Iran on Wednesday, February 26, condemned the latest U.S. sanctions as a “clear sign of hostility” after Washington blacklisted over 30 individuals and vessels linked to its oil trade.
Announced on Monday, February 24, the sanctions targeted the head of Iran’s national oil company and others accused of facilitating oil sales. This marks the second wave of sanctions in less than a month since U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy on Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the move as an act of aggression, stating that it reflects the hostility of American policymakers toward the “welfare, development, and happiness” of the Iranian people. In a statement, he denounced the sanctions as “wrongful, unjustified, and illegitimate,” accusing Washington of violating human rights and holding it accountable for the repercussions.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has repeatedly stated his desire for dialogue with Iran, claiming he wants the country to be “great and successful.” However, on Monday, February 24, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out direct negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program under “pressure, threat, or sanctions.”
During Trump’s first term, which ended in 2021, the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal that had placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. After Washington reimposed sanctions in 2018, Tehran gradually reduced its nuclear commitments.
Iran resumed nuclear talks on Monday, February 24, with Britain, France, and Germany, following renewed diplomatic engagement in November. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on Tuesday, February 26, that another round of negotiations with European representatives is expected within three weeks.
