Iran FM: Fueling centrifuges response to new US action

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Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated on Tuesday that "the Islamic Republic of Iran responded to the US [and the three major EU powers'] action last night by injecting gas into hundreds of advanced centrifuges."

"I would like to explain to you regarding what happened between us and the American side in the negotiations on the removal of the sanctions," Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdallahian told reporters on the sidelines of the 7th Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Award ceremony in Tehran on Tuesday.

"You remember that in the past weeks, while we were preparing for a new round of negotiations, the American side suddenly proposed a resolution in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with the aim of receiving concessions at the negotiating table [from Iran], which surprised us. We are saddened by the fact that while we repeatedly these days are receiving messages from Joe Biden through mediators that America has good intentions and is serious about returning to the agreement, we gave our firm answer to the American side."

"This week, the European Union coordinator "Borrell" presented an initiative and a text to all parties; Iran, 4+1, and the United States. And we in the capitals are reviewing this text and agreeing to get together around the negotiating table," the top Iranian diplomat said.

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He added, "Yesterday, we witnessed the issuance of a new resolution (statement) by the United States. These irrational measures and the insanity of the ineffective sanctions by Joe Biden, Blinken, and Rob Malley, who have already pointed out that Trump's Maximum Sanctions have failed; even Borrell himself mentioned the failure of Trump's sanctions against Iran in a recent article and then put forward his own summarized ideas, but again we are witnessing the insanity of imposing sanctions, which of course is only a show and has no tangible effect."

"I would like to point out that in response to this American action, Iran started injecting gas into hundreds of new generation centrifuges last night according to a decision that had previously been taken," Amir-Abdollahian also said.

He continued, "Americans should not think that they can gain concessions at the negotiating table with these actions and should abandon such act of bullying."

The top Iranian diplomat said that "We are the man of logic and we want negotiation, and we are serious about reaching a strong agreement, but if the American side wants to continue this path, we will never give in."

Iran vows firm, swift reaction to US’ new sanctions: Spokesperson

The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said Tehran will respond vigorously and immediately to the new measures that expose Washington's hypocrisy, describing the White House's addiction to sanctions as a feature of the US government.

Nasser Kanaani issued a statement on Monday night condemning the United States' new unilateral sanctions targeting international trade with Iran.

“The White House’s addiction to sanctions and instrumental use of them is an indicator of the US’ hegemonic system, as the change of administrations in that country would not make any difference in their approaches,” he added.

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While officials in the Biden administration have often attacked Trump's policy of maximum pressure as a failed and futile plan, Kanaani said they have actually adopted and even pushed that failed program.

The Biden administration has not abandoned the futile and harmful policy of sanctions, despite ongoing efforts to restart negotiations for the United States to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), according to the Spokesperson.

“Firstly, the Islamic Republic of Iran will show a firm, vigorous and immediate response to the White House’s insistence on the continuation of imposition of sanctions, and, secondly, it will make all necessary arrangements to nullify the possible adverse effects of such sanctions on the country’s trade and economy,” Kanaani stated.

He also stated that the US fresh sanctions come at a time when the Iranian people have suffered tremendous flood damage, exposing the special US envoy for Iran's hypocrisy and his phony sympathies to Iranians.

Read next: China reaffirms refusal to comply with US sanctions on Iran

On Monday, the United States imposed more sanctions on Iran, this time targeting Chinese and other entities that it claimed were utilized by one of Iran's top petrochemical brokers to facilitate the sale of tens of millions of dollars in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products to East Asia.

According to a statement issued by the US Treasury Department, the Iranian Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industry Commercial Co (PGPICC) used the designated entities to sell Iranian oil and petrochemical items to East Asia.