Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Iran Rejects Expected US Sanctions as Economic Bullying
The United States is preparing possible new economic penalties against Iran.
Iran’s foreign minister says these penalties are an old plan that will not work.
He also called the US approach bullying.
The US says it wants to pressure Iran and isolate it economically.
President Donald Trump warned other countries not to help Iran.
A senior US Treasury official is expected to announce the measures on Monday.
Iran says it has not been defeated by earlier pressure or military actions.
Iranian officials also say nearby countries are discussing better security and economic cooperation.
Pakistan’s army chief is expected to visit Tehran as part of those regional efforts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called expected new US sanctions repetitive and a form of political bullying.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce what officials describe as the toughest sanctions in history on Monday.
US President Donald Trump warned of economic consequences for countries providing any type of lifeline to Iran.
Araghchi said previous US blockades and military measures had failed and predicted the new measures would also fail.
Iranian officials said neighbouring countries had sent messages about regional security and economic cooperation, while Pakistan’s army chief was due to visit Tehran.
- Who
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, US President Donald Trump, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other regional officials are involved.
- What
- The United States is expected to announce new sanctions against Iran, while Iran has rejected the threat and criticized it as bullying.
- When
- Araghchi spoke on Sunday; Bessent is expected to announce the sanctions on Monday, when Pakistan’s army chief is also due to visit Tehran.
- Where
- The statements concern Iran, the United States, and the wider region; Araghchi spoke to Iranian state media IRIB.
- Why
- Washington says it aims to impose economic pressure and isolate Iran, while Tehran says the measures are repetitive and will fail.
Iran’s position
US position
Effectiveness of sanctions
Iran’s position
Iran says the expected measures repeat failed past policies and will not defeat the country.
US position
The United States is preparing an unprecedented sanctions campaign intended to increase pressure on Iran.
International participation
Iran’s position
Iran is emphasizing regional security arrangements and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries.
US position
Trump has called on US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran and warned countries against providing it economic support.
Approach to negotiations
Iran’s position
Araghchi said the United States must speak respectfully to the Iranian people.
US position
Trump said Iran wants a deal but is not ready, in his view, to make the right deal.
- Expected announcement
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce new sanctions on Monday.
- US description
- The measures have been described as the toughest sanctions in history.
- Iranian response
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the expected measures repetitive and political bullying.
- US warning
- Donald Trump warned of economic consequences for countries providing any type of lifeline to Iran.
- Regional diplomacy
- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran had received numerous messages from neighbouring countries about security and economic cooperation.
- Pakistan visit
- Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, was expected to visit Tehran on Monday.
- Iranian position
- Araghchi said previous blockades and military moves had failed and that the new measures would also fail.