Tehran: In a resolute declaration, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei announced Iran's intent to leverage every available bilateral and multilateral channel to combat the ongoing economic pressures inflicted by the United States. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Baqaei decried the continuation of what he described as illegal and unjust American sanctions, emphasizing that Iran is determined to counter the economic warfare initiated by Washington.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei addressed US President Donald Trump's recent proclamation of the 'most crushing' economic operation against Iran. He remarked that the United States has previously employed similar pressure tactics to no avail. Baqaei asserted that the current US administration's approach would yield no new outcomes, only further exposing the depth of hostility and animosity toward the Iranian populace, as these sanctions primarily target ordinary citizens.
Reaffirming Iran's strategy, Baqaei underscored Tehran's commitment to utilizing all multilateral resources to confront these sanctions. He highlighted that Iran anticipated the US's economic maneuver, which threatens not only national sovereignty but also aims to dismantle the free trade system among nations. Baqaei criticized the US's coercion of other countries to halt trade with Iran, labeling it a violation of international relations principles and a fundamental breach of the UN Charter.
Baqaei also referenced the US's conduct with its allies, drawing attention to recent remarks made by President Trump regarding Canada as indicative of America's stance.
Addressing recent high-level visits from neighboring countries, Baqaei dismissed any links between the visits of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi to Tehran. He clarified that Munir's visit is part of the strong bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan, while Al Busaidi's visit focuses on bilateral issues and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
On the matter of policy-making amid the economic challenges, Baqaei noted that Iranian decision-makers are considering all factors to mitigate adverse impacts. He reaffirmed that Iran did not initiate the economic conflict but is compelled to explore all avenues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Baqaei refrained from delving into Iran's historical negotiations with the US, including the 2015 nuclear deal and other agreements, noting that the US has consistently breached promises and agreements despite Iran's goodwill efforts.