TEHRAN -- Iran has sharply criticized the United States over its latest round of illegal and unilateral sanctions, calling the coercive measures yet another sign of Washington’s longstanding and profound hostility toward the Iranian people.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei issued a statement, denouncing the measures, which targeted dozens of individuals and companies alleged by Washington to be linked to the Islamic Republic’s commercial and banking sectors.
The official condemned the move as politically motivated and baseless, describing the sanctions as “unlawful” and a violation of the international legal norms.
He said the bans were part of a broader, failed campaign of economic coercion aimed at exerting the “maximum pressure” of the U.S. against Iran.
“These sanctions are not only illegal and contrary to the international law, but they also serve as yet another indication of the deep and persistent hostility of the ruling regime in the United States towards the Iranian nation,” the spokesman said.
He added that the measures had been designed to increase pressure on ordinary Iranian citizens by depriving them of their basic human rights and economic opportunities.
“Such actions will only strengthen the Iranian people’s resolve to defend their legitimate rights and national interests in the face of America’s excessive demands,” Baghaei stated.
The sanctions came despite the United States having engaged in Omani-mediated indirect talks with Iran since April.