Iran asserts its commitment to the global oil market amid U.S. sanctions targeting Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad. Iranian officials emphasize that these actions reflect U.S. concerns over Iran’s oil exports and cooperation in various ministries to counteract sanctions. The sanctions have been criticized as hypocritical and unjustified concerning U.S. stated negotiation readiness.
Iranian officials assert their steadfast commitment to maintaining their position in the global oil market despite recent U.S. sanctions. Responding to the Treasury Department’s actions against Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, Mohajerani commented that the quick imposition of sanctions signals U.S. concerns about Iran’s oil export activities. She insisted, “If previous sanctions were effective, there would be no need for new sanctions and updating them.”
Iran’s government is coordinating efforts across multiple ministries, particularly the Oil Ministry, to counteract these sanctions. Mohajerani indicated that the sanctions reflect apprehensions from Washington regarding the minister’s capabilities in overseeing significant oil exports. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) noted that Paknejad is responsible for the management of extensive oil exports, along with significant allocations to Iran’s military for oil exportation.
In conjunction with designating Paknejad, the OFAC has also targeted several entities in regions including China and India, which are linked to the transportation of Iranian oil. These sanctions came after President Trump’s warning of possible military action should Iran not participate in negotiations for a new nuclear agreement.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned these sanctions, emphasizing their inconsistency with U.S. claims of seeking diplomatic discussions. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the sanctions as hypocritical and reflective of the U.S.’s antagonism toward Iranian development and prosperity.
Iran remains resolute in its intent to continue oil exports, asserting that recent U.S. sanctions will not deter their efforts. Government officials are mobilizing across various ministries to combat these sanctions, notably expressing that U.S. actions reveal deep-seated concerns regarding Iran’s oil management. Iran’s leadership views the sanctions as conflicting with American claims of willingness to negotiate, ultimately framing the situation as a testament to U.S. hostility towards their nation’s growth.
Original Source: ifpnews.com