Iran condemned the U.S. sanctions on shipping, claiming they obstruct legitimate trade. The U.S. targets individuals and vessels involved in shipping Iranian crude oil to China, marking the first sanctions following President Trump’s vow to halt Iran’s oil exports. Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticized these actions as unlawful and threatened consequences for the U.S.
On February 7, 2025, Iran vocally opposed the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on shipping, asserting that these measures will hinder its ability to engage in legitimate trade with international partners. According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, these sanctions were announced by the U.S. Treasury and target certain individuals and tankers involved in transporting significant volumes of Iranian crude oil to China.
These sanctions represent the initial U.S. measures addressing Iran’s oil sector following President Donald Trump’s recent commitment to reduce Iran’s crude exports to zero. This effort is part of a broader strategy to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In reaction, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, condemned the U.S. actions as illegitimate and unlawful.
Baghaei stated that the U.S.’s decision to exert pressure on the Iranian populace by obstructing trade with its economic partners is an affront to international legality. He emphasized that Iran holds the United States responsible for any negative consequences resulting from these unilateral actions, which he described as bullying tactics.
The imposition of new shipping-related sanctions by the United States occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., particularly surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. In this context, the U.S. aims to apply pressure on Iran to negotiate on its nuclear ambitions. The sanctions specifically target individuals and vessels that facilitate the export of Iranian crude oil, particularly to major consumers like China, aiming to significantly diminish Iran’s oil revenue.
In summary, Iran’s condemnation of the new U.S. sanctions reflects its continued resistance to external pressures designed to curb its economic activities. The Iranian government views these sanctions as violations of legitimate trade and threatens to hold the United States accountable for any repercussions. This development underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and its oil exports.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
