by hindering legitimate trade with its partners is an unlawful act. He emphasized that Iran holds the United States accountable for the consequences of these unilateral actions. Khamenei echoed this sentiment, declaring that negotiating with the U.S. is neither wise nor honorable, citing past experiences where Iran made concessions only for the U.S. to abandon agreements.
These sanctions mark the first new measures imposed by President Donald Trump since he took office and come as part of his broader strategy to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The sanctions specifically target Iranian firms, vessels, and individuals linked to companies already under U.S. restrictions, impacting those involved in exporting millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to China.
The Trump administration’s approach aims to reduce Iran’s crude exports to zero, framing it as part of efforts to halt Tehran’s nuclear program. This follows Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The reimposition of sanctions has led Iran to violate the pact’s terms, further escalating tensions.
While the U.S. intensifies its sanctions, diplomatic efforts are ongoing among Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to engage with Tehran in hopes of reviving the JCPOA. A senior Iranian official indicated that Iran is open to resolving disputes with the U.S., despite its long-standing rejection of sanctions, which it views as acts of piracy.
Khamenei’s remarks included a stern warning that if the U.S. threatens Iran’s security, Tehran would respond in kind, highlighting the delicate balance of power and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.