Iran condemns new US sanctions as 'economic terrorism'

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday strongly condemned a new wave of US economic sanctions, describing the measures as "economic terrorism" and a "crime against humanity" that targets the fundamental rights of Iranian citizens.

In a statement issued earlier in the day, the ministry characterized the penalties as a "continuation of 73 years of hostility and animosity by American politicians toward the Iranian people." "US economic sanctions against Iran, which have targeted the fundamental human rights of individual Iranian citizens, constitute economic terrorism and a crime against humanity," the ministry said. Those who draft and enforce such measures "deserve prosecution and punishment for committing such heinous crimes," it added.

Trump declares 'Economic D-Day'

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced his intention to impose what he called "the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country," labeling the initiative "Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale." Calling the campaign an "Economic D-Day," he urged allies to join efforts to sever all financial channels supporting Tehran. He warned that nations providing Iran with an economic "lifeline"—whether through financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities—would face severe consequences.

The ministry framed the latest restrictions as the economic component of Washington's broader pressure campaign, describing US economic coercion as "the other side of the coin of war." According to the statement, the measures follow two "American-Zionist wars on Iran" and reflect Washington's failure to force Tehran into submission through "illegitimate and inhumane demands." Iran remains "steadfast and determined" to defend its national interests against US military, economic, political and psychological pressure, it noted.