Iran condemns US sanctions on oil minister as 'hostile'

The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury on Thursday, mark an escalation in Washington's ongoing standoff with Tehran over its nuclear program.

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, described the sanctions as a clear violation of international law and accused the United States of hypocrisy.

"While American officials repeatedly claim they are ready for negotiations, these sanctions are yet another undeniable proof of their dishonesty," Baghaei said on Friday. "It is a sign of their hostility towards Iran’s progress, development, and the welfare of its people."

Baghaei also condemned the broader impact of US sanctions, describing them as "a violation of the principles of free trade and international law." He said, "America's addiction to sanctions and pressure against independent countries undermines international peace and security. The United States will be held responsible for the consequences of these unlawful actions."

The US Treasury accused Paknejad and Iran's oil ministry of funneling billions of dollars in oil revenues to Iran's security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sanctions also targeted entities in China and India, accused of facilitating Iranian oil trade through what Washington calls a "shadow fleet."

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have strengthened their grip on the country's oil industry, now overseeing up to half of its exports, according to a Reuters report from late last year. The revenue from these exports is used to bolster Iran's military capabilities and support allied armed groups across the Middle East.

Washington has been ramping up sanctions on Iran's oil exports since Donald Trump came to office earlier this year, pinching Iran's economy and deepening financial hardship for Tehran in a bid to bring it to the negotiating table over its nuclear program.

Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, but a United Nations watchdog said this month that its uranium enrichment levels and stockpiles of fissile material have risen significantly.

Trump said last week that Iran must reach a nuclear agreement or face military threat, in comments lambasted by Iran's Supreme Leader as an attempt to bully and dominate Iran.

Yet on Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister hinted at the possibility of indirect talks through Oman.