https://arab.news/2y42a
- Iran held fresh nuclear talks on Monday with Britain, France and Germany following renewed engagement in November
TEHRAN: Iran on Wednesday condemned a new round of US sanctions as a 鈥渃lear sign of hostility鈥� after Washington blacklisted more than 30 people and vessels linked to its oil trade.
Washington announced the measures on Monday, targeting the head of the national oil company and others accused of brokering oil sales.
It was the second wave of sanctions in less than a month since US President Donald Trump reinstated his 鈥渕aximum pressure鈥� policy on Tehran.
The sanctions were a 鈥渃lear sign of the hostility of American policymakers toward the welfare, development, and happiness of the great people of Iran,鈥� said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
In a statement, he called the measures a 鈥渨rongful, unjustified, illegitimate act that violates the human rights of the Iranian people,鈥� and held Washington responsible.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has called for dialogue with Iran, saying he wants it to be a 鈥済reat and successful country.鈥�
On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of direct negotiations with Washington on his country鈥檚 nuclear program under 鈥減ressure, threat or sanctions.鈥�
During Trump鈥檚 first term, which ended in 2021, Washington withdrew from the landmark 2015 deal that imposed curbs on Iran鈥檚 nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.
After the Trump administration reimposed sanctions in 2018, Tehran gradually rolled back its nuclear commitments.
Iran held fresh nuclear talks on Monday with Britain, France and Germany following renewed engagement in November.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tuesday that another round of talks with the Europeans was expected within three weeks.