Iran dismisses new US sanctions threat as 'desperate', says will fail

Iran's Foreign Minister on Sunday dismissed the threat of fresh U.S. sanctions as a sign of desperation, asserting that Washington's latest move would not succeed in weakening Tehran. Abbas Araghchi, in a video posted on Telegram, said the expected measures reflect a pattern of repetitive scenarios by U.S. leaders, who have shifted from military operations to old tactics after failing to achieve their objectives.

The remarks came ahead of a scheduled press conference by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday, where he is expected to announce what he has called "the toughest sanctions in history" against Iran. The announcement follows months of conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on the Islamic Republic. Iran's economy is already severely strained by existing international sanctions, its infrastructure has been repeatedly hit, and thousands have been killed in the airstrikes.

Despite the pressure, Tehran has maintained a firm stance. One of its key actions has been to effectively block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. Iran has refused to allow unauthorized oil tankers to transit the strait, a move that has pushed up global oil prices. The blockade is seen as a significant leverage tool in the conflict.

Araghchi stated, "The fact that they [U.S. leaders] have moved on from military operations ... to bring up the same old plans shows that they are desperate." He added that Washington must engage with Iran respectfully to find a solution based on justice and honour. "We have never been afraid. All of their actions — whether blockades or other military moves they have made — have failed, and this new issue of theirs will fail as well," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of economic consequences for any country providing a lifeline to Iran. Treasury Secretary Bessent has specifically urged China, which buys the majority of Iran's shipped oil, to cooperate with Washington. China, however, has called for diplomatic engagement.

In a related development, Iran announced that Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, would visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore regional peace and security. A Pakistani government source said Munir would discuss recent developments, including the U.S. threat of new sanctions. Pakistan has been mediating in the conflict, and its involvement highlights the regional dimensions of the crisis.

President Trump, speaking on Friday, said Washington was observing the situation, adding, "They would love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion." His comments suggest a willingness for negotiations but under U.S. terms.

Iran's military capabilities have been diminished by the attacks, particularly its navy and air force. However, Tehran retains enough missile and drone capacity to impede oil tanker traffic and target regional rivals. Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Saturday that Tehran had received "numerous messages" from neighbouring countries about new regional security arrangements and economic cooperation. While he did not specify which countries, he accused the U.S. of endangering its allies' security for the sake of Israel and argued that an independent, homegrown regional order would ensure peace.

The Trump administration has yet to achieve its initial war objectives, including dismantling Iran's nuclear programme and fostering conditions for regime change. U.N. inspectors have been barred from Iran since 2025, leaving the state of its nuclear programme uncertain. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic solution, saying, "It would be better to end the war today, when we are powerful and have dignity, and the whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasizes that America, contrary to all regulations, attacked our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure and is hated in the world." This statement reflects a dual approach: maintaining a firm stance while leaving the door open for negotiations.