Iran dismisses talks with US as it blasts new sanctions

Iran has strongly condemned the new sanctions imposed by the United States on its oil industry. Simultaneously, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that negotiations with Washington are unwise, suggesting a hardening stance against engagement.

According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry denounced the sanctions announced the previous day on Friday, calling them "illegal and illegitimate." Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated that the new U.S. administration is attempting to pressure the Iranian people by preventing Iran from conducting legitimate trade with its economic partners, a practice he deemed "illegal and illegitimate," further escalating tensions between the two nations.

Iran "will hold the U.S. accountable for the consequences and effects of such unilateral and bullying behavior," indicating a potential for retaliatory measures. Supreme Leader Khamenei subsequently stated that negotiating with the U.S. is "neither clever, wise, nor honorable," reinforcing Iran's distrust of American diplomacy.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated earlier this week that he plans to increase pressure on Iran before reaching a "verified nuclear peace agreement." During his previous term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear capabilities in 2018 and reimposed stringent sanctions. These measures prompted Tehran to violate the agreement's restrictions, leading to a cycle of escalation.

Khamenei stated on Friday: "Negotiating with the U.S. is neither clever, wise, nor honorable. It will not solve any of our problems. The reason? Experience!" He also added that Iran had made concessions in the past, but the U.S. "tore up" previous agreements, citing a history of broken promises. He warned that if the U.S. threatens Iran's security, Tehran "will threaten \[America's] security," suggesting a potential for asymmetric responses.

The sanctions announced on Thursday are among the first new sanctions imposed on Iran since Trump's return to the White House. The U.S. President has pledged to reduce Iran's crude oil exports to zero, declaring it part of an ambition to halt Tehran's nuclear program. These measures target Iranian companies, vessels, and individuals associated with companies already sanctioned by the U.S. The affected individuals and tankers help transport millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to China annually, impacting global energy markets.

In recent months, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have been holding diplomatic talks with Tehran, hoping to find a way to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement that Trump unilaterally undermined in 2018. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Iran is ready to give the U.S. a chance to resolve the dispute. Iran has long opposed sanctions on its oil sector and considers efforts to confiscate its exports as "piracy," highlighting the deep-seated disagreements that persist.