Iran denounces latest US sanctions as breach of state sovereignty
Iran's foreign ministry condemns Washington's new measures, calling them a resurgence of classic colonialism

Iran’s foreign ministry has issued a sharp rebuke of the United States’ newest round of sanctions, asserting that the measures infringe on the sovereign rights of other nations. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described President Trump’s latest threat as a step back toward “full‑scale classic colonialism,” a phrase that underscores Tehran’s perception of the sanctions as an overreach of American power.
Baghaei’s statement came after Washington announced the sanctions, which target entities linked to Iran’s regional activities. While the United States has framed the measures as a response to alleged illicit behavior, Tehran argues that imposing punitive economic tools on third‑party states violates international law and the principle of non‑interference.
The Iranian delegation emphasized that such actions undermine the global order established after World War II, where sovereign equality is a cornerstone. By singling out countries that maintain economic ties with Tehran, the United States, according to Baghaei, is attempting to coerce them into abandoning diplomatic or commercial relationships with Iran.
The dispute adds another layer to the already strained US‑Iran relationship, which has been punctuated by cycles of negotiation, confrontation, and sanctions over the past decades. Iran’s foreign ministry warned that continued pressure could push Tehran to adopt “counter‑measures” in defense of its national interests, though no specific retaliatory steps were outlined.
International observers note that the sanctions could have broader repercussions, potentially affecting global markets and regional stability. However, the Iranian government maintains that any external attempts to dictate its foreign policy will be met with firm resistance, reiterating its commitment to uphold sovereignty and reject what it calls neo‑colonial aggression.
This report is based on original reporting by Al Jazeera. Read the original source →
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