Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned new United States economic sanctions on Friday as "state terrorism" and a "crime against humanity." It declared that all countries were obligated under international law to refrain from implementing the measures against Tehran.
The statement placed Iran's public posture in sharp contrast with its private diplomatic signals. In meetings with Pakistani officials on Monday, Iran expressed a general willingness to resume peace talks. A Pakistani government source said Pakistan had told Iran the US would reverse sanctions decisions either before or during a new round of negotiations.
The sanctions were unveiled on Monday by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in what the Trump administration has billed an "economic D-Day." The Treasury Department announced measures targeting 60 individuals, entities and vessels, including one entity based in Hong Kong and one person linked to Iran's Bank Melli. Washington has warned countries to cut their business ties with Tehran or face secondary sanctions.
The administration also signalled plans to impose limits on Egypt's Banque Misr's United Arab Emirates branches for conducting business with Iran. The Treasury Department stopped short of actually imposing those penalties.
Iran is absorbing the pressure against a difficult domestic backdrop. Annual inflation reached 66% last month. On Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a written statement banning officials from "committing anything that harms social cohesion" and urging them to avoid "discouraging statements that weaken national and public motivation." He also called on the government to address inflation, unemployment, prices and the management of markets for goods and services. The intervention signals concern at the highest levels about the political risks of prolonged economic strain.
The conflict is now at the six-month mark. Mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman continue shuttle diplomacy. A Qatari emissary pressed Iranian leaders to respect freedom of navigation, and Tehran agreed to draw up a list of conditions for restoring normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's stated conditions have included an end to the US blockade on Iranian ports, compensation and the removal of sanctions.
The Trump administration has disengaged from talks in favour of its economic pressure campaign. Whether Washington will return to the table, and on what terms, remains open. The conditions Iran will formally set for reopening the strait are yet to be submitted.
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