Iran condemns new US sanctions on energy sector following retaliatory strikes on Israel

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned the latest US sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, describing them as "unlawful and unjustifiable."

The sanctions were imposed in response to Iran’s missile attack on Israeli military targets on October 1, according to a statement made by Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on October 13, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Baqaei defended Iran's missile strike, asserting that it was a legitimate defense operation under international law, in response to Israeli military actions. He criticized the US for sanctioning Iran under the pretext of its defence against the "Zionist regime's military targets," stating that the US move "lacks any legal or logical basis" and amounted to supporting Israeli aggression.

On Friday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting companies and vessels allegedly involved in trading and transporting Iranian oil. These sanctions were enacted following Iran’s missile strike on Israeli military sites located in the occupied territories.

Baqaei further accused the US of playing a “negative and destructive” role in West Asia, noting Washington’s political and military support for Israel.

“The US, known as the major political sponsor and main arms supplier to the Zionist regime, is complicit in the regime’s genocide in Gaza and aggression against Lebanon,” he said, holding the US internationally responsible for enabling Israeli actions that destabilize the region.

In his statement, Baqaei stressed that these sanctions would embolden Israel and exacerbate the ongoing violence, jeopardizing regional and international peace. He reaffirmed Iran’s right to respond to the sanctions, adding that the US's "addiction to the policy of maximum pressure" would not deter Iran from defending its sovereignty and national interests.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran remains resolute in safeguarding its territorial integrity and citizens from any foreign act of aggression," Baqaei concluded.

By Khagan Isayev