Iran Slams New U.S. Sanctions Ahead Of Nuclear Talks In Oman

Iran -US nuclear Talk

Iran has denounced the latest U.S. sanctions targeting its energy sector, calling them a sign of Washington’s “lack of goodwill and seriousness” just days before scheduled nuclear talks between the two nations.

The criticism came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Wednesday, following new sanctions announced by the U.S. Treasury. These measures target an Iranian liquefied petroleum gas magnate and are viewed as a continuation of former President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy aimed at cutting Iran’s oil exports to zero.

“The continued imposition of sanctions against Iran’s economic sectors contradicts the U.S. claim of supporting dialogue and negotiations,” Baghaei said in a statement shared via Telegram. “It shows a clear lack of seriousness and genuine intent.”

Despite tensions, high-level and expert-level negotiations are set to begin this Saturday in Oman, where officials will attempt to establish a framework for reviving a nuclear agreement over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.

During a visit to Beijing on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed cautious optimism following a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Speaking to Iran’s state media, Araqchi noted that while it’s too early to predict the outcome, the talks are moving in a “positive direction.”

“If the U.S. remains constructive and avoids unrealistic or unachievable demands, I believe we can reach a meaningful agreement,” Araqchi stated.

Highlights:

Iran condemns fresh U.S. sanctions targeting its energy sector, calling them a sign of “lack of goodwill.”
Sanctions target a major Iranian LPG magnate and echo Trump-era “maximum pressure” tactics.
High-level and expert nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. are scheduled for Saturday in Oman.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, during a visit to Beijing, expressed cautious optimism about the talks.
Araqchi urged the U.S. to avoid “unrealistic” demands to help conclude a potential agreement.