TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign ministry has lashed out new US sanctions targeting the country’s energy sector as “an illegal and hostile attack on the dignity and rights of Iranian people.”
In a statement issued Thursday, Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmail Baqaei condemned the measure that Washington designated more than 115 individuals, groups and vessels claiming to be linked to Iran’s oil industry, calling it “clear evidence of the hostility of the US authorities towards our nation.”
On Wednesday, the US Treasury announced sanctions. He claimed this was “the biggest Iran-related action since 2018.”
In a statement, the Treasury argued that the measure was dismantling the “huge shipping empire” that would generate “tens of tens of millions of dollars” for Tehran’s oil exports, and Secretary Scott Bescent argued that it “threatening the security of the United States.”
Baqaei dismissed these allegations as excuses for economic warfare. “The true purpose of these invader sanctions is to paralyze Iran’s development, cause internal anxiety and undermine the livelihoods of the public.”
He emphasized that such measures violated international law, human rights principles and the right to free trade between sovereign states, adding that unilateral US actions “lol the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for national sovereignty.”
The idiots emphasized Iran’s resolve: “The Iranian people recognize the malicious intent behind these sanctions and will stand firm with all their strength to protect their dignity and interests.” He cited 70 years of US invasion, from a coup to economic terrorism.
The Foreign Office called for an international accountability mechanism to address US violations, describing sanctions as a “crime against humanity” that calls for legal consequences.
Sanctions followed the joint US-Israel attack campaign against Iran in June, which struck critical energy and defence infrastructure, causing martialism of more than 1,065 Iranians.
Washington revived its “maximum pressure” campaign in February through the National Security President’s Memorandum of Understanding, with the aim of “reducing Iran’s oil exports to zero.”
Even with indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States ongoing, the US continued to issue new sanctions targeting Tehran.
Despite decades of widespread sanctions imposed primarily by the US and its European allies, Iran’s economy shows signs of resilience.
These sanctions limit billions of dollars in assets, limited oil exports and access to the global financial system. Many in Iran describe these actions as “economic terrorism.” This is because it puts civilians, including illnesses and the elderly, especially those with rare diseases, delayed treatment and lack of access to critical medication and specialized medical care.
Experts say Iran has adapted by cultivating self-sufficiency, increasing non-oil exports, and strengthening its economic ties with countries such as China and Russia, as well as neighbors and countries in the southern part of the world.
Analysts point out that despite decades of sanctions, Iran has made significant advances in domestic industries, including energy and agriculture.
Even the ultrazionist neoconservative think tanks have acknowledged the limited impact of recent sanctions, even the Foundation for Democracy (FDD), known for their Hawkish stance on Iran.
“Iran’s oil exports surged in the first half of 2025 despite several US sanctions against Iran in June and a costly war with Israel,” the FDD alleged. “Tehran exported approximately 1.7 million barrels per day in June, bringing an estimated total revenue of $3.7 billion.”
“In February, Bescent vowed to cut Iran’s oil exports to 100,000 barrels a day. Since then, Iran has exported 16 times the average daily average,” an analyst at FDD wrote, adding that Washington’s efforts “will not change.”
Tehran usually does not officially release official data on petroleum exports, so these numbers should be taken with caution. Nevertheless, many observers argue that numbers (although inaccurate) increase Iran’s ability to navigate and endure sustained economic pressures.