Iran FM Spokesman: US Economic War Targets Sovereignty, Free Trade

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the United States must be held accountable for its aggression against Iran and crimes against Iranians. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Baghaei stated that the US economic war waged on Iran is not just targeting Iran, as it also targets the sovereignty of nations and free trade.

Turning to the US attack on Iranian civilian vessels, Baghaei underlined that the US attack on Iran's civilian vessels is an act of terror and a war crime. He also addressed the US-European anti-Iran draft resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressing that the resolution is based on the agency director's politicized report.

In response to a question about the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said that the strait has become unsafe due to US attacks and a naval blockade against Iran. He added that attempts by the US and the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) to refer Iran's nuclear file to the UN Security Council are illegal.

The spokesman's remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Washington maintaining a policy of maximum pressure against Tehran. The US has imposed extensive sanctions on Iran, targeting its economy, and has also been involved in military actions in the region.

According to Mehr News Agency, the press briefing covered these issues, and the report noted that the item was being updated at the time of writing.