The Iranian Foreign Ministry has vocally opposed the latest U.S. sanctions targeting its oil sector. Esmaeil Baghaei, the ministry's spokesperson, issued a statement on Wednesday denouncing the sanctions imposed on several vessels and individuals accused of facilitating the sale of Iran's crude oil.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that its Office of Foreign Assets Control, in conjunction with the Department of State, has sanctioned over 30 entities across multiple jurisdictions. These sanctions are aimed at those involved in brokering the sale and transportation of Iranian petroleum products.
Baghaei criticized the sanctions as being in direct conflict with the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the principles of national sovereignty and the right to self-determination. He argued that the sanctions violate international laws governing free trade among nations.
Describing the U.S. actions as \"wrong, unjustified and illegitimate,\" Baghaei asserted that the sanctions infringe upon Iranians' human rights and hold the U.S. government accountable on the international stage. He also pointed out the hypocrisy of U.S. officials who express a willingness to engage with Iran, stating that the sanctions against Iranian individuals are evidence of insincerity and reflect U.S. policymakers' hostility towards Iran's well-being and development.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that the sanctions are implemented pursuant to Executive Orders 13902 and 13846, targeting Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. This marks the second round of sanctions since President Donald Trump initiated a \"campaign of maximum pressure\" on February 4, aiming to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
