Iran Slams US for ‘Hypocritical’ Sanctions Amid Nuclear Talks — Is a Deal Doomed?
Just as Iran and the US edge closer to reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, Washington’s latest sanctions have sparked fury in Tehran — raising questions about whether diplomacy can survive the escalating tension.
The US State Department’s decision to impose fresh sanctions on three Iranian individuals and a company, Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, has drawn sharp condemnation from Iran. The targeted entities were accused of involvement in dual-use research linked to nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran vehemently denies. These sanctions freeze any US-based assets and bar American businesses from dealing with them, further straining an already fragile diplomatic process. The timing couldn’t be worse — coming just a day after the fourth round of indirect talks between the two adversaries, mediated by Oman.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi didn’t mince words, calling the US move “unjust” and “contradictory.” He argued that Washington’s actions undermine trust at a critical moment when both sides had tentatively agreed to continue negotiations. “In their talks, they are interested in this work to proceed… but American officials’ threatening statements fail to build confidence,” he said. His remarks highlight a recurring Iranian grievance: that the US talks diplomacy while tightening economic pressure, making a sustainable agreement harder to achieve.
The sanctions are more than just a political headache — they’re squeezing ordinary Iranians. Takht Ravanchi acknowledged the severe toll on the population, stating, “Sanctions are putting pressure on different segments of the people.” While Iran’s diplomatic corps is working to lift sanctions, he admitted that economic recovery requires more than just external relief. “The main part is fixing the economic situation inside the country,” he noted, suggesting that even if sanctions disappear, structural reforms are essential. This rare admission hints at deeper economic struggles within Iran, beyond just US pressure.
Despite the friction, neither side has walked away from negotiations. Takht Ravanchi confirmed that another round of talks is agreed upon “in principle,” though no date is set. His cautious tone reflects the uncertainty: “We cannot give a timeframe for when these issues will be resolved.” The road ahead is fraught with obstacles, from domestic hardliners in both nations to lingering distrust over compliance. Yet, Iran insists it’s on the “right path,” even as challenges mount.
The big question now is whether these sanctions will derail progress or if both sides can compartmentalize their disputes. With Iran’s 2024 elections looming and US political divisions over the nuclear deal, time is running out for a breakthrough. If Washington and Tehran keep clashing over sanctions while negotiating, the fragile talks could collapse — leaving the region one step closer to a nuclear crisis.
The US State Department’s decision to impose fresh sanctions on three Iranian individuals and a company, Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, has drawn sharp condemnation from Iran. The targeted entities were accused of involvement in dual-use research linked to nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran vehemently denies. These sanctions freeze any US-based assets and bar American businesses from dealing with them, further straining an already fragile diplomatic process. The timing couldn’t be worse — coming just a day after the fourth round of indirect talks between the two adversaries, mediated by Oman.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi didn’t mince words, calling the US move “unjust” and “contradictory.” He argued that Washington’s actions undermine trust at a critical moment when both sides had tentatively agreed to continue negotiations. “In their talks, they are interested in this work to proceed… but American officials’ threatening statements fail to build confidence,” he said. His remarks highlight a recurring Iranian grievance: that the US talks diplomacy while tightening economic pressure, making a sustainable agreement harder to achieve.
The sanctions are more than just a political headache — they’re squeezing ordinary Iranians. Takht Ravanchi acknowledged the severe toll on the population, stating, “Sanctions are putting pressure on different segments of the people.” While Iran’s diplomatic corps is working to lift sanctions, he admitted that economic recovery requires more than just external relief. “The main part is fixing the economic situation inside the country,” he noted, suggesting that even if sanctions disappear, structural reforms are essential. This rare admission hints at deeper economic struggles within Iran, beyond just US pressure.
Despite the friction, neither side has walked away from negotiations. Takht Ravanchi confirmed that another round of talks is agreed upon “in principle,” though no date is set. His cautious tone reflects the uncertainty: “We cannot give a timeframe for when these issues will be resolved.” The road ahead is fraught with obstacles, from domestic hardliners in both nations to lingering distrust over compliance. Yet, Iran insists it’s on the “right path,” even as challenges mount.
The big question now is whether these sanctions will derail progress or if both sides can compartmentalize their disputes. With Iran’s 2024 elections looming and US political divisions over the nuclear deal, time is running out for a breakthrough. If Washington and Tehran keep clashing over sanctions while negotiating, the fragile talks could collapse — leaving the region one step closer to a nuclear crisis.
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