Iran dismisses new US sanctions as desperate, says they will fail
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the threat of new U.S. sanctions on Sunday, calling them a sign of desperation. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to announce the measures on Monday, having threatened the toughest sanctions in history. Iran has brought shipping to a virtual standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up global oil prices.
Key Facts
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday to announce new sanctions on Iran.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the expected new measures would fail to defeat Tehran.
- Iran has brought shipping to a virtual standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, refusing to allow unauthorized oil tankers to transit.
- Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, will visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
- China buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler.
Sanctions Threat
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has threatened to impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran. Bessent is due to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday to announce the measures. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of economic consequences against any country that provides "any type of lifeline to Iran". Bessent has urged cooperation with Washington by China, which buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil.
Iranian Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the threat of new U.S. sanctions as a sign of desperation on Sunday. In a video posted on Telegram, Araqchi said the fact that U.S. leaders have moved from military operations to sanctions shows they are desperate. He said Washington must speak to Iran respectfully to find "a solution based on justice and honour". Araqchi stated that all U.S. actions, whether blockades or military moves, have failed and the new sanctions will fail as well.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Iran has brought shipping to a virtual standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, refusing to allow unauthorized oil tankers to transit the vital waterway. The effective blockade of the strait has pushed up global oil prices. The U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, and thousands of people have been killed in airstrikes since then.
3 sources
Iran dismisses new US sanctions as desperate, says they will fail
