Why It Matters
The new sanctions mark the first punitive action against Iran by the Trump administration in its second term. They signal Washington’s continued pressure campaign against Tehran, despite Trump’s simultaneous calls for renewed negotiations. The measures could further escalate tensions between Iran and the U.S., particularly as they affect global energy markets.
What He Is Saying
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denounced the U.S. decision as "illegitimate, unlawful, and in clear violation of international obligations." He stated that blocking Iran’s legal trade with its economic partners is an act of aggression, holding the U.S. responsible for the consequences of such unilateral measures.
Key Points
- The sanctions cover entities and individuals across multiple sectors, including energy and shipping, in China, India, and the UAE.
- Trump signed an executive order reinforcing his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, while simultaneously expressing interest in potential talks.
- Iranian officials dismissed the U.S. move, highlighting Washington’s past withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal as a key reason for distrust.
Go Deeper
Despite Trump’s remarks about a possible agreement with Iran, Tehran remains skeptical of U.S. intentions. Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that meeting with Trump is "not on Iran’s agenda," and reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear doctrine remains within peaceful boundaries, as per the Supreme Leader’s fatwa against nuclear weapons.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a meeting with OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais, stressed that oil-producing nations must unite against U.S. economic coercion. He warned that if OPEC members stand together, the U.S. will not be able to single out any country for sanctions.
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