Tehran has strongly denounced the latest wave of United States sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials, including Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, calling it yet another act of lawlessness and deceit by Washington.

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, condemned the US Treasury’s move on Friday, describing it as a blatant violation of international law. The sanctions, which also encompass several Iranian oil tankers and commercial entities, were imposed under the pretext of economic pressure by the US but, according to Baghaei, serve as further proof of Washington’s duplicity.

"The US's hostile actions to disrupt Iran's economic transactions and trade with other countries are a clear violation of the fundamental principles and rules of international law and free trade, and the Islamic Republic of Iran holds the US government responsible for the consequences and effects of such unilateral and illegitimate actions," the spokesperson underlined.

He further criticized the US's strong reliance on sanctions as a coercive tool against sovereign nations, warning that such unilateral measures undermine international stability.

Baghaei also praised the resilience of Iran’s energy sector, commending the relentless efforts of workers and officials in ensuring the country’s continued energy production and trade. 

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Iran's position firm despite US's targeting of oil sector

The US Treasury Department’s announcement of new sanctions on March 13, 2024, follows Washington’s continued enforcement of President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure campaign, a policy that paradoxically claims to seek diplomatic engagement while intensifying economic aggression.

Oil and natural gas extraction are key components of Iran's economy, as the country is among the world leaders in both energy reserves and production. The sector has come under immense pressure due to unilateral sanctions issued by the West, affecting its development and upkeep. 

Despite these challenges, Iran has continuously adapted, leveraging alternative trade mechanisms and strategic partnerships to sustain its energy exports and maintain access to international markets.

Now, the Trump administration aims to place further pressure on Iran, hoping that Tehran will accept an exploitative nuclear agreement. However, Iran's leadership has firmly stated that it will not negotiate under pressure, nor will it compromise on matters vital to its national security.

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