Iran rejects new US sanctions as 'systematic bullying', hints at talks
Iran condemns fresh US sanctions as unlawful, while Oman and Tehran discuss a Hormuz shipping corridor and Pakistan relays messages.
Iran has sharply condemned the latest round of US sanctions, describing them as an act of "gross lawlessness" and "systematic bullying" that threatens international law. The Foreign Ministry statement asserted that the measures go beyond targeting Tehran alone, and expressed confidence that sovereign nations would not accept such pressure.
The new sanctions, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, target 60 individuals, entities, and vessels. Notably, the list does not include any Chinese financial institutions, despite China being a major buyer of Iranian oil. Washington has threatened to cut off countries from the dollar-based financial system if they continue trading with Iran, though no specific timeline or targets were given.
China responded by stating its cooperation with Iran is lawful and should not be disrupted. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said neither China nor Russia had accepted the US measures.
Amid the tensions, there are signs of potential diplomatic movement. Iran and Oman said they discussed a proposal for a "joint temporary navigational corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz, along with a plan to clear the strait of mines. President Donald Trump repeated his assertion that all mines in the strait have been removed or detonated, warning that any vessel placing new mines would be destroyed.
A tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile near the strait on Tuesday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, highlighting the ongoing risks to shipping.
Pakistan, which has been mediating, reported "significant progress" in talks with Tehran focused on preventing escalation and reopening the strait. A Pakistani official said the US is willing to reverse sanctions either before or during a new round of negotiations. Iran has expressed a general willingness to resume peace talks.
In a sign of easing tensions, the US is beginning to send personnel back to some diplomatic missions in the Middle East that were previously evacuated or downsized. However, public approval of the war has fallen to its lowest level since the conflict's early days, with Trump's popularity at a record low ahead of November congressional elections.