Synopsis
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the new US sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Iran's oil sector, claiming they reflect US hostility and violate international law. The sanctions come amid stalled negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, with calls for diplomatic engagement from Iran, China, and Russia.Key Takeaways
- Iran condemns US sanctions targeting oil minister and related entities.
- US sanctions seen as a barrier to negotiations.
- Iran insists on peaceful nuclear intentions.
- China and Russia support diplomatic resolutions.
- US sanctions claimed to violate international law.
Tehran, March 14 (NationPress) The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, expressed strong condemnation on Friday regarding the latest sanctions imposed by the United States that target multiple individuals, vessels, and corporations associated with Iran's oil exports.
The Foreign Ministry stated that this action follows the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control's designation of Iran's Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknejad, along with several firms and vessels linked to the so-called "shadow fleet" that aims to bypass sanctions.
Baghaei rejected the US assertions of willingness to engage in negotiations with Tehran, arguing that these sanctions reveal Washington's animosity towards Iran's progress and welfare.
He emphasized that Iran would hold the US accountable for the repercussions resulting from what he characterized as unilateral and illegitimate actions, asserting that they breach international law.
Since assuming office in January, President Donald Trump has consistently urged Iran to negotiate regarding its nuclear program while maintaining sanctions that were reinstated after the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.
In July 2015, Tehran entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States, agreeing to certain limitations on its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from sanctions.
Following the US exit and the reinstatement of sanctions in May 2018, Iran reduced some of its nuclear commitments, and attempts to revive the agreement have stalled, with Iranian officials asserting that negotiations cannot move forward under ongoing sanctions pressure.
In the meantime, China, Russia, and Iran released a joint statement on Friday, reaffirming that political and diplomatic engagement remains the only feasible and practical approach to resolving the Iranian nuclear dilemma.
The statement, issued after a trilateral meeting at the Vice Foreign Minister level in Beijing, urged relevant parties to abandon sanctions, pressure, or threats of force and to avoid any actions that could heighten tensions.
The three nations reiterated the significance of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the statement noted.
China and Russia welcomed Iran's reaffirmation that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and not aimed at developing nuclear weapons, according to the statement.
