Iran says new sanctions threatened by 'desperate' US will fail

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the prospect of new US sanctions as a sign of desperation, predicting they would fail to achieve the desired outcome. The country's economy is already under immense strain due to international sanctions, infrastructure damage, and casualties from airstrikes launched by the US and Israel since February 28.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, preventing unauthorized oil tankers from passing through, which has contributed to a surge in global oil prices. Araghchi emphasized that the US should engage in respectful dialogue to reach a solution based on principles of justice and honor. He stated that Iran had never feared military actions and that past attempts to block its activities had proven unsuccessful.

The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has threatened to impose the most stringent sanctions in history on Iran. China has called for diplomatic efforts, urging cooperation with Washington, as it accounts for over 80% of Iran's oil shipments. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, is set to visit Tehran to mediate in the conflict, though few details about the visit have been disclosed.

Iran has received proposals for new regional security arrangements and economic cooperation from neighboring countries. However, the US has not achieved its objectives, such as dismantling Iran's nuclear program and fostering a regime change in Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic resolution, expressing satisfaction with Iran's current strength and the global condemnation of the United States for attacking its institutions.