Iran dismisses threat of new US sanctions as sign of desperation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said proposed new US sanctions would fail as Tehran faces pressure from war, sanctions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran, Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the threat of new US sanctions on Sunday as a sign of desperation, saying the measures would fail to defeat Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday and has threatened to impose what he called “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran.
Iranian response
In a video posted on Telegram, Araqchi described the proposed measures as part of “repetitive scenarios” and said the shift from military operations to sanctions showed US leaders were desperate.
“The fact that they (U.S. leaders) have moved on from military operations … to bring up the same old plans shows that they are desperate,” he said.
Araqchi said Washington would need to speak to Iran respectfully to find “a solution based on justice and honour.”
“We have never been afraid. All of their actions – whether blockades or other military moves they have made – have failed, and this new issue of theirs will fail as well,” he said.
Economic and regional pressure
Iran’s economy is already under significant pressure from international sanctions, while its infrastructure has been repeatedly hit and thousands of people have been killed in airstrikes since the United States and Israel launched attacks on February 28.
After nearly six months of war, Tehran has brought shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to a virtual standstill, refusing to allow unauthorized oil tankers through the waterway, which is vital for global oil shipments. The effective blockade has increased global oil prices.
US President Donald Trump has warned of economic consequences for any country providing “any type of lifeline to Iran.” Bessent has called for cooperation with Washington from China, which buys more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. China has urged diplomacy.
Pakistan army chief visit
Iran said Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, would visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore peace and security in the region, without providing further details.
Pakistan has been mediating in the conflict, and a Pakistani government source said Munir would discuss recent developments, including the US threat of new sanctions.
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