Iran Condemns New US Sanctions as Declaration of War and Violating Sovereignty
- The United States plans to launch what it describes as the most crushing economic operation ever taken against Iran, moving to isolate Tehran's trade partners and pressure nations...
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the planned penalties in a post on X.
- Vice President JD Vance described economic pressure as the most effective tool available to the United States.
The United States plans to launch what it describes as the most crushing economic operation ever taken against Iran, moving to isolate Tehran’s trade partners and pressure nations worldwide into compliance. The campaign, which U.S. officials say is designed to collapse the Iranian economy, has drawn sharp rebukes from Tehran, where officials warn the measures violate the sovereign rights of independent states.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Rejects U.S. Extraterritorial Pressure
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the planned penalties in a post on X. Baqaei stated that the new economic measures go far beyond continued unlawful economic warfare against a single country, calling them an assertion of extraterritorial sovereignty over every independent member state of the United Nations. The latest diplomatic friction follows statements from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told CNBC that the administration’s economic plan will likely negate the need for major U.S. military operations against the Islamic Republic. Bessent vowed that Washington will create the greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world against Iran. He added that he will hold a news conference on Monday to outline the specifics of the operation, warning allies that they are either with the United States or against it.
U.S. Officials Detail Economic Isolation Strategy
Vice President JD Vance described economic pressure as the most effective tool available to the United States. Speaking on a podcast, Vance characterized the confrontation as a delicate dance as both sides apply mutual pressure, noting that Iran has felt significantly more pressure than the United States over recent weeks. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington will penalize any nation that helps Tehran evade sanctions, characterizing the upcoming actions as economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale. In response, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf urged Muslim nations during an event in Baghdad on Friday to formulate a joint plan to overcome what he termed cruel sanctions, according to a government summary.
Shipping and Oil Markets Respond to Stalled Negotiations
While direct military exchanges have largely paused, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely depressed following the outbreak of U.S. military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Trade intelligence firm Kpler reported that ship transits through the crucial waterway remained low, with 10 crossings recorded on Monday and two transits on Sunday, as negotiations to fully reopen the strait remain stalled. Oil prices showed modest movement following comments from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who indicated that Tehran wants the conflict to end sooner rather than later. Speaking via the state news agency PressTV, Pezeshkian pointed to a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 as a victory for the Islamic Republic, asserting that it is better to end the war while Iran maintains a position of power and dignity. Brent crude futures added 61 cents to close at $94.39 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose 23 cents to $87.06, leaving weekly oil prices more than 5% higher in the wake of Bessent’s remarks.
