Iran Condemns New US Sanctions Amid Ongoing Conflict
DUBAI: Iran has strongly criticized the United States for its latest round of economic sanctions, labeling them as “state terrorism.” Meanwhile, the country’s supreme leader has taken measures to prevent actions that could disrupt “social cohesion” in light of fears that these sanctions could lead to social unrest.
This conflict has now reached its six-month mark, and talks have stalled. President Donald Trump’s administration is intensifying efforts to cripple Iran’s economy, declaring a significant escalation in sanctions. These punitive measures come at a time when Iran is already facing a severe economic crisis, marked by an inflation rate that soared to 66 percent last month.
One of the central issues of the conflict is the ongoing standoff at the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil supplies. The US has warned other countries to cease their business dealings with Iran or risk facing secondary sanctions, although the Treasury Department has not imposed immediate penalties.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that all countries should adhere to international law and avoid implementing US sanctions, arguing that compliance would mean supporting an unlawful imposition of one nation’s will over others. The Ministry condemned these new sanctions as a “crime against humanity,” which jeopardizes the health and livelihoods of countless civilians, and urged other nations and international bodies to maintain justice and uphold the rule of law.
In a related statement, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei declared a prohibition on any actions that might disrupt social unity. He cautioned officials against making discouraging statements that could diminish public morale and called for attention to pressing economic issues like inflation, unemployment, and market management.
Meanwhile, a US official indicated plans to impose restrictions on the UAE branches of Egypt’s Banque Misr for engaging in business with Iran. If finalized, these rules would prevent Banque Misr UAE from processing transactions through US financial institutions. Additionally, the Treasury issued sanctions against one Hong Kong-based entity and an individual linked to Iran’s Bank Melli.
With the US focused on enforcing economic pressure, other nations are pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Mediators are exploring ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled 20 percent of the world’s oil supply and remains a significant barrier to reaching a peace agreement.
During talks in Tehran, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the need to restore open shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi labeled the discussions as “creative,” urging the US to halt military and economic pressures and to return to negotiations.
“Reviving diplomacy is not impossible. It depends on the US recognizing that pressure fails,” Araqchi remarked.
Qatar, a US ally, along with Pakistan, had facilitated a ceasefire agreement earlier, which fell apart due to disagreements between Iran and the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the launch of military actions by the US and Israel on February 28, Iran warned it would target vessels passing through the Strait without its approval, which led to a significant decline in maritime traffic and an increase in oil prices.
Even as the US maintains that the Strait remains an open international passage, many shipping companies are hesitant to navigate these waters due to Iranian threats, with ship movement reported at only about 5 to 15 percent of normal levels.
Recent shipping data revealed that only seven cargo vessels traversed the Strait on Thursday, a decrease from 17 the previous day and below the 10-day average of 15. Despite the ongoing diplomatic impasse, oil prices have dropped recently, indicating that more oil might still be flowing through the Strait as producers adjust to the current situation in the Gulf.
