Iran Slams New US Sanctions as ‘Illegal’ & ‘Unjustified’

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s oil trade network with China, prompting strong condemnation from Tehran, which labeled the measures “illegal” and “unjustified.” This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations and highlights the complexities of international energy trade relations.

The US Treasury Department’s latest sanctions target an international network allegedly responsible for facilitating the shipment of Iranian crude oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars to China. According to US officials, these operations were conducted on behalf of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff and Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, a company already under sanctions.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei forcefully rejected the sanctions, stating they violate international rules and impede Iran’s legitimate trade with its economic partners. This response reflects Iran’s consistent position that US sanctions represent an illegitimate attempt to restrict its economic sovereignty.

The sanctions are part of Trump’s reinstated “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, reminiscent of his first presidential term’s approach. During that period, the US withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran initially maintained compliance with the JCPOA for one year after the US withdrawal but subsequently began reducing its commitments under the agreement. Despite international efforts, attempts to revive the 2015 deal have remained unsuccessful, contributing to increased regional tensions.

Trump’s recent call for a “verified nuclear peace agreement” and insistence that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons contrasts with Tehran’s steadfast position that its nuclear program serves exclusively peaceful purposes. Iran continues to deny any intention of developing atomic weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities align with international law and peaceful energy development.

The timing of these sanctions reflects the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning China’s role in the global energy market and its relationship with Iran. The measures specifically target the financial mechanisms facilitating Iranian oil exports to China, demonstrating the US commitment to enforcing its sanctions regime despite international opposition.

This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges in US-Iran relations and highlights the intersection of nuclear proliferation concerns, international trade, and regional power dynamics. As tensions continue to rise, the effectiveness of sanctions as a diplomatic tool and their impact on regional stability remain subjects of international debate.

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