Tehran: Iran has threatened retaliation against the expansion of US economic sanctions, with Tehran expressing confidence that its major trading partners will resist Washington’s pressure campaign.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed the potential impact of the latest US restrictions in a social media post, arguing that Washington was not in a position to further limit its economic relations with other countries.
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The remarks came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced measures aimed at cutting off what he described as Iran’s “economic lifeline.” Bessent stopped short of imposing the toughest possible penalties, but warned countries continuing to trade with Iran that they could face exclusion from the US dollar-based financial system.
Bessent did not identify which Iranian trading partners could face penalties or specify when the measures would take effect. He said the US would give the affected countries time to comply with the new directive.
The US Treasury Department separately announced sanctions against 60 individuals, entities and vessels. However, the measures did not include Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran’s oil trade. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner.
What Iran Said
Responding to the US announcement, Ghalibaf sought to play down the impact of the new sanctions and questioned Washington’s ability to pressure Iran’s international partners.
“Americans know that no one buys their bombast,” Ghalibaf said, adding that the United States was not in an economic position to further restrict its relations with other countries.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
