Iran Condemns US Sanctions on Oil Industry, Calls them "Illegal and Unjustified"
Background
Iran is one of the world’s largest producers of oil. (AFP pic)
Condemnation of US Sanctions
TEHRAN: Iran has condemned the US’s expansion of sanctions targeting its oil industry, describing it as "illegal and unjustified". The country’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, defended Iran’s missile attack on Israel and said that the sanctions were a response to Tehran’s right to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.
Overview of Sanctions
The US has slapped Iran with a spate of new sanctions on the country’s oil and petrochemical industry in response to Tehran’s October 1 attack against Israel. The sanctions target the so-called "shadow fleet" of ships involved in selling Iranian oil in circumvention of existing sanctions. According to the US Treasury Department, at least 10 companies and 17 vessels have been designated as "blocked property" for their involvement in shipments of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.
Response from Iran
Baghaei rejected the sanctions, saying that the policy of threats and maximum pressure had no impact on Iran’s will to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interests, and citizens against any violation and foreign aggressions. He also claimed that the sanctions would enable Israel to continue killing innocents and pose a threat to the peace and unity of the region and the world.
International Reactions
The new wave of sanctions comes as the world awaits Israel’s promised response to Tehran’s missile attack, with oil prices hitting their highest levels since August. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden advised Israel against targeting oil infrastructure in Iran, one of the world’s 10 largest producers. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that any attack against infrastructure in Iran would provoke an even stronger response.
Conclusion
Iran’s condemnation of the US sanctions underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The move is seen as a response to Tehran’s missile attack on Israel, which was met with US sanctions on the country’s oil and petrochemical industry. As the situation continues to evolve, the world waits with bated breath for Israel’s promised response to the missile attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the new sanctions imposed by the US on Iran’s oil industry?
Ans: The US has imposed a spate of new sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical industry, targeting the country’s so-called "shadow fleet" of ships involved in selling Iranian oil in circumvention of existing sanctions. - What is the purpose of the sanctions?
Ans: The sanctions aim to cut off revenue to Iran’s military and ensure the country cannot continue to fund its ballistic missile program and regional activities. - How did Iran respond to the sanctions?
Ans: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, condemned the sanctions, saying they were "illegal and unjustified" and defended Iran’s missile attack on Israel.