Iran Calls US Sanctions a Violation of International Law

Iran has formally accused the United States of breaching international law with its latest round of sanctions, describing the measures as an act of economic warfare. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks during a press conference in Tehran on Monday, responding to Washington's pledge to impose what it has called the toughest sanctions in history on the Islamic Republic.

Baghaei acknowledged that the Iranian government is fully aware of the economic strain and business difficulties facing the country, which he attributed to decades of sustained American pressure. He said authorities have assessed the situation and are taking all possible steps to counter the impact of the sanctions.

The spokesman argued that the United States is using coercion and intimidation to force other nations to sever trade ties with Iran, without any legal basis. He said this approach undermines the foundations of international relations and violates a core principle of the UN Charter: respect for national sovereignty. He added that this should serve as a warning to all countries.

Baghaei also reiterated Iran's commitment to defending its national sovereignty and territorial security, stating that Tehran will not yield to enemies or accept American terms to end the conflict. He accused the United States of attempting to justify what he called acts of economic terrorism under various pretexts.

In a related development, Baghaei addressed the recent deployment of US military aircraft in Bulgaria. He said Iran has communicated its position to the Bulgarian government, clarifying that while Tehran harbors no hostility toward Bulgaria, allowing American aircraft to remain on its territory would be interpreted as support for US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Under international law, Baghaei concluded, Iran retains the right to strike at any source of aggression and to resolutely defend its national sovereignty.