Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called US threats of new sanctions against Tehran a 'sign of desperation' and said the expected measures will not break Iran, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant warned that Washington was preparing the 'toughest sanctions in history' against the Islamic Republic. He is due to present details of the measures at an upcoming press conference.
Iran's economy is already under severe pressure due to international sanctions. The country's infrastructure has been repeatedly hit and thousands of people have died in airstrikes against Iran since the US and Israeli attacks began on February 28, Reuters notes.
Tehran refuses to budge
Despite the pressure, Iran continues to resist. According to Reuters, Tehran has effectively blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, preventing oil tankers from passing through the strategic waterway.
The strait is crucial for global oil supplies, and restrictions on shipping have led to a sharp rise in crude prices.
Araghchi described the new American threats as a repetition of already familiar scenarios.
“The fact that they have moved from military operations to pulling out old plans shows that they are desperate“, the Iranian foreign minister said in a video posted on “Telegram“.
He stressed that Washington should talk to Tehran with respect in order to find “a solution based on justice and honor“.
“We have never been afraid. All their actions - be it blockades or other military moves - have ended in failure. This new initiative of theirs will also fail,“ said Araghchi.
The United States is increasing economic pressure
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned of economic consequences for any country that provides “any support to Iran“.
Treasury Secretary Scott Besant also called on China to cooperate with Washington. According to data from the analytical company Kpler, China bought over 80% of Iranian oil in 2025.
However, Beijing takes a different position and calls for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Against the backdrop of continuing military and economic pressure, the dispute between Washington and Tehran is entering a new stage, in which sanctions and control over oil supplies are becoming important tools of confrontation.