TEHRAN – Iran has vehemently condemned the latest US sanctions, revealing Washington’s enduring hostility towards the Iranian state and poses serious doubts on American claims of diplomatic goodwill.
At a weekly press conference on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeli Bagihai accused the United States of not only undermining negotiations, but also sought a path that would even be what he described as a “crime against humanity.”
“All new sanctions packages increase the burden of liability on American officials,” Baghaei told reporters. “It’s a clear message that the US is not committed to diplomacy and instead remains fundamentally hostile towards the Iranian people.”
The spokesman emphasized that Iran continues to remain fully transparent in its nuclear activities and continues to defend dialogue and peaceful resolution. “Our nuclear program is totally peaceful. There’s nothing to hide. The willingness to negotiate shows us how serious we are,” he said.
Despite continuing indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, which have been mediated by Oman and have had four rounds so far, Bagaei said Washington’s actions contradict its rhetoric. “How can the United States argue that it will seek diplomacy while expanding measures aimed at suffocating the Iranian state economically and politically?” he asked.
“Nuclear enrichment is uncontroversial.”
Bugey firmly rejected the idea, saying that even minimal enrichment capacity should be denied to make a point from US authorities proposing Iran. “Enrichment is a natural, non-negotiable component of the peaceful nuclear industry,” he said, adding that the technology is essential to Iran’s energy future.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi has warned the US to repeatedly take stances during another engagement and make “unrealistic demands.” He emphasized that Tehran will continue its enrichment activities regardless of the outcome of the negotiations. “The statements from Washington are often separated from the reality of the table,” Araguc said in a call with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
In an interview with ABC’s “this week,” Witkov said the Trump administration’s “red line” in nuclear talks with Iran is that Tehran cannot maintain its ability to enrich uranium.
“There’s one very clear red line, and it’s concentration. You can’t even allow 1% of your concentration capacity,” Witkoff added.
“It all starts… from a deal that doesn’t involve enrichment… because enrichment allows for weaponization and does not allow bombs to reach here.”
“The snapback mechanism has no legal justification.”
In response to recent debate between European countries regarding invoking the JCPOA snapback mechanism (a provision that allows for a re-challenge of suspended UN sanctions), Bagaei warned against such moves. “The snapback mechanism has no legal justification. Our nuclear activity is peaceful and completely transparent,” he said.
He added that triggering a mechanism indicates a complete abandonment of diplomacy, and that it is called a “double-rimmed sword.” “We hope that European countries will rethink their approach and refrain from misusing their threatening tools,” urged Baghey.
“Israel is hampering peace efforts.”
Baghaei also accused Israel of playing a “destructive and unstable” role in nuclear talks with the region. He cited many Israeli actions, including the assassination of Iranian scientists and attacks across the region, as evidence of Tel Aviv’s intentions to derail peace and cause conflict.
He warned that Israel might try to frame Iran to escalate tensions in the region. “All countries must remain vigilant to ensure that international peace cannot be damaged by Israeli provocation,” he warned.
The spokesman praised Oman and Qatar’s constructive mediation in the ongoing negotiations, highlighting Tehran’s strong diplomatic ties with the Persian Gulf countries. He said Foreign Minister Araguchi recently discussed regional development with officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.
Baghaei emphasized that Iran wants greater regional cooperation based on mutual interests and independence from external influences. “We hope that our neighbors will support local stability and avoid falling into a non-regional actor agenda,” he said.
To conclude the briefing, Baghaei confirmed that debate over the long-term strategic partnership treaty with Russia has progressed. He said the first foundations have begun under the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdrahian, who died in a helicopter crash in May 2024. “The Iranian parliament will soon review the treaty and continue its legacy of diplomacy and strategic vision.”