Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s latest economic pressure campaign against Tehran, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the move as a continuation of what he called failed US policies that would only lead to further defeat for Washington.
Araghchi made the remarks on Thursday in a post on X, shortly after Trump announced a new campaign aimed at intensifying economic pressure and isolating Iran.
“Doubling down on failed policies will only bring further defeat — and enmity of Iranians,” Araghchi said.
He also accused the United States of using economic pressure in a way that threatens the wider global economy and national sovereignty.
“US economic terrorism threatens global economy and sovereignty worldwide.”
Trump had announced the new measures on Truth Social, describing them as an unprecedented economic operation against Iran.
“This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.”
The US president also warned that countries allowing their financial institutions, businesses, airports or government agencies to provide any form of support to Iran would face what he described as “TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences.”
Iran-US Conflict and Strait of Hormuz
The latest escalation comes amid the continuing conflict between Iran and the United States.
The war began on February 28 after US-Israeli attacks triggered Iranian retaliation across the region. An April 8 ceasefire ended the intense bombardment, but sporadic clashes have continued around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route that Iran has blockaded.
Reopening the strait has become a major US priority. However, Iran has maintained that the waterway will remain closed until Washington lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, removes oil sanctions and unfreezes Iranian assets held abroad.
Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ Policy
Trump has long pursued a “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran through economic sanctions.
The measures were reinstated after he returned to office in January 2025, following a similar approach during his first presidential term.
Iran has repeatedly rejected the sanctions as ineffective, arguing that economic pressure and threats will not force Tehran to change its policies.
Source: AFP
