Iran slams new US sanctions targeting oil shipping network
The US Treasury on Wednesday sanctioned more than 100 individuals, companies, and vessels it claimed are part of a 'shipping empire' run by trader Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Washington alleged that Shamkhani and his network have illegally funneled tens of billions of dollars in oil revenue to Tehran.
'The unilateral and illegal US sanctions on Iran are a criminal act that violates the basic principles and norms of international law and human rights,' Baghaei said in a statement on Thursday. 'The US government must be held accountable for the gross violations resulting from these illegal sanctions.'
He described the measures as 'clear evidence of the hostility of American decision-makers toward Iranians,' citing Washington's 'addiction to unilateralism and illegal and coercive means to achieve its illegitimate goals.'
Baghaei accused the US of 'mocking the foundations of international law,' saying the sanctions 'aim to cripple Iran's economic development and violate the fundamental rights of every Iranian.'
The sanctions are part of US President Donald Trump's renewed campaign to end Iran's uranium enrichment program, which he claims is a covert bid to build nuclear weapons. They follow recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump has warned of more attacks if the sites are restarted.
Iran has denied that it seeks nuclear weapons, insisting its program is peaceful. Responding to Trump's threat on X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not abandon the program, which has involved 'tremendous investment' in peaceful technology, 'simply because bullying foreigners demand it.'
Araghchi told the Financial Times on Thursday that future talks with Washington on Iran's nuclear program can only take place if the US compensates Tehran for damages from last month's strikes. He reiterated there cannot be a deal as long as Trump insists on zero enrichment, but added that 'a negotiated solution can be found.'
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