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Key Points

Iran has strongly condemned new US sanctions targeting its construction sector ahead of nuclear negotiations in Rome. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, described the sanctions as "outrageous, unlawful and inhuman" and compared them to crimes against humanity. The sanctions target specific materials like nickel-chromium alloy and magnesium ingots, which the US claims are linked to Iran's nuclear and military programs. Despite the tensions, both countries are set to continue their indirect talks aimed at resolving diplomatic and nuclear disputes.

Key Points: Iran Blasts US Sanctions Ahead of Nuclear Talks in Rome

  • Iran denounces US sanctions on strategic construction materials
  • Negotiations continue in Rome despite diplomatic tensions
  • US claims IRGC controls Iranian construction sector
  • Talks focus on nuclear program and sanctions lifting
2 min read

Iran condemns fresh US sanctions ahead of fifth round of nuclear talks

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemns new US sanctions targeting construction materials, calling them "crimes against humanity" before crucial nuclear negotiations

"The US multi-layered sanctions and coercive measures against Iran have all been calibrated to deprive each and every Iranian citizen of their basic human rights - Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesman"

Tehran, May 23

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Friday strongly condemned the United States for slapping new sanctions on individuals or entities providing Iran with certain construction-related materials.

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X after the US Department of State claimed in a statement on Wednesday that it had found out that Iran's construction sector was being controlled "directly or indirectly" by the country's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and identified "10 additional strategic materials that Iran is using in connection with its nuclear, military, or ballistic missile programs".

According to the US State Department, the newly identified materials include austenitic nickel-chromium alloy, magnesium ingots, sodium perchlorate, tungsten copper, and certain aluminium sheets and tubes.

Baghaei called the US move "outrageous, unlawful and inhuman", stressing: "The US multi-layered sanctions and coercive measures against Iran have all been calibrated to deprive each and every Iranian citizen of their basic human rights, and as such, these sanctions are no less than crimes against humanity."

He added the sanctions, which were announced ahead of the fifth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, cast further doubts on the US willingness and seriousness for pursuing diplomacy.

Baghaei emphasised that the Iranian nation was determined to remain "steadfast and strong in the face of such absurd animosity".

The new sanctions come as Iran and the United States have held four rounds of talks on Tehran's nuclear programme and the lifting of US sanctions since April, with the fifth round scheduled to be held in Rome on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Commenting on the fifth round of talks in another post on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's account on X, Baghaei announced the arrival of the Iranian negotiating team in Rome for the talks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This constant back-and-forth between US and Iran is exhausting. As an Indian watching this, I feel both sides need to show more flexibility. Sanctions before talks? Really America? 🤦‍♂️ We've seen how sanctions hurt common people more than governments.
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Priya M.
India should learn from this situation. We import oil from Iran and have good relations, but US pressure affects our decisions too. Strategic autonomy is important - we must balance relations carefully without taking sides.
A
Amit S.
The timing of these sanctions is suspicious right before talks. But let's be honest - Iran's nuclear ambitions are concerning for the whole region. As Indians, we know how unstable our neighborhood already is. More nukes = more problems.
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Neha P.
America always acts like world police! If they can have thousands of nuclear weapons, why can't other countries? Double standards much? India faced sanctions too during our nuclear tests. We stood strong and Iran will too. 💪
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see China's role missing from these reports. They're Iran's biggest trade partner and could influence this situation. As India grows economically, we should position ourselves as mediators in such conflicts rather than passive observers.
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Sunita R.
The common Iranian people suffer the most from these sanctions. Remember when we faced American sanctions? It was tough but made us self-reliant. Maybe Iran will emerge stronger too. But diplomacy should be given a real chance - enough with the muscle-flexing!

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