Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the new US sanctions on Iran would not achieve their objectives. Arguing that previously imposed sanctions had also failed to produce results, Baqaei said ordinary citizens bore the direct burden of the sanctions policy.
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Baqaei described Washington's insistence on methods he said had failed as a sign of hostility toward the Iranian people.
Tehran criticizes sanctions and trade restrictions
Baqaei said that, in addition to sanctions, pressure aimed at restricting other countries' trade relations was contrary to the principles of free trade and national sovereignty.
The Iranian spokesman argued that the United States' unlawful practices in international relations served as a warning to the international community. He said these practices had been protested even among the United States' close allies.
Tanker aircraft leaving Bulgaria
Baqaei said they had received reports that some US-owned KC-135 tanker aircraft had left Bulgaria. He argued that Bulgaria's apparent support for US and Israeli attacks on Iran was contrary to international law.
Stating that they had no problem with the Bulgarian people, Baqaei said Iran viewed the aircraft leaving Bulgaria as support for US and Israeli military aggression against Iran. He said countries that allowed their bases, facilities and equipment to be used in actions against Iran occupied a different position.
Iran's participation in the Mecca agreement
Baqaei said Tehran had not been invited to join the Mecca defense agreement and that proposals had been made to hold talks with the countries concerned on regional security.
The Mecca agreement was signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan at the beginning of August to strengthen collective security and defense cooperation and support regional stability.
Rising tensions between the US and Iran
Tensions in the Middle East rose after the United States and Israel carried out joint attacks on Iran in late February. Tehran also launched retaliatory attacks against countries hosting US assets in the region.
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 and began negotiations toward a final agreement. However, the talks stalled over disagreements concerning security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is of strategic importance for global trade and energy shipments.
Last month, the United States carried out attacks on targets inside Iran. Iran, meanwhile, targeted US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
