Iran has strongly condemned new US sanctions targeting a network accused of shipping Iranian crude oil to China, calling the measures “illegal” and “unjustified.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry denounced Washington’s decision as a violation of international law and an act of economic aggression.
“The decision of the new US government to exert pressure on the Iranian nation by preventing Iran’s legal trade with its economic partners is an illegitimate, illegal, and violative measure,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement on Friday.
The US Treasury Department announced the financial sanctions on Thursday, targeting a network of individuals and companies across China, India, and the UAE. According to Washington, the network facilitated the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil, generating revenue that allegedly funds Iran’s military and regional allies.
Renewed “Maximum Pressure” Campaign
The sanctions mark the latest escalation in the US government’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, a policy originally introduced by former President Donald Trump. The approach aims to cripple Iran’s economy, particularly its oil exports, which are a vital source of revenue.
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Trump, who reinstated this policy, has called for a “verified nuclear peace agreement” with Iran, reiterating that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” The US claims that Iranian oil revenues are used to finance nuclear development, missile programs, and regional militant groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
In response, Tehran has dismissed the allegations and insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Iran has also criticized the US for reintroducing the same policy that had failed to bring about any meaningful concessions during Trump’s first term.
Impact on Iran’s Oil Trade
Under the previous “maximum pressure” campaign, Iran’s oil exports were slashed to near zero due to crippling sanctions. However, during President Joe Biden’s administration, Tehran managed to circumvent many restrictions, leading to an increase in oil shipments, particularly to China.
The latest sanctions, however, target entities such as Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, a company allegedly involved in exporting oil on behalf of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff. The move signals Washington’s renewed determination to cut off Iran’s access to global markets and disrupt its economic partnerships.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed Washington’s position, stating that the government remains “committed to aggressively targeting any attempt by Iran to secure funding for these malign activities.”
Tehran Holds US “Accountable” for Consequences
Iran has warned that these sanctions will have broader repercussions, holding the US government responsible for any fallout. Baqaei stated that Washington’s unilateral actions carry “international responsibility” and accused the US of violating international trade norms. “The Islamic Republic of Iran holds the United States accountable for the consequences and repercussions of such unilateral and bullying actions,” he said.
Iran also pointed out inconsistencies in Washington’s approach, arguing that Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign never fully ended under Biden. Iranian officials claim that reintroducing the same policy does not fundamentally change Washington’s posture toward Tehran.
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With nuclear deal negotiations stalled and tensions rising, the latest sanctions further complicate any prospects for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. Iran remains defiant, while the US shows no signs of easing its economic crackdown.