Iran Rejects US Sanctions Pressure, Vows to Maintain Policy on Oil Trade

The Iranian government on Friday said that ongoing U.S. sanctions targeting its trade partners will not alter its policy direction, responding strongly to fresh threats from President Donald Trump against countries or individuals dealing in Iranian oil.

In a statement issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the country condemned what it described as Washington’s “illegal behaviours” and pressure tactics, asserting that such actions undermine diplomatic credibility.

“The continuation of these illegal behaviours will not change Iran’s logical, legitimate and international law-based positions,” the statement read.

It also warned that the sanctions have deepened global distrust in the United States’ commitment to diplomacy.

The remarks come in the wake of President Trump’s Thursday directive on his Truth Social platform, where he demanded a worldwide halt to the purchase of Iranian oil and petrochemical products.

“All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!” Trump declared.
“Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions,” he added.

Trump’s statement coincided with news that the next round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations—initially scheduled for Saturday—had been postponed. Mediator Oman attributed the delay to logistical reasons, noting that a new date would be announced once agreed upon by both parties.

Iran’s lead negotiator and Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to diplomacy, stating that Iran remains open to a balanced agreement.

“There is no change in our determination to secure a negotiated solution,” Araghchi wrote on X, emphasizing that any deal must guarantee the lifting of sanctions.

Three rounds of nuclear talks have been held so far between Tehran and Washington, with Oman playing a mediating role.