US Sanctions Threat Sparks Outrage in Iran as Oil Shipments Stall

The United States' threat to impose new sanctions on Iran has been met with strong condemnation from Tehran, which claims the measures will further destabilize its economy and impact its key trading relationships. The announcement comes as tensions between the two nations remain unresolved following six months of conflict sparked by US and Israeli airstrikes in February.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described Washington's move as an unwarranted imposition on sovereign states, arguing that secondary sanctions lack legitimacy under international law. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei warned neighboring countries not to align themselves with US economic strategies.

The Strait of Hormuz has seen a significant reduction in oil shipments, with only a handful of cargo vessels passing through in recent days. Iranian authorities have threatened to take action against any unauthorized tankers attempting to transit the strategically important maritime route.