Iran condemns new sanctions of the United States, says it is a ‘sign of hostility’

 

Iran on Wednesday, February 26, condemned the latest round of U.S. sanctions as a “clear sign of hostility” after Washington blacklisted more than 30 individuals and vessels linked to its oil trade.

 

The sanctions, announced on Monday, February 24, targeted the head of Iran’s national oil company and others accused of brokering oil sales. This marks the second wave of sanctions in less than a month since U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy on Tehran.

 

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei denounced the measures as an act of aggression, stating they reflect the hostility of American policymakers toward the “welfare, development, and happiness” of the Iranian people. In a statement, he described the sanctions as a “wrongful, unjustified, illegitimate act” that violates human rights and held Washington responsible for their impact.

 

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has called for dialogue with Iran, insisting he wants the country to be “great and successful.” However, on Monday, February 24, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out direct negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program under “pressure, threat, or sanctions.”

 

During Trump’s first term, which ended in 2021, the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. After Washington reimposed sanctions in 2018, Tehran gradually rolled back its nuclear commitments.

 

Iran resumed nuclear discussions on Monday, February 24, with Britain, France, and Germany following renewed engagement in November. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday, February 26, that another round of talks with European representatives is expected within three weeks.