Tehran—Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticized new sanctions imposed by several Western countries, following allegations of Tehran’s missile sales to Russia. This condemnation comes amid escalating tensions over Iran’s international dealings and its nuclear program.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in an interview with Iran’s IRIB news agency published on Saturday, Araghchi responded to the punitive measures taken by the United States, France, Britain, and Germany. He articulated that sanctions have historically proven ineffective and expressed disbelief that Western nations continue to use them as a tool to influence Iran’s policies on various issues, including nuclear negotiations.

“The Western states should know, and it is surprising that they still do not know, that sanctions are a failed tool and they will not be able to impose their intentions on Iran, whether with regard to the nuclear issue or other ones, through sanctions,” Araghchi stated. He emphasized that Iran remains committed to its strategic course, asserting the nation’s resilience in continuing its policies despite external pressures.

Furthermore, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, refuted the claims regarding the missile sales to Russia as “basically false.” Kanaani criticized the Western approach, suggesting that such sanctions are not only unhelpful but also exacerbate the problems, indicating that Iran will respond appropriately to what it views as provocations.