WASHINGTON — Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned new U.S. sanctions set to take effect in October, calling them an act of "extraterritorial sovereignty" as President Trump's administration escalates economic pressure on Tehran.
The Treasury Department announced the sanctions will target Iran's remaining oil exports and financial institutions, further restricting Tehran's access to global markets and oil revenue. The administration aims to compel Iran to renegotiate its nuclear program and cease support for regional proxy groups.
Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said the United States uses economic coercion to achieve political goals in violation of Iran's sovereignty and international agreements, including the 1955 Treaty of Amity. He argued the policies destabilize regional security and directly harm ordinary Iranians facing rising inflation and shortages.
Trump has argued the previous nuclear accord failed to curb Iran's illicit activities and regional aggression. His national security team believes severe penalties are necessary to force a new, more comprehensive agreement and to isolate Iran from the global financial system, limiting its ability to fund its military and nuclear programs.
The sanctions place international companies in a bind—forced to choose between doing business with Iran or the United States. European allies have expressed concern about the impact on their trade relations with Tehran and the humanitarian situation there. The policy tests whether other nations will maintain independent economic ties with Iran or align with Washington.
